The Makalu with Arun & Barun Valley Trek stands out as one of Nepal's most unique and least-trekked adventures, offering an authentic wilderness experience that few trekkers ever encounter. What makes this 18-day journey truly special is its incredible scenic diversity - you'll trek from the warm, subtropical paddy fields and lush forests of the Arun Valley at lower elevations, all the way up to the arctic zone of ice and glaciers at Makalu Base Camp at 4,812 meters. This dramatic transition through multiple climate zones in a single trek is rarely found elsewhere in the Himalayas.

Unlike the crowded trails of Everest or Annapurna, the Makalu region remains one of Nepal's last true wildernesses. The trek takes you through the least-trekked areas of the Makalu and Barun valleys, a region renowned for its pristine nature and enriched with some of the world's rarest vegetation. You'll experience genuine solitude and untouched natural beauty, encountering very few other trekkers along the way. The journey also offers spectacular panoramas of Himalayan giants, with incredible up-close views of the magnificent Mount Makalu (8,463m) and glimpses of the distant Everest range.

The cultural immersion is equally remarkable, as you explore remote and traditional rural farm villages of the Rai, Kirat, Sherpa, and other fascinating hill tribes of eastern Nepal, experiencing their unique customs and warm hospitality. Combined with enchanting old-growth forests of blooming rhododendron, magnolia, oak, and pine trees, this trek offers a challenging and rewarding off-the-beaten-path adventure that provides a genuine sense of exploration and profound connection with a wild and untouched part of the Himalayas.

The Makalu with Arun & Barun Valley Trek is an 18-day journey that begins with arrival in Kathmandu, followed by a scenic 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar in the warm Arun River valley, then a 4-hour adventurous jeep drive to Num (1,560m), your trailhead. The trek then takes you through a remarkable journey of scenic diversity, starting from the low, warm paddy fields and subtropical forests of the Arun Valley.

From Num, you'll trek to Seduwa (1,540m), then ascend to Tashi Gaon (2,135m), the last permanent settlement before entering the wilderness. The route continues to Khongma Danda (3,556m) before crossing the spectacular Tutu La and Shipton La passes (both above 4,000m) to reach Mumbuk. You'll then descend into the pristine Barun Valley, trekking through Nehe Kharka (3,760m) to Shersong (4,572m), and finally to Makalu Base Camp (4,812m) for spectacular views of Mount Makalu and the surrounding peaks.

The return journey retraces through Yangle Kharka, Mumbuk, and back over the passes to Khongma Danda, then descends through Narbu Gaon and Seduwa to Num. The trek concludes with a drive back to Tumlingtar and a scenic flight to Kathmandu. This route offers an incredible transition from subtropical lowlands to high alpine meadows and finally to the arctic zone of ice and glaciers, showcasing Nepal's most diverse trekking landscape.

The Makalu with Arun & Barun Valley Trek is rated as moderately difficult to challenging, requiring good physical fitness, prior trekking experience, and proper preparation. This is a demanding 18-day expedition that takes you to 4,812 meters at Makalu Base Camp, with daily walks of 5-7 hours through varied and sometimes challenging terrain that transitions dramatically from subtropical lowlands to high-altitude glaciers.

Difficulty factors:

• High altitude: The trek reaches 4,812 meters at Makalu Base Camp, with an optional viewpoint hike going up to 5,000+ meters. The route crosses two high passes - Tutu La and Shipton La - both above 4,000 meters. Proper acclimatization is crucial, and the trek includes a rest day at base camp for local exploration. Altitude sickness is a real risk, so prior experience with high-altitude trekking (above 4,000m) is highly recommended.
• Challenging terrain: The trek includes steep ascents and descents, crossing high Himalayan passes (Tutu La and Shipton La at over 4,400m), navigating rocky moraine trails near the base camp, and trekking through diverse landscapes from warm subtropical forests in the Arun Valley to high alpine meadows and finally to the arctic zone of ice and glaciers. The terrain becomes increasingly difficult as you approach the base camp.
• Long duration: 18 days total with daily walks of 5-7 hours for most days. The trek requires sustained physical effort over more than two weeks, with some days involving 6-7 hours of trekking. The return journey includes long descending days through the Barun Valley and back over the passes.
• Remote location: The Makalu and Barun valleys are extremely remote with limited facilities, basic teahouse and tented camp accommodations, and challenging access. Medical facilities are far away, making self-reliance and proper preparation essential. Weather conditions can change rapidly at high altitude, especially when crossing the passes.
• Fitness requirements: You should be in good physical condition with the ability to walk 5-7 hours daily, carrying a daypack. Experience with multi-day treks and high-altitude conditions is recommended. The trek is suitable for experienced trekkers who have completed challenging treks before and are comfortable with remote wilderness conditions. The dramatic elevation changes from the warm Arun Valley to the freezing base camp require excellent cardiovascular fitness and mental resilience.

