Makalu Expedition (8,463m) - Spring 2013
Makalu, the fifth highest peak in the world is situated in the heart of the eastern Himalayas albeit being located just 14 miles east of Mount Everest it is somewhat isolated. It is a massive mountain, a prominence of 2386m and taking in to account surrounding deep valleys, Arun valley in particular bottoming at 435 m ASL; the climb of Makalu including the approach requires an ascent of over 8000m. With seven valleys radiating from mount Makalu and its almost symmetrical four ridges it presents an incredible symmetrical elegance.
The valleys, in particularly the Barun valley, are the home of pristine forests and alpine meadows of Nepal. Within this wide range of altitudes and climates, the Makalu-Barun area contains some of the richest and most diverse flora and fauna of Nepal. Diverse ethnic communities of Rai, Sherpa, and Shingsawa (Bhotia) have inhibit the lower parts of these valleys.
Due to isolation these communities are economically poor however they represent rich cultural heritage untouched by technology and world cultural influences. They are the custodians of Makalu-Barun unique biological and cultural treasures. Due to its relative inaccessibility, the area is little known to majority of the visitors, however, those who have visited, return home with unforgettable memories of the area and its people.
Our Makalu Climbing Services
In the Base Camp:Snowy Horizon Treks & Expedition provides very professional, supportive and friendly mountaineering logistic services from Kathmandu to the ABC as well as during the climb. Our objective is to ensure a good quality, supportive, safe, friendly, stress free and comprehensive service to maximize summit opportunity.
We provide a comprehensive service organizing all necessary permits, and climbing documentation, travelling logistics including airfares, ground transportation, porters, and other individual services required by mountaineers. On the track to the ABC we organize all required accommodation and food.
In the Base camp our cook and helpers will prepare and serve three delicious freshly cooked and plentiful meals a day and will ensure that hot and cold drinks are available 24hrs a day. In the Base Camp we provide spacious expedition quality personal tents for all our clients both with full board or base-camp service only. In the base camp we also provide dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet facilities and portable shower facilities and tent accommodation for our staff.In the Base Camp we provide access to communication including satellite telephone and internet access, and solar panels to charge your batteries
Full Board: For full board clients we provide personal tent and food, which will be prepared by their climbing Sherpa. We provide UHF/VHF hand held radios on the mountain to maintain communications between ABC and high camps.
We provide a personal climbing Sherpa guide to help the clients to reach the summit. Personal climbing Sherpa will set up camp 1 and camp 2 and camp 3 including food provisions, fuel and oxygen and will guide and assist the client on the summit day.
Approaches to ABC
The trek into the base camp of Makalu is absolutely breathtaking and takes you back in time when all Himalayan mountains were approached on foot. The trek starts at low elevation of 920m in Tumlingtarand, where we arrive on a flight, and raises gradually over next 10 trekking days. It is a perfect way to acclimatize before base camp is reached and to take on climbing relatively quickly. From the village of Tumlingtarand situated in the low country the trek climbs through narrow gorges of Arun Valley, rhododendron forest and local pastures to emerge into the higher alpine country. We pass from subtropical to high alpine vegetation with incredible diversity of flora and fauna and untouched and diverse cultures.
Climbing Routes
Makalu has many interesting routes leading to the summit via west ridge, west face, south face, southwest face and northwest buttress. The normal commercial route is past the Souteast Peak and along the Southeast ridge. The climb is straightforward but moderately technical with exposure on the SE Ridge; It requires some fixed rope set-up.
Traditionally there are 3 camps high camp C1 (6,500m), C2 (7,300m) at the bottom of the Southeast Peak ridge and C3 (7,900 m) at the beginning of the SE ridge. With very low Base Camp the ABC is set-up at 5500m. The terrain encountered on the ascents varies from glacier crossings to steep snow fields and requires a good understanding of basic alpine climbing techniques. Maklu has been climbed Alpine style but traditionally all commercial operators practice expedition style to improve the chances of summit success for the clients.
