GHT | Kanchenjunga, Lumba Sumba & Makalu Barun Camping Trek
Nepal Himalaya Trek

GHT | Kanchenjunga, Lumba Sumba & Makalu Barun Camping Trek – Nepal Himalaya Trekking
Day 1 – Arrive Kathmandu 1340m (4395′) | Transfer Kathmandu Guest House
Welcome to Nepal! You will be met at Tribhuvan International Airport by a representative from Kamzang Journeys or Khumbu Adventures (our partners in Kathmandu) Doma, Lhakpa and Nuru Sherpa). Look for a sign with your name on it as you leave the arrival area. We strongly suggest purchasing a NTC (Nepal Telecom) SIM card as you leave the airport if you have an unlocked phone. It’s very useful for data in the remote regions of Nepal. We will transfer you to the Kathmandu Guest House (or see Great Stays tab for luxury, boutique, and other hotel options in the Kathmandu Valley) where your room has been booked for you. Drink plenty of water to hydrate after your flight, and enjoy your first evening in Kathmandu …

We’ll need your travel medical insurance, a copy of your passport and Nepali visa, and one (or more) visa-sized photos (inquire if we need for your trek); please have them ready to give to Lhakpa, Doma or Nuru. And please ask if you need your gear checked, or have shopping or sightseeing questions!

Thamel is a myriad of shops of all imaginable varieties, bakeries, cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels, spas, climbing walls, colorful banners and signs, and eccentrically clad backpackers. Enjoy dinner at Roadhouse Cafe, New Orleans, Yin & Yang, Third Eye, or one of Thamel’s other restaurants … (B)

Day 2 – Kathmandu
Enjoy a free day exploring Kathmandu’s many World Heritage sites or embark on a tour of the beautiful Kathmandu valley, surrounded by Himalayan snow peaks (See Kathmandu Valley Tours for optional tours with a qualified guide, car, and entrance fees included). Or just relax at the hotel, visit the spa, have a massage, wander Kathmandu’s fascinating streets, pop into neighborhood Hindu temples and Newari-styled courtyards, join in on koras of the Buddhist temples. (B)

Cafe Caravan & Dolpo Gallery
Dolpo Artist Tenzin Norbu creates wonderful Dolpo paintings, the prints (and some originals) are available from our Cafe Caravan at Boudhanath Stupa, housed in one of Boudha’s original historic buildings, decorated in a bright, Tibetan style and overlooking the magnificent stupa!

Sightseeing in Kathmandu
Nuru Wangdi Sherpa (Khumbu Adventures & Café Caravan) has his Kathmandu guide license and a large SUV vehicle, and can arrange any sightseeing you might want to do in Kathmandu and the Kathmandu valley. He is often available for guiding your excursions as well. Mobile + WhatsApp: +977 9803633783 (WhatsApp)

Massage in Kathmandu (Ramji of Relieving Hands)
Ramji is a blind masseur trained by Seeing Hands in Kathmandu, who now offers wonderful at home (or hotel) massages, with his own massage table and oil. He is truly a master masseur, a real healer and VERY highly recommended. His prices are extremely reasonable. Let us know if you want help to arrange a massage.
Relieving Hands by Ramji

Kathmandu | World Heritage Sightseeing Tours – Pashupatinath, Boudhanath, Durbar Square & Swayambunath
Kathmandu is filled with World Heritage sites and sacred destinations, crowded with traditional neighborhoods and colorful festivals. Spend a few days exploring Nepal’s exotic capital and the history-laden Kathmandu valley. We can arrange sightseeing guides and vehicles as required. See Kathmandu Heritage & Happenings for more details.

We recommend beginning with Pashupatinath in the early morning and moving on to Boudhanath mid-morning. Hindu Pashupatinath on the sacred Bagmati river and its sacred temple complex is one of Nepal’s most important sites, a powerful cremation site, and Nepal’s most important Hindu temple. Here, monkeys run up and down the steps of the burning ghats, and trident-bearing saddhus draped in burnt-orange and saffron sit serenely meditating when they’re not posing for photos-for-rupees. Local guides can explain the significance of the complicated ceremonies. Please be respectful when taking photos.

