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Makalu Flash™

Climb Makalu (8,485 m) with us— the fifth-highest mountain in the world!

8,485 meters. A flawless pyramid of ice and rock. Remote. Powerful. Uncompromising.

First climbed in 1955 by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy, Makalu remains one of the most technically demanding 8,000-meter peaks.
Even via its Normal Route, this mountain demands respect, resilience, and absolute focus.

While a normal Makalu expedition takes several weeks, the Flash™ expedition saves valuable time — while significantly increasing safety and the chances of success.

Our Flash™ expeditions fundamentally change the world of high-altitude mountaineering. Because less time is spent in base camp and the classic acclimatization phase on the mountain is greatly shortened, the risk of illness caused by the increased chance of infection in the camps is minimized. In addition, the Flash™ expedition is far less physically demanding, as the many traditional rotations on the mountain are eliminated.

To maximize the chances of success, our team members sleep in a hypoxic tent 6–8 weeks before departure in order to minimize rotations on site.

Furtenbach Adventures has more than 20 years of experience using hypoxia systems for pre-acclimatization in high-altitude mountaineering. This allows climbers to become fully acclimatized in the Himalayas in the shortest possible time, perform better — and be ready for the summit push! As a result, safety on Makalu increases significantly as well. No other operator has comparable expertise and competence in the field of hypoxic pre-acclimatization.

Adventure Factor brave
Experience / Emotion lifechanging
Fitness / Struggle challenging
Risk the height
Comfort expedition style

Highlights:

  • Permit for a six-thousander peak for acclimatization, including helicopter shuttle from/to the mountain
  • 1 team member : 1 Sherpa
  • Unlimited oxygen for every participant*
  • 100% redundant oxygen system for every participant
  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • Limited number of team members
  • Small group size for greater safety and higher chances of success

Trip dates:

Booking code:-
Minimum members:-
Price per person: 0

Registration for the Makalu Flash™ expedition is subject to a personal consultation.

Preparation:

Preparation is key for an expedition to be carried out in such a short timeframe. This starts with an individual consultation, where targets and training schedules are determined. Each team member must have comprehensive high-altitude mountain experience. Intense physical fitness and mental resilience training must be carried out in the months leading up to the expedition.

Furthermore, we emphasize the importance of careful acclimatization. This will take place at your home using hypoxic tents: every climber will receive an individual training schedule and will be acclimatized over a period of 8 weeks up to an altitude of approx. 7,000 meters. This means that most of the on-mountain acclimatization which carries risk and is exhausting can be skipped and the total duration of the expedition can be brought down to 3 weeks.

The following schedule is planned:

The exact itinerary on Makalu is subject to changes in official regulations, weather and snow conditions, as well as the progress of line fixing along the route. The actual itinerary may differ. Schedules of other groups are also taken into account in order to avoid any potential bottlenecks.

In addition to that service which we provide, such as oxygen, Sherpa support, base camp set-up, route selection, high camp set-up etc., a successful ascent also involves a great portion of luck, good weather, and good physical and mental strength on the part of the climbers.

We allow for maximum flexibility so that the expedition can be extended should circumstances require it, as long as members wish to do so and are prepared to bear any additional costs incurred.

Day 1-8: Kathmandu and acclimatization on Mera Peak

Day 1: Arrival and get-together at the hotel in Kathmandu.
Meet and greet the other climbers in the hotel gardens. A great adventure awaits us, and our journey is soon to begin. You can feel the anticipation, excitement and joy.

Day 2: Helicopter flight to Kothe at 3580 m. During the flight we are surrounded by the impressive rocky mountains of the Himalaya.

Day 3-8: Acclimatization at Mera Peak. Trekking to and ascent of Mera Peak.

Day 9-21: Makalu Base Camp and summit attempt

Day 9: Helicopter flight from Kothe to Makalu Base Camp (5,330 m), where we prepare and plan our ascent of Makalu.

Days 10–21: During these days, we will reach the summit of Makalu (8,485 m). The advantage is that, thanks to the hypoxic pre-acclimatization and the acclimatization on Mera Peak, we are already well prepared and therefore do not require any additional acclimatization rotations on Makalu. We wait for the right weather window for our first summit attempt. From Base Camp, we climb to Camp 1 and continue on to Camp 2. From Camp 2 onward, oxygen is available to us. In Camp 3 and Camp 4 we can also sleep using oxygen.

