Makalu Expedition (8463m)
Makalu (8463m) renowned as the fifth highest peak in the world is a very attractive but really demanding and risky mountain. Barely more than 200 climbers have summated Makalu. Makalu is situated between Kanchenjunga and Everest on the Nepal-Tibetan border. We will climb through the north-west edge setting four high camps on the peak. Our professional and experienced Sherpa guides will fix ropes as much as necessary in the dangerous path. It was French in 1955 who first climbed Makalu.
We have 33 days climbing period to reach at the summit of the Makalu Base Camp from the Advanced Base Camp. We go behind the side moraine, walk onto the glacier and establish the Camp I at a glacial raised ground at an altitude of 6,150m. We further pave the way of the glacier highland in the route to Makalu La, ascending stretches of vertical slopes and get there at the foot of the Makalu La to establish the camp II at the height of 7,000m. We go up the Headwall to the north-west Ridge at Makalu La and the place of camp III at an elevation of 7,300m. Camp IV will be established on the North edge at 7,850m and ascend the couloir to achieve the final point at the summit (8,462m).
Unique Adventure is confident to offer 60-days Mt. Makalu Expedition with the first-class service. Let us organize it for you. And you will witness elegant Baruntse, Kanchenjunga, Makalu; exploring the Arun valley; and different communities with majority Limbu, Rai, Sherpa, Bramhin and Gurung people. Spring and Autumn are the best season to go for Makalu Expedition.
Necessary Gears
Main rope, Down Sleeping, Bag, Down Jacket, Gore-Tex jacket, Trouser, Climbing boots, Trekking boot, ICE-axe with Ice hammer, Rucksack, Crampon, Stick, Harness, Get up (Boot clover), Snow Glass, ICE Screws, snow Shavel, Carbine Lock & unlock, Head Lights, Wind Proof Jacket & trouser, Down Trouser, Wind Proof Trouser, Water Bottle, Woolen Gloves, Bag Cover, Wind mask for climbing, Climbing gloves, Socks for climbing, Personal Medicine, Eight figure, Knife
You can bring the necessary gears from your own country or can buy or hire from the stores of Kathmandu.
Day 01 : Arrival at Kathmandu; transfer to the Hotel
Upon our arrival at Kathmandu International Airport, the representative from Unique Adventure treks will aid you transfer to one of the hotels of Kathmandu. Also, the representative will provide you a brief description about the tour. Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 02 - 04 : Stay at Kathmandu for the official procedure
Stay in Kathmandu for two days. You can go around Kathmandu City for sightseeing or prepare for the expedition. For these two days all you need to do is check required equipments, learn to use the equipments, study maps and every other required stuffs to make sure that your expedition will be successful one.
Day 05 : Fly to Tumlingtar, overnight at camp
We will head off from Kathmandu taking flight and arrive at Tumlingtar. Tumlingtar is a city laying in eastern Nepal, between Sabha River and Arun River. The region is also famous for the temple of Hindu goddess, Manakamana. Overnight in Tumlingtar.
Day 06 : Trek to mane Bhanjyang, overnight at camp
Today, we will have to trek toMane Bhanjyang leaving Tumlingtar. We will stay overnight at Mane Bhanjyang. Mane Bhanjyang is located at the height of 1030m.
Day 07 : Trek to Chichira, overnight at camp
From Mane Bhanjyang, we will start trekking to Chichira. The trail goes all the way through the bamboo woods along the edge through Arun Than, Sheka and Bhotebas. We will have to walk for 5 to 6 hours today in order to reach at Chichira from Mane Bhanjyang.
Day 08 : Trek to Num, overnight at camp
On this day, we have a quite speed walk all the way through the enjoyable villages and lush peak forests. An edge line with great views on both side and balanced on the end is Num. Tonight at tented camp in Num.
Day 09 : Trek to Seduwa, overnight at camp
Our way today falls perpendicularly down from side to side the forests and terraced plots of ground will take us to Arun Khola from Num. The area is quite hot and the wood on the valley sides presents a bit of darkness. Makalu National Park begins and our permits will be registered. We set our camp at the top of the village for overnight.
