The park and conservation area is situated
in the Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu districts, bordered
by the Arun River on the east, Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest)
National Park on the west, the Nepal-Tibet border
on the north and Saune Danda (ridge) to the south.
The Park covers 2,330 sq. kms.
This is the only protected area in Nepal
with designation of a Strict Nature Reserve. It has
some of the richest and most unique pockets of plants
and animals in Nepal, elsewhere lost to spreading
human habitation. Stepping up the slopes are a series
of vegetation zones starting with tropical sal forest
below 1,000 m. elevation subtropical schima-castanopsis
forest at 1,000-2000 m. fir, birch, rhododendron forests
in the sub-alpine(3,000-4,000 m); and herbs, grasses
and rhododendron/juniper shrubs in the alpine pas
trues (4,000-5,000 m). There are 47 varieties of orchids,
67 species of bamboos, 15 oaks including Arkhoulo,
86 species of fodder trees and 48 species of primrose.
Over 400 species of birds have been sighted in the
Makalu-Barun area, including two species never before
seen in Nepal the spotted wrenbabbler and the olive
ground warbler. Wildlife includes the endangered red
panda, musk deer, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard
and possibly snow leopard, in addition to more substantial
populations of ghoral, thar, wild boar, barking deer,
Himalayan marmot and weasel, common langur monkey
and the serow. The Arun river system contains 84 varieties
of fish.
FEATURES
Due to its unique altitudinal gradient, the skyline
is panorama of rugged Himalayan peaks, including Mt.
Makalu(8463m) the fifth highest mountain in the world
and the fourth highest, Mt. Chamlang(7319m), Mt. Baruntse(7129m)
and Mera Peak(6654m).
CLIMATE
Makalu-Barun area falls in the eastern Himalayan climatic
regime where monsoon starts early (June) and stays
longer than in west Nepal (until late September).
The climate is generally described as monsoon type,
where more than 70% of the precipitation occurs between
June and September. Pre- monsoon rain is common during
the month of April and May, an important factor in
biomes production. No reliable records of climatic
data represent the entire area. Great variations in
temperature and precipitation can be expected due
to extreme difference in altitude, slope and aspect
within the area.
FLORA AND FAUNA
Recognized for its tremendous diversity of plants,
animals and people, the area contains 25 species of
rhododendron, 47 types of orchids, and 56 rare or
endangered plants. Snow leopards, red panda, musk
deer, wild boar, are among the wildlife found here.
TRAIL SAFETY
Most trails are quite rocky, and become slippery after
rain or overnight freezes. Until April or May, winter
snows generally stay on the passes and on high altitude
trails approaching shershong. One particular hazardous
area is the trail between Mumbuk and Yangle Kharka,
an area of unstable and dangerous Rock fall. Trekkers
in this area should move quickly and watch for falling
rocks. Mountain sickness can also be a serious risk
if elevation gains are rapid without proper acclimatisation.
HOW TO GET THERE
There are daily flights to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu
and Biratnagar to Tumlingtar could also be reached
from Biratnagar/Dharan. It is a 6/7hrs drive to Hile
and 3 day trek to Tumlingtar from there. You can also
reach Inkhu valley of Makalu Barun from Lukla and
Phaplu. There is regular flight from Kathmandu to
lukla/phaplu.
CAMPING REGULATIONS
Campsites have been designated along the trek route.
The purpose of this designation of campsite is to
regulate the impact on vegetation, aesthetic, landscapes
damage and waste management etc. Seven campsites have
been designated in ( Khongma 3500 m, Dobato 3500m,
Yangle 3570m, Neghe 3700m, Langmale 4100m, Shershong
4600m) and dragmaru. Tourist.
PARK FACILITIES
The Makalu-Barun National Park and Buffer Zone headquarter
is located at Murmidanda. Seduwa. A kerosene depot
at Makalu Tourism Association as well as private Resortrs
in Tashingaou sells kerosene to all trekking groups
including the porters. Makalu Tourism Association
rent kerosene stoves and blankets for porters. The
trekking group has to provide the facilities to the
porters. There are four shelters built for the use
of porters while they are inside the Park. Neither
the staff nor the porters should make fire inside
the shelter as it is only for sleeping purpose.