Testimonials
Pumori Expedition -Autumn 2009
We have been Travelling Nepal already 2 times for climbing Ama dablam and Lhotse Expedition in Year 2004 and 2007. We used Snowy Horizon Expedition for Pumori Expedition. We went with some international and local companies before we found Rishi Bhandari of Snowy Horizon Manager in 2009. Comparing to all companies that I used before 2004, the quality service level, commitments and Price, we found Snowy Horizon Treks are first class and very satisfied with professional & experienced crews. All the services from Arrival day to Final departure........Read More
Makalu Climbing Map
Itanerary Details of Makalu Expedition - Spring 2013
Apr 12/Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu Airport and transfer to Hotel (1350m)
Apr 13-14/Day2-3: Rest and prepare day for assignment & briefing.
Apr 15/Day 04: Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar(920m) and then trek to Manebhanjyang(1100m),which takes about five hours and overnight in tent.
Apr 16/Day 05: Trek from Manebhanjyang to Kuwapani(1420m),which takes about four and half hours overnight in the camp
Apr 17/Day 07: Trek from Kuwapani to Num (1800m) which takes about six hours and overnight in camp
Apr 18/Day 08: Trek from Num to Sheduwa (1510m), which takes about five hours overnight in the camp
Apr 19/Day 09: Trek from Sheduwa to Tashigaon (2070m), which takes four hours overnight in the camp
Apr 20/Day 10: Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma (3760m), which takes about six hours overnight in the camp
Apr 21/Day 11: Trek from Khongma to Sanopokhari (1710m) which takes about four hours overnight camp
Apr 22/Day 12: Trek from sanopokhari to Mumbuk (3550m) which takes about five hours overnight in camp
Apr 23/Day 13: Trek from Mumbuk to Yangle Kharka (3600m), which takes about four hours overnight in camp
Apr 24/Day 14: Trek from Yangle Kharka to Hillary Base Camp (4800m), which takes about six hours and overnight in the camp.
Apr 25/Day 15: Trek from Hilarry Base Camp to Makalu Base Camp (4870m) overnight in the camp
Apr 26-29 May /Day 16- 50: Climbing Period (summit makalu 8463m)
May 30 /Day 51: Preparation to returning (Cleaning up Base Camp)
May 31/Day 52: Trek from Base Camp to Yak Kharka(3600m),which takes about five hours and overnight in the camp
June 01 /Day 53: Trek from Yak Kharka to Mumbuk(3550m), which takes about five hours and overnight in camp.
June 02 /Day 54: Trek from Mumbuk to Tashi Gaon(3420m)which takes about five hours and overnight in camp.
June 03/Day 55: Trek from Tashi Gaon to Num(1800m), which takes about five hours and overnight in camp.
June 04 /Day 56: Trek from Num to Chichira(1615m)which takes about five hours and overnight in camp
June 05 /Day 57: Trek from Chichira to Tumlingtar via Khandbari (920m),which takes about six hours and overnight in a lodge
June 06 /Day 58: Early in the morning fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu (1350m) and transfer to hotel
June 07 /Day 59: Final departure, or alternative Join other activities
Price For the Trip:
-
The price for your selected peak climbing/mountaineering expedition will vary depending on group size, trip category (full board/base camp service), your budget, individualised itinerary, accommodation (budget to 5 star), level of service above the base camp, the number of climbing guides and porters, kitchen crew, mode of transport you prefer and many other factors. The price range for the same trip can vary widely so if you would like to discuss yourrequirements with us we will provide you a very competitive price
-
Please e-mail us for up-to-date prices for Trip
-
The price for your selected peak climbing/mountaineering expedition will vary depending on group size, trip category (full board/base camp service), your budget, individualised itinerary, accommodation (budget to 5 star), level of service above the base camp, the number of climbing guides and porters, kitchen crew, mode of transport you prefer and many other factors. The price range for the same trip can vary widely so if you would like to discuss yourrequirements with us we will provide you a very competitive price
-
Please e-mail us for up-to-date prices for Trip
Full Board Service Cost Include
- All arrival and departure transfer services to and from Airport both Domestic and International with other necessary surface transport (by Non A/C Vehicles) as per itinerary.
