First climbed by the French in 1995, Makalu (27,759') is the fifth highest mountain in the world. This trek in the remote high Himalays will be an extremely challenging one. Previous mountaineering experience is required, as you will be traveling over rugged terrain with sharp altitude gains, numerous glaciers and high passes. Our group will be totally self-sufficient for an extended portion of the trek. The reward for you efforts, however, will be the impressive 8000-foot granite south face of Makalu ("the great black one"), the seldom-seen backsides of Everest and Lhotse, and the five holy lakes at Panch Pokhari.
After a one-hour flight from Kathmandu, we will arrive in Tumlingtar just above the Arun River .We will follow the traditional Newari trade route along the ridge crest to Mani Bhanjyang. Ascending along numerous switchbacks and across suspension bridges, we will see Hindu and Buddhist gompas and brightly painted mani walls as we make our way to Tashigaon ("luck village"), the last village on the trek to base camp. We will walk through a lovely cloud forest and have exceptional views of Makalu and Chamlang. We will cross two passes and descend into Mumbuk (11,475') through forests of fir trees and rhododendrons. We will pass through the meadow at Yangle Kharka to Merick past waterfalls cascading for hundreds of feet on either side of the granite-walled valley. We will be well above the tree line at this point in truly Alpine conditions and will enjoy excellent views of Peak 5 and Chamlang. Depending on how we fell, we will either make our way to Makalu Base Camp (17,000') or Hillary Base Camp (17,384') a bit farther up the glacier. Here we will take well-deserved rest days with plenty of time for exploration.
We will continue to Baruntse Base Camp, then over the West Col, which at 20,1233' is the highest point of our trek. Outstanding views! We will descend to Panch Pokhari (13,284') where we will take a couple of days to rest and explore the area around the five holy lakes. After one last push over Amphu Cross (18,958') and into the Khumbu Himal, we will take a rest day in Chhukung Continuing on to Lobuche, you will have the option of a daytrip to climb Kala Pattar (18,192') and / or to visit Everest base camp, where we will enjoy a rest and share a tea or coffee with team members. As we make our way back to lukla via the Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar (11,283'), you will hopefully have the energy to purchase a rug and carry it back to a loved one back home! We will fly from Lukla to Kathmandu, relishing the spectacular views of the Himalayas from the air. You will have enough time to explore and shopping in Kathmandu before you fly to home.