The Arun Valley and Barun Valley are the heart and soul of this trek, offering two distinct but equally spectacular wilderness experiences. The Arun Valley, where your journey begins, is characterized by warm, subtropical paddy fields, lush forests, and traditional farming villages. This lower valley provides a gentle introduction to the trek, with its semi-tropical environment, mist-filled woodlands enriched with rare herbs, and unique species of vegetation found nowhere else on Earth.

As you cross the high passes (Tutu La and Shipton La), you enter the pristine Barun Valley, which is famous for its rare vegetation and wildlife. The Barun Valley is a protected area renowned for its incredible biodiversity, offering a completely different landscape with high-altitude pastures, cascading waterfalls, and spectacular mountain views. This valley is enclosed within high rocky cliffs and provides the route to Makalu Base Camp, with great views of Mount Makalu and the Baruntse peaks opening up as you progress.

The contrast between these two valleys is what makes this trek so unique - you experience the dramatic transition from the warm, agricultural landscapes of the Arun Valley to the wild, high-altitude wilderness of the Barun Valley, all within a single journey. The Barun Valley's remote location and protected status mean it remains one of Nepal's last true wildernesses, offering trekkers an authentic sense of exploration and profound connection with untouched nature.

The Makalu with Arun & Barun Valley Trek is best done during spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November) when weather conditions are most favorable for high-altitude trekking. These seasons offer clear skies, stable weather, and the best mountain views, which are essential for this challenging trek that reaches elevations above 4,800 meters and crosses high passes.

• Spring (March-May): Excellent trekking conditions with clear skies, comfortable temperatures in the warm Arun Valley, and stable weather at high altitude. The enchanting old-growth forests of rhododendron, magnolia, oak, and pine trees are in full bloom, creating spectacular scenery throughout the trek. This is ideal for crossing the Tutu La and Shipton La passes safely and enjoying clear views of Mount Makalu and the surrounding peaks from the base camp. Days are longer, providing more time for trekking and exploration.
• Autumn (September-November): The most popular and best season for the Makalu with Arun & Barun Valley Trek. Stable weather, crystal-clear mountain views, and ideal trekking conditions throughout. The post-monsoon period offers fresh air, clear visibility of Mount Makalu and the entire Himalayan range, and comfortable temperatures in both the Arun and Barun valleys. This is considered the optimal time for high-altitude trekking in the region, with the best chances of clear views from Makalu Base Camp and safe passage over the high passes.
• Winter (December-February) & Summer (June-August): Winter can be extremely cold at high altitudes with temperatures dropping well below freezing, making crossing the Tutu La and Shipton La passes dangerous and potentially life-threatening. The base camp area becomes extremely harsh. Summer is monsoon season with heavy rainfall, leeches in the lower Arun Valley forests, landslides, and poor visibility, making trekking very challenging and potentially dangerous. These seasons are not recommended for this trek.

The Makalu with Arun & Barun Valley Trek uses a combination of teahouse accommodations and tented camps, depending on the location and elevation. At lower elevations in the Arun Valley (Num, Seduwa, Tashi Gaon, Narbu Gaon) and at Khongma Danda, you'll stay in basic teahouses. However, in the remote Barun Valley and at high-altitude locations, tented camps are used due to the extreme remoteness and lack of permanent structures.

