One of the stunning valleys in Nepal is the Barun Valley 3,600 meters (11,811 feet), which is located on the slope of the Makalu Mountain. One of Nepal’s least developed regions is this obscure Himalayan valley. At the foot of Makalu (8481 meters/27,825 ft), in the Sankhuwasabha district.
The trail is adorned by Makalu, the world’s fifth-highest mountain, the entire way through the walk. Most tourists visiting Nepal are still unaware of the Barun Valley Trek.
You can stroll through the pristine countryside for days on end because you will have much of the trail to yourself as a result.
Barun Valley offers stunning contrasts, where towering waterfalls rush down the deep gorges, in addition to magnificent views of the high mountain ranges.
The entire Barun Valley is located inside of Nepal’s Makalu Barun National Park. As a result, you may be able to see certain endangered species of plants and animals. Barun Valley is a haven for birdwatchers as well.
The Makalu Barun National Park in Nepal is home to 433 distinct bird species. In addition, this distinctive environment is home to some of the planet’s few undisturbed alpine ecosystems.
The Barun river, which flows into the Barun valley, turns into a glacier in the winter.
The hilly shrub and meadow landscape is reached by the trail as it ascends from broadleaf forests. As you go through the Barun Valley, you will see a wide variety of plants and animals.
Enjoy one of the approximately 3,000 flowering plants, which include 25 different rhododendron kinds.
Watch out for some of the 440 different kinds of birds, as well as the rare snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, wild boar, and other animals! Because some species are unique to this area and cannot be found anywhere else in the globe, some scientists refer to it as a “living laboratory” for research.
We arrive at Yangle Kharka (3600 meters), the highest point of our trip, an alpine meadow adorned with fluttering prayer flags.
Barun Valley Trek: History
It is thought that the Mewahang, Kulung, Yamfu, Kirat, and Rai communities formerly lived on this pure piece of earth.
Communities of Kirat and Rai can still be found nearby. Additionally, information concerning the Barun Valley may be found in the historic Buddhist text Seven Shangri-la (Nghe-Beyul Khimpalung).
It defines the Barun Valley as a magical, breathtakingly beautiful, ageless area. Additionally, it is stated that only these seven regions of the planet will have life if there is a major catastrophe.
Some of the Makalu-Barun region’s territories are referred to as Beyul in those texts. The Makalu Barun region is largely deserted. Above all, the majority of this area is covered in grassland, commonly known as Kharka.
Places to Visit During Barun Valley Trek
The Makalu Barun National Park encompasses the Barun Valley in Nepal. This national park is well-known for its uncommon flora and fauna as well as its off-the-beaten-path walking routes.
During your trip to the Barun valley, there are a few other trekking trails and locations to see in addition to the Barun valley. Arun Valley, Mera Peak Base Camp, Makalu Base Camp, Salpa Pokhari, Thulo Pokhari, Barun Pokhari, Dudh Pokhari, and Shiva Dhara are a few examples.
Makalu Barun Valley Trek: Best Season/Time
Trekking is feasible throughout the year, but the finest seasons are spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Rhododendrons blossom and there is a little more color in the Spring, while the skies are typically clearer in the Fall.
On the other hand, there are less visitors during the rainy season. Every season has its advantages. To prevent acute mountain sickness, the Barun Valley Trek requires moderate fitness or acclimatization.
Makalu Barun Valley Trek: Difficulty
The Barun Valley trek rises 3,600 meters above sea level at its highest point. Due to this, the likelihood of experiencing altitude sickness while on the hike is still low. After Tashigaun, there are no lodges or teahouses because camping is required for the Nepali Barun Valley Trek.
After Tashi gaon, you’ll need to transport tented campers, as well as enough food and water. Additionally, the trail is quite difficult, and only a few hikers use it each year. Going on a walk to the Barun Valley is only advised for those who seek out extreme adventure. Additionally, prior trekking experience is necessary before embarking on a Barun Valley Trek.
Makalu Barun Valley Trek: Required Permits
The government of Nepal must issue permits for the Barun Valley Trek. A trekker needs two different types of permits: a TIMS permit and a national park permit. Find out what these permits are worth: TIMS is $20 per person and the Makalu Barun National Park Permit costs $30 per person.
Barun Valley Trek: Route
Following a picturesque flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, the Makalu Base Camp trek begins. You will begin your trip from Tumlingtar in the direction of Khadbari and then Chichila. You will leave Chichila behind and travel through Num and Sedua to reach Tashi Gaon.
The trail takes you through a number of tiny village before arriving in Kauma, where you’ll spend a day off to adjust to the altitude. You will next progressively climb the rocky, wooded trail to Makalu Base Camp. You will also travel via Mumbuk, Neha Khadka, and Sherson on your way to the base camp.
After a day of visiting the base camp, you’ll return to Tashi Gaon by using the same route as before. The trail will take you to the picturesque village of Pakuwa, from where you may fly back to Kathmandu via Bumling and Tumlingtar.
Barun Valley Trek: Cost
The price of your Makalu Base Camp Trek will vary according on the tour operator you choose.
The cost includes your accommodations and meals while on the trek, lodging in Kathmandu, all required permits, and guides’ and porters’ charges. For further details, you can look at our cost including and omitting parts. You will receive the greatest service and price from us.