Mt. Makalu

Mt. Makalu Latest News

The Indo Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has successfully scaled Mt. Makalu — the world’s fifth highest peak, the China-border guarding force said recently.

About Mt. Makalu

• It is the fifth highest mountain in the world, standing at 8,485 meters (27,838 ft) above sea level.
• It is located in the Mahalangur range of the Nepal Himalayas on the border between Nepal and Tibet.
• It lies 14 miles (23 km) southeast of Mount Everest. 
• The mountain lies in the Makalu Barun National Park and is known for its perfect pyramid shape with four sharp ridges.
• Makalu I and Makalu II are the two notable subsidiary peaks of Makalu lying 3 km north-northwest of the main summit. 
• At the base of Mt. Makalu, there lies a natural wonder: the Barun Valley. 
  • This valley facilitates stunning elevated waterfalls falling inside the deep gorges,diverse species of flora and fauna with rich cultures of ethnic communities like Sherpa and Kirat. 
• Makalu is one of the harder eight-thousanders and is considered one of the most difficult mountains in the world to climb. 
  • Makalu expeditions are difficult because the mountain is notorious for its steep pitches and knife-edged ridges that make the climbing Makalu very open to the elements. 
  • The final ascent of the summit pyramid involves technical rock climbing. 
  • Mt. Makalu was first summited on 15 May 1955 by a French team including Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy, led by Jean Franco, two years after the first ascent of Everest (the highest mountain in the world). 

Mt. Makalu FAQs

Q1. Where is Makalu mountain located?

Ans. It is located in the Mahalangur range of the Nepal Himalayas on the border between Nepal and Tibet.

Q2. What is the rank of Mount Makalu in terms of height among the world’s highest mountains?

Ans. Fifth

Q3. Who were the first climbers to summit Mount Makalu in 1955?

Ans. Makalu was first summited on May 15, 1955, by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French expedition led by Jean Franco.

Source: TH