Boudhanath, in the midst of traditional monasteries (gonpas in Tibetan) and hung with long strings of multi-colored prayer flags, attracts Sherpas, Tibetans, and tourists alike for daily circumambulations (koras) of the iconic stupa. The striking Buddha eyes of Boudhanath Stupa watch over a lively and colorful Tibetan community and attract pilgrims from all over the Himalayan Buddhist realm. There are wonderful spots for lunch at Boudhanath (Roadhouse Cafe has wood-oven pizzas and a breathtaking view of the stupa and colorful Nepals circling it), and it’s a good place to learn the technique of thanka painting and purchase a thanka (Buddhist mural). See also Bhaktapur for more options for shopping for thankas.

Wander through the many temples, pagodas, courtyards, and the museum at Kathmandu Durbar Square, a timeless gathering spot and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Kathmandu Durbar Square, including the old royal palace, is Kathmandu’s ‘Palace Square’, a showcase for the world-renowned artisans and craftsmen of Kathmandu and a synthesis of Hindu and Buddhist palaces, temples, stupas, and statues. The Malla and Shah kings ruled over the Kathmandu Valley during the centuries of the building of the layers of this Durbar Square. Along with their opulent palaces, the square surrounds numerous courtyards and temples, all works of art with intricate and often erotic carvings. Kathmandu Durbar Square is known as Hanuman Dhoka Durbar Square, a name derived from a statue of Hanuman, the monkey devotee of Lord Ram, at the entrance of the palace. The social, religious and urban focal point of the city, Durbar Square is often the site of festivals, marriages, and other ceremonies such as Teej. Some important structures are Hanuman Dhoka Palace, Kumari Ghar (Abode of the Living Goddess), Taleju Temple, built between the 12th and 18th centuries, the 17th century stone inscription set into the wall of the palace with writings in 15 languages.

In the evening (take the interesting back streets from Durbar Square) climb the many steps to the gilded Swayambhunath stupa (known as the monkey temple) which rises from the Kathmandu valley floor at 1420 meters and is one of the holiest Buddhist sites in Nepal. Swayambunath, the ‘self-created’  stupa, was founded over 2000 years ago at a time when the Kathmandu valley was filled by a large lake, with a single lotus in the center. Mythology says that Manjusri, a bodhisattva, drained the lake with one cut of his sword and the lotus flower was transformed into the stupa. From its commanding views of Kathmandu, circumambulate Swayambunath’s white-washed stupa, painted with distinctive Buddha eyes, the complex a unique synthesis of Buddhism and Hinduism. Another interesting time to visit Swayambunath is in the mornings when Nepalis visit the temple dedicated to the God of Smallpox with colorful offerings for the goddess.

Stop to photograph reflections in Kathmandu’s many pokharis or ponds, including the beautiful Rani Pokhari (queen’s bath) near New Road, and the Naga Pokhari (pond of the snake gods of the underworld) just beyond the palace gates. The many bathing ghats, square enclosures with steps leading down to water spouts, often decorated with naga heads, are also interesting and colorful gathering spots.

Cafe Caravan & Dolpo Gallery
Dolpo Artist Tenzin Norbu creates wonderful Dolpo paintings, the prints (and some originals) available from our Cafe Caravan at Boudhanath Stupa, housed in one of Boudha’s original historic buildings, decorated in a bright, Tibetan style and overlooking the magnificent stupa!

Day 3 – Fly Taplejung (Suketar) 1885m. Trek Mitlung 880m 
We head to the airport after breakfast for our scenic, hour-long flight over green, terraced rice fields, high ridges, and past Himalayan peaks to Taplejung (Suketar) Airport in far eastern Nepal, a region of Rai, Lhomi, and other Nepali hill people who carry their loads with traditional Nepali dokas, or woven reed baskets. Rural Taplejung is the starting point of our trek to the Arun valley and also east to the remote, Tibetan Kanchenjunga region.

We meet the crew here in Taplejung and begin trekking north, starting with a long descent through a patchwork of terraced villages until we reach the Tamor Nadi, at 900 meters. Passing through green fields of cardamom, we hike past several Chhetri and Bahun (Brahmin) villages, interspersed with neat Limbu and Rai villages, sometimes on stone steps. The small but busy villages are alive with rabbits in cages, squealing piglets, plenty of chickens, and other livestock fenced near the traditional houses. The fields are planted with maize and buckwheat, and there are vivid green rice paddies throughout. WE soon pass through Handewar, a lovely, scenic village, and soon afterward reach the hamlet of Aangshyanpati, where we once camped for the night in the green schoolyard.

