The national parks within Nepal are more than just a beautiful place to appreciate the natural environment that our forefathers left us. They're home to a diverse range of vegetation and animals, some of which are threatened with extinction.
Makalu Barun National Park, located in the eastern part of Nepal, is a well-conservation region with an elevation ranging more than 8,000 meters, encompassing tropical forest and snow-capped peaks. The secluded park is a trekker's paradise, with breathtaking vistas of the steep Himalayan peaks, over 3,000 unique floral plants, high waterfalls, and over 600 animal species.
Introduction to Makalu Barun National Park
The history of Makalu Barun Park may be traced back to the 1980s when authorities from The Mountain Institute conducted surveys in the Barun Valley. The region's biological and ecological diversity piqued personnel's interest in establishing a new conservation reserve.
As a result, The Mountain Institute and the Department of National Parks submitted a proposal in 1985, establishing the Makalu-Barun Conservation Area Project in 1988. In 1991, the park was gazetted, and in 1992, it was officially opened to the public. In 1999, the protected area was turned into a buffer zone.
The protected area is located in Nepal's north-eastern Limbuwan region, in the districts of Solukhumbu and Sankhuwasabha. In 1992, the Sagarmatha National Park in the Khumbu region was expanded into a national park.
Image Cr: Wikipedia
Caption: A lone house in Makalu Barun National Park
An 830-square-kilometre buffer zone surrounds the 1,500-square-kilometer park in the south and southeast. The national park stretches approximately 66 kilometres from west to east and 44 kilometres from north to south. The international border of Makalu Barun National Park is shared with Tibet's Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in the north.
The Makalu Barun is renowned for being the world's only conservation area with elevations over 8,000 meters (26,000 feet), while the upper half is covered in snow-capped mountains. The Makalu Barun ranges are home to the world's fifth tallest mountain peak, Makalu (8,463 meters), as well as peaks such as Chamalang (7,319 meters), Baruntse (7,129 meters), Mera Peak(6,654 meters), and others.
The Makalu Barun is famous for being the world's only conservation area with more than 8,000 meters (26,000 feet).
Botanists estimate that the protected area contains around 128 flower species, including 30 variations of Nepal's national flower (rhododendron), 48 primrose species, and 47 orchid species. The park's vegetation includes 86 fodder trees, 19 bamboo species, 15 oaks, and around 67 distinct varieties of medicinal and aromatic plants that are economically useful.
How Can Travellers Reach The Makalu Barun National Park?
Visitors can take a daily flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, Phaplu, Lamidanda, Bhojpur, or Tumlingtar to access Makalu Barun National Park in Nepal. The park is easily accessible by road from all destinations mentioned earlier once you've landed. Taking public transportation to your destination is less expensive than hiring a private taxi.
When Is The Best Time For Visiting Makalu Barun National Park?
The months between March to May are great for a trip to Nepal since the spring season is best known for pleasant weather, and rhododendrons and other flowers are in full bloom. The finest seasons to visit Makalu Barun National Park are in the spring and autumn.
In the cold winters, camping is nearly tricky, while the monsoon rains of Makalu Barun National Park from June to September produce landslides and obscure mountain views.
Entry Fees To Makalu Barun National Park
Nepalese citizens do not have to pay an admission charge. An INR 100/- per person is required of citizens of SAARC nations, including Afghanistan, Bhutan, India, Bangladesh, Pakistan, Nepal, the Maldives, and Sri Lanka. The entry charge for tourists from other international nationals is INR 1,000/- per person.
Tourist Activities To Enjoy In Makalu Barun National Park
Makalu Barun National Park is a beautiful place to make memories. We've compiled a list of 5 must-do activities that will make your trip unforgettable. They are:
- Trekking
- Bird Watching
- Safari
- Volunteering
- Photography
#1. Trekking
You can embark on an excursion if you are drawn to adventure. The trekking in Makalu Barun National Park begins in Kathmandu and concludes at Yangle Kharka. The hike provides stunning views of the region's environment.
Camping in Makalu Barun National ParkIt's critical that you select the appropriate footwear for your walk. For your convenience, we recommend that you utilize a walking pole.
#2. Bird Watching
Makalu Barun National Park has a superabundance of bird-watching options. Mountain eagles, vultures, and falcons can all circle the valleys. More experienced bird watchers can see exotic species such as the rose-ringed parakeet. For a more effortless bird watching experience, we recommend bringing your binoculars or purchasing one at the national park's entry.
Nature's vibrant symphony of bird watching
#3. Safari
Getting up close and intimate with wild animals in their natural habitat is a weird experience. Makalu Barun National Park's animal population is not just diverse but also extensive.
Image Cr: Rugged Trails Nepal
Caption: Goats in Makalu Barun National Park
The site is home to approximately 600 wildlife species, ranging from snow leopards to red pandas. Please pay attention to the guide; the safety precautions must be carefully followed to the letter.
#4. Volunteering
Makalu Barun National Park invites guests with an awareness of environmental protection and nature to participate in one of the park's many conservation and preservation projects. We recommend that you go into the volunteering program with an open mind about what you hope to accomplish. Because it is such a significant commitment, volunteers must learn about the community they will be working with before making a meaningful impact.
Volunteering to make a positive difference
#5. Photography
You can bring your photographic equipment with you because Nepal has a lot of great photo opportunities. Photograph the rhododendrons in full bloom during the spring season, or snap stunning panoramic photographs.
Capturing Moments: The Art of visual storytelling through photography
If you plan to photograph animals on your wildlife trip, you need to invest in an excellent camera. For night safari photography, bring a flash. You can also get a tripod if you want. Make sure you have a sufficient number of storage cards.