Makalu Base Camp trek, passing through the Makalu Barun National Park is another fascinating trek in the Himalaya. According to environmental enthusiasts, this trek is seen as one of the best treks in terms of vegetation diversity that the Himalaya can present to you. Along with the fifth highest mountain in the world, Mt. Makalu (8463 m), you can also see Mt. Everest (8,848m) from a unique angle, which is its eastern Kangshung face. You will also see Mt. Lhotse (8,516m), Mt. Chamlang (7,319m), and Mt. Baruntse (7,129m) in an outstandingly beautiful panorama. Very few trekkers ventures this region, thus giving you a true sense of exploration.
Eric Shipton was the first traveler to trek this astonishing region and one of the high passes was named after him (Shipton La).
With altitude variation from 350m to over 5000m, Makalu Barun region is famous for its immense diversity of flora and fauna. With deep river gorges, sheer cliffs, spectacular waterfalls, high-altitude lakes and terrains, snow-clad landscapes and snow-capped mountains, this trek is extremely picturesque.
Overview
Makalu Barun National Park is the eighth largest in Nepal covering 2,330 sq. km of the area. The national park consists of over 3000 species of flora. This area is also rich in wildlife with 88 different species of mammals which includes Common leopard, Clouded leopard, Jungle Cat, Leopard Cat, Golden Jackal, Himalayan Wolf, Flying Squirrels, Otters, Spotted Lingsang, Weasel and Marmot. Several rare species of birds such as Rose-ringed Parakeet, Blyth’s Kingfisher, Pale blue Flycatcher, Sultan Tit, Silver eared Mesia and White-naped Vuhina are found here.
You will trek through picturesque villages and experience the fascinating cultures of different ethnic tribes including Rai, Limbu, Sherpa and Lhomi people who resides there.
What makes this trek special
- Discover the rich biologically diverse region with its flora and fauna ranging from 400m to 5,500m
- Views of the west face of Makalu - one of the biggest faces on any mountain in the world
- View of Mt. Makalu 8485m (5th highest), Mt. Kanchenjunga 8586m (3rd highest), Mt. Lhotse 8510m (4th highest)
- View of Mt. Everest from a unique angle, it’s eastern Kangshung face
- Few tourists- quiet trails
- Vibrant terraced farms, rhododendron forests, waterfalls, glaciers
- Beautiful villages of the Rai and Sherpa people, their rich and unique culture
