The view from the top of Makalu is of unparalleled beauty. Some of the prominent peaks seen include Everest (8848m), Lhotse ( 8516m), Cho Oyu (8201 ), Chamalang (7,319 m), Baruntse (7,129 m) and Mera (6,654 m) peaks.
Makalu Mountain is the fifth highest peak in the world, rising to 8,463 meters (27,765 feet) above sea level. It is located in the Mahalangur Himalayas, 19 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Mount Everest, on the border of Nepal and China. It is part of the Annapurna massif, which consists of several other high peaks such as Annapurna I, Annapurna II, Annapurna III, Annapurna IV, Gangapurna, and Annapurna South.
Makalu Mountain is an isolated peak that has a perfect pyramid shape with four sharp ridges. It has two notable subsidiary peaks: Kangchungtse (7,678 meters) and Chomo Lonzo (7,804 meters). The north face of Makalu is very steep and glaciated, while the south face is more gentle and rocky. The mountain is surrounded by deep valleys and glaciers, such as the Barun Glacier and the Makalu Glacier.
Makalu Mountain was first observed by climbers of Mount Everest in the early 20th century, but attempts to climb it did not begin until 1954. The first ascent was made by a French expedition led by Jean Franco in 1955. They climbed the north face and northeast ridge via the saddle between Makalu and Kangchungtse (the Makalu-La), establishing the standard route. Since then, several other routes have been climbed on different faces and ridges of Makalu, such as the west face, the west pillar, the south face, and the southeast ridge.
Makalu Mountain is one of the most difficult and dangerous peaks to climb in the world. It requires a high level of technical skill, physical strength, mental endurance, and acclimatization. It also poses many risks such as avalanches, rockfalls, crevasses, icefalls, storms, and altitude sickness. Only a few hundred climbers have reached the summit of Makalu so far, and many have died or been injured in the attempt.
