Expedition Overview
What is the Makalu Expedition?
Makalu (8,485 m / 27,838 ft) is the fifth highest mountain in the world, rising as a near-perfect four-sided pyramid on the Nepal–Tibet border approximately 19 kilometres southeast of Everest in the Mahalangur Himalayas. First climbed on 15 May 1955 by Jean Couzy and Lionel Terray of the French Himalayan Expedition led by Jean Franco, Makalu is widely regarded as one of the most technically demanding of all fourteen 8,000m peaks. Its steep ridges and faces offer no easy ground anywhere above Base Camp — every route requires genuine competence on rock, ice, and mixed terrain at extreme altitude.
AltiPro's Makalu Expedition follows the Northwest Ridge Route, the standard and most climbed line on the mountain. The route approaches via the Makalu Barun National Park and the Barun Glacier, establishing Base Camp at 5,700m before ascending through camps at 6,600m, 7,400m, and 7,800m to the summit at 8,485m. The key technical features include the traverse below the northwest buttress above Camp 2, the steep mixed section between Camps 3 and 4, and the exposed summit ridge in the final 400 metres.
The AltiPro Makalu Expedition 2027 is a 55-day spring expedition departing Kathmandu in late March 2027. The approach to Base Camp at 5,700m begins with a flight to Tumlingtar followed by a 12-day trek through the Arun Valley and Makalu Barun National Park — one of the most biodiverse protected areas in Asia. A maximum of 8 climbers are accepted, with a 1:1 Climbing Sherpa ratio, supplemental oxygen for all climbers from Camp 3, and an Expedition Doctor at Base Camp throughout the season.
About Makalu — The Great Black One
Makalu is one of the most isolated of all 8,000m peaks. The mountain sits at the eastern end of the Everest massif but is separated from its famous neighbours by deep valleys and some of the most challenging approach terrain in the Himalayas. The Makalu Barun National Park surrounding the mountain protects an extraordinary range of ecosystems — from subtropical forest at low elevations through alpine meadows to the permanent glaciers of the upper Barun Valley — making the approach one of the most ecologically rich in all of high-altitude mountaineering.
The summit itself is one of the most dramatic in the Himalayas. Makalu's four razor-sharp ridges converge at a point so steep and narrow that it ranks among the least frequently stood-upon high points in all of mountaineering. Fewer than 600 people have ever reached the summit, and the peak sees far fewer annual ascents than Everest, Cho Oyu, or Manaslu.
Why Choose AltiPro Adventures for Makalu?
Remote Expedition Logistics
The Makalu approach through the Arun Valley and Makalu Barun National Park demands careful logistics planning. AltiPro handles all park permits, porter organisation, and trekking logistics from Tumlingtar to Base Camp.
Technical Climbing Team
Makalu demands a higher standard of technical climbing than most 8,000m peaks. AltiPro selects Climbing Sherpas specifically for their mixed terrain competence above 7,000m, with all guides carrying prior summit experience on comparable technical objectives.
Supplemental Oxygen Coverage
All climbers receive supplemental oxygen from Camp 3 (7,400m) onwards. Four cylinders are allocated per climber with a dedicated Sherpa oxygen carrier. Additional reserves are pre-positioned at Camp 4 (7,800m) ahead of the summit push.
Small Team Focus
AltiPro limits Makalu teams to a maximum of 8 climbers with a 1:1 Climbing Sherpa ratio. On a technically demanding mountain with limited rescue options, smaller teams maintain better safety margins and communication throughout the climb.
Safety and Medical Support
An Expedition Doctor with high altitude medicine experience is resident at Base Camp throughout the season. Daily health checks, Gamow Bag availability, and satellite communication with emergency services ensure the highest standard of care in one of the most remote environments on Earth.
Makalu Barun Approach
The 12-day approach trek through the Makalu Barun National Park is one of the most ecologically diverse in all of Nepal, passing through rhododendron and oak forest, river valleys, and glacier moraines with extraordinary wildlife and mountain scenery.
The Northwest Ridge Route (8,485 m)
The Northwest Ridge is the standard route on Makalu, ascending via the Barun Glacier and the northwest buttress to the summit ridge. The route gains approximately 2,785 vertical metres from Base Camp at 5,700m to the summit at 8,485m through four high camps.
