Plizio Visual Lab
Makalu
Plizio editorial teamData Sources
Mountain
Weather…
Water temperature…
Makalu, standing at 8,485 meters, is the fifth highest mountain in the world and is located in the Mahalangur Himalayas, approximately 19 kilometers southeast of Mount Everest. It is distinguished by its striking, isolated pyramid shape with four sharp ridges. The mountain sits on the border between Nepal and Tibet and is the centerpiece of the Makalu-Barun National Park, known for its extraordinary biodiversity. The first successful ascent was achieved by a French expedition led by Jean Franco in 1955. Makalu is regarded as one of the most technically challenging eight-thousanders due to its steep pitches and exposed ridges. The surrounding Barun Valley features pristine glaciers, alpine meadows, and dense forests that harbor rare species such as the red panda and the snow leopard. Geologically, the peak is primarily composed of granite and gneiss, contributing to its rugged and enduring structure. Despite its proximity to Everest, Makalu remains a destination for elite climbers seeking solitude and technical mastery.
- Location: Nepal
- Top sights: Kangshungtse · Chomolonzo · Mount Makalu
- Nearby: Inaruwa (10 km)
Best time to visit & climate
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
| Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Avg °C | -12 | -11 | -8 | -3 | 0 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 3 | -2 | -6 | -10 |
| Rain mm | 4 | 7 | 11 | 19 | 47 | 70 | 164 | 145 | 76 | 19 | 2 | 3 |
📋 Practical info
Getting there
The base camp is accessed via a long and arduous trek from small Nepalese mountain villages. Hikers usually fly into the region and then begin the multi-day march on foot.
Best season
The windows before the monsoon in spring (April-May) and after in autumn (October-November) offer the most stable weather. In winter temperatures are dangerously cold; in summer the monsoon disrupts.
Terrain & paths
The path to the mountain leads through dense forests that eventually transition into steep glaciers, moraines, and icy high-alpine landscapes. The terrain is demanding, steep, and needs constant focus.
What to bring
A premium sleeping bag, advanced cold-weather clothing, and professional trekking equipment are obligatory for the approach. Good sunglasses are also extremely important to prevent snow blindness.
Parking
There are no roads or parking lots whatsoever in the high mountains. All transfers end in the lower-lying settlements or airstrips, from where all luggage is taken over by porters or pack animals.
Safety
The extreme altitude carries a constant risk of life-threatening altitude sickness, meaning slow acclimatization is mandatory. Avalanches and treacherous crevasses are also a permanent threat.
Time needed
Even just the trekking tour to the base camp and back usually takes almost three full weeks. Those who only want to explore small lower sections of the valley must plan for at least a week of walking.
Geography
Facts
- The fifth highest peak in the world at 8,485 meters.
- First climbed on May 15, 1955, by a French expedition.
- Located within the Makalu-Barun National Park area.
- Situated 19 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Everest.
- Features two notable subsidiary peaks, including Kangchungtse.
- Renowned for its extreme technical difficulty in climbing.
Explore nearby
Notable places around
Route planner — Car & Motorhome
Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.
Vehicle
Only stops with (optional):
© OpenStreetMap contributors · OpenRouteService
Sights in the town Makalu (4)
Sights nearby
Frequently asked questions
What is Makalu?
An isolated eight-thousander in Nepal.
How is the difficulty?
Extremely high, technically very demanding.
Best time for treks?
Spring, when the weather stabilizes.
Is the region accessible?
Very difficult, long travel required.
Is there infrastructure?
Barely any, only simple paths and few accommodations.
Makalu: where is it located?
Makalu is located in Nepal.
Makalu: what is there to see?
Highlights include Kangshungtse, Chomolonzo, Mount Makalu.
Makalu: when is the best time to visit?
The most pleasant time to visit is May, Jun, Sep.
Makalu: why is it worth visiting?
Makalu, standing at 8,485 meters, is the fifth highest mountain in the world and is located in the Mahalangur Himalayas, approximately 19 kilometers southeast of Mount Everest.
Explore with Plizio
Discover more places in Asia
More places in Nepal →
Nearby cities
Triyuga
Triyuga, with its center at Gaighat, is the headquarters of Udayapur District.
Inaruwa
Inaruwa is the headquarters of Sunsari District in Koshi Province.
Dhankuta
A charming hill town in Eastern Nepal, known for its pleasant climate, orange groves, and proximity to the famous Bhedetar viewpoint.
Bhadrapur
Bhadrapur is a tea-trading town in Jhapa District in southeastern Nepal.
Namche Bazaar
The vibrant heart of the Everest region and the gateway to the world's highest peak.
Lukla
Famous for its extreme airport, Lukla is the starting point for almost all Everest adventures.
Birtamod
Birtamod is a rapidly growing commercial hub in the Jhapa District of eastern Nepal.
History & landmarks
Everest Base Camp
The south base camp of Mount Everest is situated at an altitude of 5,364 meters and serves as an acclimatization station for mountaineers.
Tengboche Monastery
The largest gompa in the Khumbu region of Nepal was built in 1916 by Lama Gulu and reconstructed after fires in 1934 and 1989.
Halesi Mahadev Cave
A significant pilgrimage site in eastern Nepal for Hindus, Buddhists, and Kirat.
Pathibhara Devi Temple
One of the most significant Hindu temples in Nepal, perched on the Pathibhara Hill in the Taplejung region.
Nature
More places
Koshi Tappu Wildlife Reserve
An important wetland on the Sapta Koshi River, known for its diverse birdlife.
Lhotse
Lhotse is the fourth highest mountain in the world, located in the immediate vicinity of Mount Everest.
Dharan Industrial Estate
A growing industrial center in eastern Nepal, supporting the region's agro-based and manufacturing industries.
Nuptse
Nuptse is a spectacular ridge in the Khumbu region, forming a horseshoe alongside Lhotse and Everest.
Ama Dablam
Ama Dablam is a prominent mountain in the Khumbu region, often referred to as the Matterhorn of the Himalayas.
Pumori
Pumori is a pyramid-shaped mountain just west of Mount Everest, often admired by Everest trekkers.
Gyachung Kang
Gyachung Kang is the highest mountain in the world that is not an eight-thousander.
Sagarmatha National Park
A protected area in the Himalayas dominated by Mount Everest and a UNESCO World Heritage site.