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Makalu Expedition – 60 Days

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About Makalu Expedition

  • 60 Days
  • Trip Grade: Challenging
  • Nepal
  • Altitude: 8485m (27,838ft) 
  • Coordinates: 27°53'21''N/87°05'27''E
  • Late spring & Autumn
  • Group Size : 2-10 Pax
  • Trek Style: Camping
  • Transport: Domestic Air / Land transportation

Makalu is one of the harder eight-thousanders and Makalu expedition is considered one of the most difficult mountains in the world to climb creating a challenge for the trekkers. The mountain is notorious for its steep pitches and knife-edged ridges that are completely open to the elements. The final ascent of the summit pyramid involves technical rock climbing. Makalu is the only Nepalese 8,000 m peak which has yet to be climbed in true winter conditions.

For Makalu expedition our route does transverse first climbing all the way to Neghe Kharka, crossing the Barun Khola flowing from Makalu. The route to Makalu Base Camp (4823m) involves a sustained period at altitude with some steep slopes, but rewards with powerful views of Makalu (8481m) to the north. This is the realm of the glaciers, surrounded by the unforgettable presence of the world’s mightiest mountains and brooding above the towering bulk of Everest itself.

Makalu Expedition- 60 Days Itinerary

Day 1:Arrive Kathmandu (1350m/4,430ft)

Welcome to the land of Himalaya at 13m. You will be warmly welcomed by the mountains and our company representative will be standing with your name card at the arrival terminal with a beautiful smile. You will be escorted to your hotel and you will be provided with all the detailed information about your program. Overnight stay at Hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 2-3:At leisure in Kathmandu. Preparation Day

At leisure in Kathmandu for Preparation and last minute shopping.

Day 4:Fly Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Chichila 1,850m

Fly to Tumlingtar (285m – 938ft). And Drive to Chichila.

Day 5:Trek from Chichila to Num 1,505m

Trek from Chichila to Num 1,505m

Day 6:Num to Seduwa 1,530m

Num to Seduwa 1,530m

Day 7:Seduwa to Tashi Gaon 2,065m

Seduwa to Tashi Gaon 2,065m

Day 8:Tashi Gaon to Khongma 3,562m

Tashi Gaon to Khongma 3,562m

Day 9:Acclimatisation day at Khongma 4,200m

Acclimatisation day at Khongma 4,200m

Day 10: Climb over the Shipton La and descend to Mumbuk 4,200m

Climb over the Shipton La and descend to Mumbuk 4,200m

Day 11:Mumbuk to Yangri Kharka 3,610m

Mumbuk to Yangri Kharka 3,610m

Day 12:Yangri Kharka to Shershong 4,650m

Yangri Kharka to Shershong 4,650m

Day 13:Shershong to Makalu South East Base Camp

Shershong to Makalu South East Base Camp.

Day 14:South East Base Camp to Makalu North Ridge BC 4,800m

South East Base Camp to Makalu North Ridge BC 4,800m.

Day 15-17:Acclimatization at Base Camp

Acclimatization at Base Camp

Day 18-50:Ascent of Makalu North East Ridge

Ascent of Makalu North East Ridge

Day 51:Pack Up BC. Ready for Departure

Pack Up BC Ready for Departure.

Day 52:Descend to Yak Kharka

Descend to Yak Kharka.

Day 53:Yak Kharka to Mumbuk

Yak Kharka to Mumbuk.

Day 54:Mumbuk to Tashi Gaon

Mumbuk to Tashi Gaon.

Day 55:Tashi Gaon to Num

Tashi Gaon to Num.

Day 56:Num to Chichila

Num to Chichila

Day 57:Chichila to Tumlingtar

Chichila to Tumlingtar

Day 58:Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu

Fly Tumlingtar to Kathmandu

Day 59:At leisure in Kathmandu

At leisure in Kathmandu 

Day 60:Departure from TIA

Your journey in Nepal comes to an end today! Our representative will escort you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way to home, you have plenty of time to plan for your next adventure tour our wonderful Himalayan country.

