Nepal is known as the land of mountains. Many mountain climbers and adventurers are just drawn to this fact. Mount Makalu standing at the massive 8,485m, is the fifth-highest mountain in the world. Makalu is situated in the Mahalangur Himalayas, 22km southeast of Mount Everest, at the border between Nepal and Tibet. Makalu is one of those isolated peaks whose shape is a four-sided pyramid.
Trekking to the Makalu region is one of the most exuberant treks for everyone. Situated almost 22km east of Everest at the top of the remote Barun Khola Valley, you must cross high passes before reaching there. Makalu Region Trekking is one of the most amazing treks in the eastern region of Nepal. Makalu region trekking offers a combined trail of rich cultural heritage, unsurpassed beauty and biological diversity. Following the fantastic Arun river valley in the Barun National Park, we cross Shipton pass at 4125m before reaching Makalu Base Camp (5000m). We can witness magnificent views of the south face of Makalu, Everest and Lhotse. We can also get lucky to see rare species of many birds in the Arun Valley region.
In 1992, the Makalu Barun National Park was established, which covers around 2330 sq. km. Located in eastern Nepal, Makalu Barun National park highlights stunning wilderness. You will find 16 other magnificent snowcapped peaks around this national park. It is a restricted area that spans five major ecological zones starting from the lush and sub-tropical Arun Valley; the trail leads us into fir and rhododendron forests and further to the base camp of Makalu. Most of our courses go in the lower altitude area of the Arun Valley. Arun river valley has a subtropical climate.
From here now, your trek will meander through as you slowly start to ascend into Makalu Barun National Park. The national park border has high pastures on the upper slopes of the Arun River valley, and the conservation area has been home to many threatened rare bird species. The approximate elevation profile of the trail begins from around 850 meters to 5000 meters+ above sea level. Any trekker looking for an off-beaten path should experience this trek.
The Makalu region trek is quite a less popular route. It can be the best for trekkers who don’t want to get disturbed by tourist traffic. Makalu region trekking is a complete package for those who want to experience the other side of the eastern region, including many snowcapped peaks and wild lives. This trek has an adventurous trail that gives you more knowledge about the Himalayan routes and demands more energy, stamina and fitness. Sherpa, Rai and Limbu are the indigenous people of this region. There are a few other options for this trek which will take you across the Sherpani Col and West Col into upper Hongu valley.
Even though Makalu is very close to Everest, Makalu is so different in many ways. Around 32,000 people from different ethnic backgrounds live together in this region. This trek can help to explore the other diverse cultures of the Himalayas. Sherpa people, believed to be originated from Tibet, live at a higher altitude and follow ancient Buddhist tradition in this region. In the lower elevation, we can observe a handful of Tamang, Magar, Gurung, Newar, Brahmins and Chhetris. Makalu region is blessed with culture and natural beauty, but it is isolated and economically unestablished. This region's people mainly depend upon forest resources for animals, fodder, food, materials, medicine, etc. One who treks to this region can observe the different lifestyles and ways of living.
Monsoon starts early in June and stays longer till late September. Pre-monsoon rain can be experienced in April and May. Due to its geographically stretched body and altitude, significant temperature variation can be expected. Makalu region has treasured the few remaining pristine forests and alpine meadows of the Makalu Barun National Park.
Vegetation zones start with the tropical Sal and subtropical Schima - Castanopsis forest. Makalu region alone preserves more than 3000 species of flowering plants, 25 of Nepal’s 30 varieties of rhododendrons, 47 different types of orchids, 48 primroses, 19 bamboos, 15 oaks, 86 fodder trees, 67 species of economically valued medicinal and aromatic plant including the wild lives. It has sheltered many endangered animals such as Himalayan Tahr, Langur, Wild boar, Barking deer, Serow and leopard. Park alone provides shelter to more than 400 bird species, including two species of warbler that were never seen before.
It is a magnificent trek in the eastern part of the country. Makalu trek offers a combination of many things, such as rich cultural heritage, less explored biological diversity, landscapes, technical trails, High passes, and unseen pictures of the eastern region. Trekking trails of the Makalu region lead you from steamy lowlands to high passes. Anytime between March to May and September to early December can be the perfect time for this trek.
Makalu Sherpani Col High Pass Trekking is one the most challenging treks in Nepal, which covers the passing of 3 highest passes into the wilderness of the Great Himalayan region. To accomplish this journey, one must have adequate knowledge of basic climbing and rope skills since it goes beyond regular trekking. On this trail, you pass through the glaciers and snowfields of 3 difficult highest passes, all above 6000m.
Sherpani Col Trekking starts from the Arun valley in Eastern Nepal and heads to the Makalu base camp (5000m), continuing higher to Mount Barunche base camp (5380m), East and West Col (6100m+), Amphulapcha pass (5845m), and eventually to arrive in the Mount Everest region. As we go deeper and higher, we will spend the wilderness nights amidst the glaciers in the tented camping since it is entirely the alpine zone. Makalu high passes trek ultimately ends at Lukla, the gateway to Everest.
Makalu Sherpani Col High Pass Trekking provides fantastic views of the mountains like Kanchenjunga, Makalu I, Makalu II, Baruntse, Lhotse, Everest, Ama Dablam, Pumori, Thamserku and more. There is the possibility of minus-degree temperatures most of the time, so it is always advised to be well-equipped and well-prepared for this adventurous journey in the high Himalayan region. To get the most out of life during your holiday season, trek to the Sherpani Col High Passes and feel the wrath of one of the most strenuous adventures in Nepal.
Makalu Sherpani Col High Pass Trekking is the most difficult trekking in Nepal which covers the passing of 3 highest passes into the wilderness of the Great Himalayan Trail region. To accomplish this journey, one should have the adequate knowledge of basic climbing and rope skills
There are numerous reasons why you should consider trekking to the wanderlust and pristine valleys of Eastern Nepal, located within the Makalu Barun National Park. Foremost of all, this trip takes you from the low-altitude hills and terrains to the high-altitude Himalayas and glaciers