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Climbing
Peaks - Makalu |
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Guide > The Himalayas
> Climbing Peaks |
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Latitude
27° 53' north
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Longitude
87° 05' east |
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Height
8463m |
Zone
Khumbu |
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Status
5th highest in the world |
Mt Makalu lies in the Khumbu region in northeastern Nepal and
is the 5th highest mountain in the world. 14 km east of Mt Everest
this is yet another difficult mountain to climb. Along with
Everest, Makalu is part of the long and formidable boundary
wall between Nepal and Tibet.
A subsidiary of Makalu is the Chomo Lonzo, which is also a well-known
peak.
Mt Makalu lies within the Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation
Area, which covers an area of 2330 sq. km. between Solukhumbu
and Sankhuwasabha districts of Nepal.
A French Expedition first climbed Makalu in 1955. The summit
team consisted of Lionel Terry and Jean Couzy. The pair had
also climbed with the Annapurna I Expedition of 1950, which
was the first successful climb of an eight-thousander.
The road towards the Makalu region goes through the city of
Dharan in the eastern Terai. The next town is Dhankuta, which
is a pretty little settlement but has lost its significance
since the metal road has reached Hile, a hilltop village. From
some spots above Hile the Makalu massif can be seen quite clearly.
Here the road veering left from town leads on to the Makalu
region. At Hile you encounter villagers from diverse ethnic
groups such as Tamangs, Rais, Limbus, Tibetans, Chhetris and
Newars. This was once a predominantly Tibetan settlement but
most have moved on.
The route from Hile passes Pakhribas famed for the British agricultural
project. The trek follows the Arun River for some time before
passing many other rivers and then reaches Surtibari. The next
stop is Tumlingtar, which is five hours away. A small airfield
here serves STOL aircraft. Hence it is possible to fly in and
skip many days of arduous trekking. Moving on from here you
arrive at a well-known village named Khandbari. A breath-taking
panoramic view of Makalu and other ranges can be had from above
Khandbari. Descending once more to the Arun river the trek leads
to Sidhua and on to Shipton Pass. If you are starting your trek
from Hile, you will arrive at the Makalu base camp on the 11th
day. On this route you encounter Sherpas and Gurungs along with
the previously mentioned ethnic groups who provide a cultural
experience that enriches your understanding of the Nepali people.
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