Nepal - Makalu Barun Eco Trek

  Nepal

• Kathmandu: 
Kathmandu

Dates: arrival in Nepal 12th October 2007

Description: In a country known for dramatic scenery, Makalu-Barun stands out, a rugged landscape of towering Himalayan peaks and deep river gorges. The 2,330 square kilometer region, located just 10 kilometers southeast of Mt. Everest, gets its name from its highest peak, Mt. Makalu, and the ecologically-pristine Barun Valley.

As part of our programme to reduce the negative impacts of tourism in general, we are offering two special treks into the Makalu-Barun area of Nepal. The 2 treks give time to visit community conservation sites as well as the opportunity to help support local conservation efforts. The treks feature: environmentally sound camp practices; provide expert leadership knowledgeable about eco-tourism and conservation efforts; visits to communities and projects that are working to protect their rich natural environment.

Highlights: This somewhat difficult, yet extremely rewarding trek offers a true wilderness experience. The trek starts off in the tropical climate of Tumlingar and progresses through the whole climatic spectrum culminating in the rugged high Alpine terrain of rock and ice. Home of the Snow Leopard and the Red Fox, but we need a lot of luck to see them.

Mt. Makalu - fifth highest peak in the world - towers on the northern boundary, straddling the borders of Nepal and Tibet. Just 40 kilometers southeast, the powerful Arun River cuts one of the world's deepest river gorges. Between this high peak and plunging valley stretches the bio-diverse Barun Valley, a botanical zone of immense scientific importance.

The contrasting altitudes of the Makalu- Barun area create dramatic changes in climate, wildlife and plants within only a few kilometres.

Tropical (500 - 1,000m) Sal and broad-leafed forests, cultivated fields. Wildlife includes porcupine, langur, wild boar and jackal.

Sub-Tropical (1,000 - 2,500m) Forests of chir pine, alder and Schima-Castanopsis; terraced farmland. Wildlife includes clouded leopard, jungle cat, Himalayan black bear and Indian muntjac.

Temperate (2,500 - 3,500m) Forests of rhododendron, oak, laurel, maple, magnolia, and alder. Terraced farmland. Wildlife includes musk deer, red panda, wolf and Himalayan tahr.

Sub-Alpine (3,500 - 4,500m) Forests of birch, silver fir and rhododendron mingled with sub-alpine grassland. Wildlife includes Himalayan weasel, and marmot.

Alpine (4,500 - 6,000m) Alpine grassland and juniper/ rhododendron scrub at lower regions. Mostly rock and ice with little vegetation and wildlife above 5,000 meters. Snow leopard and red fox roam this zone.

Nival (Above 6,000m) There are 30 Himalayan peaks towering 6,000 meters or higher around you at MBC.

Cost in US$: From 1980

Participants Travel to Nepal Independently

Post Services Include:

• Re-Entry Debriefing at Home

Nepal Kingdom Foundation & Muirs Tours's Mission Statement: The Nepal Kingdom Foundation was established in 1982 to develop community spirit and preserve the culture and traditions of the Nepalese people in the UK. In 1999 the objectives were extended to include development projects in Nepal to help the needy of one of the world's poorest countries. The not-for-profit tour operation - Muirs Tours was set up in July 1999 by the Nepal Kingdom Foundation as a means of raising funds for use in projects in Nepal and the Nepalese Community in the UK. From the outset Muirs Tours planned to provide trips to other places outside of Nepal and support to other charities. It currently supports the WWF, the John Muir Trust, Tourism Concern, Survival International, the Tibetan Government in exile, the American Indian Heritage Foundation as well as the Nepal Kingdom Foundation.

Year Founded: 1982 & 1999