This mountain is an impressive mass of red granite. The Great Black One, so called due to its dark brooding appearance is considered a massif with a "future". Makalu lies in the north east region of Nepal and is a close neighbor to Mt. Everest. Despite being the fifth tallest among the eight thousanders', this mountain is still virtually 'new'. The French team led by Jean Franco were the first to reach the Makalu summit back in 1955, a year after the Americans set off for the first ever attempt on the mountain.

Valuable sighting and photographs of Makalu were taken during the reconnaissance of the eastern approaches to Everest by a British Expedition in 1921. Makalu has five routes and four variations along with other interesting opportunities like the West Face, the Northeast and North Flanks (Tibet). Our trek follows one of the most remote and unfrequented areas of Nepal, starting at Tumlingtar plateau just above the Arun River, through the snow, rain and cloud prone Kauma. Makalu Base Camp is just south of the Barun Glacier at an elevation of 4823m.