Makalu (8,463m/27,767ft), the fifth highest mountain on the earth lies in the Makalu-Barun National Park. This remote terrain stretches east from the Sagarmatha National Park; between the high plateau of Tibet and the deep subtropical gorge carved by the Arun River. So, Makalu Base Camp trek is one of the remotest and adventurous treks in Nepal. The wide range of pristine ecosystems and also diverse cultures have made Makalu trek more classical. Sherpa, Rai and Limbu people are the main settlers in this area. The spectacular views of rocky Himalayan peaks including Makalu, Chamlang (7,319m/24,013ft), Baruntse (7,129m/23,390ft) and the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse are some highlights of Makalu Base Camp trekking.
With very few modern facilities and amenities, the trek to Makalu Base Camp needs a well-supported team with sensible equipment. This unique landscape shelters some of the rare species of animals and plants of Nepal. More than 3,000 species of flowering plants, 440 species of birds and 75 species of mammals, including the endangered Clouded Leopard, Red Panda and Musk Deer have been recorded in this area. Therefore, this remarkable biodiversity draws a great consideration to be the living laboratory for scientific study. Makalu trek becomes a wilderness trek with an extension of the highest passes, Sherpani Col (6,100m/20,014ft) and West Col (6,135m/20,129ft), also known as Ice Col Adventure trek.
- Magnificent views of Mt. Makalu, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse
- Scenic mountain flight to/from Tumlingtar
- Adventurous Shipton la pass
- Great biodiversity considered to be the living laboratory