High in the heart of the eastern Himalayan, seven valleys radiate from mount. Makalu (the world's thirth highest peak) These valleys, particularly the Barun valley, treasure some of the last remaining pristine forests and alpine meadows of Nepal. From the bottom of the Arun valley, at just 435 m above sea level, the Himalaya rise to the snow-capped tip of Makalu- 8463 m--within a 40 km distance. Within this wide range of altitudes and climates, the Makalu-Barun area contains some of the richest and most diverse pockets of plants and animals in Nepal, elsewhere lost to spreading human habitation.

Nestled in the lower reaches of these valleys are communities of Rai, Sherpa, and Shingsawa (Bhotia) farmers. Though economically poor and isolated, they retain a rich cultural heritage. They hold the key to the preservation of the unique biological and cultural treasures of the Makalu Barun area.

The Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area was established in 1992 as Nepal's eighth national park and the first to include an adjacent inhabited conservation area as a buffer. A new park management approach encourages local people to become actively involved in protecting the forests and natural resources upon which their lives depend, and in conserving their own rich cultural heritage. Traditional resource management systems, such as community controlled grazing and forest guardianship, are being strengthened and low level technologies introduced where appropriate. Working in collaboration with an American NGO, Woodlands Mountain Institute, His Majesty's Government, Nepal is striving to improve local living standards through informative, educational and income-generating activities.

Covering 2330 sq km, Makalu-Barun is a vital component of the greater Mount Everest ecosystem which includes Nepal's 1148 sq. km Sagarmatha (Mount Everest) National Park to the west and the 35.000sq. km Qomolungma Nature Preserve in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China to the north.

The Makalu-Barun area is little known to most tourists due to its relative inaccessibility. But those few hundred trekkers and mountaineers who visit each year come away with an unforgettable experience.

For the naturalist, there are spectacular displays of wildflowers and exotic plants. More than 3000 species of flowering plants, with hundreds of orchid varieties, 48. Primroses and 25 of Nepal's 30 rhododendrons splash the hillsides with color. The forests shelter abundant wildlife, including the endangered red panda and musk deer as well as the ghoral, Himalayan thar and leopard. Ornithologists have identified 400 bird species, at least 16 of which are extremely rare. Most trekkers and mountaineers visit the Makalu-Barun area during October-November and March-April when high passes are less likely to be snowed over. Lower elevations are temperate throughout winter, and hot during April and May. Heavy monsoon rains occur throughout the region from June through September, with occasional showers during April-May. For the hardy botanist, the monsoon season is bursting with life, including the pasty leech.

Your trekking preparation:
This trek is considered as a non-technical trek and suitable for average people. If you are moderately fit and have a sense of adventure will enjoy this trek. The program is designed to acclimatize you gradually and not expected high altitude sickness. However you are requested to check your altitude fitness and the itinerary.We suggest you to strengthen your knee muscles and prepare for several days of steep descents. Some physical fitness programs such as running, swimming, biking or aerobics is recommended, but mostly hiking on steep hills or running up and down steps are preferable.Please note that the following program is prepared in the fact basis however can be change in some circumstances but adjustments will have to made during the trekking. We request you to be flexible with the situation to enjoy yourself.
As the trek is designed for camping arrangement, everything is handled by our team of porters, sherpas and cooks who carry the equipment, assemble and dissemble the camp and have hot meals waiting for you at every food break.

Day 01 Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar-510m.
Day 02 Trek to Mani Bhanjyang-1180m (5-6 hr)
Day 03 Trek to Churchila-1910m (6-7 hr)
Day 04 Trek to Num-1560m (6-7 hr)
Day 05 Trek to Nayagaon-2140m (6-7 hr)
Day 06 Trek to Tashi Gaon-2250m (5-6 hr)
Day 07 Rest at Tashi Gaon
Day 08 Trek to Kauma-3510m (6-7 hr)
Day 09 Trek to Mumbuk-3615m (5-6 hr) crossing over Shipton-La-4127m and Tutu La-4075m
Day 10 Trek to Nehe Kharka-3620 (5-6 hr)
Day 11 Trek to Mera-4500m (4-5 hr)
Day 12 Trek to Makalu Base camp- 4880m (4-5 hr)
Day 13 Rest at Makalu base camp
Day 14 Trek to Sherpani Col. (East Col-6100m) phedi-5800m (4-5 hr)
Day 15 Trek to West Col base camp-5900m crossing over Sherpani Col-6100m (4-5 hr)
Day 16 Trek to West Col phedi-approx.5500m crossing over West Col-6135m (4-5 hr)
Day 17 Trek to Panch pokhari-5414m (5-6 hr)
Day 18 Trek to Amphu Lapcha base camp-5500m (3-4 hr)
Day 19 Trek to Amphu Lapcha phedi-4600m (4-5 hr)
Day 20 Trek to Dingboche-4300m (6-7 hr)
Day 21 Trek to Tyangboche-3867m (4-5 hr)
Day 22 Trek to Jorsalle-2900m (6-7 hr)
Day 23 Trek to Lukla-2866m (5-6 hr)
Day 24 Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu

The cost includes the following services:
Kathmandu airport transfers
3-meals per day prepared by our experienced cook
Camping gear (two-person tents, foam mattress, kitchen tent, dining tent and toilet tent)
Supporting field staff including professional trekking guide, cook, kitchen boy, porters or pack animals as well as their necessary insurance, meals and allowances
Domestic airfare (Kathmandu-Tumlingtar-Kathmandu) and airport tax
Sagarmatha conservation area entrance permit
Peak permit charge
Climbing Sherpa

Cost does not include:
Meals and accommodation in Kathmandu
Personal equipment sleeping bag, Down jacket, waterproof jacket, kit bag etc.
Kathmandu airport departure tax
Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation cost
Personal expenses such as laundry, telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks (including cold drinks and mineral water), tips, gifts, souvenirs, etc.

Nepal Expedition.
Manaslu Trekking offers you a very unique opportunity to experience relatively "untouched" region of Nepal and provides spectacular beauty along the border of Nepal and China.
lobenexpeditions.com

Makalu Region Trek.
Hiking to remote, virgin & wild land of Tibetan Buddhits, Manaslu trek is irresistable & unique. Join Manaslu trekking with specialist local company.
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