Useful Information
Makalu Southeast Ridge Route
Makalu Advanced Base Camp (5,600m)
Situated on a rocky moraine, Makalu Advanced Base Camp presents spectacular views of the Himalayas. As per our itinerary, you will be spending numerous days on the base camp to acclimate your body with the altitude. During your stay, you will go on frequent short excursions and learn to properly use climbing gear by your team leader. All the tents will be set at the base camp before your arrival.
Camp I (6,400m)
Ascending through grassy slopes, rock slabs, and moraine, you reach the glacier section. Further, the route to Camp I involves mixed terrain and numerous crevasses. You will be following the lead of the team leader and reach Camp I after around three to four hours of walk from the advance camp.
Camp II (6,800m)
The route is moderately technical from Camp I to Camp II and involves around two and half hours of climbing. You will reach the heart of ice & snow. Walking on the snow for about an hour, you pass by many steep parts of ice and cross a small icefall without using a ladder.
Camp III (7,450m)
Camp III is located at the longest distance from Camp II and requires around four hours of climbing. The trail is filled with crevasses, but you won't need a ladder to cross them. The rope is fixed by the Sherpas whenever needed. The terrain will be on the easier side at this part, however the elevation and exposure to cold, sun & wind will make the ascending strenuous. Depending upon your situation, you will either push directly towards the summit from Camp III or establish Camp IV.
Camp IV (7,900m)
Camp IV is close to Camp III that makes the summit easier. You will be approaching the death zone gradually. The oxygen level begins to decline, and any small effort will become tedious. You will be climbing on a steep 50º-55º snow slope. The region is highly prone to avalanche, therefore we will be spending as much as possible less time here. Crossing Seignior Wall, you will set up cam above Makalu La.
Makalu Summit (8,481m)
The climbing begins around midnight to reach the summit of Mt. Makalu on time. You will be passing by the false summit before reaching the main summit. After spending some time at the summit, you walk for around five hours to reach Camp IV, and further, descend for another couple of hours to reach Camp III. From here, you will slowly move towards the advanced base camp.
Makalu Expedition difficulty & Altitude Sickness
Climbing Mount Makalu is not an easy thing. It is one of the toughest Himalayas to summit. You need to be physically strong to climb this mountain. Likewise, mental and emotional stability is also very important as you have to spend several days in a completely secluded part, far away from the human settlement. Previous climbing experience with ice-climbing is needed.
Altitude sickness can be a major issue during Makalu Expedition. We make sure all the members of the team properly acclimatize their bodies before gaining more elevation. We will spend numerous days on the base camp and gradually ascend towards the summit, making sure our body is ready to stand at 8,481 meters.
Best time to go on Makalu Expedition
The best time to climb Mt. Makalu is from March to April and September to November. These are the most preferred times by the climbers to summit mountains in the Himalayas because of stable weather, moderate climate, and stunning views.
Accommodation & Meals
Villages have the availability of teahouses that offer basic services and twin-shared rooms. From base camp, you stay overnight in tents that are carried by the crew members. We offer branded high-quality single sleeping tents to all the members of the group along with a shared dining & washroom tent. While staying overnight in the teahouse, the meals will be served as per the menu. Likewise, during camping, all the meals will be prepared and cooked by the crew. We offer an extensive menu to choose from that will provide all the nutrients you need to keep your energy maintained.
Communication & Electricity
Both solar and hydroelectricity is available in the villages. From base camp and onwards, we will be using fuels for electricity. We advise you to carry extra batteries and solar chargers. Likewise, the cellular network might not be available all the time and can get almost no network from base camp onwards. The team leader will be equipped with a satellite phone.
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is mandatory to join the Makalu Expedition. Your travel insurance must cover things like air evacuation, medical bills, hospital bills, etc. There can be unseen circumstances while traveling in the Himalayas regardless of our all measures and precautions, therefore travel insurance will act like a shield and keep you safe.
Environmental Contribution
While the Makalu Expedition, we use only eco-friendly and sustainable gears and products. We have designed our Makalu Expedition itinerary precisely involving all the measures to make sure our presence does not harm the fragile environment. We make sure to carry our waste and clean the camps before leaving it. We also fund the education expenses of a few kids from underprivileged Mountain families through our organization.