If time permits, we continue to trek through more lush fields of cardamom, often watered by small sprinklers which shoot sprays of water over the trail, to Mitlung, at the intersection of the Tamor Nadi (River), another 2 1/2 hours of trekking from Aangshyanpati. Camp is above a great swimming river, right below a long suspension bridge, in the camping fields of one of our local contacts, who happens to own a shop. Beers are available, perfect for our first afternoon’s sundowners at this low altitude camp. If you have a good stomach, sample some traditional Nepali snacks at the bhattis, or Nepali tea houses. At camp, you will meet the full Kamzang Journeys team! Chai is brewing, and we’ll introduce you to our ‘Kamzang style’ dining tent and your personal Marmot Thor 2 person tents (3 person tents for couples). Enjoy! (2 or 4 1/2 hrs)
Distance: 11.9km

Day 4 – Trek Chiruwa (Chirwa) 1230m
Waking to a misty middle hills Nepali morning, we continue to trek following the Tamor Nadi for an hour along the riverside, crossing a suspension bridge over the Sisne Khola, to the hamlet of Sinwa (Siwan) (970m), where Muscovi ducks waddle through town, a long, hot and dusty bazaar with a police post, rice paddies and many Nepali bhattis (tea shops). One year in Sinwa we watched the fascinating art of aluminum smelting and local pot making by traveling blacksmiths, timeless Nepal.

Just past Sinwa and before Pithun is a trail leading northeast, following the Ima Khola and leading directly to Tokpegola in the Makalu Barun region. We trek above the Tamor Nadi on the right side of the trail, a rough, lush track through more cardamom plants, descending to an intersecting stream which we cross on a bamboo bridge. A short ascent past buffalo paddocks to the tiny hamlet of Tawa, where one rainy year we were forced to spend the night in a local tea house. Thank God for tongba, the local millet beer! Note the Limbu gravestone, resembling a long, small house, just before the tea house on the left of the trail.

From Tawa, we pass the remnants of old, boulder-strewn slides and debris as the trail worsens and the valley narrows. After undulating trekking on a high jungle trail with many stone steps and rounded boulders, we reach Thiwa, another small hamlet. Another 45 minutes of high contouring brings us to the intersection of the Nuwa Khola and the small hamlet of Chiruwa (Chirwa), a lively bazaar village of bamboo houses built amongst beautiful river rocks, with wooden enclosures for their many pigs, a lovely setting. Camp is five minutes past the village, at a nice campsite. It will be a short day, so take advantage of the free afternoon to do some laundry or explore this traditional village. (5 hrs)
Distance: 12.2km

Day 5 – Trek Sukethum (Japantar) 1565m
Continuing to following the Tamor Nadi, we hike along the east bank of the river as we head along the classic Kanchenjunga Base Camp route. After breakfast, we trek through yet more cardamom, past stone resting spots, crossing two intersecting streams on small bridges. We pass a Tamang memorial chorten and Rai resting spots (chatauras) as we trek for 1 1/2 hours to the Kanchenjunga Conservation Area (KCAP) check post, from where we cross the river to Tapletok (1495m), a large village with 120 houses on one side of the river, 200 houses on the other hill side, and a lively weekly meat market. There is even a Christian church in this Chhetri village, Tapletok having been visited by missionaries!

KCAP was created in 1998 ‘to preserve 2035 sq km of sub-tropical evergreen forest, temperate forests, sub-alpine pine forests and high alpine meadows. The preserve provides a haven for many rare Himalayan species, including snow leopards, red pandas, and bharals. The park is also home to 250 species of birds, and more than 3000 species of plants.’ – Lonely Planet Trekking the Nepal Himalaya.

From Tapletok we trek along a magical trail on slate steps, through a flat area of cardamom and open woods, before we start a hot, one hour climb to Phembu where we collapse at the small tea house, shaded by a large, leafy tree, and have some water! From here we trek along a beautiful, open trail, staying high and enjoying the wide views. We drop just a bit after an hour of hiking, passing through forest to a long suspension bridge. Crossing the bridge, we climb steeply for five minutes to camp at a Tibetan house, amongst vivid red Hippeastrum (Amarillas). The local family often dries stinging nettle (shishnu) for the winter, to make nettle soup for much needed vitamins.

