Embark on an awe-inspiring journey to conquer the majestic Mt. Makalu, standing at 8481 meters, as Taktok Brothers Expeditions takes you on an adventure of a lifetime. Located at the border of Nepal and Tibet, only 19 kilometers from Mt. Everest, Mt. Makalu boasts a distinctive pyramid shape formed by sharp ridges from all four sides.
The allure of Mt. Makalu has attracted adventurers since its first ascent on 15th May 1955 by Jean Couzy and Lionel Terray of the French Expedition. The standard route, via the saddle between Makalu Peak and Kang Chun Tse, presents both challenges and rewards. Considered one of the most difficult peaks among the 8000ers, Mt. Makalu demands strength, experience, and advanced mountaineering skills.
Navigating steep pitches and sharp ridges, climbers face significant exposure and risks. Taktok Brothers ensures a safe ascent with proper acclimatization and experienced guides and climbing Sherpas who set up fixed ropes above the base camp, facilitating a secure climb.
The expedition route traverses the remote and isolated Makalu Barun Valley, offering exceptional natural beauty and rare mountain ecosystems. Witness cascading waterfalls, rocky landscapes behind dense forests, and vibrant flowers in bloom. This adventure promises a unique blend of excitement, serenity, and tranquility, providing a respite from the chaos of everyday life.
Preparation for Makalu Expedition: Given the technical challenges, prior experience in high-altitude mountaineering, including climbs of 7000m and lower 8000m peaks, is essential. Train your body for physical strength and your mind for endurance and determination. Taktok Brothers offers a 1:1 climber to Sherpa ratio, ensuring the best possible climbing experience.
Best Season for Makalu Expedition: Optimal seasons for the Makalu Expedition are Autumn (September to November) and Spring (March to May), featuring clear weather and predictable conditions. The trekking trail dazzles with blossoming flowers, vibrant Rhododendron blooms, and a mild mix of heat and cold. However, Taktok Brothers Expeditions tailors plans for any season, ensuring a perfect travel experience.
Embark on the Makalu Expedition with Taktok Brothers and conquer new heights with confidence and adventure.
When you arrive in Kathmandu, our team will be there to greet you at the airport. If you haven't already, you'll need to get your Entry Visa. Afterward, we'll take you to your hotel so you can rest.
The next day, we'll handle all the necessary paperwork and permits for the expedition. You'll also get a briefing about what to expect during the adventure. If you like, you can explore the city or do some shopping in the evening.
We'll have an early breakfast and then take a quick flight to Tumlingtar, a place surrounded by deep valleys. From there, we'll meet the team and drive for about 4-5 hours to Num, a small village in the Koshi region, where we'll stay overnight in tents.
Leaving Num, we'll descend for about 2.5 hours to reach the Neguwa River, cross a suspension bridge, and then start a walk-through forests and small settlements. We'll pass terraced fields and stop at a check post in the Makalu Conservation Area to get the necessary permits.
The trail from Sheduwa to Tashi Gaon is easy, with some flat areas and gentle ascents. After about 4 hours of walking, we'll reach Tashi Gaon, a Sherpa village adorned with prayer flags. We'll set up camp here for the night.
This part of the journey involves walking uphill through Rhododendron and pine tree forests. We'll camp at Khongma, which has only one tea house, and enjoy meals prepared by our team.
We'll start the day by climbing up to a beautiful lake called "Kalo Pokhari." Then, we'll descend to Mumbuk.
The trail from Mumbuk becomes more adventurous as we pass through an area prone to landslides. As we ascend, you'll be treated to stunning views of various peaks, including Mt. Tutse and Peak 7.
Moving from Nehe Kharka, we'll ascend to the Lower Base Camp of Mt. Makalu. Here, you'll have captivating views of several peaks, including Mt. Makalu. We'll spend two more days here to acclimatize and prepare for the expedition.
After acclimatizing at the lower base camp, we'll take a hike up to the higher base camp, situated at around 5600 m.
We'll embark on our expedition to Mt. Makalu, which includes several rotations around the higher camps to prepare for the final summit push. Our Sherpas will set up fixed ropes for safety. When the weather is right and everyone is ready, we'll make the push for the summit. We aim to reach the top at sunrise. After enjoying the view, we'll head back down to the base camp.
Before we leave, we ensure we clean up all our waste and trash, following eco-friendly practices. After cleaning up the base camp, we'll prepare to head back to Yangle Kharka.
We'll retrace our steps on an adventurous trail, and you'll spend the night in tents at Yangle Kharka.
On our way back, the trail offers more views of landslides. After 4-5 hours of walking, we'll reach Khongma, where we'll camp for the night.
As we head back, there's more downhill trekking. We'll return to Sheduwa through Tashigaon.
Our trail starts with a steep descent, followed by an ascent to Num. From Num, we'll drive to Khandbari and stay overnight in a hotel.
After a night in Khandbari, we'll have breakfast and drive to Tumlingtar airport, followed by a flight back to Kathmandu, where you can relax at your hotel.
You have a day in Kathmandu to relax or explore Thamel, a bustling tourist area. You can go shopping, dine at a nice restaurant, enjoy spa services, and more. You can also explore the city's attractions, including Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, and Bouddhanath Stupa. In the evening, we'll gather for a farewell dinner.
If you haven't planned any other adventures in Nepal, it's time to say goodbye. One of our team members will take you to the airport three hours before your flight. Safe travel!
Weather Dependency: Trekking and mountain climbing in the Himalayas are significantly influenced by weather conditions. While we meticulously plan our trips for the most favorable times, unforeseen scenarios may lead to road blockages. In such cases, please be aware that additional expenses for extra days beyond the itinerary will be the responsibility of the client. Taktok Brothers Expeditions will, however, ensure necessary arrangements for the accommodation of porters and guides.
International Flights: Taktok Brothers Expeditions will not be held liable for compensations due to missed international flights. Nevertheless, we are committed to assisting you in minimizing any losses by facilitating necessary arrangements. To avoid flight-related issues, we recommend maintaining flexible time frames both before and after the scheduled trip departure.
Itinerary Adjustments: Given the remote and challenging nature of the areas we explore, where climatic conditions and geography can lead to trail distortions, itinerary adjustments may become necessary. Please rest assured that any required modifications will not compromise the quality of service provided by Taktok Brothers Expeditions.
The cost of your expedition is influenced by various factors, including group size, royalty and permit costs in different seasons, hotel accommodation categories, the number of allocated Sherpas, and equipment. Additionally, the type of arrangement and package customization contribute to the expedition cost. We prefer discussing these details directly with our clients to tailor the cost according to your preferences. Feel free to contact Taktok Brothers Expeditions for comprehensive information about your selected package.