- Assistance at the International airport by Snowy Horizon’s representative while arriving and departing.
- 4 Nights accommodations at 4 Star hotels in Kathmandu on B/B basis.
- Flight Ticket from Kathmandu- Tumlingtar-Kathmandu for group and member
- One day sightseeing in Kathmandu (Swayambhunath, Pashupatinath, Boudhnath and Durbar Square).
- Local English-speaking Tour Guide for sightseeing in Kathmandu.
- Necessary staffs including experienced guides and porters during the trekking and climbing.
- All trekking and camping equipments like camp furniture, kitchenware, dining tents, guest tents, etc.
- 3 meals a day (Breakfasts, Lunch and Dinners with tea or coffee) along with available accommodation at Hotel/ Lodge/ Guest Houses or tents for members and staffs during trek and climbing in twin sharing basis.
- Per person 50kg baggage allowance during trekking-up carrying by porter or Yak and 40kg baggage allowance while returning from Base Camp after climbing the Mt. Everest.
- Trekking Permit (National Park entry fee)and TIMS card (Trekking Information Management System).
- Expedition Royalty and permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Makalu
- One Experienced, Trained, Government Licensed, and 03 Times 8000m Summiteer Climbing/expedition Guide (Sherpa) per client.
- All wages, equipments, medical and accidental Insurances for all involved staffs in trekking and expedition.
- First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staffs.
- Satellite phone carrying by Guide for communication and available for members with the cost of US$ 4 per minute call.
- Appropriate food for high altitude and all climbing crew at base camp and above as required.
- Required fixed and dynamic rope during climbing period.
- Emergency Oxygen mask and regulator provided on requirement of guest with appropriate charge
- Each expedition member will have an individual tent available in the base camp.
- Solar panel for light and battery charger.
- All tents for camp 1, 2 and 3. Ice fall charges and Gamow Bags.
- We provide Sherpa's tents, food for climbing, and insurance
- high altitude food for member and sherpa including drinks and cooking crew
- Free assistance service for Cargo clearance and Duties.
- Our service charge and Government Taxes levied in Nepal.
- Complete pre-departure information, flight ticket reconfirmation and visa extension procedure services (if necessary)
- Farewell Dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with domestic culture show in Kathmandu before departure.
- Snowy Horizon Special Gifts (T-shirt/Pashmina etc.)
Full Board Service Cost Exclude
- Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu and Pokhara (except for the farewell dinner)
- Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars or any other food consumed beyond the prescribed breakfast, lunch and dinner, etc.
- Items of personal nature, Laundry Expenses, Tips.
- Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkie-talkies or satellite phone And Internet expenses
- Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Camera/Video Fees or Trekking Gears
- Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations, etc.
- Transportation is not on disposal basis. It is strictly as per the itinerary. Any extra distance travelled will be charged extra.
- Any additional staff other than specified.
- Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.
- Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.
- Travel Insurance and helicopter rescue.
- Walkie-talkies & Filming permit (if special camera).
- Personal climbing gears;
- Nepal custom duty for import of expedition goods.
- Tips, gifts, souvenirs.
- Any other item not included in “THE PACKAGE COST INCLUDES” SECTION.
- Airfare of international flights.
- Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance is easy at the arrival)
- Any extra services or products or offers or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary
Base Camp Service Cost Include
- All arrival and departure transfer services to and from Airport both Domestic and International with other necessary surface transport as per itinerary.
- Assistance at the International airport by Snowy Horizon’s representative while arriving and departing.
- Six nights Hotel accommodations in Kathmandu on B/B basis;
- All camping equipment in Base camp and Advance Base Camp;
- Expedition Royalty and permit of Nepal Government to climb Mt. Annapurna along southeast ridge route.