There is another camp at Sukethum right on the Tamor River about 10 minutes below us, and a trail leading directly north to Olangchun Gola. We may get lucky and see our first glimpse of Jannu (7710m) if the skies are clear. (5 hrs)
Distance: 10.2km

Day 6 – Trek Amjilosa 2390m
From Sukethum camp we descend to the lower camp and follow the trek northeast following the Ghunsa Khola, typical riverside hiking on an undulating trail with mossy stones at the moist riverside, crossing the river three times on suspension bridges. The cliffs on the left of the trail are steep, with clinging plants hanging on the slick sides. We begin climbing on sun baked steps high above the river, spotting our first rhododendrons along the trail and gaining altitude as we head towards Kanchenjunga North Base camp and the remote Tibetan villages of the Kanchenjunga region, the altitude gain marked by shist stones.

Contouring around the high ridges, we have fantastic views on our route north and possibly pass mule caravans transporting the locally grown cardamoms to markets further south. We reach the hamlet of Lamatar (or Jaubari) after 2 1/2 hours of hiking, the local inhabitants of the small village of thatched huts brewing lots of chang and raksi in large, copper pots. Climbing on steep stone steps to a waterfall and the small hamlet of Ghaiyabari (2150m), we continue to ascend on a slightly exposed trail, soon reaching a grassy saddle at 2530m from where we drop down slightly to the Tibetan settlement of Amijlosa, a 300 meter climb. We camp on a grassy plateau with views, and the inhabitants of this small tea house brew delicious corn tongba. (4 1/2 – 5 hrs)
Distance: 7.5km

Day 7 – Trek Kyapra 2705m
Gaining altitude as we trek along the Ghunsa Khola, we trek through a bamboo, oak and rhododendron forest, with mossy stone steps, past waterfalls and pasture lands interspersed with strawberry plants, with a large variety of birds singing and darting through the trees. The trail is again undulating, and we soon reach a steep and strenuous climb on scree. The last section of this climb is on an old slide, the trail either straight up through the rocks or on a muddy trail to the right. We trek along the side of the river heading towards a large waterfall, the river far below us, and soon reach the beautiful Sherpa village of Kyapra (Gyabla) with an old monastery and ancient Buddhist chortens. Camp has been set up on a lovely, grassy campsite next to a stone tea house owned by Tashi Phuti, with its own resident cat that loves the kitchen stove. We’ll take the afternoon to explore Kyapra village, 150 meters above camp, looking for a cup of salt-butter tea. This is Red panda territory, so keep your eyes open. (4 1/2 hrs)
Distance: 7.5km

NOTE: This was our trekking day during the 2015 Nepal Earthquake; we reached Kyapra camp just after the 7.9 magnitude quake hit, a scary time throughout Nepal.

Day 8 – Trek Phale (Phole) 3255m
A lovely day of trekking through the forested river valley, with groves of bamboo, fir, rhododendron and jasmine flowers, which Himalayan black bear are said to inhabit. The trail undulates, and we sometimes trek along the riverside as we ascend, crossing a slightly exposed section of trail before ascending through a natural ‘tunnel’ marked with white Buddhist kata scarves, where we might smell the scent of jasmine flowers. Continuing on a flat trail past an impressive boulder on our left, we hike through the now unused summer stone settlement of Gunsa inhabitants. Soon afterwards we reach the Tibetan village of Phale, with an ancient (and active) gompa filled with colorful thankas and statues. Phale is located on a historic trade route with Tibet so has been an important stop for traders transporting their goods by yak and horse between Tibet and Nepal.

After lunch we can wander through this village to visit the locals, perhaps stopping in some of the local homes to look for Tibetan blankets or saddle bags. Enjoy the afternoon in this traditional Tibetan village, with yaks grazing in the green pastures and checkered with potato fields, perhaps having a chance to visit some of the houses for a cup of salt-butter tea, some tsampa (roasted barley flour) and perhaps some churpi (dried, slightly sour cheese) and a cup of chang (locally-brewed barley beer).