Return journey and flight home

check_circle_outline  Included:

  • IFMGA/AMGA lead guide
  • 3 nights in an upscale hotel in Kathmandu in a single room
  • All transfers including flights from Kathmandu – Kothe – Makalu BC– Kathmandu
  • Permit for six-thousand metre peaks for acclimatisation incl. helicopter shuttle from/to the mountain
  • Full board for the duration of the trip (except in Kathmandu – breakfast and dinner only)
  • All drinks included in Basecamp
  • Single room on the trek
  • Baggage transport to base camp and back (max 40kg baggage per person)
  • 1 two-roomed tent with bed at base camp per person
  • High camp equipment (tents, stove, gas, dishes, food)
  • Use of fixed ropes along the route
  • Waste transport back down from BC
  • 1 climbing sherpa per member
  • * Unlimited oxygen and a 8LPM regulator
  • Replacement oxygen system up to the summit
  • Hypoxic tent and generator for 6-8 weeks prior to expedition
  • Insurance and equipment for Nepalese staff
  • Emergency medical oxygen
  • First aid kit, high altitude emergency medicine, pulsoxymeter
  • Kitchen crew
  • Comfortable, heated group tent, shower tent, etc. at base camp
  • Satellite communication and WIFI for a fee and depending on availability
  • Solar charging
  • Two-way radio for each climber
  • All summit fees & permits
  • Weather updates
  • Safety and liability of an EU based tour operator

*“Unlimited oxygen” has an exception of a practical nature that limits the use of oxygen to an extend that makes sense from a medical and safety perspective. Flash™ clients get our exclusive regulators with a maximum flow of 8lpm. they never have to think about where they are allowed to start using O2, how many cylinders they have already used, or how many they have left for summit day. Or if they have enough for a second attempt, or for waiting time on the summit ridge. But it is for example not possible to start with an 8lpm flow already in C1, because they would not get enough flow for higher up on the mountain. The other limitation is they can basically use as many cylinders as they need, not as many as they like (again, it would not make sense to sleep on a 6lpm flow in C2, even though that would feel good).

highlight_off  Not included:

  • International Flight to/from Kathmandu
  • Excess baggage fees on included flights
  • Personal insurance
  • Visa for Nepal
  • Shipping costs for hypoxic tent and generator outside of the EU and US
  • Personal medications
  • Tips
  • Personal mountain and climbing equipment
  • Fees for satellite phones, Wifi
  • 2 x Summit bonus for personal climbing Sherpas
  • All services not specifically mentioned in “What the price includes”

info  General Infos

Tour operator for this trip: Furtenbach Adventures.

Despite modern equipment and tactics, high-altitude expeditions still present an enormous challenge. Aside from technical and fitness requirements, it is the altitude itself that presents the largest obstacle. For our Everest Flash™ Expedition, we use pre-acclimatization in a hypoxic tent at home. It is essential that Everest Flash™ climbers adhere strictly to the training and acclimatization programme (see our FAQs).
Weather and conditions on the mountain can lead to itinerary and/or route changes. Climbers take part in the expedition at their own risk and individual responsibility. Furtenbach Adventures assumes no liability for accidents, damages or loss of materials.

If you are not sure that taking part in an expedition like this is the right thing for you, feel free to contact us on Tel +43 512 204134 or e-mail [email protected] for a personal consultation.

This package in general is not suitable for persons with reduced mobility.

https  Insurance

We strongly recommend taking out a travel insurance (including trip cancellation, interruption, medical and luggage insurance). For this journey, the Global Rescue Signature Travel Insurance is suitable. The price of the insurance depends on the trip and the personal data of the traveller. We happily make you an offer after booking or upon request.

To cover search and rescue costs in the mountains, we ask our expedition members to take out a “medical only”-membership at Global Rescue. This membership can be concluded here before departure: https://ss.globalrescue.com/partner/furtenbach/. Further information are provided after your booking.

language  Entry Requirements

EU or Swiss citizens:

Nepal:
When entering the country, you need a passport with a validity of at least 6 more months. You can get a visa on arrival directly at the airport or in advance directly at your embassy.
We recommend to get a “multiple entry” visa for 90 days.
Get further information directly on the official website: https://www.immigration.gov.np/page/tourist-visa

Travelers must be able to prove their return or onward ticket when entering the country.

