Makalu Expedition 2010: Expedition Overview

Makalu Expedition 2010

Nicholas Rice has tentatively planned a solo expedition to Makalu. Makalu is the 5th highest mountain in the world and is located quite close to Mount Everest. This mountain is made of an impressive mass of red granite. The word “Makalu” means The Great Black One, a name it was given due to its dark brooding appearance. Makalu sits on the border between China and Nepal. It is an isolated peak and has a four-sided pyramid shape. Makalu is one of the harder 8000 meter peaks and is considered to be one of the most difficult mountains to climb in the world. The mountain is notorious for its steep pitches and knife-edged ridges that are completely open to the elements. The final ascent to the summit of Makalu requires technical rock climbing. Nicholas Rice will most likely follow the tentative itinerary outlined below:

Expedition Overview

Day	Proposed Itinerary	Hotel/Camp
01	Arrive in Kathmandu/ Transfer to Hotel	Hotel
02	Official Formalities and Preparations/Sightseeing	Hotel
03	Final Preparations in Kathmandu	Hotel
04	Fly to Biratnagar, Transfer to Hile	Camp
05	Trek to Sutibhari	Camp
06	Trek to Mangmaya	Camp
07	Trek to Tumlingtar	Camp
08	Trek to Khandbari	Camp
09	Trek to Bhotebas	Camp
10	Trek to Gogone	Camp
11	Trek to Num	Camp
12	Trek to Tashi Gaon	Camp
13	Trek to Khongma La	Camp
14	Trek to Makalu Base Camp	Camp
15-32	Climbing Period for Makalu	Camp
33	Base Camp to Numbuck	Camp
34	Trek to Khongma La	Camp
35	Trek to Seduwa	Camp
36	Trek to Chichela	Camp
37	Trek to Tumlingtar	Camp
38	Flight from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu; Transfer to Hotel Shangri-la	Hotel
39	Kathmandu Contingency Day	Hotel
40	Home-Bound Flight	Hotel

Nicholas Rice will be attempting to climb Makalu without the use of supplemental oxygen.