Makalu
description Makalu Overview
Makalu, standing at 8,485 meters (27,838 ft), is an isolated peak in the Mahalangur Himalayas. Its pyramid shape and four sharp ridges make it visually striking. Makalus prominence is 3,802 meters (12,474 ft). The mountain demands excellent technical climbing skills due to its steep faces and challenging terrain.
The first ascent was in 1955 by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy.
info Makalu Specifications
| Location | MakaluBarun National Park, Nepal |
| Elevation | 8,485m (27,838ft) |
| Prominence | 3,802m (12,474ft) |
| Coordinates | 27.8896°N, 87.0878°E |
| First Ascent | 1955 (French expedition, Lionel Terray & Jean Couzy) |
| Parent Range | Mahalangur Himal (Himalayas) |
| Fatality Rate | 6% (estimated) |
| Technical Grade | AI5 / 5.10+ mixed terrain |
| Expedition Duration | 68 weeks (including approach and acclimatization) |
| Typical Climbing Season | May and October |
balance Makalu Pros & Cons
- Fifth highest mountain in the world at 8,485m, offering elite prestige.
- Isolated peak provides a wilderness experience with fewer crowds than Everest.
- Distinctive pyramid shape and four sharp ridges create a visually striking climbing environment.
- High prominence of 3,802m makes it a true independent summit, rewarding climbers with a major topographical feature.
- Technical mixed terrain (steep ice, rock, and snow) challenges advanced climbing skills.
- Extreme altitude (8,485m) exposes climbers to severe hypoxia, harsh weather, and high risk of altitude illness.
- Technical difficulty requires advanced skills on steep ice and rock, limiting accessibility to expert mountaineers.
- Remote location demands a long and arduous approach trek, increasing logistical complexity.
- Limited commercial support and rescue infrastructure compared to more popular 8,000m peaks.
help Makalu FAQ
How high is Makalu?
Makalu rises to 8,485m (27,838ft), ranking as the worlds fifthtallest mountain, with a prominence of 3,802m, making it a formidable peak in the Himalayas.
Where is Makalu located?
Makalu sits in the MakaluBarun National Park of Nepal, on the border of the Khumbu region, about 19km southeast of Everest, within the Mahalangur Himal range.
What is the typical climbing season for Makalu?
The best windows are spring (May) and autumn (October), when weather patterns are most stable, offering clearer skies and lower wind speeds for summit attempts.
How difficult is the climb compared to other 8,000m peaks?
Makalu is considered one of the most technical 8,000m climbs due to steep ice walls, mixed rock routes, and a remote base, demanding highaltitude experience and excellent alpinist skills.
What is Makalu?
How good is Makalu?
What are the best alternatives to Makalu?
What is Makalu best for?
Best for highly experienced alpine climbers seeking a prestigious, lesscrowded 8,000m challenge with technical mixed routes.
How does Makalu compare to Lhotse?
Is Makalu worth it in 2026?
What are the key specifications of Makalu?
- Location: MakaluBarun National Park, Nepal
- Elevation: 8,485m (27,838ft)
- Prominence: 3,802m (12,474ft)
- Coordinates: 27.8896°N, 87.0878°E
- First Ascent: 1955 (French expedition, Lionel Terray & Jean Couzy)
- Parent Range: Mahalangur Himal (Himalayas)
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