Adventure of breaking the isolation
With the fifth highest mountain in the world, Mount Makalu (8485 meters), this region is the part of the Mahalangur Himalayas which is in the north eastern part of Nepal and very near on the southeast of Mount Everest. Bordering Nepal and Tibet, Makalu is a four sided pyramid shaped mountain and stands together with other two prominent peaks Kangchungtse (also called Makalu II – 7678 meters) and Chomo Lonzo (7804 meters).
Mount Makalu region is an isolated, yet a very wonderful trekking destination protected by Makalu Barun National Park. This national park is well known for about 3000 flower species, 440 birds’ species and 75 mammals including Snow Leopard, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Wild Boar, Wild Yak and Himalayan Thar. Especially popular for an adventurous ecological trekking, Makalu trekking trail extends from about the elevation of 850 meters to 5000 meters. This variation in altitude and climate is reflected on a large variety of valleys, dense forests, deep gorges, very high waterfalls, plants, yak grazing grasslands, glaciers, wild lives and local people’s cultures. During Makalu base camp trekking, while the base camp is itself an amazing hub of natural beauty, trekkers can view Mount Everest (8,848 meters), Mount Kanchenjunga (8586 meters), Mount Lhotse (8,516 meters), Mount Makalu (8,463 meters), Chamlang (7,319 meters) and Baruntse (7,220m), to name a few.
As an isolated trekking area, also known for its virgin wilderness, Makalu region extends from Sagarmatha National Park to Tibet and Arun River valley and the trekking trail follows Arun, Koshi and Barun valley. Moreover, there are also three high mountain passes - Sherpani Col (6135m), West Col (6143m) and Amphu Laptsa (5850m) for those who are more experienced adventure trekkers and like to face some challenges in their adventure.
Spending some time with the local Buddhist people and visiting the monasteries is worth remembering cultural activities. Because of the isolation of this region from mass tourism, there are very few teahouses, and therefore, the trekking adopts both tea house and camping modes.
The Makalu Base Camp Trekking is a very exciting but less-traveled trekking trip along the eastern Himalayas of Nepal. Leading to the base camp of mount Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain (8,485 m), this adventure trekking is perfect for those who are looking for peace of mind, adventure and unspoiled nature that is away from the busy and commercialized trails of like Everest or Annapurna. Along the way, you’ll witness spectacular views of the massive peaks like Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang, and you will get opportunity to walk through a variety of landscapes that ranges from green forests and open meadows to rocky, alpine terrain. The route also leads you through remote villages where traditional ways of life are still preserved. The adventure trip to Makalu Base Camp starts with a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, a small town in Sankhuwasabha, a northeastern district of Nepal. Climbing gradually through terraced fields, subtropical forests, and small settlements, the trail gives you a glimpse into the culture of local communities, including the Rai and Sherpa people. As you climb higher and higher, the scenery becomes more dramatic, with deep valleys, glacial rivers, and steeper paths. The trek reaches its highest point at Makalu Base Camp, around 5,000 meters, where you're rewarded with stunning views of the Makalu range and nearby mountains. This trek is challenging and requires good physical fitness, especially because of the altitude and the remote, rugged conditions. Proper acclimatization at certain points is very important for your health and smooth progress in climbing higher altitudes. In this trekking, trekkers also cross high mountain passes like the Makalu La, which adds a true sense of adventure. Though it demands more effort and determination, the Makalu Base Camp Trek is deeply rewarding, offering breathtaking scenery, a strong sense of achievement, and a genuine connection to the wild, untouched beauty unspoiled Himalayan region of eastern Nepal.
