Author: explore_nepal
Makalu Barun National Park
Location
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Province: Koshi Province (formerly Province No. 1)
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Districts: Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu
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Established: 1992
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Area: 1,500 sq. km (approx.)
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Buffer Zone: 830 sq. km
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Altitude Range: 435 m (Arun River valley) to 8,463 m (Mt. Makalu)
Highlights & Landscape
Makalu Barun National Park is the only protected area on Earth with an elevation gain of over 8,000 m within its boundaries—from tropical forests to snow-capped peaks. It lies immediately east of Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park, forming a continuous conservation zone.
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Mt. Makalu (8,463 m) – the fifth-highest mountain in the world.
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Barun Valley – dramatic cliffs, waterfalls, and alpine meadows.
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Rivers: Arun and Barun, with glacial origins and deep gorges.
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Flora Zones: Subtropical, temperate, sub-alpine, and alpine zones.
Biodiversity
One of Nepal’s richest ecological regions, home to both eastern Himalayan and Indochinese species.
Flora
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Over 3,000 plant species, including rhododendrons, orchids, primroses, and bamboo forests.
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Rare medicinal herbs like Yarsagumba (Cordyceps sinensis).
Fauna
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Mammals: Red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, clouded leopard, ghoral, and Himalayan thar.
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Birds: More than 420 species – including Impeyan pheasant (Danphe), sunbird, and spotted wren-babbler.
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Butterflies & Insects: Hundreds of endemic species.
Trekking Routes
The park is a remote and challenging trekking region, ideal for experienced trekkers seeking solitude.
Popular Treks
- Makalu Base Camp Trek (22–25 days)
- Starts from Tumlingtar → Num → Seduwa → Tashigaon → Mumbuk → Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m).
- Offers stunning views of Makalu, Chamlang, and Baruntse.
- Requires camping and self-sufficiency—less commercial than Everest or Annapurna routes.
- Barun Valley Trek
- Focuses more on natural scenery, waterfalls, and biodiversity.
- Arun Valley to Everest Trek
- Connects Makalu region with Everest through the Arun Valley—a less crowded alternative to Lukla.
Accommodation
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Teahouses: Limited; mostly in lower villages like Num, Seduwa, and Tashigaon.
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Camping: Necessary beyond Tashigaon (for Makalu Base Camp route).
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Permits:
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Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit (via Nepal Tourism Board).
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TIMS Card (Trekkers’ Information Management System).
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Access
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By Air: Kathmandu → Tumlingtar (1 hr flight), then 2–3 days’ trek to park entrance.
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By Road: Kathmandu → Dharan → Hile → Khandbari → Num (long but scenic route).
Cultural Significance
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Inhabited by Sherpa, Rai, Bhotia, and Limbu communities.
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Rich traditions, monasteries, and indigenous forest beliefs tied to local deities.
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Festivals like Losar, Sakela, and Ubhauli/Udhauli reflect the human–nature relationship.
Best Time to Visit
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Spring (March–May): Rhododendrons and orchids bloom.
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Autumn (September–November): Clear mountain views, ideal for trekking.
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Avoid: Monsoon (June–August) and mid-winter (Dec–Feb) due to landslides or snow.
Why Visit Makalu Barun?
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Unspoiled wilderness and authentic Himalayan culture.
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Remote trekking routes far from mass tourism.
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Incredible biodiversity and rare wildlife sightings.
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Panoramic views of four of the world’s six highest peaks (Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu).