Tumlingtar to Makalu Base Camp (300m to 5,700m)
A 12-day approach trek from Tumlingtar through the Arun Valley and Makalu Barun National Park reaches Base Camp at 5,700m on the Barun Glacier. The route passes through extraordinary lowland forest, alpine meadows, and the remote upper Barun Valley with views of Makalu's south face throughout.
Base Camp to Camp 1 — Barun Glacier (5,700m to 6,600m)
The route crosses the Barun Glacier and climbs initial snow slopes to Camp 1 at 6,600m. This section involves glacier travel and moderate snow terrain and serves as the primary acclimatisation stage of the route.
Camp 1 to Camp 2 — Northwest Buttress Traverse (6,600m to 7,400m)
A technically demanding section ascending below and across the northwest buttress to Camp 2 at 7,400m. The traverse requires route-finding competence on mixed terrain and careful rope management at altitude.
Camp 2 to Camp 3 — Steep Mixed Terrain (7,400m to 7,800m)
Steep mixed rock and ice above Camp 2 leads to Camp 3 at 7,800m. Supplemental oxygen use begins here. This is the most technically committing section of the entire route, requiring sustained effort on mixed ground at extreme altitude.
Camp 3 to Summit — Upper Northwest Ridge (7,800m to 8,485m)
The final push crosses the upper northwest ridge to the exposed summit pyramid. The last 400 metres of the summit ridge are extremely narrow and exposed on all sides. The summit itself is a small, intensely steep pinnacle requiring precise movement to the very top.
How Difficult is the Makalu Expedition?
Makalu is rated Extreme / Technical — one of the most demanding 8,000m peaks in the world. The traverse below the northwest buttress, the steep mixed section above Camp 2, and the exposed summit ridge combine to make for a sustained and serious summit day unlike most other 8,000m objectives. AltiPro requires climbers to have prior experience on technical peaks above 7,000m and strongly recommends at least one prior 8,000m summit. Makalu is not a suitable first 8,000m objective.
Best Season for the Makalu Expedition
Spring (April–May): The primary climbing season. Base Camp is established in early April and acclimatisation rotations are completed throughout April. The main summit window targets the second and third weeks of May before monsoon cloud systems arrive over eastern Nepal.
Autumn (October): A possible secondary window, though upper mountain conditions are less predictable than spring and the post-monsoon snowpack makes route conditions generally inferior. AltiPro operates Makalu expeditions in spring only.
Makalu Expedition Cost
Full-service Makalu expedition — all permits, logistics, oxygen, and Sherpa support included.
Includes all ground logistics from Kathmandu via Tumlingtar to Base Camp and return, government permit fees, Makalu Barun National Park fees, trekking and climbing Sherpa wages, base camp and high camp equipment, supplemental oxygen for all climbers from Camp 3, a 1:1 Climbing Sherpa ratio, and an on-site Expedition Doctor. International flights, personal climbing equipment, and summit bonuses are not included. Contact AltiPro for a complete cost breakdown.
Makalu Expedition — Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about climbing Makalu with AltiPro Adventures.
What climbing experience is required for the Makalu Expedition?
AltiPro requires prior experience on technical peaks above 7,000m and strongly recommends at least one prior 8,000m summit. Makalu's technical upper mountain is not suitable for climbers without genuine experience on steep mixed terrain at high altitude.
Is supplemental oxygen used on the Makalu Expedition?
Yes. All climbers receive supplemental oxygen from Camp 3 at 7,400m onwards. Four cylinders are allocated per climber with dedicated Sherpa oxygen support. Additional cylinders are pre-positioned at Camp 4 ahead of the summit push.
How remote is Makalu Base Camp?
Makalu is one of the most remote 8,000m peaks in Nepal. The approach takes 12 days from Tumlingtar through the Arun Valley and Makalu Barun National Park. There is no road access beyond Tumlingtar and the upper Barun Valley sees very few visitors each year.
What makes the Makalu summit ridge so challenging?
The final 400 metres of the northwest ridge are extremely narrow and exposed, dropping thousands of metres on all sides. The summit itself is a steep pinnacle requiring precise movement, and conditions at this altitude can change rapidly without warning.
What is the maximum team size?
AltiPro limits Makalu teams to 8 climbers with a 1:1 Climbing Sherpa ratio. The remote location, limited rescue options, and technical nature of the route make smaller team sizes essential for safety and summit success.
