trip information

Mt. Makalu (8463m) is the fifth highest mountain Peak on the Earth situated in the heart of eastern Himalayas albeit just about 14 miles east of Mt. Everest. “Makalu” means “Great Black One” and is called so due to its dark brooding appearance. The massive mountain surrounded by deep valleys like Arun and Barun is somewhat isolated.
It was only first climbed on May 15, 1955, by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French Makalu Expedition led by Jean Franco. Franco, G. Magnone, and Sirdar Gyaltsen Norbu. The French team climbed Makalu by the north face and northeast ridge, via the saddle between Makalu and Kangchungtse (the Makalu-La), establishing the current standard route.

Within the wide range of altitudes and climates, the Makalu-Barun area contains some of the richest and most diverse flora and fauna of Nepal and diverse ethnic communities of Rai, Sherpa, and Shingsawa (Bhotia) that inhabit the lower parts of these valleys. Due to the isolation of this area, the communities are economically poor but represent rich cultural heritage untouched by technology and world cultural influences.