What is Makalu's global ranking in terms of height among mountains?

Makalu is the fifth-highest mountain on Earth. This means there are only four mountains taller than it in the world.

What is the summit elevation of Makalu?

The summit of Makalu reaches an elevation of 8,485 meters (27,838 feet) above sea level. This significant height places it among the highest peaks on the planet.

Where is Makalu geographically situated?

Makalu is located in the Mahalangur Himal section of the Himalayas. It straddles the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

How far is Makalu from Mount Everest?

Makalu is situated approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Mount Everest, another famous peak in the same mountain range.

What is the characteristic shape of Makalu?

Makalu is known for its distinctive shape, resembling a four-sided pyramid. This sharp, isolated form makes it a visually striking mountain.

What are the names and locations of Makalu's two main subsidiary peaks?

Makalu has two notable subsidiary peaks: Kangchungtse, also known as Makalu II, located about three kilometers (two miles) north-northwest of the main summit, and Chomo Lonzo, situated approximately five kilometers (three miles) north-northeast across a plateau.

What are the elevations of Makalu's subsidiary peaks, Kangchungtse and Chomo Lonzo?

Kangchungtse (Makalu II) has an elevation of 7,678 meters (25,190 feet), while Chomo Lonzo reaches 7,804 meters (25,604 feet).

What is the significance of the saddle connecting Makalu to Kangchungtse?

The saddle connecting Makalu to Kangchungtse is a narrow ridge at an elevation of 7,200 meters (23,600 feet). It serves as a geographical link between these two prominent peaks.

When was the first attempt made to climb Makalu, and by whom?

The first attempt on Makalu was made in the spring of 1954 by an American team led by Riley Keegan, which included members of the Sierra Club.

What route did the 1954 American expedition attempt, and what prevented them from reaching the summit?

The American expedition attempted the southeast ridge but was forced to turn back at an altitude of 7,100 meters (23,300 feet) due to continuous storms.

Besides the American expedition, which other national team was active on Makalu in the spring of 1954?

A New Zealand team, which included Sir Edmund Hillary, was also active on Makalu during the spring of 1954, though they did not achieve significant altitude due to injury and illness.

When and by whom were the subsidiary peaks Kangchungtse and Chomo Lonzo first ascended?

A French reconnaissance expedition made the first ascents of Kangchungtse on October 22, 1954, by Jean Franco, Lionel Terray, Gyalzen Norbu Sherpa, and Pa Norbu. Chomo Lonzo was likely first ascended around October 30, 1954, by Jean Couzy and Lionel Terray.

On what date was Makalu first successfully summited?

Makalu was first summited on May 15, 1955.

Which climbers achieved the first ascent of Makalu?

The first ascent of Makalu was achieved by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy, members of a French expedition.

Who led the 1955 French expedition that first summited Makalu?

The 1955 French expedition that successfully summited Makalu was led by Jean Franco.

What was remarkable about the success rate of the 1955 French expedition on Makalu?

The 1955 French expedition was remarkable because the vast majority of its members reached the summit, which was unusual for such a difficult peak where typically only one or two members achieved the summit.

What route did the French team use for the first ascent of Makalu?

The French team established the standard route by climbing Makalu via the north face and northeast ridge, approaching through the saddle between Makalu and Kangchungtse (the Makalu-La).

What was the outcome of the 1960-61 Silver Hut expedition concerning ascents without oxygen?

The 1960-61 Silver Hut expedition attempted ascents of Makalu without oxygen, but neither of their two attempts was successful.

When was the Southeast Ridge of Makalu first ascended, and by whom?

The Southeast Ridge of Makalu, which had been attempted by Americans in 1954, was first ascended on May 23, 1970, by Japan's Y. Ozaki and A. Tanaka.

Who made the first ascent of Makalu's technically challenging West Pillar?

The technically challenging West Pillar route on Makalu was first climbed in May 1971 by French climbers B. Mellet and Y. Seigneur.

What was significant about the Slovenian expedition's 1975 ascent of Makalu's South Face?

The 1975 Slovenian expedition's ascent of Makalu's South Face was significant as it was the third ascent of an eight-thousander via a major mountain face and marked the highest peak successfully summited without supplementary oxygen, achieved by Marjan Manfreda. Stane Belak was the first Slovenian to summit an eight-thousander during this expedition.

What route did the Czechoslovak expedition complete in 1976, and what tragedy occurred?