Inclusion

  • All ground transfers as per our itinerary.
  • Hotel Thamel Eco Resort in Kathmandu (Bed and breakfast basis inclusive of all govt. Tax and VAT.)
  • Guided sightseeing around world heritage sites of Kathmandu. (Includes all applicable entrance fees.)
  • Welcome Dinner with Live Nepalese Program hosted by Makalu Adventures.
  • All Custom Clearance Fees for your gears.
  • Mount Makalu Expedition Royalty
  • Liaison Officer Fee/ Including all expenses, Airfares, foods, insurance and wages).
  • National Park Permit Fees. (Included all other entrance fees/permits wherever necessary.)
  • Airfare: Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu.
  • Transportation of all of your gears and our equipments, foods to the Makalu Higher Base Camp (5600m).
  • Full Logistic support for the Expedition. All the Camping & Kitchen Equipments (High Quality Salewa German / UK Quasar Super Tents) Such as Two Men Tent, Toilet Tent, Dinning Tent, Mattresses, Tables, Chairs, Hot water bag, Pillows, Inner Sheet and etc.
  • Trekking Sherpa, One Trekking Sardar, One High Altitude Cook, Kitchen Helpers, High altitude Porters and their daily wages.(Also including their insurance with all necessary lodging – meal – clothing arrangements.)
  • Three times meal a day till reaching Base Camp and after returning from Base Camp, prepared by our very professional kitchen crew.
  • (Including the fuel).
  • Medical treatment (if necessary) for our crew.
  • Cargo flight (Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu) for your equipment’s.

Exclusion

  • All International Airfares / Airport taxes.
  • Expenses of personal nature such as bottled drinks, mineral water, tips and etc.
  • Rescue and evacuation – if needed.
  • Personal medical and travel insurance.
  • Deposits for using Communication Sets (Walkie / Talkie and other Satphones).
  • Garbage Deposit which is refundable after the Expedition.
  • All arrangements above Makalu Higher Base Camp (5600m) (Climbing Tents / High altitude foods etc).
Map

FAQ

What is Acclimatization? Is it important to acclimitized?

To enable all trekking & expedition members to acclimatize well and hence maximize their chances of success, our trekking & expedition programs are prepared with sufficient time for acclimatization. Adaptation to the altitude takes time and there can be no short-cuts, even if supplementary oxygen is used in the final stages. The atmospheric pressure at the base camp is half of that at the sea level. A thorough program of acclimatization is built into the itinerary which consists of regulated height ascents, followed by descents and rests before the final ascent to the summit. Yes it is very important for all trekkers and climbers because this will prevent the climbers to get rid from altitude sickness.

What kind of personal first aid should i carry while trekking or Expedition in Nepal?

Although our guides from Great Nepal Treks carry first aid medical kit, it is better to carry a supply of first aid items for your own personal use according to your health conditions. Here are the list of some general as well as some special medications you may require:
– Antiseptic cream (Betadine)
– Sunblock SPF 30+
– Throat lozenges
– Painkillers and anti-inflammatory such as Aspirin, Paracetamol, Ibuprofen etc.
– Band-aids, bandage, compression bandage and ‘Second Skin’ for blisters
– Re-hydration salts. (Trioral, Electrobin, Oral Rehydrating Salt)
– Dextrose glucose tablets
– Water treatment tablets
– Your prescription medications
– Antibiotics for longer climbing and expedition style trips

Does high altitude effect and benefits?

You will be affected by high altitude problems if it is your fist trip at a high altitude. The altitude has some important beneficial effects on the human body and your trips have been designed to enable these. Please familiarize yourself with the information on AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) and understand how to avoid it and read on benefits of high altitude and take advantage of these to improve your body’s metabolism.

