Kullu Makalu

This itinerary is a representative framework, based on the route details and schedule of the 2023 Indian ascent.

• Day 1: Arrival in Manali: Arrive in Manali and meet the expedition leader for a briefing and gear check. Overnight stay in a hotel.

• Day 2: Manali to Barshaini (Roadhead): Drive for approx. 6-7 hours to the roadhead at Barshaini, the last village in the Parvati Valley.

• Day 3: Barshaini to Rudra Nag: Trek for about 5-6 hours to Rudra Nag campsite, following the path along the gushing Parvati River through dense forests.

• Day 4: Rudra Nag to Tunda Bhuj: A steady climb of 5-6 hours takes you through beautiful meadows and alpine forests to the Tunda Bhuj campsite.

• Day 5: Tunda Bhuj to Dibibokri Base Camp (4,020 m): Trek 4-5 hours further into the valley to establish the Base Camp at the snout of the Dibi Nala.

• Day 6: Advance Base Camp (ABC) - 4,506 m: A shorter, steep trek moves you to the Advance Base Camp (ABC), now at the foot of the West Dibibokri glacier. Here, you'll divide loads and prepare for the technical climb.

• Day 7: Acclimatization Day: Rest and acclimatization at ABC. Spent training and practicing essential climbing maneuvers (fixing ropes, using ascenders, etc.).

• Day 8: ABC to Camp 1 (Approx. 5,000-5,200 m): A challenging day of technical climbing begins. You will ascend steep moraines and the lower icefall of the glacier to establish Camp 1.

• Day 9: Camp 1 to Camp 2 (Approx. 5,400 m): Continue your ascent, crossing a more complex glacial section, to set up Camp 2 at the foot of Kullu Makalu's massive south face.

• Day 10: Rest and Acclimatization: A well-deserved rest day at Camp 2 before the crux of the climb. Final gear preparation occurs here.

• Day 11: Camp 2 to Camp 3 (The Headwall): Begin the ascent from Camp 2 up the lower section of the south face to an interim high camp around 5,750 meters, the starting point for the summit push.

• Day 12: Summit Day (6,349 m): The Big Day. Start at 4 AM. Ascend the huge rock wall tackling its steep, technical climbing. The key challenge is negotiating the final giant overhang. After summiting, begin the long descent back to Camp 3.

• Day 13: Weather Buffer Day: A reserve day to be used in case of bad weather or to make a second summit attempt.

• Day 14: Descent to ABC: After breaking down the high camps, you will descend all the way back to the Advance Base Camp (ABC). On the way, you can attempt the non-technical summit of Rubal Kang (6150 m) for an extra achievement.

• Day 15: ABC to Barshaini: Descend from the ABC back through the forests and meadows of the Parvati Valley to Barshaini.

• Day 16: Barshaini to Manali: Drive back to Manali. The expedition concludes upon arrival in the evening; you can stay overnight (at own expense) or continue your journey.