Makalu Region: A Trekker’s Paradise in the Himalayas
Did you know that the Makalu region is home to 3,128 different species of flowering plants? The region is extremely rich in biodiversity and has gorgeous vistas, making it an excellent trekking destination. Continue reading to learn more about this lovely region.
Home to the World’s Fifth Highest Mountain
At 8,481 meters in height, Mt. Makalu is the fifth-tallest peak in the world. Mt. Makalu is an isolated peak located in Makalu Village Development Committee, which is under Makalu Rural Municipality of Sankhuwasabha district in Koshi Province of Nepal.
Among the features that make Makalu special is its classic pyramid shape with four sharp ridges. The peak is also famous for being one of the most difficult and technical eight-thousanders to summit. In fact, climbing Makalu is harder than climbing Everest. The credit goes to its steep slopes and knife-edged ridges.
Makalu Base Camp
The base camp of Makalu is at an elevation of about 5100 meters above sea level. During the Makalu Base Camp Trek, you will get to see unobstructed views of Mt. Makalu from its base camp.
Can you see Everest from Makalu?
Yes. In fact, Makalu is only 12 miles (19 kilometers) southeast of Everest. Another interesting fact is that Makalu lies just 284 meters away from Cho Oyu, the world’s sixth-tallest peak. Hence, while trekking in the Makalu region, you will get to see these peaks closely. And if you go for the trek at the right time of the year, the mountain views are even more clear.
Witness Rarely Seen Views of Several Peaks
Trekkers mostly see the southern face of Everest because the majority of Everest treks take place on the mountain’s southwestern side. Since Makalu Base Camp sits on the east side of Everest, you will have an excellent opportunity to observe the rarely seen eastern face of Everest when trekking in the Makalu region. In addition, you can see nearby mountains from different perspectives than Everest Base Camp, including Kanchenjunga, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, and Mera.
Makalu Barun National Park
Trekking through the Makalu Barun National Park is part of the Makalu Region trek. The national park was established in 1992 and has a total area of 1500 square kilometers. It also has a buffer zone of 830 square kilometers. The park is located in the districts of Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu.
Makalu Barun National Park is famous for its immensely diverse flora, fauna, culture, and people. It is home to 3,128 species of flowering plants. These include 25 rhododendron species (out of 30 found in Nepal), 47 orchid species, 56 rare plants, and 67 economically valuable medicinal and aromatic plants. Among wildlife, endangered species like the snow leopard and red panda inhabit here. Besides, the park is home to 315 butterfly species, 440 bird species, 78 fish species, 43 reptile species, and 16 amphibian species.
Makalu Barun Valley
A beautiful Himalayan valley by the name of Makalu Barun Valley lies in the Makalu region. To be precise, the valley is located at the base of Mt. Makalu in the Sankhuwasabha district of Nepal. Above all, it is well known for its unique contrasting landscape, where high waterfalls flow into deep gorges, craggy rocks rise from green, dense forests, and flowers bloom vibrantly beneath white snow-capped peaks.
Shiva Dhara
There is a 500 feet high waterfall named Shiva Dhara inside the Makalu Barun National Park. This waterfall falls from a large stone cliff that has a hole in its face. It is thought to be the most sacred tap of Lord Shiva. According to legend, it was the playground of Lord Shiva and Parbati, where they bathed and played during spring. It is a great gem of the Makalu region, holding great significance from both religious as well as trekking perspectives. In order to reach Shiva Dhara, you need to trek and climb an extremely dangerous cliff with the help of either locals or a guide.