Our local guide Phuntsok and his wife Lanzom are from Phale, and we camp in the yard of their local tea house. Tongba, as always, is on offer in the warm kitchen of the lodge. (3 hrs)
Distance: 6.4km

Day 9 – Trek Ghunsa 3430m
A short day trekking today, hiking on a good trail through a wide, flower filled valley to suspension bridge, which we cross and continue on a good trail to Gunsa. Just before the bridge you will spot a beautiful snow peak ahead, across the river. This is Nyuka Lachung peak (6012m), rising behind Gunsa. After an hour, we pass the intersection of the Yangma Samba Khola which leads to the Nango La, through forests of larch. We’ll stop at the WWF chorten in memory of the tragic helicopter crash in 2006. The helicopter disappeared while carrying Nepal’s forestry minister and 23 other people, including foreign officials, aid workers and journalists, many of them working with WWF and some of Nepal’s most influential naturalists. Soon after this memorial, we take a slight detour for 5 minutes, heading to the left up to the Nyingma Tashi Choding Gompa, a beautiful site and an ancient monastery.

Afterwards, we drop to the square chorten marking the start of the Tibetan village of Ghunsa, fluttering with prayer flags, situated in a deep valley of forested hillsides. Take advantage of this day to acclimatize and get out to explore the lively Tibetan village of Ghunsa, translated as ‘winter settlement’ although it is occupied throughout the year. Gunsa was one of Joel’s favorite villages in the Kanchenjunga region; he would pick up a variety of Tibetan treasures including leather belts with silver medallions along the belt, silver spoons which Tibetan women hang from their belts and bamboo tongba pots.

Ghunsa was severely damaged in the 2011 earthquake which had its epicenter in Sikkim, and is a typical Tibetan village with a few Sherpa families residing there, five-colored prayer flags on tall wooden poles and wooden houses with flat, slate roofs. There are two gompas on either side of the trail, a police check post, and a few lodges and shops in Ghunsa where it’s possible to get a hot shower, make a phone call, and stock up on a few cold beers. Don’t miss the opportunity to sample the local tongba, a traditional Tibetan fermented beer which is found all over the mountain regions of Nepal but is a specialty of the Kanchenjunga region. Tongba is a fermented millet filled with hot water, drunk from a straw out of a bamboo container, and refilled at leisure. Be careful, one is plenty! There is also a hydroelectric plant providing electricity to Ghunsa, the last chance to charge for a few days. (2 1/2 hrs)
Distance: 3.9km

Day 10 – Trek Kambachen 4100m
Heading north along the east banks of the Ghunsa Khola on the GHT high route, we gain altitude as we trek, cresting the 4000 meter threshold as we ascend through more larch forests, now sprinkled with juniper bushes and dwarf rhododendrons. Both of these plant are ground by locals, and used (and sold) as incense in the villages and Kathmandu. As we gain altitude slowly trek just above the rocky riverside, across old slides. We cross a wide, rocky flood plain and then a shaky wood and slab bridge to the north banks of the river at Rampuk Kharka at 3720 meters (kharka is a seasonal grazing settlement Nepali, and the Tibetan word is doksa). The trail deteriorates as we ascend, passing a small waterfall, and hiking carefully high above the river below us. Another climb and we descend to Kambachen at the confluence of the Nupchu Khola, a remote Tibetan outpost of stone huts where the inhabitants exist on a simple diet of potatoes and rice, supplemented by chang and rakshi (distilled vodka-like alcohol).

Camp is set up on a flat area beside a stream, with views of Tanga 1, 2 + 3 to the west of camp. The nights will start to get colder from now on, and the views more and more spectacular.

NOTE: If the trail on the west of the river isn’t improved, we will hike on the newer trail on the east of the river and cross the river on a small bridge before Kambachen to reach camp. (5 – 6 hrs)
Distance: 10.7

Day 11 – Kambachen | Jannu Viewpoint Day Hike
We’ll take advantage of this acclimatization day at Kambachen Doksa and enjoy a beautiful three hour round trip hike to Jannu viewpoint (4400m) to the east of camp, along the northern ridges of the Kumbhakarna Glacier. Leaving camp, we descend to the river, cross on a small, wooden stream, and then hike along the northern side of Kumbhakarna Glacier through a valley of dwarf rhododenrons and scrub, staying close to the edge of the moraine.

Jannu (7711m), also called Kumbhakarna and a formidable climbing peak, is the 32nd highest mountain in the world, a Western part of the Kanchenjunga massif. It is called Phoktanglungma in native Limbu language, Phoktang meaning shoulder and Lungma meaning mountain (‘mountain with shoulder’), and it is sacred in the Kirant (Rai and Limbu) religion.

