| |
| MAKALU BASE CAMP |
|
Trek Grade: Moderate-Challenging
|
|
Duration: 26 days
|
| |
|
|
| Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation
Area features the Arun and the Barun rivers, pleasant valleys, green
fields, Makalu, the fifth highest mountain in the world at 8,463 meters,
deep green forests and lakes, and allows the visitors to interact
with the Kirati people. Considered challenging and remote, this area
sees few visitors and this means undamaged cultures, more wildlife,
and better managed resources. As Makalu straddles the Nepal-Tibet
border and the 2,330 square kilometres that make up the national park
and conservation area borders of Everest National Park and the Quomolongma
National Park of Tibet, the likelihood of wildlife encounters increase. |
|
|
| Our trip to Makalu is especially attractive.
First you land on the Tumlingtar airstrip, about 500 meters above
the sea level and takes you from semi-tropical surroundings and atmosphere
to the high Himalayan environment. People, lifestyles, and the scenery
change dramatically as you head higher. The mighty Arun River rushes
beside you and if you are a fishing enthusiast, have your fishing
gear prepared to catch the mighty mahseer, sucker fish, and the himalayan
snow trout. Besides wonderful mountain views, the great Arun Valley,
deep gorges, and culture that goes back to the late BCs, you will
see farming communities, traders, and, perhaps, scholars from the
West who have come out to study wildlife and nature. |
 |
From the bazaar of Khadbari,
you pass through forest covers, corn and buckwheat fields, steep
terraces and climb down the steep trail from Num and climb up
for several hours to reach Seduwa before getting to Tashi Gaon,
the last human settlement. The next day we climb high and come
down past mani stones, prayer flags, and superb views of Mt.
Chamlang (7290m) and Kanchenjunga. As the trek continues, we
climb three passes, the highest of which is Shipton La at 4,216
meters and reach Makalu Base Camp. From nearby the base camp
you will see stunning views of Makalu's south face, peaks 6
and 7, Baruntse, Everest, and Lhotse. |
|
|