In 1976, a Czechoslovak expedition completed the south pillar route, which went via the south buttress to Makalu South and then the southeast ridge. Tragically, Jan Kounický died during a previous attempt in 1973 on this route. Karel Schubert, who summited the main peak in 1976, died after bivouacking near the summit.

Who made the second ascent of the West Pillar in 1980, and what conditions did they climb under?

The second ascent of the West Pillar was completed in May 1980 by John Roskelley, Chris Kopczynski, James States, and Kim Momb. They achieved this without Sherpa support and without bottled oxygen.

In what style and under what conditions did Jerzy Kukuczka ascend Makalu in 1981?

In 1981, Jerzy Kukuczka ascended Makalu via a new route up the northwestern side and north crest. He climbed solo in Alpine style, without supplemental oxygen.

What was Andrzej Czok's route on Makalu in 1982, and what challenges did he face?

In 1982, Andrzej Czok ascended Makalu via the West face up to 8,000 meters and then the northwestern ridge. He faced challenges, including a failed summit attempt and the need to try again solo after his initial attempt.

When did Marc Batard achieve a one-day ascent of Makalu, and via which route?

Frenchman Marc Batard achieved a one-day ascent of Makalu via the West Buttress on April 27, 1988, after pre-established camps were in place.

Who made the first female ascent of Makalu, and by which route?

Kitty Calhoun made the first female ascent of Makalu in 1990, utilizing the West Pillar route.

What notable achievements did Anatoli Boukreev and Neal Beidleman accomplish on Makalu in 1994?

On May 15, 1994, Anatoli Boukreev and Neal Beidleman reached the summit of Makalu. Boukreev had planned a record speed ascent but abandoned the idea due to tent damage, completing his climb in 46 hours.

What was significant about the 1997 Russian expedition's ascent of Makalu's West Face?

The 1997 Russian expedition, led by Sergey Efimov, successfully ascended Makalu's West Face after seven previous failed attempts. This ascent earned the 1998 Piolet d'Or, recognizing it as a significant mountaineering achievement.

When did Jean-Christophe Lafaille disappear on Makalu, and what was he attempting?

Jean-Christophe Lafaille disappeared on Makalu around January 27, 2006, while attempting to make the first winter ascent of the mountain.

Who achieved the first winter ascent of Makalu, and in what year?

The first winter ascent of Makalu was achieved on February 9, 2009, by Italian climber Simone Moro and Kazakh climber Denis Urubko.

What is the significance of Makalu being the final Nepali eight-thousander to be climbed in winter?

Makalu's first winter ascent in 2009 marked the completion of winter ascents for all of Nepal's eight-thousander mountains, a significant milestone in mountaineering history.

What speed record did Karl Egloff set on Makalu in 2022?

In 2022, Karl Egloff set a new speed record for ascending Makalu, reaching the summit in 17 hours and 18 minutes on May 8, without Sherpa support or bottled oxygen.

Who performed the first ski descent of Makalu, and from where?

Adrian Ballinger performed the first ski descent of Makalu in 2022, skiing from just below the summit down to the glacier's foot.

What does the image from the International Space Station depict regarding Makalu?

The image from the International Space Station is a 2004 photo mosaic of the Himalayas, clearly showing Makalu alongside Mount Everest, illustrating their relative positions within the mountain range.

Where is the Makalu-Barun Valley located?

The Makalu-Barun Valley is located in the Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal, situated at the base of Makalu.

What is the Makalu-Barun Valley a part of?

The Makalu-Barun Valley lies entirely within the Makalu Barun National Park.

What subject has the Makalu area been a focus for in terms of expeditions, besides climbing?

The Makalu area has been a focus for expeditions related to the Yeti, a mythical creature.

What specific list related to Makalu is mentioned in the "See also" section?

The "See also" section mentions a "List of deaths on Makalu," which details fatalities that have occurred on the mountain.

What does the note regarding Makalu's elevation indicate?

The note indicates that the elevation of Makalu has varied depending on the source and measurement time, and the current sources used are recent and generally accepted.

What is the primary source cited for Makalu's elevation and ranking?

The primary source cited for Makalu's elevation and its ranking as the fifth-highest mountain is "Mountaineering in Nepal Facts and Figures 2018" from Nepal in Data.

What is the source for the first ascent details of Makalu?

The first ascent details of Makalu are primarily sourced from the "Alpine Journal" article by Jean Franco in 1956 and other expedition reports.

What is the significance of the "Makalu" entry in the "Further reading" section by Lionel Terray?

