On the remarkable morning of May 5th, 2024, at 9:10 am NPT, Imagine Nepal’s Makalu Expedition team conquered the summit of Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain on Earth, soaring to an elevation of 8485 meters. This remarkable achievement signifies the onset of this season’s conquest of the 8000-meter peaks by Imagine Nepal.
The successful expedition comprised a formidable team of four international climbers and five adept Sherpas who stood on the summit, marking an extraordinary accomplishment in the challenging terrain of Makalu. Nestled in the northeast region of Nepal, in the proximate vicinity of Mount Everest and Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu stands distinguished by its striking pyramid structure adorned with four sharply defined ridges, creating a spectacle of unparalleled magnificence. The profound difficulty of Makalu expeditions arises from its notorious reputation for steep pitches and knife-edged ridges, rendering every step an encounter with nature’s formidable elements. Furthermore, the final ascent to the summit pyramid involves intricate technical rock climbing, adding to the arduousness of the expedition.
The summit of Makalu witnessed the pinnacle of triumph for Mr Sashko Kedev from Macedonia and Ms Naila Kiani from Pakistan, who have now completed an astounding 10 of the 14 highest 8000-meter peaks in the world. The indomitable Sashko Kedev’s illustrious mountaineering resume includes triumphant conquests of Nanga Parbat, Annapurna, Cho Oyu, Broad Peak, K2, Dhaulagiri, Manaslu, Everest, and Lhotse, with the prestigious Makalu now added to this remarkable list. Notably, Mr Kedev was supported by the experienced Kili Pemba Sherpa, renowned as one of the 10 Nepalese climbers who scaled Mount K2 in 2021. Similarly, Naila Kiani, hailed from Pakistan, has ascended the formidable peaks of Manaslu, K2, Nanga Parbat, Broad Peak, Gasherbrum-I, Gasherbrum-II, Everest, Lhotse, and Annapurna, with Mount Makalu as the latest jewel in her illustrious mountaineering odyssey, accompanied by the proficient Phur Galjen Sherpa.
Additionally, Mr. Wang Zhong from China etched his name in the annals of mountaineering history by conquesting Mount Makalu, thus adding to his impressive list of triumphs, which includes Lhotse, Annapurna, K2, and Everest, accomplished in collaboration with Imagine Nepal. His ascent of Makalu was supported by the experienced Tamting Sherpa, who himself has achieved the remarkable feat of conquering 13 of the 14 esteemed 8000-meter peaks.
The Norwegian climber, Mr Hakon Asvang, also scaled the peak, buoyed by the support of Sonam Tashi Sherpa, marking a poignant achievement following his previous successful climb of Dhaulagiri in 2022 under the banner of Imagine Nepal. A notable alteration in the team’s plans occurred due to the cancellation of the Shishapangma expedition by the China Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA), resulting in the group’s resolute spirit being redirected towards the daunting endeavour of conquering Mount Makalu.