- Nepalese Government Royalty;
- Food during expedition period for expedition Members and Staff in Base camp
- All staff during Expedition period with experienced Guide (Base Camp Manager)
- Surface transportation will be available as per itinerary;
- Cargo clearance & Duties Assistance Service free;
- Daily wages, equipment allowance & Insurance for expedition Staff;
- Gamow Bag will be available for expedition group;
- Solar panel for light and batteries charger will be available for expedition members;
- Each expedition member will have an individual tent available in the ABC.
- All Necassary camping equipments like camp furniture, kitchenware, dining tents, guest tents, etc.
- Per person 40kg baggage allowance during trekking-up carrying by porter or Yak and 30kg baggage allowance while returning from Base Camp after climbing the Mountain.
- All wages, equipments, medical and accidental Insurances for all involved staffs.
- First Aid medical kits for the Group and the staffs.
- Satellite phone carrying by Guide for communication and available for members with the cost of US$ 4 per minute call.
- Appropriate food for climbing crew at base camp and chinese Base Camp.
- All necessary paper works, office Service charge and Government Taxes levied in Nepal
- Complete pre-departure information, flight ticket reconfirmation and visa extension procedure services (if necessary)
- Farewell Dinner in a typical Nepali restaurant with domestic culture show in Kathmandu before departure.
- Snowy Horizon Special Gifts (T-shirt/Pashmina etc.)
- Our service Charges
Base Camp Service Cost Exclude
- Lunch and Dinner during your stay in Kathmandu (except farewell dinner)
- Any packed food/snacks, aerated drinks, energy drinks, mineral water, alcohol, cigarettes, chocolates, nutria-bars
- Items of personal nature, Laundry Expenses, Tips
- Expenses incurred towards usage of landlines, mobiles, walkie-talkies or satellite phones And Internet expenses
- Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears
- Any extra services or products or offers or activities which are not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any extra expenses arising out of various/unforeseen situations like natural calamities, landslides, political disturbances, strikes, changes in Government regulations,
- Any additional staff other than specified.
- Rescue, Repatriation, Medicines, Medical Tests and Hospitalization expenses.
- Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation if required.
- Travel Insurance and helicopter rescue.
- Airfare of international flights.
- Nepal entry visa fee (Visa issuance is easy at the arrival) and re entry visa fee
- Ice fall Garbage Deposit fees (Sharing with other member) if applicable.
- Wake talkies & Filming permit.
- Ice falls charges · All tent for camp 1, 2, 3
- Personal climbing gears;
- Climbing Guide(s)
- Emergency Oxygen and mask regulator.
- Snowy Horizon Service will be "Zero" above Advance Base Camp
- High altitude food for sherpa and member
- Nepal custom duty for import of expedition goods;
- Emergency/Rescue Jeep cost US$700;
- Tips, gifts, souvenirs.
- Any other item not included in “THE PACKAGE COST INCLUDES” SECTION
Snowy Horizon Treks & Expedition offers personal equipment rentals for clients, who have limited cargo allowance with their airfare or do not wish to purchase expensive expedition grade gear but rent it instead.
Clients purchasing Base Camp Services only may choose to hire or purchase high camp equipment.
Please let us know in advance prior to your arrival so that we can meet your needs on your arrival stress free.
The quoted prices are for the duration of the expedition and we provide original North Face, Ozark and Marmot Company Only.
Rental Price List
| Item | Rental Cost US$ | Purchase Cost US$ |
|---|---|---|
| Expedition Tent | US$ 150.00 | US$ 300.00 |
| Rucksack (small) | US$ 50.00 | US$ 150.00 |
| Rucksack (large) | US$ 100.00 | US$ 300.00 |
| Gas Stove | US$ 25.00 | US$ 100.00 |
| Oxygen bottle | - | US$ 500.00 |
| Oxygen mask + Regulator | US$ 250 (second Hend) | US$ 900.00 |
| Sleeping bag | US$ 100.00 | US$ 400.00 |
| Down Jacket | US$ 100.00 | US$ 300.00 |
| High Camp Goose Down Jacket | US$ 200.00 | US$ 500.00 |