The book "Makalu: 8470 metres (27,790 feet): the highest peak yet conquered by an entire team" by Jean Cape (likely referring to Jean Franco's expedition) highlights the expedition's success in having most members reach the summit.

What is the significance of Lionel Terray's book "Conquistadors of the Useless" in relation to Makalu?

Lionel Terray's book "Conquistadors of the Useless" includes pages (323-335) that likely detail his experiences and the 1955 French expedition's ascent of Makalu.

What external resources are recommended for further information on Makalu?

Recommended external resources include Makalu on SummitPost, Peakware.com, Himalaya-Info.org, and information on ascents and fatalities statistics, as well as media related to Makalu on Wikimedia Commons.

What does the map from the International Space Station illustrate about the Makalu region?

The annotated map from the International Space Station illustrates the Makalu region, including the southern and northern climbing routes of Mount Everest, providing a geographical context of these major Himalayan peaks.

What is the meaning of the Nepali name for Makalu?

The provided text gives the Nepali name as "Makalu himal" but does not explicitly state its meaning.

What is the meaning of the Chinese name for Makalu?

The provided text gives the Chinese name as "Mǎkǎlǔ Fēng" but does not explicitly state its meaning.

What was the primary route used for the first ascent of Makalu?

The primary route used for the first ascent of Makalu was the north face and northeast ridge, accessed via the saddle between Makalu and Kangchungtse.

What is the significance of the Piolet d'Or award mentioned in relation to Makalu's West Face ascent?

The 1997 ascent of Makalu's West Face by a Russian expedition won the 1998 Piolet d'Or, recognizing it as a significant mountaineering achievement.

What does the term "Eight-thousander" refer to in the context of Makalu?

The term "Eight-thousander" refers to mountains that exceed 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) in elevation. Makalu is classified as one of these extremely high peaks.

Makalu Wiki: Makalu: The Majestic Pyramid of the Himalayas

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Makalu: An Overview

Summit Profile

Makalu stands as the fifth-highest mountain on Earth, with its summit reaching an impressive elevation of 8,485 meters (27,838 feet) above sea level. Its distinctive shape is that of an isolated, four-sided pyramid, presenting a formidable challenge to mountaineers.

Geographical Placement

Located within the Mahalangur Himalayas, Makalu straddles the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is situated approximately 19 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of Mount Everest, positioning it centrally within one of the world's most challenging and revered mountain ranges.

Classification

As one of the fourteen mountains exceeding 8,000 meters (the "eight-thousanders"), Makalu is recognized for its extreme altitude and technical difficulty. Its classification as an "Ultra-prominent peak" further underscores its significant topographic prominence.

Geographical Context

Himalayan Context

Makalu is part of the Mahalangur Himal section of the Himalayas. This range is renowned for hosting the planet's highest peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Kangchenjunga, creating a dramatic and awe-inspiring landscape.

Subsidiary Peaks

Makalu is distinguished by two significant subsidiary peaks that lie in its vicinity:

Kangchungtse (Makalu II): Located approximately three kilometers to the north-northwest, this peak reaches an elevation of 7,678 meters (25,190 feet).
Chomo Lonzo: Situated about five kilometers north-northeast across a broad plateau, Chomo Lonzo stands at 7,804 meters (25,604 feet). It is connected to Kangchungtse by a narrow saddle at 7,200 meters (23,600 feet).

Location Details

The mountain lies within Nepal's Koshi Province (Khumbu region) and China's Tibet Autonomous Region. Its precise coordinates are approximately 27°53′23″N 87°05′20″E.

Climbing History

Early Attempts and First Ascent

The initial attempts on Makalu were made in 1954 by American and New Zealand expeditions, facing severe weather and logistical challenges. A French reconnaissance expedition in the fall of 1954 successfully summited the subsidiary peaks, Kangchungtse and Chomo Lonzo. Makalu itself was first conquered on May 15, 1955, by French climbers Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy, via the north face and northeast ridge, establishing the standard route.

Notable Ascents

Makalu has witnessed numerous significant ascents, pushing the boundaries of mountaineering:

1970: First ascent of the Southeast Ridge by a Japanese team.
1971: The technically demanding West Pillar was first climbed by French mountaineers.
1975: The formidable South Face was ascended by a Slovenian expedition, marking a high-altitude face ascent without supplementary oxygen.
1981: Jerzy Kukuczka achieved a solo Alpine-style ascent via a new route on the northwest side, without oxygen.
1997: The challenging West Face was successfully climbed by a Russian expedition, earning a Piolet d'Or award.
2009: The first winter ascent was completed by Simone Moro (Italy) and Denis Urubko (Kazakhstan).
2022: Karl Egloff set a speed record, ascending in 17 hours and 18 minutes without support or oxygen.
2022: Adrian Ballinger achieved the first ski descent from near the summit.