Day 10 : Trek to Tashi Gaun, overnight at camp
We, from Seduwa we will make our way up the ridge bounded by the Kasuwa Khola to the east and Ipsuwa Khola on the west. After leaving the hillside all the way through peaceful villages and moving ahead from the small paddy fields, we arrive at the village of Tashi Gaun. Overnight at the tented camp in Tashi Gaun.
Day 11 : Trek to Kauma, overnight at camp
Moving ahead from Tashigaon our way moves up towards Khongma. Khongma is the final stop prior to crossing the Shipton La and walking down to the upper parts of the isolated Barun Valley. You will be viewing scrub and rhododendrons that wraps the lower parts of the mountains. Overnight at the tented camp.
Days 12 - 15: Trek to Makalu Base Camp, overnight at camp
We will be continuting trekking to Makalu Base Camp passing through Dobato, Jark Khola and Hillari Base Camp. Make sure that you become accustomed to the high elevated environment before walking up to Makalu Base Camp. Take pleasure from the wonderful views of the Himalayan all around. The next day you will be walking to Baruntse Base Camp.
Day 16 : Trek to Higher base camp, overnight at camp
Our team Sherpa guides will help you carry loads to Advance Base Camp that lies at an altitude of 5,700m. Since we put on a big soar in altitude while trekking from Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp, we spend time her organizing our equipment and getting used to with the environment. Overnight at the tented camp.
Day 17 - 50 : Climbing period, overnight at camp
We have 33 days climbing period to reach at the summit of the Makalu Base Camp from the Advanced Base Camp. We go behind the side moraine, walk onto the glacier and establish the Camp I at a glacial raised ground at an altitude of 6,150m. We further pave the way of the glacier highland in the route to Makalu La, ascending stretches of vertical slopes and get there at the foot of the Makalu La to establish the camp II at the height of 7,000m. We go up the Headwall to the north-west Ridge at Makalu La and the place of camp III at an elevation of 7,300m. Camp IV will be established on the North edge at 7,850m and ascend the couloirs to achieve the final point at the summit (8,462m).
Day 51 : Trek to Yak Kharka, overnight at camp
From the base camp we will move ahead to reach Yak Kharka. We will return back walking downward the valley and take the final glance of Makalu prior to turning the curve and eventually reaching Yak Kharka. Overnight at the tented camp.
Day 52 : Trek to Mumbuk, overnight at camp
Today from YaK Kharka we will move further down. Then way moves up the rock furrow to Mumbuk. We will be once more greeted by the lushness below. As soon as we arrive at Mumbuk, we will set our camp. Overnight at the tented camp.
Day 53 : Trek to Tashi Gaun, overnight at camp
After walking further on from Mumbuk, en-route you will walk all the way through a forest of rhododendrons and firs. Cross the Shipton La, Keke La and Ghungru La then you will move down to Khogma. The way down will be a long and perpendicular one. And we appear across the hillside to eventually arrive at the Sherpa town again, Tashi Gaun.
Day 54 : Trek to Num, overnight at camp
We will return back over the same trail that we came by. We make our way out from the Makalu Barun Camp. Moving further down to Seduwa and Arun Khola again we will have one more trek through the woods to reach Num. We will go at the back of our footsteps and move down to the river and climb back the reverse side of the valley to Num. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 55 - 56 : Trek to Tumlingtar via Chichira, overnight at camp
We will be continuing trekking to reach the final location of the trek before we return back is Tumlingtar. And we need to be ready for an early exit to Kathmandu the following day. Overnight at tented camp.
Day 57 : Fly back to Kathmandu, overnight at hotel
On this day, we wake up early in the morning to take a flight for retracing back to Kathmandu. On arrival in Kathmandu we will transfer to the hotel.
Day 58 - 59 : Free days at Kathmandu, overnight at hotel
Today you two days rest in Kathmandu. Or, alternatively explore around Kathmandu valley which includes visit around historical and spiritual attractions; including Durbar Square, Bouddhanath; one of the largest stupas in Nepal, Swayambhunath; top on the hill in the city knows as the Monkey Temple, Pashupatinath; Hindus holy place. Stay overnight at hotel in Kathmandu.
Day 60 : Departure on your own destination
This is the final day of our trek. Our airport representative will shift you to the airport from the hotel for your way back to home country.
What is included?
- Airport transfers (domestic and international both).
- 7 nights hotel accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast.
