Sightseeing · Nepal
Makalu
The fifth-highest peak at 8,485 metres, a four-sided pyramid rising in remote eastern Nepal near Everest.
Makalu, at 8,485 metres, is the world's fifth-highest mountain and one of the most striking, a near-perfect four-sided pyramid rising in eastern Nepal not far from Everest.
Overview
Makalu is among the eight Nepali eight-thousanders and is prized by mountaineers for its clean geometric form and serious technical difficulty. The isolated four-sided pyramid is one of the most distinctive shapes in the Himalaya. It lies within Makalu Barun National Park, a remote conservation area that spans an extraordinary range of habitats, from steamy subtropical forest in the lower valleys to high glaciers and bare rock, neighbouring Everest and Lhotse to the west. The park protects rich biodiversity, including rare orchids, red panda and snow leopard, and is one of the least developed protected areas in the country.
Height and location
At 8,485 metres (27,838 feet), Makalu ranks fifth in the world. It stands at roughly 27.89° N, 87.09° E in eastern Nepal, about 19 kilometres southeast of Everest on the Tibetan border. Its isolation, far from any road head, means that even base camp takes many days of walking to reach, usually after a flight to the small airstrip at Tumlingtar followed by a long approach up the Arun and Barun valleys. This remoteness is a large part of why so few people visit.
First ascent and climbing
The first ascent was made on 15 May 1955 by a French expedition led by Jean Franco, with Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy reaching the summit first. Remarkably, in a feat almost unheard of at the time, every member of the climbing team went on to reach the top over the following days, a tribute to careful planning and strong teamwork. Makalu is reckoned one of the harder eight-thousanders, with steep, knife-edged ridges, a sharp summit pyramid and exposed, technical climbing high on the mountain that demands real mountaineering skill rather than simply endurance.
How to see it
The way to experience Makalu up close is the Makalu Base Camp trek, which winds through the forests and high valleys of Makalu Barun National Park to the foot of the peak. It is a demanding, remote journey of around two to three weeks that sees only a trickle of trekkers, rewarding them with pristine wilderness, varied scenery and grand mountain views with hardly another person in sight. Strong walkers who want a wild alternative to the busier Everest trails will find it deeply rewarding. For the next great peak further east, see Kanchenjunga.
Fast facts
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Height | 8,485 m (27,838 ft) |
| Rank | 5th highest in the world |
| Location | Makalu Barun, eastern Nepal |
| First ascent | 15 May 1955, French expedition |
| Shape | Four-sided pyramid |
| Best access | Makalu Base Camp trek |
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Frequently asked questions
How tall is Makalu?+
Makalu stands 8,485 metres (27,838 feet) high, making it the fifth-highest mountain in the world.
Where is Makalu located?+
Makalu rises in eastern Nepal, about 19 kilometres southeast of Everest, on the border with Tibet. It sits within Makalu Barun National Park, a remote and richly forested region.
Who first climbed Makalu?+
A French expedition led by Jean Franco made the first ascent on 15 May 1955, when Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy reached the top. Famously, every member of the team summited, a rare achievement at the time.
Why is Makalu considered difficult?+
Its steep, exposed pitches and sharp ridges make Makalu one of the most technically demanding eight-thousanders. The isolated four-sided pyramid offers little easy ground near the summit.
How can I see Makalu?+
The Makalu Base Camp trek leads through Makalu Barun National Park to the foot of the mountain. It is a wild, lightly trodden route demanding good fitness and self-sufficiency.
