Mount Everest is the first to come to one's mind when the idea of the highest mountains is considered. But it stays a bit in the shadow of Mount Makalu that is next to Everest and is the fifth-highest mountain in the world. These two mountains are the tallest ones in Nepal, and both are awesome and dangerous. However, a lot of people wonder "Is Makalu harder than Everest?".

Not only will we discover the two mountains and their difficulties, but also why Makalu is such a hard climb even for the strongest climbers by figuring out this question one step at a time, in very simple and straightforward words, like a story.

Mount Everest Overview

Mount Everest is the highest point on Earth with a height of 8,848 meters above sea level. It is located in the Khumbu region of Nepal, close to the border with Tibet. Being the "top of the world," people from anywhere on the globe dream of scaling Everest.

Most of the way to Everest is from Lukla, where the climbers proceed to the Everest Base Camp that lies at around 5,364 meters. This is the place for the actual climbing. Everest is tall, cold, and windy. The air is extremely thin and breathing becomes very difficult as one goes up.

Still, the hardest one is not the tallest mountain i.e., Mount Everest. The number of people who have managed to reach the summit has been gradually increasing over the years as the route is well-known and climbers can utilize fixed ropes. Also, there are lots of guides, sherpas, and oxygen cylinders to ensure the safety of climbers.

Mount Makalu

Speaking of Mount Makalu, it is the fifth tallest mountain in the world with a height of 8,485 meters. Located near the Everest, in the Mahalangur range of the Himalayas. From a far, one may think that Makalu is just one huge pyramid of ice and rock - pointed, steep, and extremely high.

The way to the top of Makalu is different in several ways as compared to that of Everest. As it is more remote, it implies that there are fewer climbers. There are no large crowds, no luxurious camps, and just a few fixed ropes. The mountain is known for its sharp ridges, terrible weather, and narrow climbing paths.

Hence, Makalu is sometimes referred to as "one of the most difficult 8000-meter mountains".

The Routes and the Challenges

Most climbers on Everest take the route from the south side of Nepal, which is very well-established. Fixed ropes, ladders, and many sherpa guides who help with equipment and oxygen are available. Camps are there for organization, and many climbers can go together in groups.

The situation in Makalu is totally different. The climbing route goes up a very steep side that is covered with rocks and ice. The very last part near the summit is not only narrow but also perilous. The climbers have to be slow and very careful, taking it one step after the other. The wind is strong, and the weather can change very quickly.

There are no ladders and less people to help as compared to the Khumbu Icefall of Everest. So, the climbers on Makalu should be more dependent on their own selves and experience. This is why only very skilled and brave climbers decide to climb Makalu.

Comparing the Difficulty

First of all, let us compare both mountains for the purpose of deciding which one is tougher.

While Makalu is more technically challenging for the climber, Everest first of all is a matter of altitude only. The biggest problem on Everest is the height and lack of oxygen. The biggest difference of Makalu is that the problem is not just the altitude, but also the cold, the steepness, and the need of a technically skilled climber.

The last part of Makalu, that is the summit ridge, is very narrow indeed. Along with ice axes and crampons, one needs to be very careful while moving on sharp ridges. Small mistakes can be very dangerous.

Everest is more crowded, has more routes, and better rescue facilities. Makalu, on the other hand, has very few climbers, thus if something goes wrong, it will be difficult to get help.

In a nutshell, Everest is the highest mountain, whereas Makalu is a harder climb because of its dangerous paths, tricky ice walls, and unpredictable weather.

The Weather Difference

One of the main reasons for which Makalu is more difficult is the weather. As a single-standing mountain, it is the one that gets hit directly by the strong winds. Even during the good seasons, climbers sometimes have to face sudden snowstorms or icy winds that make the climbing very difficult if not impossible.

On Everest, weather reports are more frequent and the teams can plan their climbs accordingly. While on Makalu, the climbers are most of the time not prepared for nature's surprises.

Additionally, the cold is much more severe on Makalu because there are fewer people, camps, and less equipment to heat the place.

Number of Climbers

There are hundreds of climbers who successfully reach the summit of Everest every year. It has become quite popular and there are many commercial expeditions. While Makalu, on the other hand, is only attempted by a handful of people each year.

On the one hand, this makes Makalu very special, and on the other, very challenging. No crowds, no trail traffic, and fewer facilities are some of the things you can expect. Climbers have to carry their own gear and be fully responsible for their climb.

Hence, you are likely to get help and support while climbing Everest, but Makalu needs you to have real mountaineering skills and be brave.

The Base Camp Trek

It is not something that can just be taken for granted to get to Makalu Base Camp. The trek to Makalu Base Camp is considered to be the most difficult treks in Nepal. It takes about 20-22 days and goes through remote valleys, forests, and high-altitude trails.

Along the trekking route, there are very few villages and lodges, so people on the route have to be strong and well-prepared. This is a confirmation of how far the mountain is. There are plenty of tea houses, Wi-Fi, and people to meet in Everest. While in Makalu, there is only peace, silence, and total wilderness.

The trekkers are required to endure a long and tough journey before they can even start their climb at the base camp.

What Climbers Say

The majority of the reached is experienced climbers that ascended Makalu and Everest who claim that the former is definitely more difficult. They describe it as a lonely, steep, and wild mountain. A way can be easily followed in Everest, but in Makalu, you often have to find your own path.

In fact, prominent mountaineers such as Reinhold Messner and Jean-Christophe Lafaille have stated that the shape and routes of Makalu make it one of the most technically challenging 8000-meter climbs in the world.

Even though Everest is a taller one, there are more people who have been able to reach its summit as it provides more support and has easier routes. Whereas, Makalu is still a challenge reserved for the most skilled climbers.

The Risk Factor

The risk of accidents and failures on the highest level is what Makalu is known for. Some climbers, just before the summit, due to bad weather or exhaustion have turned back. The steep final ridge and the icy slopes are only the areas where one has to be completely concentrated and strong.

If you have a problem on Everest, you can get help or join another team. On Makalu, you are mostly on your own. That is why it is said that Makalu does not allow mistakes — every step has to be taken with care and wisdom.

The Reward After Hardship

Granted that Makalu is a tougher climb than Everest, the ones who have done it, say the reward, is worth it. Nothing compares with such a wonderful view from the top - Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse; all shining and visible together. The feeling of calmness and pride is beyond words.

What Makalu does is to give you the feeling of absolute adventure, a journey to the wild core of the Himalayas. Besides the wind, and your heartbeat there is no sound - no crowds, no noise.

For the climbers, conquering the top of Makalu means more than just winning; it is a demonstration of their strength, patience, and love of the mountains.

Conclusion

So, is Makalu more difficult than Everest? In most ways, the answer is yes. Everest is higher, but Makalu is lonelier, steeper, colder, and more technically challenging. More skills, more courage, and more heart are required.

While on the one hand, Everest has become a dream of many, on the other, Makalu is still a real challenge for only the most hardcore mountaineers.

Another way of saying it would be that if Everest is the "highest mountain," then Makalu is the "toughest teacher."

It constantly challenges every step you take, but the reward comes in the form of beauty, silence, and pride that no easy path could ever give.

Finally, the people who get to the top of the mountains realize that the two mountains are great, however, it is Makalu that truly conveys the idea of being physically and spiritually ‌ ‍ ​‍​‌‍​‍‌​‍​‌‍​‍‌strong.