Makalu Region
Makalu Base Camp Trek
Makalu Region trek lies on the eastern side of Nepal between Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha District in Province No. 1. The region is well-known for nestling Mount Makalu (8485 m/ 27838 ft), the globe’s fifth highest peak, and various exciting trekking routes. In 1992, Makalu Barun National Park was established, covering 2330 sq. km in this region. The protected area expands around 44 km/ 27 mi from north to south and about 66 km/ 41 mi from west to east.
All the dazzling trails pass through this park, so you will be spending some adventurous time here. The path winds through five ecological zones, starting with tropical and subtropical in the Arun Valley. Then spanning its way past Lower and upper temperate, the path leads you to Subalpine and later through Alpine pastures. In the Makalu region, you start below 1000 m altitude and head above 5000 m.
While transitioning through the vegetation, the Makalu region exhibits a high diversity of forests on the trail. However, its aspect changes depending on the temperature, snow, and moisture at different elevations.
Visitors get to see Sal in forests below 3300 ft, similarly Schima and Chinkapin between 3300 to 6600 ft; oak, magnolia, and maple, from 6600 ft to 9800 ft; juniper, birch, and fir from 9800 ft to 13000 ft; rhododendron, wildflowers, and herbs above 13000 ft.
Along with the fifth-highest peak, the Makalu region hosts 16 other mountains, such as Chamalang, Mera, Baruntse, Kang Chun Tse, Kartse, Chagrin, and others. Likewise, from the trails, you also see Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and many more.
Moreover, with magnificent views, the Makalu region is also home to several ethnic groups like Limbu, Newar, Gurung, Tamang, Brahmin, Sherpa, and Chettri. These people follow Tibetan-Buddhist or Hindu religion, so travelers get to explore unique lifestyles, traditions, and customs.
Makalu region habitats are very friendly with welcoming nature, so their hospitality feels warm and cozy. Visitors can enjoy a wide range of diversity, culture, and landscapes during their visits.
If you like to visit Makalu Region, you have several trekking choices, such as Makalu Base Camp Trek, Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek, Mundum Kirat Rai Culture Trek, and many more.
Overall, the Makalu region combines natural beauty, unique diversity, and exotic trails. This region is famous but not as crowded as Everest or Annapurna, so you can explore in peace.
Major Attraction places of Makalu
Barun Valley
Barun Valley is beautiful and lies beneath Mount Makalu in the Himalayan glaciers. The valley entirely resides inside the Makalu Barun National Park and covers about 46 km/29 mi of ground.
This beautiful valley has more moisture than other Himalayan Valleys as it has denser forests with higher rainfall. Situated at the lapse of Makalu, Barun Valley provides stunning views of several mountain ranges.
It also offers excellent disparity, where uneven rocks lie in the backdrop of lush green jungles, colorful wildflowers bloom underneath the snowy peak, and waterfalls drop into the deep gorges.
Barun Valley’s distinctive terrain shelters some of the best pristine mountain ecosystems in the world. Visitors can view the rare species of plants, birds, animals that flourish, and habitats in this climate.
It is a heaven for bird watching, too, as about 433 species of birds reside inside this national park. Another exciting thing about Barun valley is that it was created through the Barun river and becomes a glacier in winter.
Makalu Base Camp
Visiting Makalu Base Camp will forever be the main highlight of the Makalu region. Located at 4900 m/ 16076 ft elevation, it surrounds some of the best views of Everest, Kanchenjunga, and more white peaks.
Makalu is the fifth highest peak, so its base camp has been a major attraction for trekkers. Those looking for adventure in a remote and exotic setting visit the Makalu region.
On your journey to Makalu Base Camp, you pass rich farmlands, quiet trails, rare wildlife, dense forests, and unique cultures. Camping on the base of Mount Makalu gives a distinct sense of achievement to those who couldn’t submit it.
Ripuk
Ripuk is one of the pastures (highland) located inside the Barun Valley, where inhabitants build their short-term seasonal settlements. Centuries before, the Barun river was a glacier flowing from the north, which later composed this beautiful valley of recent days.
You visit Ripuk when trekking around the Makalu region as it lies on the route. During your stay, watch the cascading waterfall flow through the stiff landscape, simultaneously showing eternity and a sense of flow.
Best Time to Explore Makalu Region
Wonder the Best Time to Explore the Makalu region? It is suitable to visit throughout the year. You can go in Spring, Autumn, Winter, and Monsoon according to your preference. However, Spring and Autumn are preferred by many visitors.
Spring begins and ends from March to May. This season offers greenery, a new era of life in the forests, and beautiful sceneries. The sky is clear, and the day is bright. The region is warm, with temperatures ranging from 11 to 18 degrees.
Autumn begins and ends from September to November. This season offers blooming wildflowers, rainwashed views, and perfect weather. The skies are crystal clear with sunny days and temperatures ranging from 24 to 32 degrees.
Winter begins and ends from December to February. This season offers snowy peaks, white forests, and chilly weather. The sky is sparkling, but the temperature is low (drops to negative), making it cold.
Monsoon begins and ends from June to August. This season offers new species of plants and flora. The skies are clouded, and the Makalu region sees more rainfall than others. The trails are slippery, and the temperature is mild (19 to 28 degrees).
Trekking Grade
The Makalu region trekking grades moderate to difficult levels depending on the altitude. Trekkers with previous experience will find the treks easy, but beginners will struggle and find it harsh.
The trails are uneven, ragged, and dusty and go through several zig-zag, steep climbs and drops. So, visitors must have immense stamina to walk several hours each day.
Another thing that makes trekking difficult is altitude because traveling from low elevation to high causes altitude sickness for some. Thus, the only remedy for this is acclimatization.
Acclimatization helps your body adjust to higher elevation and lower the risk of altitude-related sickness.
During acclimatization, you rest in one of the villages for a day or two. But you don’t sleep; instead, you reach higher places during the day and drop to a lower altitude for the night.