More detailed information regarding entry, visa and health requirements for this travel destination will be provided once you’ve communicated your nationality.

work  Equipment

Unless specified in the detailed trip notes, all high camp equipment is provided by us. You need to bring your own personal equipment such as down clothing, expedition boots, an insulated sleep mat and a sleeping bag with a comfort range of -20 to -25 degrees Celsius for the high camps. Once you have booked we will send you a detailed equipment list. We are happy to advise you on the selection and purchase of any equipment required. With years of expedition experience, we know what works and what does not.

insert_chart_outlined  Difficulty / Technique

The ascent is the individual responsibility of the climber under the guidance of a mountain guide or expedition leader. Climbers must be able to move safely and independently over mixed ground (rock, snow, ice) and – if required – build rope teams independently under the supervision of the mountain guide / expedition leader. Cooperation, camaraderie and support on the mountain increase the chances of success for everyone. The guide is there to provide guidance for the whole group and can only respond to individual needs to a limited extent. It is imperative that climbers adhere to the instructions and decisions made by the mountain guide. Irrespective of this, each member must know his or her own physical limits and, if required, make the decision to turn around in good time.

For expeditions offered by us, unless otherwise specified in the trip details, we require the following from climbers: the ability to clip in and out of fixed ropes independently on rock, snow, ice and corn snow slopes, as well as the ability to use crampons and ice axes to move over mixed ground independently. On climbing sections, and in dangerous or exposed situations, fixed ropes are attached by mountain guides and by the Sherpa team.

perm_identity  Physical Fitness

A key factor to an expedition’s success is good physical fitness. Train hard in the months leading up to the expedition! Several hour climbs with a pack on your back and negotiating 1000 vertical meters of ascent in a day should not pose a problem for you. You have to carry your own personal equipment on the mountain, unless you have booked a personal Sherpa. The porters are there for the whole group, to set up the high camps and secure the route with fixed line. We will gladly provide individually tailored advice on how to best prepare yourself mentally and physically for an expedition.

local_hospital  Health

We recommend that every climber undergoes a medical examination prior to departure. Good health is a prerequisite for any expedition. A visit to the dentist is particularly advisable, because previously undetected dental problems can become acute due to the sudden change in pressure at higher altitudes.

check_box  Experience

We know how alluring and attractive an eight-thousand-meter peak can be. However, we’d like to make sure that you are able to climb the mountain safely, come back down safely and are able to enjoy the expedition while you’re on it and not just afterwards. Therefore, in order to embark on one of our eight-thousand-meter peak expeditions, you must already have some high altitude and mountaineering experience. When booking, please indicate what altitude you have already attained and which high peaks you have climbed. If you are a beginner, we offer a bespoke programme aimed at getting you ready for your chosen objective. For Everest take a look at our “Getting Ready for Everest“-program!

In order to participate in our seven-and six-thousander expeditions, you should have at least some experience on some of the four-thousander peaks of the Alps or other mountain ranges. Our offer for newcomers applies here as well: we can train you to become prudent and safe high-altitude climbers!

We offer a special introductory weekend for all those who want to learn about – or refresh their knowledge of – the skills and techniques required on an expedition. More info here.

payment Payment

Unless otherwise agreed, a deposit of 20% of the tour price is to be paid when receiving your invoice, but earliest eleven months before the end of the tour date. The balance must be paid 20 days prior to departure. Please find more information regarding payments in our GTCs.

directions_run Right of withdrawal

Clients have the right to withdraw from the travel contract at any time, paying any cancellation fees specified in the General Terms of Conditions of Furtenbach Adventures GmbH.

For expeditions to 7000 and 8000-meter peaks, the following fees apply for cancellation on the part of the client prior to travel: up to 3 months prior to departure 50%, within 3 months of departure 100%.

The tour operator will be released from the contract if the specified minimum number of members is not reached and if the customer has been notified about the cancellation in writing within the following periods: up to 20 days prior to departure.

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