Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world. It lies in eastern Nepal. A trek up to the Makalu base camp, which is one of the most remote and untouched areas of Nepal is an unique experience. The trek takes you through the entire scenic and cultural heritage of Nepal, from the hot flat plains of the Terai at 200 meters elevation to the base of towering peaks of Makalu.

This trek begins from Tumlingtar after walking up the Arun Koshi, 'Kohi- River in Nepali' to Sedua and Num, then croosing Shipton La (4216m) into the Upper Barun Khola valley for a closer look at Makalu and Chhamlang. No wonder Makalu Base Camp trek visits some of the most remote and unfrequented areas of Nepal. The protected area under an agreement between Nepal and China.

A major dam project on the upper reaches of the Arun Koshi threatened to change the character oft his region forever. Economic and environmental considerartions convinced the World Bank to bring some projects. It is clear that this region is highly potential for hydro-electric power.

Some groups have attempted an even wilder trek by crossing Sherpani Col and West Col into the Upper Hungu Basin. This high altitude route requires extensive mountaineering experience and equipment and has proved itself difficult and potentially very dangerous. It's better to travel from Lukla if you want to go into the Upper Hongu basin and the Panch Pokhar (Five Lakes) there.

The protected region, Makalu-Barun National Park was established in 1992 as Nepal's eight national park. The 2330 sq Km park is bordered by the Arun Koshi in the east and Sagarmatha National Park is bordered by an 830 sq km conservation area. The varities of vegetation begins with Tropical Sal forest below 1,000 meters elevation and come the subtropical schima-castanopsis forest between 1000 meters and 2,000 meters after which one can find fir, birch, rhodendron forests in the sub-alpine vegetation at the elevation between 3,000 and 4,000 meters. Spotted Wrenbabbler and the olive ground warbler which was never seen before in Nepal is found in this region, claming this region with some 400 species of birds which makes this region a birdwatchers' paradise.