Makalu

Height: 8,481 m
Country:
Nepal flagNepal
Makalu, the world's fifth-highest peak, beckons climbers with its formidable ascent through challenging ice and rock faces, promising an awe-inspiring journey in the heart of the Himalayas. What makes this climb truly extraordinary is the rare opportunity to summit a colossal peak that embodies the raw beauty of high-altitude mountaineering, offering an unmatched sense of accomplishment and a chance to witness some of the most breathtaking vistas on Earth.
Prepare for an adventure climbing Makalu. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.

Difficulty

  • TD: Very hard (alpine grade 5)

When to go

  • April and May
  • October

These are pictures taken while climbing Makalu. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Makalu, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.

Guide links

These guides offer organised climbs for Makalu. Compare each trip - pricing, reviews, and key details to help you choose the right guide. To explore more options / routes, check out our full Guides Directory.
We've carefully selected these independent guides based on their expertise with Makalu. Compare their offerings, from group sizes and equipment inclusion to trip duration and support services. Each guide brings their own unique approach, so you can find the perfect match for your adventure. Click through to see full details and connect directly with any guide that interests you.
View the summit location and surrounding terrain to get a sense of the mountain's environment. This map offers a valuable perspective on the peak's position within the region, aiding climbers in visualizing their route and nearby landmarks.
What you can see from the summit of Makalu. Click and pan around the map to explore, and zoom in/out to see the names of neighbouring mountains.

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