The Makalu Expedition heads to the world's fifth-highest peak, rising to 8463m (27,765 feet). This beautiful and impressive massif is situated just 14 miles east of Everest. The name of the mountain was probably taken from the Sanskrit word Maha-Kala, which means 'big black' and is a by-name of Shiva - one of the most important gods of Hinduism.
The Makalu Expedition heads to the world's fifth-highest peak, rising to 8463m (27,765 feet). This beautiful and impressive massif is situated just 14 miles east of Everest. The name of the mountain was probably taken from the Sanskrit word Maha-Kala, which means 'big black' and is a by-name of Shiva - one of the most important gods of Hinduism. Shiva is sometimes an evil, cruel destroyer, but at other times he is gentle and kind-hearted. The mountain has another name in the local dialect - Kumba karna which means 'the giant'.
Its size alone is impressive, but its perfect pyramid structure with four sharp ridges makes this mountain all the more spectacular. Makalu is actually a double peak. The subsidiary peak, rising just north of the main summit and connected by a saddle, is called Chomolonzo (25,650ft). Makalu has proved to be a challenging climb, as only five of its first sixteen attempts were successful. There have been no known winter ascents of this peak. Prior to its first ascent in 1955, it was admired and studied by several Everest expeditions. Still, like many other giants in the Khumbu region, it was not attempted until after the summit of Everest had first been attained in 1953.
11 April: Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Hotel transfer.
12 April: Day 02: Preparation, briefings, last-minute shopping, and formalities.
13 April: Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Num (1800m); lodge.
14 April: Day 04: Trek from Num to Sheduwa (1510m-5 Hrs.); lodge.
15 April: Day 05: Trek from Sheduwa to Tashi Gaon (2070m-6 Hrs.); lodge.
16 April: Day 06: Trek from Tashi Gaon to Khongma (3760m-7 Hrs.); lodge.
17 April: Day 07: Trek from Khongma to Mumbuk (3550m-6 Hrs.); lodge.
18April: Day 08: Trek from Mumbuk to Neha Kharka (4320m-7 Hrs.); camping.
19April: Day 09: Trek from Neha Kharka to Makalu Lower Base Camp (4700m-6 Hrs.); camping.
20 April: Day 10: Acclimatization at Makalu Lower Base Camp (4700m); camping.
21 April: Day 11: Hike from Lower Base Camp to Makalu Base Camp (4870m-4 Hrs.); camping.
22April-23May: Day 12-43: Climbing period; summit Makalu (8463m).
24 May: Day 44: Preparation to returning to Kathmandu; Clean Base Camp.
25 May: Day 45: Trek from Base Camp to Yangri Kharka (3600m-7 Hrs.); lodge.
26 May: Day 46: Trek from Yangri Kharka to Kongma (3760m-7 Hrs.); lodge.
27 May: Day 47: Trek from Kongma to Sheduwa (1510m); lodge.
28 May: Day 48: Trek Seduwa to Num and drive to Tumlingtar (920m); lodge.
29 May: Day 49: Fly to Kathmandu; hotel accommodation, Farewell Dinner.
30 May: Day 50: Transfer to the airport for final departure.