Mount Makalu Expedition

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu and Transfer to a Hotel

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, where a representative from Alpha Adventure Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd. will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel. After checking in, you can relax and recover from your international journey. If time permits, meet the expedition team for an informal introduction and discuss the upcoming adventure. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 02: Expedition Breifing and Documentation

After breakfast, attend an expedition briefing with the climbing leader and company representatives. Review the overall expedition plan, route, safety procedures, communication arrangements, climbing regulations, and emergency protocols. Complete the necessary documentation and check the status of climbing permits and other required authorizations. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 03: Equipment Check and Final Preparations

Spend the day checking personal climbing equipment, expedition gear, and supplies. The climbing leader and Sherpa team will inspect essential technical equipment, including boots, crampons, ice axes, harnesses, helmets, ropes, and high-altitude clothing. Purchase or rent any missing equipment before departure. The team will also organize luggage and expedition cargo for the domestic flight and trekking journey. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 04: Fly to Tumlingtar and Drive to Num ( 1560M)

After an early breakfast, transfer to the domestic airport for the scenic flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. The flight offers views of the Himalayan landscape and eastern Nepal. Upon arrival, meet the local trekking crew and organize the expedition supplies. Continue by road toward Num, passing through beautiful countryside, terraced fields, and traditional settlements. Overnight at a lodge or campsite in Num.

Day 05: Trek from Num to Seduwa ( 1500M)

Begin the trek toward Makalu Base Camp. The trail descends steeply from Num through forested hillsides before reaching the Arun River. Cross the suspension bridge and climb gradually through agricultural terraces and small settlements toward Seduwa. This section introduces the team to the remote landscape of the Makalu Barun region. Overnight at a lodge or campsite in Seduwa.

Day 06: Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon ( 2100M)

After breakfast, continue toward Tashigaon, the last major village on the traditional approach to Makalu Base Camp. The trail passes through cultivated land, forest sections, and traditional Sherpa settlements. Enjoy the mountain scenery and experience the hospitality and culture of the local communities. Overnight at a lodge or campsite in Tashigaon.

Day 07: Rest day /Acclimatization

Spend an additional day at Tashigaon to support gradual acclimatization before gaining further altitude. Take a short acclimatization walk around the village and nearby hills, followed by adequate rest. The expedition leader will monitor the team's general condition and discuss altitude-related precautions. Overnight at Tashigaon.

Day 08: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma ( 3500M)

Today involves a demanding uphill climb through dense forests and steep mountain terrain. The trail gradually leaves the lower settlements behind as the landscape becomes more alpine. Take regular breaks, maintain a comfortable pace, and drink sufficient water. Reach Khongma, a high-altitude resting area surrounded by beautiful mountain scenery. Overnight at a lodge or campsite.

Day 09: Acclimatization in Khongma

Spend the day acclimatizing at Khongma. Depending on weather and the team's condition, undertake a short hike to a higher viewpoint before returning to camp. The climbing leader will assess the team's response to altitude and provide guidance on hydration, nutrition, and rest. Overnight at Khongma.

Day 10: Trek from Khongma to Dobate ( 3800M)

Continue along the challenging high-altitude trail toward Dobate. The route crosses several mountain ridges and passes through rhododendron and alpine vegetation. Depending on the trail and weather, sections may be steep and exposed. Enjoy views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks as you approach Dobate. Overnight at a lodge or campsite.

Day 11: Trek from Dobate to Yabgle Kharka ( 3600M)

Descend through forested terrain and follow the trail toward the Barun River valley. The landscape gradually opens into a beautiful alpine valley surrounded by rugged hills and mountain scenery. Continue toward Yangle Kharka, an important resting point along the Makalu Base Camp route. Overnight at a lodge or campsite.

Day 12: Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale Kharka ( 4410M)

Continue gradually uphill through the upper Barun Valley. The vegetation becomes increasingly sparse as the trail enters the high-altitude landscape. Pass impressive mountain scenery, rocky slopes, and glacial features before reaching Langmale Kharka. The slow pace and careful altitude management are important today. Overnight at a lodge or campsite.

Day 13: Trek tto Makalu Base Camp ( 4870M)

After breakfast, continue toward Makalu Base Camp. The trail follows the upper Barun Valley through rocky terrain and glacial landscapes. As you approach Base Camp, the magnificent south face of Makalu and surrounding Himalayan peaks become increasingly visible. Upon arrival, settle into the expedition camp and meet the Base Camp support team. Overnight at Makalu Base Camp.

Day 14-17: Acclimatization, Puja Ceremony, move to Advanced Base Camp (5700M) and technical preparation

Spend these days acclimatizing and preparing for the climbing phase. The expedition team will establish Base Camp facilities, organize equipment, and review the climbing strategy. A traditional Buddhist puja ceremony may be held to seek blessings and safe passage before beginning the ascent.
After initial acclimatization, the climbing leader will coordinate the team's movement toward Advanced Base Camp (approximately 5,700m, depending on the selected route and camp arrangement). The team will conduct technical training, practice the use of fixed ropes, crampons, ascenders, and other mountaineering equipment, and review emergency procedures. The exact timing of the move to Advanced Base Camp will depend on individual acclimatization and route conditions.