When does the Makalu Expedition 2027 depart?
The AltiPro Makalu Expedition 2027 departs Kathmandu in late March 2027, with the approach trek beginning from Tumlingtar in early April and targeting the summit window in the second and third weeks of May.
What is included in the expedition cost?
The cost covers all ground logistics from Kathmandu via Tumlingtar, permit fees including Makalu Barun National Park entry, trekking and climbing Sherpa support, base camp and high camp equipment, supplemental oxygen from Camp 3, and the Expedition Doctor. International flights, personal gear, and summit bonuses are not included.
Is there medical support at Base Camp?
Yes. An Expedition Doctor with high altitude medicine experience is resident at Base Camp throughout the season. Daily health checks, Gamow Bag availability, and satellite communication with evacuation services are standard on all AltiPro expeditions.
Detailed Itinerary
Click on each day to view details
| Day | Program | Meals | Accom. | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu (1,350m) | Dinner | Hotel | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
Arrive at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport and transfer to a 4-star hotel. Welcome dinner and Manaslu Expedition 2027 briefing.
2
|
Kathmandu — Permits & Gear Check |
Breakfast |
Hotel |
|
|
Permit processing day covering the Manaslu Climbing Royalty, MCAP, and Restricted Area Permit, alongside a full gear check and last-minute shopping.
3
|
Drive Kathmandu → Soti Khola (1,410m) |
Breakfast / Dinner |
Lodge |
|
|
Approximately 7–8-hour drive into the Budhi Gandaki Valley. Overnight at teahouse in Soti Khola.
4
|
Trek Soti Khola → Machha Khola (869m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
|
|
Cross the Budhi Gandaki River on suspension bridges as the wild valley begins to open up.
5
|
Trek Machha Khola → Jagat (1,410m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
|
|
Enter the Restricted Area zone, passing through dramatic gorges and waterfalls.
6
|
Trek Jagat → Deng (1,804m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
|
|
The valley narrows and deepens as Tibetan Buddhist culture begins to appear along the trail.
7
|
Trek Deng → Namrung (2,630m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
|
|
Mani walls, gompas, and prayer flags become increasingly frequent as altitude rises through the valley.
8
|
Trek Namrung → Lho (3,180m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
|
|
Manaslu appears fully for the first time above the valley, with the Northeast Face dominant overhead.
9
|
Trek Lho → Shyala (3,500m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
|
|
Spectacular views of Manaslu and the Manaslu Himal from every bend in the trail.
10
|
Trek Shyala → Sama Gaun (3,520m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
|
|
Arrive in the main village of the Nubri Valley, home to a Buddhist monastery and the gateway to rest days before Base Camp.
11
|
Acclimatization Day at Sama Gaun |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
|
|
Rest and acclimatization day with a visit to Pungyen Monastery and an acclimatization hike above the village toward the glacier.
12
|
Trek Sama Gaun → Manaslu Base Camp (4,800m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Final approach to Base Camp, which arrives pre-established by the AltiPro advance Sherpa team.
13
|
Puja Ceremony & Expedition Briefing |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Puja ceremony at Base Camp followed by a full route briefing, final gear and oxygen checks, and rope-work review.
14
|
Rest & Acclimatization at Base Camp (4,800m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Medical baseline checks and full rest day at Base Camp. Daily 6-hourly Manaslu summit forecasts begin.
15 – 17
|
1st Rotation — Base Camp to Camp I (5,500m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
First acclimatization rotation: Base Camp to Camp I overnight on the Northeast Face, then return to Base Camp. Includes first glacier and icefall passage and initial 5,000m+ exposure.
18 – 19
|
Rest at Base Camp — O₂ Review & Load Ferrying |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Full rest at Base Camp with Expedition Doctor O₂ saturation review. Sherpa teams ferry loads to high camps.
20 – 22
|
2nd Rotation — Camp I to Camp II (6,300m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Second rotation from Camp I to Camp II overnight, then return to Base Camp. Includes steep snow steps, crevasse navigation above Camp I, and the first 6,000m+ overnight.
23 – 24
|
Full Rest at Base Camp |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Hydration, nutrition, and medical checks at Base Camp. Route conditions above Camp II assessed by the Sherpa team.
