Barun Valley Trek – 23 Days

The Barun Valley trek takes you to the remote and mystical Himalayan valley. Perched on the lap of the fifth highest peak of the planet Mt. Makalu. A region having extraordinary topography, biodiversity, and micro-climates. One of the least explored areas of the country, where the entire trek consists of traversing through deep wilderness, unspoiled landscapes, and big peaks of the Himalayas. A region where you will be awestruck by the beauty of nature and fascinated by the culture of the inhabitants.

Overview:

A nature masterpiece where frozen peaks shine like gleaming stars, white ice sheets, and blue waters blend perfectly with the surrounding. Mighty rivers enter enormous gorges nurturing every corner of the region. A sacred place for the inhabitants and a dream location for travelers and trekkers. Heaven in its own term remained unseen by most people.

The forty-six kilometer Barun Valley falls under the Makalu Barun National Park. The park’s total area is 1500 sq. km and extends up to the Sagarmatha National Park. Makalu Barun National Park is the world’s only protected area with tropical forests as well as snowcapped mountains with an elevation gain of 8000 meters.

The Barun Valley trek starts after a detailed tour of the Kathmandu Valley visiting various attractions and learning about the rich history and culture of the people. From Kathmandu head on a picturesque flight towards Tumlingtar a city in the eastern part of the country. Then move towards Chichira the starting point of your trek. From Chichira traversing along the forested trail reach Num village. Then following the rapids of the might Barun River reach the Makalu Barun National Park and eventually to Seduwa.

Thereafter the trail takes you to the pictorious village of Tashi Gaon. Next following trails across the wet hill forest reach Kahuma Danda. After an acclimatization excursion at Kahuma Danda head towards Mumbuk. Along the way catch your first glimpse of the greater Himalayan range. The following day traversing along the narrow valley trekking alongside the rapids of Barun River reach Nehe Kharka. A high alpine meadow of the region. Then following the rapids of the enchanting Barun River witness, grand views of the Himalayas proceed towards Sherson.

The next day traversing across the mountain country reach the most awaited location of your trek the Makalu Base Camp. From the base camp witness never like before panoramic views of the greater Himalayan range. After an extra day exploring around the base camp and visiting various vantage points retrace your steps back to Nhe Kharka. Next trekking along sub-tropical and wet hill woodlands reaches Mumbuk. The following day crossing a high mountain pass of Shipton La Pass moved towards Kauma. Then traversing across the tracks of the old-growth forest reach the village of Tashi Gaon.

From Tashi Gaon, the trail takes you to the mystical Arun Valley and eventually to Balung. Next passing various settlements and deep sections of the woodlands reach Pukuwa and Bumling. From Bumling reach the plateau of Tumlingtar. From where catch a flight back to the Kathmandu Valley.

Capturing your imagination, creating stories and memories at every destination head on this adventurous trek with the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Entry fee and Permits:

The following permits are required for trekking to Barun Valley Region.

Makalu National Park and Conservation Area Permit

• Nepali citizens – 100 NPR (USD 1) per person per entry
• SAARC citizens – 1,500 NPR (USD 15) per person per entry
• Foreigners – 3,000 NPR (USD 30) per person per entry

Makalu Rural Municipality Permit

• NRS 2000 which is approximately USD 20.

Note: All the trekking permits are handled by the Alpine Club of Himalaya.

Accommodation:

You will be accommodated in 3-star hotels in Kathmandu. During the trek, we will be staying at lodges/ teahouses providing basic facilities. At some locations, you will be staying in makeshift camps.

Meals and drinking water:

Along the Barun Valley Trek, you will be provided with various Nepali and Tibetan ethnic cuisines. The region has several tea-house along the trail run by local inhabitants providing basic and minimal facilities.

However, drinking water taps are accessible with natural water supplies all along the trekking trail that are untreated. So direct use of the water is not recommended. You may refill boiling water or cold filter water from any of the teahouses along the trail.

If you buy a water purification tablet, chlorine drops or utilize SODIS (sunlight assisted) filtration procedures for further assurance, saving money, and reducing plastic pollution.

Best Time to Visit?

The best season for trekking in Barun Valley Region is during autumn and spring.

The months of September, October, November, March, April, and May are the best time to visit. These months are better in terms of visibility and climate conditions.

During the autumn season, the months of September, October, and November are one of the best times for trekking in this region. The clear weather brings great visibility of the endless mountain ranges and lush green forest with warm temperatures. The nights are clear and are a perfect opportunity for stargazing.

The spring season of March, April, and May is also the best time to visit the Annapurna Region, the end of the winter season brings a change in the region, varieties of colorful blooming trees of the sub-alpine forest, high green pasture lands covered with wildflowers, mild temperatures, and clear weather. In this season you will witness herds of sheep and yaks grazing in the green highlands.

Monsoon season is not favorable as the weather gets harsh and it’s hard to get around the country, with frequent rainstorms and landslides. So, monsoon season is mostly avoided by trekkers.

In the winter season. The Region receives high snowfall covering most of the trails and making it impossible to travel for this reason.

Travel Insurance:

All clients participating in any activity must have travel insurance. Personal injury, death, hospital expenditures, repatriation fees, helicopter rescue. Any other disease covered by the insurance plan will be given. We highly advise you to acquire a comprehensive insurance plan from a trustworthy insurance company.

Passport and Visa:

Every client must have a valid passport from the return date with a 6 months prior validity by the Nepalese consulate in your country or immigration office at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.