Day 18-30: Acclimatization rotations between Base Camp, Advanced Base Camp and Higher Camps; rest and climbing preparation

These days are dedicated to the essential acclimatization and preparation phase of the expedition. Under the guidance of the expedition leader and climbing Sherpas, the team will undertake planned rotations between Base Camp, Advanced Base Camp, and higher camps along the climbing route.
The rotations will help climbers gradually adapt to increasing altitude and become familiar with the technical sections of the mountain. Depending on conditions, the team may establish or visit Camp I, Camp II, and Camp III. Climbers will practice moving on fixed ropes, managing high-altitude equipment, and following safe climbing procedures.
Rest and recovery periods will be scheduled between rotations. The expedition leader will monitor each climber's health, acclimatization, and physical condition before approving further altitude gains. Weather forecasts, route conditions, snow stability, and logistical requirements will also be assessed. The schedule may be adjusted to allow sufficient recovery before the final summit attempt.

Day 31-38: Final Summit rotation via Camp I,II,III and IV; Summit attempt (8485M); and decend to Base Camp

Following the acclimatization and preparation phase, the team will begin the final summit rotation when weather and route conditions are suitable. Climbers will move through the established high camps, generally progressing from Advanced Base Camp toward Camp I, Camp II, Camp III, and Camp IV. Actual camp locations and elevations will depend on the route, snow conditions, and the expedition leader's assessment.
The summit push will involve demanding high-altitude climbing, including steep snow and ice slopes, exposed ridges, and technical sections equipped with fixed ropes where required. Supplemental oxygen may be used according to the expedition plan and individual requirements.
From Camp IV, the team will make the summit attempt toward Makalu's 8,485m summit. Reaching the summit provides extraordinary views of the surrounding Himalayan peaks. After spending only the necessary time at the summit, climbers will descend carefully to the designated high camp and continue toward lower camps and Base Camp as conditions permit.
The summit schedule is flexible. The expedition leader may modify the climbing sequence, delay the summit attempt, or instruct climbers to turn around if weather, health, or safety conditions become unfavorable.

Day 39:40: Additional Summit Opportunity and contingency day

These days provide additional flexibility in case the first summit window is affected by unfavorable weather, route conditions, or other unforeseen circumstances. If the team has already completed the summit attempt, these days will be used for recovery, packing, equipment organization, and preparation for the return trek.
Any additional summit attempt will depend entirely on the climbing leader's assessment of weather, climber condition, and remaining expedition resources. Summit success cannot be guaranteed.

Day 41-42: Return from Advanced Base camp to Makalu Base camp and  begin decent

After completing the climbing phase, descend from Advanced Base Camp to Makalu Base Camp. Take time to recover, organize personal belongings, and prepare expedition equipment for the return journey. The support team will begin dismantling camp facilities and organizing cargo for transport. Once the team is ready, continue the descent from Makalu Base Camp through the upper Barun Valley, passing Langmale Kharka before reaching Yangle Kharka. Overnight at a lodge or campsite.

Day 43-44: Trek through Yangle Kharka, Dobate and Khongma

Continue the return journey through the beautiful Barun Valley, following forested trails and rugged mountain terrain toward Dobate. After an overnight stay, resume trekking toward Khongma, crossing mountain ridges and descending through alpine forests. Enjoy the changing scenery as the trail gradually leads toward lower elevations. Overnight at a lodge or campsite in Khongma.

Day 45-47: Trek through Tashigaon and Seduwa to Num

Begin the final stages of the trek by descending from Khongma toward Tashigaon through steep forest trails. Continue the following day through traditional settlements and cultivated fields to Seduwa. On the final trekking day, descend toward the Arun River, cross the suspension bridge, and climb back to Num. Celebrate the completion of the trekking and climbing journey with the expedition crew. Overnight at a lodge or campsite in Num.

Day 48: Drive from Num to Tumlingtar

After breakfast, drive from Num to Tumlingtar using the available local road. The journey passes through the hills and settlements of eastern Nepal. Upon arrival in Tumlingtar, check into a local hotel or guesthouse. Depending on road conditions and transport availability, the drive may take several hours. Overnight in Tumlingtar if required by the flight schedule.

Day 49: Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu

Transfer to Tumlingtar Airport for the return flight to Kathmandu, subject to weather and flight operations. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel. Enjoy a well-deserved rest after completing the Makalu expedition. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 50: Rest and Recovery in Kathmandu

Enjoy a relaxed day in Kathmandu after the expedition. You may spend time resting at the hotel, exploring local markets, or enjoying the city's cultural attractions. This day also provides time to organize personal belongings and celebrate the team's achievement. Overnight at a hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 51: Final Departure 

After breakfast, depending on your international flight schedule, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Our representative will assist with the departure transfer. This marks the end of the Makalu Expedition with Alpha Adventure Treks and Expedition Pvt. Ltd.