25 – 27
|
3rd Rotation — Camp II to Camp III (7,300m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Third rotation up the full upper Northeast Face to Camp III overnight, then return to Base Camp. First Death Zone exposure and start of Expedition Doctor summit clearance.
28 – 30
|
Full Rest at Base Camp — Summit Window Monitoring |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Final gear check, oxygen cache verified at all camps, and close monitoring of the summit weather window.
31
|
Summit Bid — Base Camp to Camp I (5,500m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Begin the summit push by moving from Base Camp to Camp I on the Northeast Face.
32
|
Summit Bid — Camp I to Camp II (6,300m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Move from Camp I to Camp II. Rest and early sleep in preparation for the upper mountain.
33
|
Summit Bid — Camp II to Camp III (7,300m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Death Zone begins. Move to Camp III with supplemental oxygen confirmed active for all climbers.
34
|
Summit Bid — Camp III to Camp IV (7,800m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Move to the final high camp at the upper shoulder. Summit ridge briefing and pre-midnight rest.
35
|
Summit Day — Manaslu (8,163m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Pre-midnight departure from Camp IV up the Northeast Ridge on fixed ropes to the summit of Manaslu (8,163m / 26,781ft). Descend to Camp III or Camp II.
36
|
Descend to Base Camp — Summit Celebration |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Full descent to Manaslu Base Camp followed by a post-summit celebration with the full Sherpa team at AltiPro Cafe.
37
|
Rest & Recovery at Base Camp |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Full rest day at Base Camp for post-summit recovery.
38
|
Base Camp Cleanup & Equipment Pack |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Tent |
|
|
Base Camp cleanup and packing of all expedition equipment for porter transport down the valley.
39
|
Trek Manaslu Base Camp → Sama Gaun (3,520m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
|
|
Descent begins. The body recovers rapidly as the team drops below 4,000m back to the Nubri Valley.
40
|
Trek Sama Gaun → Namrung (2,630m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
|
|
Lush valley returns — forest, birds, and lower altitude clarity accompany the descent.
41
|
Trek Namrung → Deng (1,804m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
|
|
Final descent through the deep Budhi Gandaki gorge back to lower elevations.
42
|
Trek Deng → Jagat → Soti Khola (1,410m) |
Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner |
Lodge |
|
|
Last trekking day in the Manaslu Region, completing the full Budhi Gandaki Valley traverse.
43
|
Drive Soti Khola → Kathmandu |
Breakfast |
Hotel |
|
|
Approximately 7–8-hour drive back to Kathmandu. Transfer to hotel.
44
|
Farewell Dinner & Summit Certificate |
Breakfast / Dinner |
Hotel |
|
|
Farewell dinner in Kathmandu with Manaslu Summit certificate presentation and full expedition debrief.
45 – 50
|
Buffer Days — Weather & Logistics Reserve |
Breakfast |
Hotel |
|
|
Buffer days held for weather delays, a second summit window, or road disruptions on the Soti Khola route.
51
|
Final Departure from Kathmandu |
Breakfast |
|
|
|
Transfer to Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport for onward international flights.
| ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
Services
Includes
- ✅ Airport pick-up and drop for all international and domestic flights
- ✅ 4 nights 4-star hotel in Kathmandu (BB) — 2 nights pre-expedition, 2 nights post-expedition
- ✅ Welcome dinner and farewell dinner in Kathmandu
- ✅ Road transport: Kathmandu → Soti Khola → Kathmandu (round trip) for all team members and expedition staff
- ✅ All expedition staff transport: Kathmandu – Manaslu Base Camp – Kathmandu
- ✅ Local porters: Soti Khola to Manaslu Base Camp and back — all expedition equipment at standard porter loads
- ✅ Personal climbing equipment transfer: Kathmandu – Manaslu Base Camp – Kathmandu (60 kg per member)
- ✅ Full board accommodation at all teahouses during the Budhi Gandaki Valley approach and return trek
- ✅ Manaslu Climbing Royalty / Expedition Permit — issued by Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA), Nepal
- ✅ Manaslu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) — required for all climbers and trekkers entering the Manaslu Conservation Area
- ✅ Manaslu Restricted Area Permit (Special Permit) — mandatory government permit for the Nubri and Tsum restricted zones
- ✅ Nepal Police Check Post clearances along the Manaslu Circuit route
- ✅ Garbage management and environmental deposit fee
- ✅ One official Nepal Government Liaison Officer for the full expedition duration
- ✅ Nepal government taxes and company service charges
- ✅ EOAN/SPCC summit route fixing contribution (Manaslu season route maintenance)
- ✅ Full expedition planning, coordination, and on-ground management
- ✅ Experienced Base Camp Manager on-site for the full season
- ✅ Pre-expedition briefing pack in Kathmandu
- ✅ One walkie-talkie per Climbing Sherpa and Expedition Leader during all climbing phases
- ✅ Daily professional weather forecast service — 6-hourly Manaslu summit-specific updates throughout
- ✅ Satellite phone at Base Camp for emergency use (minimal per-call charge applies)
- ✅ Three freshly cooked meals per day (BLD) at Manaslu Base Camp — continental, Nepali, and international menu
- ✅ Fresh vegetables, meat, fruits, and juice restocked throughout the season
- ✅ Heated dining tent with tables and chairs at Base Camp
- ✅ AltiPro Café at Base Camp — coffee and bakery items served daily
- ✅ Private sleeping tent with mattress and pillow for every climber and staff member
- ✅ Generator for charging electronic devices at Base Camp
- ✅ Internet service at Base Camp (minimal charge)
- ✅ Expedition Doctor stationed at Base Camp for the full climbing season
- ✅ Gamow Bag (portable hyperbaric chamber) on standby at Base Camp
- ✅ Sleeping tents at all high camps — Camps I, II, III, IV (2 members per tent)
- ✅ High-altitude food at all camps: muesli, porridge, noodles, rice, soups, dry fruits, chocolate, and snacks
- ✅ Kitchen and dining tents at Camp I and Camp II — hot meals and hot drinks
- ✅ MSR stoves, cooking sets, EPI gas, shovels, and extra ropes at all high camps
- ✅ Common climbing equipment: fixed ropes, ice screws, snow pickets, and anchoring hardware
- ✅ Summit route fixing by AltiPro Sherpa rope-fixing team — no additional charge to members
- ✅ One dedicated Climbing Sherpa per climber — 1:1 ratio, guaranteed from Base Camp to summit and back
- ✅ All Climbing Sherpa, cook, kitchen helper, and Liaison Officer wages and allowances
- ✅ Insurance for all Climbing Sherpas, cooks, Liaison Officer, and local porters
- ✅ Backup Sherpas on standby for substitution if required (extra charge if deployed)
- ✅ 5 oxygen cylinders (4-litre) per climber with summit mask and regulator set
- ✅ 2 oxygen cylinders (4-litre) per Climbing Sherpa
- ✅ Emergency backup oxygen pre-positioned at Camp III and Camp IV before the summit push begins
- ✅ Helicopter and rescue team on standby — pre-arranged for the full expedition duration
- ✅ Puja ceremony at Base Camp before climbing begins
- ✅ AltiPro expedition T-shirt and Manaslu summit certificate
Excludes
- ❌ International flight tickets to and from your home country
- ❌ Nepal entry visa fee — obtainable on arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport
- ❌ Personal climbing gear, clothing, boots, and footwear
- ❌ Personal satellite messenger device (Garmin inReach or similar)
- ❌ Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu except the included welcome and farewell dinners
- ❌ Personal expenses: drinks, laundry, telephone, and Wi-Fi at teahouses
- ❌ Travel, medical, and high-altitude helicopter rescue insurance (Min. USD 100,000) — mandatory for all participants. Must cover emergency evacuation from high altitude.
- ❌ Summit bonus: USD 2,000 per Climbing Sherpa and USD 500 for kitchen helpers — to be paid in cash at Base Camp after a successful Manaslu summit
- ❌ Tips for trekking guides and porters on the Budhi Gandaki approach
- ❌ Extra costs due to personal baggage exceeding 60 kg
- ❌ Drone and special filming permit fees
- ❌ Costs incurred due to road delays, landslides, flight cancellations, or political disruptions
Departure
From
Apr 04, 2026
To
Jun 02, 2026
Gear Lists & Useful Information
Route Map
Expedition Gallery
Explore stunning images from this expedition
Frequently Asked Questions
Find answers to common questions about this expedition
Yes, Sherpas are an integral part of our package, and we guarantee a 1:1 Sherpa-to-climber ratio for every member. This dedicated support ensures your personal guide is with you from Base Camp to the summit and back. Additional Sherpas can also be provided upon request for those seeking extra assistance.
