Makalu Barun Section

  Overview

The Makalu section of GHT encompasses one of the most beautiful, relatively less visited and biodiversity-rich hot-spots, spanning from the Kanchenjunga section in the east to the Everest and Rolwaling section of GHT to the west. Home to the world's fifth tallest mountain, Mt. Makalu (8,463m), this remote and untouched wilderness area is renowned for its breathtaking landscapes, including towering peaks, deep valleys, and pristine forests. Trekkers in this region are treated to stunning views of the mountain peaks as well as diverse flora and fauna, including rare species such as the red panda and snow leopard.

The culturally rich area also consists many sacred areas revered by the Buddhists, Hindus and Kiratis. The region is predominantly dominated by the ethnic people such as the Sherpas, Singsawa Bhote, Karbhote, Limbu, Rai, Gurung, and Magars. For the followers of the Ningma school of Himalayan Buddhism, the area is widely famous as Beyul Khempalung where the sacred treasures are believed to have been concealed by the Padmasambhava.

The government manages the majority of the area as Makalu Barun National Park and Buffer Zone. The Park was established in 1992 as an eastern extension of Sagarmatha National Park. Covering an area of 1,500 km2 (580 sq mi) in the Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha districts, it stands as the world's only protected area with an elevation gain of over 8,000 meters (26,000 feet), encompassing both tropical jungle and snow-capped peaks. The park is bordered to the south and southeast by an 830 km2 (320 sq mi) buffer zone.

Makalu Barun National Park boasts a wide range of forest types typical of the Eastern Himalayas, ranging from near-tropical at 400 meters to subalpine conifer at 4,000 meters. The park supports a tremendous diversity of flora and fauna, including 25 species of rhododendron, 47 types of orchids, and iconic wildlife such as the Snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, and wild boar. Among the bird species symbolic of the park are the Spiny babbler, Impeyan pheasant, and Rufous-throated wren babbler.

Its breathtaking landscape offers a panorama of rugged Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Makalu (8,463m), Mt. Chamlang (7,319 m), Mt. Baruntse (7,129 m), and the summit of Mera Peak (6,654m). Mt. Makalu stands as the park’s major landmark, while the Makalu base camp and Mera Peak are popular trekking routes. Makalu Base Camp trek is the most stunning and challenging of the commercial trekking areas as the trail consists of the arduous trek over the Khongma Danda to the incomparable Barun Khola valley. The trail offers a challenging yet rewarding trekking experience, with opportunities to explore remote villages, high-altitude lakes, and rugged mountain passes. The Makalu Barun section provides adventurers with a chance to immerse themselves in the unspoiled beauty of the Himalayas and discover the true essence of wilderness trekking.

 

  Highlights

• Mt. Makalu (8,485 m): The fifth-highest mountain in the world.

• Makalu Barun National Park: Pristine wilderness, rich biodiversity and unique flora and fauna.

• Outstanding Landscape: Mountain peaks, glaciers, high-altitude lakes, pastures, forests and rivers.

• Remote Wilderness: Remote and untouched trekking experience,

• Challenging Terrain: Steep ascents, rugged trails, and high mountain passes.

• High-altitude Lakes: High-altitude lakes nestled amidst the mountains, including Barun Pokhara, Khongma Big Lake and Small Lake.

• Beautiful valleys: Arun Valley, Barun Valley, Sabhakhola Valley, Sisuwakhola Valley.

• Flora: 3073 species of flora. A rich variety of flora, including rhododendrons, magnolias, orchids, and alpine meadows adorned with colorful wildflowers.

• Fauna: Diverse wildlife species. Rare and endangered wildlife species, including the elusive snow leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, and musk deer. This region records an astonishing 88 species of mammals, 421 species of birds, 315 species of butterflies, 59 species of reptiles/amphibians, and 13 species of fishes.

• Cultural Encounters: Diverse ethnic communities, including Sherpas, Rais, Lhomi, Singsawa Bhote, Karbhote, Limbus, Brahmin, Chhetri etc. Trekkers have the chance to interact with local villagers, learn about their traditional way of life, and experience genuine hospitality.

• Activities: Trekking, Mountaineering, Wildlife Watching, Birdwatching, Cultural Immersion, Pilgrimage/spirituality, Photography, Botanical Exploration.

◇ Trekking: Rugged terrain and diverse ecosystems with a variety of trekking routes.

◇ Mountaineering: Mt. Makalu, the world's fifth highest mountain, and other lesser-known peaks.

◇ Birdwatching: Haven for birdwatchers, with over 421 species of birds including Himalayan monals, pheasants, and eagles.

◇ Cultural Immersion: Traditional villages inhabited by ethnic communities like the Sherpas, Rais, and Limbus.

◇ Photography: From majestic mountains to rare wildlife encounters, the park offers endless opportunities for breathtaking photography.

◇ Botanical Exploration: A diverse array of plant life, featuring numerous endemic and rare species.

◇ 6 High passes: The first three passes include Khongma La (3603m), Ke ke La (4127m) and Shipton La (4256m) and the second three passes in the Everest region include the Sherpani Col (6193m), West Col (6131m), and Amphu Labtsa (5845m).

1.1.             Required Permits & Fees

★          Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit.

★          Restricted Area Trekking Permit.

○       Bhotkhola Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 1 to 5).

○       Makalu Rural Municipality (All areas of ward no. 4)

★          Trekkers Information Management System (TIMS) Card.

 

1.2.             Contacts for Information and Safety

            i.         Makalu Barun National Park Office

★   Address  : Seduwa, Sankhuwasabha

★   Email      :

★ Telephone : 977-29-560136

              ★  Website   :   

Route Map

Photos & Vidos

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