Hazards and Challenges

Makalu is renowned for its steep pitches and exposed ridges, often subject to severe weather conditions. Its pyramid shape contributes to objective hazards like avalanches and rockfall, making it one of the more technically demanding eight-thousanders.

The Makalu-Barun Valley

Ecosystem and Location

The Makalu-Barun Valley is a significant glacial valley situated at the base of Makalu. This pristine region lies entirely within the Makalu Barun National Park in Nepal, serving as a gateway to the mountain's imposing massif.

Geological Significance

The valley showcases unique geological formations and diverse flora and fauna, characteristic of the high Himalayas. Its glacial origins have sculpted a landscape of dramatic cliffs, alpine meadows, and pristine rivers.

Perspectives from Above

Orbital Views

Makalu and its surrounding peaks, including Mount Everest, have been captured in stunning detail from the International Space Station. These orbital perspectives offer a unique vantage point, highlighting the vastness and interconnectedness of the Himalayan range.

A 2004 photo mosaic taken from the ISS provides an annotated view of the Himalayas, clearly showing Makalu and Everest. The image details various climbing routes and surrounding geographical features, offering a comprehensive visual context.

ISS photo mosaic of Himalayas including Makalu and Everest

2004 photo mosaic: the Himalayas with Makalu and Mount Everest from the International Space Station, Expedition 8.

Ground-Level Perspectives

From base camps and surrounding viewpoints, Makalu presents itself as a striking pyramid. Images capture its steep faces, the glaciers that flow from its slopes, and its imposing presence against the vast Himalayan backdrop.

Visuals from the ground often depict Makalu's glaciers and its iconic pyramidal shape. These images emphasize the scale and isolation of the mountain, offering a climber's perspective of its challenging terrain.

Makalu from the southwest.

Glacier on Makalu.

Makalu's imposing profile.

Related Information

Further Exploration

For those interested in the specific challenges and risks associated with climbing Makalu, a detailed list of recorded fatalities is available.

List of Makalu Deaths➡️

Regional Context

Understanding Makalu's position within the broader Himalayan context is essential. Its proximity to other major peaks and its location within national parks offer significant geographical and ecological insights.

The Himalayas➡️

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References

The elevation given in this article has depended upon source and when measured. The current sources used are recent and are generally accepted for heights in the area.

A full list of references for this article are available at the Makalu Wikipedia page

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Important Notice

This page was generated by an Artificial Intelligence and is intended for informational and educational purposes only. The content is based on a snapshot of publicly available data from Wikipedia and may not be entirely accurate, complete, or up-to-date.

This is not professional advice. The information provided on this website is not a substitute for professional geographical, geological, or mountaineering consultation. Always refer to official sources and consult with qualified professionals for specific needs related to high-altitude mountaineering or geographical data.

The creators of this page are not responsible for any errors or omissions, or for any actions taken based on the information provided herein.

Makalu: The Majestic Pyramid

💡 Dive in with Flashcard Learning! 💡

Makalu: An Overview ℹ️

🏔️ Summit Profile

📍 Geographical Placement

⭐ Classification

Geographical Context 🌍

🔗 Himalayan Context

🗼 Subsidiary Peaks

🗺️ Location Details

Climbing History 🧗

📜 Early Attempts and First Ascent

🏆 Notable Ascents

⚠️ Hazards and Challenges

The Makalu-Barun Valley 🏞️

🌿 Ecosystem and Location

🏞️ Geological Significance

Perspectives from Above 🔭

🛰️ Orbital Views

⛰️ Ground-Level Perspectives

Related Information 🔗

📚 Further Exploration

🗺️ Regional Context

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📜 Important Notice

Dive in with Flashcard Learning!

Makalu: An Overview

Summit Profile

Geographical Placement

Classification

Geographical Context

Himalayan Context

Subsidiary Peaks

Location Details

Climbing History

Early Attempts and First Ascent

Notable Ascents

Hazards and Challenges

The Makalu-Barun Valley

Ecosystem and Location

Geological Significance

Perspectives from Above

Orbital Views

Ground-Level Perspectives

Related Information

Further Exploration

Regional Context

Teacher's Corner

True or False?

Test Your Knowledge!

Gamer's Corner

Discover other topics to study!

References

Feedback & Support

Disclaimer

Important Notice