MakaluMakalu at a Glance
About Makalu
Makalu is a major Himalayan peak in eastern Nepal that rises to 8,485 metres, making it the world’s fifth-highest mountain. It is known for its steep faces and technical climbing routes.
The mountain attracts experienced mountaineers rather than general trekkers, and approaches are longer and more remote than some of the better-known Himalayan destinations. Climbs typically require advanced alpine skills and logistical support.
Makalu lies near the Nepal-China (Tibet) border and is part of the Mahalangur Himal section of the Himalaya, southeast of the Everest massif. Its remoteness and technical difficulty have kept ascent numbers lower than on some other eight-thousanders.
- Height and character: At 8,485 metres it is the world’s fifth-highest mountain and is noted for steep, technical routes and remote access.
Nearby Attractions to Makalu
Best Time to Visit Makalu
Spring and autumn are the primary expedition windows for high Himalayan peaks such as Makalu.
Weather & Climate near Makalu
Makalu's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -31°C to -7°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -31° - -18° | -37° | 17 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 6.7 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.5h |
| February | Poor | -31° - -19° | -39° | 14 mm | partly cloudy | 59% | 8.4 m/s | 1.2 high | 11.1h |
| March | Poor | -28° - -16° | -36° | 0 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 9.4 m/s | 1.5 very high | 11.9h |
| April | Poor | -24° - -14° | -31° | 0 mm | overcast | 68% | 7.5 m/s | 1.8 very high | 12.7h |
| May | Poor | -20° - -11° | -28° | 0 mm | overcast | 72% | 10.5 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.4h |
| June | Poor | -16° - -8° | -23° | 1 mm | overcast | 77% | 12.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.7h |
| July | Poor | -14° - -7° | -20° | 103 mm | overcast | 83% | 9.1 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.6h |
| August | Poor | -14° - -7° | -19° | 94 mm | overcast | 85% | 7.2 m/s | 1.9 very high | 13.0h |
| September | Poor | -16° - -9° | -22° | 49 mm | overcast | 82% | 8.6 m/s | 1.6 very high | 12.2h |
| October | Poor | -21° - -12° | -28° | 24 mm | partly cloudy | 65% | 8.7 m/s | 1.5 high | 11.4h |
| November | Poor | -26° - -16° | -32° | 2 mm | partly cloudy | 54% | 5.9 m/s | 1.1 high | 10.7h |
| December | Poor | -29° - -16° | -34° | 21 mm | some cloud | 48% | 6.5 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 10.3h |
How to Get to Makalu
Expedition routes begin from Kathmandu; logistics commonly use flights to Tumlingtar or long overland drives, then weeks of approach through Khumbu-style villages and high mountain passes before base camp is established.
Tips for Visiting Makalu
- Climbing Makalu is a serious expedition for experienced mountaineers only; permits and local liaison are mandatory.
- Approaches typically start from Kathmandu with long road or helicopter transfers to the trailhead; consider seasons carefully for objective hazards.