What is Acute Mountain Sickness(AMS)

Altitude sickness is the reaction of the body adjusting to decreasing amounts of oxygen. The high altitude slowly decreases the flow of oxygen means the higher you climb, the flow of oxygen is very thin resulting the malfunction of body. Altitude sickness most commonly occurs from above 2,800 meters (9,200ft) but this is different for everyone – there is simply no way of knowing your own susceptibility prior to being at altitude thus it is vital for you to monitor your own health. AMS occurs when the body is unable to adopt at the higher altitude having less amount of oxygen. At an altitude of 5490m (18000 ft.), the oxygen availability becomes just the half of the availability at sea level. While only a third of oxygen is available at the summit of Mt. Everest. Symptoms may be mild and subside/go away after a day’s rest, or if it is ignored it could lead to death.

What are the symptoms of AMS?

Symptoms can appear within 1-2 hours although most often appear 6-10 hours after ascent and generally subside in 1-2 days as the body adjusts to altitude. They may reappear as you continue to go higher. Symptoms of AMS usually occur gradually and can be one or a combination of the following:
• Headache: Due to the less amount of oxygen in air, the blood influences the blood vessels to spread wide in order to supply more oxygen to the brain and which cause them to show the early symptom of AMS.
• Dopiness: The trekkers or climbers feel very sleepy but could not.
• Shortness of breath: The breathing pattern changes as the breathing becomes faster and deeper than normal in order to get enough oxygen and rapid pulse
• Loss of appetite and nausea: Despite of physical exercise, the trekkers don’t have an appetite to eat.

What are the Life threatening forms of AMS?

High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE)
If one accumulates of fluid in the lungs and mild fever then, there is a chance of High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE). The filling of fluid in the lungs is Pulmonary Edema. The fluid blocks the passage of fresh oxygen to get into the lungs which causes the shortage of oxygen. Though the exact reason for the HAPE has not been identified, scientists think that pressure of blood vessel around the lungs is directly proportional to the altitude. As a result the smaller blood vessels leak allowing the fluid to escape to the lungs. The treatment for the HAPE victims is to give the oxygen at the rate of 4 liters a minute, using Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC). In case of unavailability of PAC bag or oxygen, one is taken down to the low altitude which is the only way of life-saving. HAPE can also lead to unconsciousness which may also results to death in a short period of time.

High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE)
HACE is the accumulation of fluid in the brain due of the swollen blood vessels to the brain. HACE is also seen within a couple of hours and can send the patient to coma and take his/her life in just few hours likewise to HAPE. The excessive flow of blood to the brain due to the low-level oxygen causes vasodilation which eventually leads to leakage of blood vessels to the brain. A 4 to 8mg of dexamethasone is given as a first dose to those who suffer from such sickness and then 4mg Diamox is given an every six hours gap. Similarly, 2-4 liters/minute oxygen is given and one is taken to down if it is necessary.

What are the Symptoms of HAPE?

Breathlessness
– A dry cough, developing to a wet one with blood-tinged discharge or saliva
– Tightness in the chest & blueness/darkness of face, lips & tongue
– Low fever up to 38°C/100°F
– Severe fatigue, progressing to coma

What are the Symptoms of HACE?

– Severe headache symptoms not relieved by painkillers or lying down
– Confusion, disorientation & drowsiness
– Nausea/vomiting
– Loss of balance or coordination
– Blurred or double vision/retinal hemorrhage

How to Prevent Altitude Sickness?