- Climbing Permit fee of Makalu expedition, Makalu Barun National Park permit fee.
- Food & Fuel during the trek and expedition period.
- North Face or similar quality high altitude tent for higher camps.
- Single tent for each member, staffs, climbing Sherpa at the base camp.
- Emergency bottles of oxygen per member and guide with mask & regulator.
- Staff: Base camp Guide, Cook, Cook helper.
- Porters/Yaks to and from base camp.
- One high altitude Sherpa for one climber (1:1) who assist you whilst on climbing and summit attempt as well as carries food and gears to high camps.
- Government liaison officer, his insurance, daily allowance, equipment allowance and flight fares.
- Flight fare for member and staff (Kathmandu - Tumlingtar - Kathmandu).
- Insurance, equipment allowance, wages and daily allowance for expedition staffs.
- All camping equipments: sleeping tents, mattress, dining tent, toilet tent, mess tent, store tent, table & chairs and other necessary kitchen utensils whilst on trekking and expedition.
- Group climbing equipment such as necessary fixed rope, ice screws, ice bars etc.
- First Aid kit bag and trekking map & duffel bag.
- Solar panel at the base camp.
- Satalite phone (Pay Call).
- Cargo transportation to supply the food and gears.
- Necessary documentation and governmental official paper works.
- All applicable taxes as per the government rules and regulations.
What is not included?
- Personal climbing gears.
- Extra hotels in Kathmandu (after 7 nights).
- Personal climbing insurance which covers travel, medical, accident, evacuation etc.
- Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu.
- Visa Fee for Nepal.
- Applicable permit fees and custom charges for using communication equipment, commercial filming, satellite phone, radio etc.
- Carrying bonus + Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa.
- Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone, e-mail, etc.
- Bar and beverage bills..
- Gratitute (tip) for the staff etc.
Why us? Is a conscientious question that requires an honest answer of integrity and devotion of the highest standards.
We are what we were from the very beginning: Read on to know us the way we are…
At Unique Adventure International, We do not pretend to be what we are not, ours is a simple ethic, hospitality straight from the heart. When doing trips with us, you will soon find out excellence with us is not just a norm, it’s more a habit.
We have walked the length and breadth of the Himalaya across Nepal, Tibet and Bhutan for over two decades…and still counting, we have enjoyed all of it so much; right to the hilt. We love our mountains and enjoy it so much when we tread its trails with our trekking guests, who also love these mountains as much as us or maybe even more. We have much knowledge of the land and meticulously plan things so our guests get the utmost from their sojourns with us; we know how chaotic it can be for our guests when they organise holidays so far from home…keeping this in mind, we sort out for the long haul and ensure our guests do not only have fun on the way but also get value for money with purposeful journeys. We know and understand that this may probably be a once in a lifetime holiday where you will explore a world not too familiar and its binding for us to make doubly sure you are completely safe throughout the whole course of your expedition when you are in Nepal. With each trip we do with you, we are constantly searching for ways to improve our services so that your expectations of us are met beyond what you could have ever expected on all fronts. We want that you go home with a happy heart and unforgettable memories of an odyssey well done. With Unique Adventure, this is central to all our thoughts when we meet you.
A small business with big ideals…
We are a small outfit with big ideas and we know how complex human nature can be; its only but human to understand your weaknesses and respect your strengths, both of which will be put to the test on the punishing trails of Nepal, but it’s always our mission to understand you and make your journey as calm as possible.
This is the whole reason why we get repeat clients who never seem to get drained with the Himalayas and enjoy the way we guide them throughout the trip…
We know how worrisome it can be when you choose to live life on the edge… so we go the mile to make sure your holidays become more purposeful, more significant…
We do not push you, no matter what the circumstances…
We know you want it slow and easy the moment your plane hits the tarmac in Kathmandu. We understand your instinctive curiosities and ensure you are left alone with enough space to do what we have planned for you – ‘your way’’. You call the shots – it’s your trip – and we provide you enough freedom to make your own decisions in harmony with your group. We help you to become friends and bridge gaps; it’s a matter of pride for us to mention here that we created some of the best friendships where some morphed into lifetime partnerships and this is how things shape out with us when you assemble in our country. And when we are out with you in the country at high elevations, we ensure that our crew leads you in ways comfortable to your body and physical needs.
