Makalu Region

Trekking to the base of Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain at 8485 meters, is an exciting journey from the austere beauty of the alpine zone to the richness of a tropical rainforest.

Makalu is located at the head of the isolated Barun Khola valley, 22 kilometers east of Everest, and is only accessible by passing a steep pass. A breathtaking region of sub-alpine forests, waterfalls, cliffs, and meadows, this valley is largely undisturbed wilderness with little evidence of human influence. The journey into it is difficult and demanding, but the benefits are immeasurable.

Although the trip to Makalu Base Camp is breathtaking and thrilling, the camp itself is isolated and rarely visited. After crossing the three 4000-meter cols that lead to the Barun Valley, there aren’t many facilities, therefore supplies must be carried in.

Since there is no escape route for non-mountaineers from the top of this valley, those high cols must also be crossed on the way back. The traditional name for the highest pass is Tuta La, but it is called the Shipton La after Eric Shipton, who arrived here in 1954.

The return trip takes almost a week, but even though there isn’t a new country, the scenery is so captivating that traveling it twice isn’t difficult.