Accommodation details:

• Teahouse accommodation: At lower elevations in the Arun Valley (Seduwa, Tashi Gaon, Narbu Gaon) and at Khongma Danda, you'll stay in basic teahouses. These provide simple rooms with shared bathrooms, meals, and essential shelter. Facilities are more developed at lower elevations but become more basic as you gain altitude. You should bring your own sleeping bag as bedding may be limited.
• Tented camps: In the remote Barun Valley at locations like Mumbuk, Nehe Kharka, Shersong, Yangle Kharka, and at Makalu Base Camp, tented camps are used. These camps are set in beautiful forest clearings or high-altitude pastures, offering an authentic wilderness camping experience. Your trekking agency will provide all necessary camping equipment including tents, sleeping mats, and dining facilities.
• Basic facilities: Due to the remote location, facilities are basic throughout. Hot showers may not always be available, electricity is limited (often solar-powered), and internet connectivity is very limited or non-existent. This is part of the authentic wilderness experience that makes this trek special - you're truly off the grid in one of Nepal's last true wildernesses.
• Meals: All meals are provided at teahouses and camps along the route, featuring local Nepali cuisine (dal bhat, noodles, momos) and simple international dishes. At high altitudes in the Barun Valley, menu options become more limited. Your guide and camp staff will ensure you have proper nutrition throughout the trek, with hearty meals to fuel your adventure.

The Makalu with Arun & Barun Valley Trek is an 18-day expedition, including travel days to and from Kathmandu. The actual trekking portion covers approximately 16 days of walking, with the remaining days allocated for travel and a rest day at base camp for local exploration and acclimatization.

Trek duration breakdown:

• Total duration: 18 days from arrival in Kathmandu to final departure. This includes 1 day for arrival in Kathmandu, 1 day for travel to the trailhead (flight to Tumlingtar and drive to Num), 15 days of actual trekking through the Arun and Barun valleys, and 1 day for return travel to Kathmandu.
• Trekking days: Approximately 15 days of actual trekking, with daily walking durations ranging from 3-7 hours. Most days involve 5-6 hours of trekking, with some longer days of 6-7 hours. The trek includes one rest day at Makalu Base Camp (Day 9) for local exploration and acclimatization, with an optional hike to a higher viewpoint for rare views of Everest's Kangshung Face.
• Distance covered: The trek covers approximately 140-160 kilometers of trekking distance, taking you from Num (1,560m) through the diverse landscapes of the Arun Valley, across high passes, through the pristine Barun Valley to Makalu Base Camp (4,812m), and back. The route includes significant elevation gains and losses, making it physically demanding.
• Daily schedule: Typical days start with an early breakfast (around 7 AM), followed by 5-7 hours of trekking with lunch breaks. You'll arrive at your destination (teahouse or camp) by mid-afternoon, allowing time to rest, explore, and enjoy the surroundings. Evenings are spent dining and socializing before an early bedtime to prepare for the next day's adventure.
• Base camp exploration: Day 9 is dedicated to resting and exploring Makalu Base Camp, with an optional challenging hike to a higher ridge at 5,000+ meters for excellent and rare views of Mount Everest's East Face (Kangshung Face), as well as the towering Mount Lhotse. This rest day further aids your acclimatization before beginning the return journey.

The Makalu with Arun & Barun Valley Trek requires special permits because the region is designated as a restricted area by the Nepalese government. This helps preserve the pristine wilderness of the Makalu and Barun valleys and limits the number of trekkers, ensuring an authentic wilderness experience. Your tour operator will handle all permit applications, but you need to provide the necessary documentation.

Required permits and documentation:

• Restricted Area Permit (RAP): This is the most important permit for the Makalu region. The permit must be obtained through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. You cannot obtain this permit independently. The permit requires your original passport, passport-sized photos, and proof of travel insurance. The cost varies by season and nationality.
• Makalu Barun National Park Entry Permit: Required for entry into Makalu Barun National Park, which protects both the Arun and Barun valleys. This permit helps fund conservation efforts in the park and is obtained at the entry point or through your trekking agency. The park covers 2,330 square kilometers and is a protected area renowned for its incredible biodiversity.
• TIMS Card (Trekkers' Information Management System): Required for all trekkers in Nepal. This card helps track trekkers for safety purposes and is obtained through your trekking agency or at the Nepal Tourism Board office in Kathmandu.
• Valid Passport: Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date into Nepal. You'll need to provide your original passport to your trekking agency for permit processing. Make sure to bring multiple passport-sized photos (usually 3-4 photos are required).
• Nepal Visa: Most nationalities can obtain a visa on arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. However, it's recommended to check visa requirements for your nationality in advance. The visa fee varies by duration of stay (15, 30, or 90 days).
• Important Note: All permits must be arranged through a registered trekking agency in Nepal. You cannot trek independently in the Makalu region, including the Arun and Barun valleys. Your agency will handle all permit applications, but you must provide your original passport, photos, and proof of travel insurance. Plan ahead as permit processing can take a few days.