Our ‘True-to-Life’ practical itineraries…
Our itineraries are meticulously planned and based on the way you see it when your trip commences. Our themes are hands-on and we take you to some difficult but extraordinary places where some would likely pass by. We know you thirst for the unknown and interesting; your search for things that will ignite your emotions and imaginations, seeking for the ‘whys’, how’s and when’s’ into the mountain culture, lifestyles and traditions that you witness in territory you have never been familiar with. We put in a lot of effort to create astonishing one-off experiences which would make great notes for memorable stories to pass down to the coming generations. Each trip we design opens up new avenues to a whole new world that you are not familiar with…and when you discover the answers, it could be a life changing experience you would have never expected.
Trips to match your time frames…
We are flexible in the way we operate our trips based on your exclusive needs. We understand the kind of pressure ridden world you hail from and know you have worked hard for your dream holidays. Our programs are typically designed to give you the most and the best based on your time limitations without any blemishes on the joys that come with your venture.
You could be planning a budget trek or a luxury tour, maybe even a trekking peak; whatever the choice, we give you an extension combo so you have a scintillating mix of history, the outdoors and even jell in a jungle safari into the potpourri so you have varied experiences within the timeframe you’ve chosen. Our website is programmed to give you a host of options to make you smile…
Accommodation: They say Home is where the Hearth is…and yes, the Pillow!!
We are extra wary when arranging your accommodation before you enter our country. We know we’ve got to give you something that’s closest to home. After consulting with you and being twice as sure about what you’re expecting when it comes down to that most important part of life: resting your body and mind at night, we make sure we give you the best accommodating facilities available at a hotel that’s not only comfortable but also a place that is spanking clean with fresh linen and staff who understand your needs and go the length in making sure you feel at home, no matter what the length of your stay with us.
This also includes the sanitized conditions of the food you are served. Even when on the trails, we go the mile to make sure you find a cosy teahouse with no dampness and enough ventilation to keep you healthy and warm with food that’s organic and clean. We know how important the hearth is wherever you stay. With us, be sure that all your personal needs are taken care of well. Ours is the kind of hospitality that comes straight from the heart…
Safety and Security: This is mandatory and imperative…
Our safety and security arrangements for all our inbound guests cross all boundaries; from the moment your jet hits the tarmac at the airport in Kathmandu. This is a process that begins prior to your arrival in Kathmandu, when we design your itinerary based on the program you have chosen. It begins with choosing the right team for you, especially if it’s a trek. We make sure your crew is primed for any contingency when at altitude. We believe in following firm standards with focus on risk assessment knowing mountain climbing is always a risky business despite the excitement it offers. All the planning is done prior to your arrival so you have a carefree, footloose and fancy free journey, without any hassles.
We always advise our guests to go through medical routines in their home countries before embarking on trips above 3000m. We also encourage our guests to get insured before coming to Nepal.
Your entire stay in Nepal is monitored from day one, especially when you are on the mountains. We take nothing for granted, nature can be a monster when least expected. When booking your trip through ‘Unique Adventure, you are not just a client – you are more than all that - you are a parent, a brother/sister, a close colleague – in a word – ‘family’; and all our safety precautions and personalized services are purely based on this relationship.
We Respect and Care for the local folks and Love the Environment we operate in…
We are conscious in the importance of preserving the natural beauty and culture of Nepal, so that future visitors can also enjoy the wonders of this beautiful but fragile environment. We are sensitive and devoted to responsible travel with minimum impact on the environment and local communities. The planet is large enough for everyone to explore and it’s the curiosity of human nature to explore and discover the unknown. We are always careful about the ecosystems that surround us when we are on the mountains, but we don’t let this spoil the spirit for adventure. We seek to enjoy in ways beneficial to others and wish to respect this beauty that God created for us to appreciate; and we want to keep it that way. Equally important, we instruct our crew and travellers to be aware of the values of responsible travel, by: respecting people, cultures and local environments, in creating goodwill; with cross-cultural sharing and experiences; and helping make sustainable development practical, where we put in efforts to give back more than we take.
Our Trekking crews are Principal to the Company…we’re Family…
One paramount issue for trekking companies in Nepal are employees directly connected to guests when trekking in the Himalayas and this is key to any trip conducted anywhere on the Himalayas. Our staffs in general receive fixed monthly salaries and our trekking crews get special rates as defined by the Ministry of Labour in consultation with the Ministry of Tourism - Government of Nepal.
