based on 1 reviewEstablished in 1992, Makalu Barun is one of Nepal’s newest national parks. The park represents the world’s only protected area with an elevation gain of more than 8000 meters, with Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest peak, at its core. It encloses a diverse assortment of flora and fauna that ranges from tropical forests in the south to the soaring snow-capped backdrop of the Himalayas in the north.
The Makalu Base Camp Trek is a less frequented route due to its relative isolation and remote setting, offering an ideal opportunity for hardier or more experienced trekkers to explore a pristine region of wide-ranging natural beauty and glorious scenery, including Everest, all while in the quiet comfort and solitude that comes from being well away from the madding crowds.
The trek begins with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar, from where we’ll head out toward the village of Num (1560 m) the following day. Along the way, we’ll encounter a ridgeline with a steeply undulating trail snaking along its length that affords some of the finest panoramic views you’re ever likely to come across in the Himalayas. From there, we’ll make our way to Seduwa (1500 m), where we’ll call in at the local outpost of the national park to register and obtain the necessary permits before moving on again towards Tashi Gaun (2100 m), the last permanent settlement in the valley.
The trail continues onward and upward to the next goal, the high pass of Shipton La, named after famed British alpinist Eric Shipton, who used the route with Edmund Hillary in 1952 to make a reconnaissance of Everest for the following year’s successful expedition to the mountain. Finally comes the trek’s ultimate goal, Makalu Base Camp itself, from where you’ll be presented with spectacular views of the southern face of the mountain, as well as a glorious panorama of Everest and Lhotse reaching toward the heavens. After spending an appropriate amount of time breathing in and memorizing every last indelible aspect of the view, it will be time to reluctantly head back to Tumlingtar, with fresh aspects and experiences along the way to bring new perspectives to the journey.
