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Mount Makalu is located in the central Himalayas, 24 kilometers southeast of Mount Everest. It lies along the northwest and southeast ridges, with its northern side within the territory of China's Tibet Autonomous Region and its southern side within the Kingdom of Nepal. At 8,463 meters above sea level, it ranks as the fifth highest peak in the world.
Mount Makalu has five main ridges: the Northwest Ridge, Southwest Ridge, Northeast Ridge, Southeast Ridge, and North Ridge. The North Ridge's satellite peak is Mount Everest, at 7,816 meters. The Northwest Ridge's satellite peak is Makalu II, at 7,640 meters. The Southeast Ridge's satellite peak is slightly higher, at 8010 meters.
These peaks are covered with thick ice and snow, and huge glaciers are distributed in the slopes and valleys. The glaciers are full of jagged cliffs and cracks, and ice and snow avalanches are also very frequent.
The best place to view Mount Makalu is from the Mount Everest Observation Deck.
The period from the end of April to the end of May, or from September to October, is the transition period between the windy season and the rainy season, which is an excellent time for mountaineering activities. The best climbing season in the Himalayas, including Mount Makalu, is spring, when the good weather period lasts longer, generally about two weeks.
Access : From Lhasa, drive along the China-Nepal Highway through Gyantse and Shigatse to Shegar, a 670-kilometer journey that takes two days. From there, turn west and south through Baiba, Pazhuo, and Kada to Yupa Township, a distance of approximately 120 kilometers. Alternatively, you can take a cattle scooter south along the valley of the Ganma Zangbo River (a tributary of the Pengqu River) to Shajitang Base Camp, a distance of approximately 60 kilometers. This base camp is located at the northeastern foothills of Mount Makalu, at an altitude of 3,600 meters. The campsite is relatively open and has ample water.
free
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Makalu, standing at 8,485 meters, is part of the Mahalangur range of the Himalayas and is renowned among mountaineers for its technical difficulty. The area is significant for its natural beauty, biodiversity, and cultural importance to Tibetan communities living nearby.
Makalu is located in the eastern Tibet region of Shigatse Prefecture. Access requires travel via private vehicle or organized tour from towns like Shigatse or Tingri. There are no metro or public bus options; trekking access starts from designated base camps.
No formal entrance fee exists. Access requires a Tibet Travel Permit arranged via a registered travel agency.
Yes, Tibet Travel Permits should be arranged 1–2 weeks in advance through a licensed travel operator.
Exploration can take from a full day to multiple days depending on whether trekking around the base or visiting nearby villages.
Guided tours are available through local trekking operators, mainly in English and Chinese. Audio guides are generally not provided.
Start from the nearest access village or base camp, follow trekking routes toward viewpoints, explore surrounding valleys, and return along the same trail or through connected villages.
No night visits or light shows; special tours are daytime trekking packages provided by local operators.
The area is sparsely visited due to its remote location. Weekdays and early mornings are the least crowded times.
Due to high altitude and rugged terrain, accessibility is limited. Elderly, children, or disabled visitors should exercise caution and consider health risks.
Cash is recommended, as mobile or card payments are unlikely to be accepted in remote trekking areas.
Limited teahouses or small eateries in nearby villages; no formal restaurants directly on trekking routes.
Vegetarian options may be available at local teahouses; vegan or halal options are limited.
Small shops near villages may offer Tibetan handicrafts, prayer flags, and wool textiles.
