8000m Peaks

Makalu

Unlock the mysteries
of the Great Pyramid.

Makalu
Expedition

Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain, is one of its most aesthetically pleasing - a near-perfect pyramid of rock and ice thrusting 8,485m into the sky over the Nepalese - Tibetan border. First climbed by a French expedition in 1955, it’s long been regarded as one of the more difficult of the 8,000m peaks - and a huge achievement for mountaineers who make it.

Country

Nepal

Duration

51 days

grade

Technical 5E

Max Altitude

8485 m
27766 ft

Daily activity

Approx
4 - 7hrs

Season

Spring &
Summer

Dates Available

Enquire for dates

Starting from

USD $47,000

Aimed at climbers who’ve made multiple ascents of 6000m, 7000m peaks, plus at least one 8,000er. You must have mastered mountaineering skills including climbing safely in rocky, glaciated and snowy terrain.

Fifth highest peak

Lying just 14 miles east of Everest, Makalu’s 8,485m bulk straddles the border between the Khumbu region of Nepal and Tibet. A near-perfect pyramid structure, with four sharp ridges, Makalu is stark and stunning, presenting a tough challenge even for experienced mountaineers.

Considered one of the more difficult of the 8,000ers, Makalu is famous for its steep pitches and knife-edged ridges that are exposed to the elements. It’s known for testing climbers’ endurance, and the final ascent of the summit pyramid requires technical rock and ice climbing skills. In short, this is not a mountain that you’d want to tackle unprepared.

Elite Exped’s hugely experienced guiding team have summited Makalu many times between them. In 2017, they were in fact the only team to reach the summit. Extreme weather conditions pushed all the others attempting the peak to turn around, but thanks to careful preparation, and good decision making at key junctures, the Elite Exped team made it to the top and back again safely.

Our guides aren’t just mountaineers, they’re highly trained in alpine rescue and recovery techniques. Several of our team have set records for performing rescues at extreme altitudes. This, combined with our intimate knowledge of the mountain, means you’ll be in the safest possible hands when taking on this tricky, technical climb. 

Elite Exped’s Makalu expedition takes 51 days, based on around 4-7 hours of climbing a day, with plenty of time baked in for rest stops and weather contingencies. The package includes the internal flights, climbing permits and all equipment and logistical costs bar your personal gear and insurance.

Our founder Nimsdai’s 100 percent record of summiting 8,000m peaks speaks for itself, but we’re just as proud of our impeccable safety record. We’ll guide you from the moment you sign up to the moment you step on your plane home from Kathmandu, ensuring that you have the smoothest expedition experience possible.

From our clients
Jeff Evans
Mera 2017

You can trust them with the safety and satisfaction of clients. Elite was nothing less than a 10/10 in every aspect of how they executed the expedition.

Steve Davis
Manaslu 2019

Manaslu was my first 8,000er and first time with Elite. They exceeded my expectations at every level and stage.  I would have no hesitation in booking with them again! Highly recommended!!!

Amy McCulloch
Aconcagua 2018

I often felt they went above and beyond to ensure we had a successful expedition. Excellent judgments throughout the expedition led us to reach the summit safely in extreme conditions. Highly recommend!

This tried and tested itinerary is informed by decades of mountaineering experience. As with all adventurous activities of this type however, circumstances may arise where Elite Exped is forced to make alterations, possibly at short notice. While making every effort to adhere to this published schedule, we kindly ask for your patience if the weather, or other naturally occurring circumstances, intervene.

Your daily schedule

  • Day 01

    Arrival in Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel

  • Day 02

    Expedition preparation and trip briefing with Welcome dinner

  • Day 03

    Flight to Tumlingtar and drive to Num; Overstay night in Num village

  • Day 04

    Trek from Num to Seduwa

  • Day 05

    Trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaon

  • Day 06

    Trek from Tashi Gaon to Kauma

  • Day 07

    Acclimatize day in Kauma; acclimatize hike in Kauma

  • Day 08

    Trek from Kauma to Khongma

  • Day 09

    Trek from Khongma to Mumbuk

  • Day 10

    Trek from Mumbuk to Neh Kharka

  • Day 11

    Trek from Neh Kharka to Sherson

  • Day 12

    Trek from Sherson to Makalu Base Camp

  • Day 13-42

    Climbing period for Makalu

  • Day 43

    Trek from Basecamp to Neh Kharka

  • Day 44

    Trek from Neh Kharka to Mumbuk

  • Day 45

    Trek from Mumbuk to Kauma

  • Day 46

    Trek from Kauma to Tashi Gaun

  • Day 47

    Trek from Tashi Gaun to Seduwa

  • Day 48

    Trek from Seduwa to Num and drive to Tumlingtar

  • Day 49

    Flight back to Kathmandu & transfer to Hotel

  • Day 50

    Leisure day in Kathmandu

  • Day 51

    Depart for the country of residence

Training

Build your skills

Our tailored approach to training will help you improve as a climber, developing the mental and physical skills you need to achieve your dreams. Learn more

Environment

Protecting our mountains

We believe the mountains are there for all to enjoy, but must be respected, and protected. We are the voice, carers and keepers of these sacred places for future generations. Our environmental policy ensures we do no harm, and leave no trace. Learn more

Above + Beyond + Adventure

Practical info

Frequently asked questions

The following frequently asked questions may help answer any queries you have about Elite Exped, what this expedition involves, and what is required. If your question isn’t answered here please check our dedicated FAQ support page, otherwise don’t hesitate to get in touch.

What skillset and fitness level are required?

All Elite Exped expeditions are within extreme high altitude environments, with differing requirements for ability. Due to the nature of these operational landscapes it is essential you provide concise, honest descriptions of relevant experience and current fitness levels. Upon receipt we will review your experience and respond accordingly. At this point if we consider there to be any shortfalls, we can collectively discuss the opportunities and/or provide a training support plan to achieve your goals.

What accommodation is included?
What equipment is provided?
Will I get my own guide?

Why choose
Elite Exped?

Unparalleled
leadership

Nimsdai Purja, Mingma David Sherpa’s and Mingma Tenzi’s mountaineering groundbreaking records speak for themselves, but our leaders are more than just supremely talented climbers.

While some choose to direct operations from back office, our three directors lead from the front. Their experience in every aspect of guiding and climbing — from fixing ropes to organising logistics — is unparalleled. It's no surprise that they have the industry-leading success rate when it comes to summiting 8,000m peaks.

Beyond this, our handpicked team of guides have also chalked up dozens of successful summits between them.

Safety through
self-sufficiency

If it’s controllable we control it: this is key to attaining and maintaining our industry-leading strategy for success and safety.

We maximise our options, agility and responsiveness by running self-sufficient expeditions that don’t rely on any other teams to achieve our objectives.

Our team is capable of setting up our own fixed lines (with a proven track record on all 8,000m peaks) and has backups to cover all scenarios. These include everything from secondary oxygen supplies to the ability and experience to operate our own rescue missions if the situation arises.

A unique
perspective

With his Nepalese roots and UK residency, our co-founder Nimsdai Purja brings a unique perspective and an unparalleled ability to bridge the gap between Western and Himalayan climbing cultures.

We can assemble trusted teams and networks anywhere in the world, but our founders’ roots are a particular advantage when it comes to summiting the world’s very highest peaks.

An intimate knowledge of how things work on the ground ensures that everything runs smoothly when you’re 8,000m above sea-level.

Your adventure
Ready to take on
the challenge?
Enquire Now
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