Makalu Barun National Park and Buffer Zone area (previously a conservation area) was established in 1992. This park is administered and managed by the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation. The government of Nepal and supported by The Mountain Institute's initiative is an innovative conservation model that integrates protected area management and community development.
A new park management approach encourages local people to become actively involved in protecting the forests and natural resources upon which their lives depend and conserving their own rich cultural heritage. Traditional resource management systems, such as community-controlled grazing and forest guardianship, are being strengthened and low technologies are introduced where appropriate.
From tropical forests along the Arun River to icy mountain summits, Nepal's Makalu-Barun National Park and Buffer Zone, covering 1500 + 830 sq, km. is the only protected area on earth with an elevation gain of 8,000m. The skyline is a panorama of rugged Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Makalu (8,463m) the fifth-highest mountain in the world and fourth-highest in Nepal. Mt. Chamlang (7,319m), Mt. Baruntse (7,129m). Mera Peak (6,654m) and Nepal is known as peak hill.
Climate
The Makalu-Barun area falls in the eastern Himalayan climatic regime where the 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 differences 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 plants. Snow leopards, red pandas, musk deer, wild boars, and are among the wildlife found here.
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 lodgers in Tashingaou sells the kerosene to all trekking groups including the porters. Makalu Tourism Association rents 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 purposes.
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 a 3-day trek to Tumlingtar from there. You can also reach Inkhu Valley of Makalu Barun from Lukia and Phalpu. There is a regular flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar.
Trail safety
Most trails of Makalu Base Camp 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 Rockfall. 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 acclimatization.
Camping regulations?
Campsites have been designated along the trek route. The purpose of this designation of the campsite is to regulate the impact on vegetation, aesthetics, landscape damage, waste management, etc. Seven campsites have been designated ( Khongma 3500 m, Dobato 3500m, Yangle 3570m, Neghe 3700m, Langmale 4100m, and Shershong 4600m) for tourists.