The Makalu with Arun & Barun Valley Trek takes you through Makalu Barun National Park, a sanctuary for incredible biodiversity. The Arun Valley's mist-filled woodlands are enriched with rare herbs and unique species of vegetation found nowhere else on Earth, while the Barun Valley is famous for its rare vegetation and wildlife, making wildlife and flora encounters one of the trek's highlights.

Wildlife you may encounter:

• Snow Leopard: The elusive snow leopard is one of the park's most iconic residents, though sightings are extremely rare due to their secretive nature. These magnificent big cats inhabit the high-altitude regions of the Barun Valley and are most active during dawn and dusk.
• Himalayan Black Bear: These bears inhabit the forested areas of both valleys, particularly in the lower elevations of the Arun Valley. While encounters are possible, they are generally shy and avoid human contact. Your guide will know how to handle any wildlife encounters safely.
• Various Species of Deer and Mountain Antelopes: As you hike through the deep, enchanting forests and high-altitude pastures, you'll have the chance to spot various species of deer and mountain antelopes. These animals are more commonly sighted in the forested areas and alpine meadows of both valleys.
• Rare Vegetation: The Barun Valley is renowned for its rare species of vegetation, with unique plants and herbs that are found nowhere else on Earth. The mist-filled woodlands of the Arun Valley are also enriched with rare herbs, creating a botanist's paradise. The old-growth forests feature blooming rhododendron, magnolia, oak, and pine trees that create spectacular scenery throughout the trek.
• Birdlife: The park is home to over 400 species of birds, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. You may spot various species of pheasants, eagles, vultures, and many other Himalayan birds throughout your trek in both valleys. The diverse ecosystems support a wide range of avian life.
• Important Note: Wildlife sightings are never guaranteed, as these animals are wild and naturally avoid human contact. The best chances of spotting wildlife are during early morning and late afternoon hours. Always maintain a safe distance and follow your guide's instructions. The park's protected status helps preserve these magnificent creatures and rare vegetation for future generations.

The Makalu with Arun & Barun Valley Trek offers rich cultural immersion as you explore remote and traditional rural farm villages of the Rai, Kirat, Sherpa, and other fascinating hill tribes of eastern Nepal. This cultural experience is one of the trek's most rewarding aspects, providing genuine glimpses into traditional customs, beliefs, and ways of life that remain authentic and unspoiled by mass tourism.

Cultural highlights:

• Traditional Villages: You'll pass through villages like Seduwa, Tashi Gaon (a large Sherpa village and the last permanent settlement), and Narbu Gaon, where you can experience authentic rural life. These villages feature traditional architecture, terraced farm fields growing millet (a major crop in the region), and warm, welcoming communities.
• Rai and Kirat Communities: The lower Arun Valley is home to the Rai and Kirat people, who have distinct languages, customs, and traditional rural lifestyles. You'll see their traditional farming practices, experience their warm hospitality, and learn about their unique cultural heritage that has been preserved for generations.
• Sherpa Culture: Tashi Gaon is a large Sherpa village where you'll experience authentic Sherpa culture, including their traditional customs, Buddhist heritage, and way of life. This is the last permanent settlement before entering the wilderness, making it a special cultural stop on your journey.
• Traditional Agriculture: You'll see beautiful terraced farm fields growing millet and other crops, traditional farming methods, and rural agricultural life that has remained largely unchanged for centuries. The farm areas with nice terraces showcase the agricultural heritage of the region.
• Warm Hospitality: The local communities are known for their warm and welcoming hospitality. You'll have opportunities to interact with villagers, learn about their daily lives, and experience genuine cultural exchanges that are increasingly rare in more touristy areas of Nepal.
• Authentic Experience: Unlike more popular trekking routes, the Makalu region's remoteness means the cultural experiences remain authentic and unspoiled. You'll witness traditional ways of life, customs, and beliefs that have been preserved due to the region's isolation, providing a genuine cultural immersion that is truly special.