The Makalu Expedition is widely considered one of the most technically demanding 8,000m objectives in the world. While Everest is often more crowded, Makalu requires a higher level of technical proficiency to navigate sections like the French Couloir—a steep 50–60 degree mixed gully of ice and rock in the "Death Zone". Physical fitness and prior high-altitude experience are mandatory, as the mountain’s isolation and steep technical ridges offer no easy path to the top.
The full expedition spans 60 days, starting from your arrival in Kathmandu and ending with your final return. This duration allows for a deep, non-compressible acclimatization schedule and multiple weather-dependent buffer days to identify the perfect summit window.
Makalu is generally not recommended as a first 8,000m peak unless the climber is exceptionally prepared and technically proficient. It is a prestigious and remote mountain that demands previous experience on technical high-altitude peaks.
Yes, AltiPro requires a minimum qualification of at least one successful 7,000m+ technical summit. Climbers must possess documented experience with fixed-rope handling on steep ice (50 degrees or higher) and be proficient with crampons, ice axes, jumars, and descenders.
The primary risks include altitude sickness (AMS, HAPE, or HACE), technical falls on steep rock and ice, and extreme weather conditions like high-velocity winds . The remote nature of the Barun Valley also means that logistical support and rescue timing are critical, which is why we maintain helicopter standby throughout the season.
The best time is the Spring season, typically in April and May. During late April, the Himalayan jet stream shifts, opening more stable summit windows. We specifically time our summit attempts for mid-to-late May to capitalize on these favorable pre-monsoon weather patterns.
Climbing Makalu requires several official government permits, which are fully included in our package:
- Makalu Climbing Permit (Royalty Fee): A mandatory fee of approximately USD 3,000 for the Spring season (as of September 2025).
- Makalu-Barun National Park Entry Permit: Required for accessing the conservation area.
- Local Rural Municipality Permit: For entry into the specific mountain region.
Safety is our first priority, and we implement several rigorous protocols to manage the risks of the "Great Black" mountain:
- Medical Oversight: A qualified Expedition Doctor is stationed at Base Camp for the full season, conducting daily oxygen saturation monitoring at all camps.
- Supplemental Oxygen: Each climber is provided with 5 x 4-litre cylinders with personally fitted summit masks; oxygen use typically begins at Camp III (7,400m).
- Advanced Equipment: We maintain a Gamow Bag (portable hyperbaric chamber) at Base Camp for immediate treatment of high-altitude emergencies.
- Precision Forecasting: We utilize 6-hourly summit-specific weather forecasts to ensure we never gamble on the elements.
- 1:1 Technical Support: Our certified Sherpa guides are summit veterans who manage fixed ropes and technical route preparation to ensure secure passage through the French Couloir.
Been on this expedition?
Your feedback helps other travelers plan their adventure of a lifetime. Share your experience with us!
8000m
Everest Expedition
Book your Everest Expedition 2027 with expert Sherpa guides, proven itineraries, full permits, and professional high-altitude support.
8000m
K2 Expedition
K2 — the savage mountain, ultimate test of skill and endurance.
8000m
Kanchenjunga Expedition
The world’s third-highest peak, where beauty meets mystery.
8000m
Lhotse Expedition
Lhotse — Everest’s towering neighbor and a Himalayan giant of challenge and beauty.
8000m
Cho-oyu Expedition
The majestic Cho Oyu — a climber’s gateway to the 8,000ers
8000m
Dhaulagiri Expedition
Dhaulagiri — the white giant of the Himalayas, majestic and formidable.
8000m
Manaslu Expedition
Book your Manaslu Expedition 2026 with expert Sherpa guides, proven itineraries, full permits, and professional high-altitude support.
8000m
Nanga Parbat Expedition
Nanga Parbat – the Killer Mountain, where raw power meets pure adventure.
8000m
Annapurna I Expedition
Annapurna I — where raw Himalayan power meets fearless ambition.
8000m
Gasherbrum I Expedition
Gasherbrum I — the hidden giant of the Karakoram, challenging and majestic.
Ready to Start Your Adventure?
Contact us to book your expedition or get more information