This also includes the provision of Social Security for mountain workers as per government directives. In addition to this, we also provide climbing training to new comers listed on our payroll. All our seasoned guides are well trained in the use and application of First Aid in the event of any unexpected injuries that may occur in the course of the journey when at altitude.
Field Employees are constantly upgraded for personal development, delivered via courses in English, about nature, history, and ongoing training as mountain guides with techniques based on safety precautions...along with this, our mountain crews are insured and covered against any eventualities. The insurance package covers the cost of health care if injured or sick and provides a lifetime gratuity if any employee is physically disabled. We treat our employees as valuable assets. We know their security and happiness is vital to ensure yours throughout your stay in Nepal…
Innovation: We are constantly juggling new Products…
Ours is a constant search for new trails in the great wilderness. We’re always innovating new areas for travel within and around the city limits and out on the mountains. Nepal has so much to offer in her ancient heritage cities and within the vast expanse of her Himalayas. We ceaselessly research new products in order to give our old clients new thrills; this has always been part of our company’s policies for giving more value for money. We know that many of our guests rarely get time to travel and when they do, they’d sure like to make the best of it; besides Nepal, we even cut across borders giving our guests unbelievable historical and cultural highlights of Tibet, Bhutan and India. We even design divine spiritual tours for the holy who’d sure like to hike down footsteps of ancient ancestors along the Mount Kailash Mountains so that they could come face-to-face with the gods. You even get opportunities to stroll down the cobbled stone Squares of Patan and Bhaktapur and slip into the Forbidden Temple of Pashupatinath. Beyond the spiritual of Kailash in Tibet, our programs take you to the highest region on earth, at an elevation of 4,900 meters (16,000 ft). Very much noted as the ‘roof of the world’, Tibet is symbolic of a mesmerizing culture seeped in spirituality and nature. From superb temples and tranquil monasteries to the Yangtze River and adorable Pandas, our products are molded in a way that ensures you experience a whole new world of amazing discoveries that tells you about God’s gift of a wonderful planet we all live in.
‘Please visit our highly informative website for some of the most extensive information on some of the most stimulating holidays ever conceived’. Get friendly with us on: www.uniquetreks.com
We give you Mountain Yoga
The Mountain Yoga we offer on the trail is an earthy, friendly and unassuming space, dedicated to healing and transformation as your mind battles the vagaries of nature while on your journey in the wild. When you decide to holiday on the mountains; it’s like a calling into the high and wild to experience Mother Nature at a higher level and to explore her true beauty. But there’s another calling that wants you to find release from your inner demons. It might be seen as the feeling that there has to be more to life than our day-to-day routines in the machine of modern day society. As you go higher above the tree-lines, our certified yoga guides give you the kind of alignment helpful to your body’s needs when adjusting to the thin air at altitude. They are compassionate, knowledgeable and guide you with postures and breathing exercises that promote physical fitness at higher elevations, keeping the mind calmer, making your self-awareness more acute, and help you get more balanced, while preventing you from having any problems with altitude mountain sickness. Yoga is an ancient practice known for thousands of years to clean out even the deepest mental grooves and rigid mindsets which may hamper your trip and spoil the fun on your trek.
We are the only adventure company in Nepal offering our guests mountain yoga which enhances hassle free trips and keeps our guests safe from common altitude problems.
Our Success Ratio…
We’ve been through it all – the ups and downs have been full and plenty. The series of earthquakes of 2015 affected us bitterly; however, we kept the faith. We knew this was nature at its best and worst. We do not take anything for granted when it’s a tryst with Mother Nature, especially in the wilderness above the tree-lines. We knew we would still need these mountains more than they need us...These mountains teach us so much about life. It was Almighty God that created these mountains with all its stark beauty, but then a natural calamity can be lurking somewhere around the bend, and we must always be aware of the environment - and this comes with respect, consciousness and faith.
Despite the hurdles and hiccups, our Success Ratio has been over 98%, why? Because experience has taught us the hard way to Love God, respect the mountains, to learn from our mistakes, and to always, at all times, be Honest with our Guests…and let God do the rest.