Certain medical conditions (such as respiratory disease) or medications (such as sleeping pills) can increase the risk of altitude sickness – it is important that you inform your guide of any medical conditions or medications before ascending to altitude. You can help your body to acclimatize and avoid altitude sickness by:
– Avoiding alcohol, tobacco and substances that can interfere with good delivery of oxygen to the body or cause dehydration
– Eating small, frequent meals high in carbohydrates
– Drinking plenty of water – the test of sufficient amount of water intake is ability to urinate colorless urine
– Taking it easy or have a rest. Walk at a slower pace than you would at sea level and avoid over-exertion
– Climb the mountain gradually and stop for a day or two of rest for every 600m/2000ft above 2,400m/8000ft
– Climb high but Sleep at a lower altitude if possible
– Learn how to recognize early symptoms of mountain sickness
Since our Guides from Great Nepal Treks are very professional and well trained about altitude sickness, they will guide you during your trekking and expedition activities in Nepal.

What are the basic treatment of Altitude sickness?

Most travelers are able to successfully acclimatize by following the previously mentioned guidelines. However, there are instances where medical treatment is required. Ultimately, the best treatment for acute mountain sickness (AMS) is to descend to a lower altitude and rest. Early diagnosis is important. Acute mountain sickness is easier to treat in the early stages. The guide will monitor you all the time for symptoms and will pace you appropriately to minimize your exposure to AMS.Cooperating with the guide and reporting if any of the above-described symptoms are seen allows your guide to undertaking appropriate and timely action to minimize your exposure to AMS. Sufficient time for acclimatization (After 3000 meters) is also another method to minimize AMS. Following precautions can be done in order to get rid of AMS:
Don’t ascent up rapidly.
• Never use alcohol, sleeping pills and smoking.
• Drink more fluid 3-4 liters a day, clean boiled water / tea / coffee / soup / juice etc.
• Climb high and sleep low.
• Don’t go trekking alone, take guide/porter.
• Follow the advice from your guide, hotel, local people, guidebook.
• Descent if mild symptoms rapidly getting worse.
• Never leave or descent sick person along.
• Avoid getting cold.
• Take an easy and comfortable trekking route even if it is longer.
• Sleep more than normal.
Your Guide will carry some medications in First Aid Kit and may suggest for medication such as Ibuprofen, Paracetamol, combination of them or specific AMS medication. Standard and effective medication for prevention of AMS is Acetazolamide (Diamox) and it may be given to help improve breathing and reduce mild symptoms. This drug can cause increased urination. Ensure you drink plenty of fluids and avoid alcohol when taking this drug.With severe cases of AMS, our guide will contact our office in Kathmandu and arrange your evacuation by helicopter. Before we accept you on the trek we will require that you purchase health and travel insurance including helicopter rescue and hospitalization.

How GNTE handle you during the case of emergency?

You never know when the unexpected situation comes and put you in hearse condition whether you are professional or beginners. Our professional guides do their best to make you well with first aid support. If the situation goes worse, you will be evacuated by Helicopter. You are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation. So, before coming to Nepal, please make your travel insurance. Ask your guide to arrange a runner to the nearest communication point and inform office about requirement of a helicopter. For evacuation, we require the name of the sick person and the exact location from where helicopter can airlift you. You should not leave the place after calling Helicopter for evacuation though you are feeling better than before.

How to get safe drinking water during trekking and Expedition in Nepal?

On the trek, there is a facility of purchasing safe drinking water in teahouses.It is better if you carry the water purifying pills on your own. On camping trek, the water will be treated with Potassium permanganate or Iodine. On the trail, water from the streams is safe to drink, but better not to use it directly for drinking.

Are we safe with Great Nepal Treks during our trekking or expedition journey?

Security and a safe journey is our core objective of trekking. Our guide holds licenses issued by the Nepal Government and our staffs are local, honest, kind and genuine. But we also insist you to take care of your own personal belongings. If you are on ‘camping trek’ please take your main bag inside the tent once you reach campsite and put all bags and belongings in the middle of the tent when you feel sleepy. Your guide assigns a Sherpa on turn wise basis to guard the campsite throughout the night. If you are on ‘Tea house arrangement, never leave your baggage unattended and keep your lodge room locked when you go out. Feel safe since you are in the hands of ethical trekking company in Nepal.