Mount Makalu

Current Context:The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has successfully scaled Mount Makalu,the fifth highest peak in the world, marking a historic achievement for India’s Central Armed Police Force (CAPF).

About:

• Height: 8,485 meters (27,838 feet) above sea level.
• Location: Situated in the Mahalangur range of the Nepal Himalayas, straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet (China).
• Proximity to Everest: 23 km southeast of Mount Everest.
• Distinctive Features:
  • Known for its perfect pyramid shape with four sharp ridges.
  • Makalu I and Makalu II are the notable subsidiary peaks located 3 km north-northwest of the main summit.
  • The mountain lies within Makalu Barun National Park, home to the Barun Valley.
• Climbing Difficulty: Considered one of the most challenging eight-thousanders due to steep pitches, knife-edged ridges, and technical rock climbing.
• First Ascent: Achieved on May 15, 1955, by a French team led by Jean Franco.

ITBP Achievement: The ITBP team scaled the peak in April 2025, marking a milestone for CAPF.