From the ridge to the north of the seasonal village are breathtaking views of Kambachen (7802m), Khabur (6332m), Phole (6645m) and Jannu (7711m) at the end of the long valley to the east. Kanchenjunga Glacier, backed by snow peaks, is to the north of us, and Mera Peak to the south. Nupchu Peak (6044m) is one more that we’ll see. There is a Ngimgma gompa about 100 meters above camp, a perfect afternoon climb. The staff will hunt for some local vegetables, which grow close to the ground in the grazing pastures behind camp.
Distance: 9.4km

Day 12 – Trek Lhonak 4780m
We trek further north along the Ghunsa Chu, fed by the Kanchenjunga Glacier, and enter a glacial environment as we gain altitude and get closer to the border of Tibet. We trek past two grazing pastures (doksas), followed by the ‘great balancing rock’ at Ramtang Doksa (4620m) about 3 hours from Kambachen. We stay on the left side of the lateral moraine of the Kanchenjunga Glacier as we approach the source of the Ghunsa Khola, and will be treated to vies of Kampachen (7802m). Just past Ramtang Doksa, look to the right up Mera Glacier for views of snow capped Mera Peak (5354m). We hike through tundra, often on scree, passing through rock slides with a bit of rocky scrambling, frozen waterfalls on the frozen rock faces across the river.

We continue hiking past a frozen waterfall, along a high, tundra-like plateau strewn with boulders, past the intersecting Lhonak Glacier to our left and reach the high, flat campsite at the seasonal village of Lhonak. Bharal (blue sheep) roam this plateau, and we’ve seen plenty of snow leopard and wolf scat, so keep your eyes open for blue sheep hillsides, often peering down from rocky ledges with their distinct horns silhouetted against the blue Tibetan skies. There are a few exposed trails before we reach Lhonak, a beautiful high campsite with a wooden hut on the side of the Kanchenjunga Glacier moraine. Lhonak, another seasonal settlement, is a cold but generally sunny campsite which we share with Himalayan Snowcocks and pikas. The afternoon views are sublime, surrounded by some of the highest snow-peaks on the planet.
Distance: 9.6km

Day 13 – Lhonak |  Day Hike Kanchenjunga North Base Camp (Pang Pema) 5145m
A spectacular day as we trek northeast towards Kanchenjunga North Base Camp, a 7 hour round trip journey. The morning is icy, the morning clouds often not yet burned off, as we trek over rough terrain, more slides, tundra, plateau and a few exposed trails to Pang Pema. We trek for about ten kilometers, following the lateral moraine of the Kanchenjunga Glacier on the northern ridges to the doksa of Pang Pema. Today is one of the highlights of the trek, a spectacular setting, worth a climb a bit higher to gaze at the northwest face of Kanchenjunga.

The peaks are Kanchenjunga, Taple Shikhar (6510m) and Gimmigela Chuli (The Twins, 7350m). To the east from the border of Sikkim rise Patibhara Khas (Pyramid Peak, 7168m) and Kirat Chuli (Tent Peak, 7365m). To the west, Chang Himal with its knife-edged ridge looms over Kanchenjunga Glacier.
Distance: 15.4km

Day 14 – Trek Kambachen
Retracing our steps to Kambachen, the views are absolutely different on the way back. Enjoy the walk! (3 hrs)
Distance: 9.6km

Day 15 – Trek Ghunsa
Back to Ghunsa along the eastern route, slightly undulating, a lovely walk which we might share with Gunsa yaks and their herders who are heading north, with yellow primrose and lavender brightening the landscape. There are some odd plants that small like sesame, as well as many rhododendron trees, and blue sheep often grazing on the hillsides. We’ll pass fluttering, five colored Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags along the way, sending out their prayers through the winds.

We have the rest of the afternoon in Ghunsa to relax. We camp at Tashi’s campsite, and can spend the chilly evening in Tashi’s warm lodge sampling the local tongba around the wood and dung stove. (6 hrs)
Distance: 10.6km

Day 16 – Trek Phale Kharka (High Camp) 4160m
Leaving Gunsa, we recross the bridge and hike down past the gompa to the WWF memorial, turning up to the right on a very small trail just past this landmark, and eventually following the Yangma Samba Khola on a rocky but scenic trail through the narrow valley. We gain altitude for about four hours, trekking through a world of rhododendrons and firs, crossing a small river and more old slides before finally reaching the local Phale kharka where the staff is starting to set up camp. This is another cold campsite, often covered in snow and requiring some clearing before the tents are put up. Have a good sleep, and pack your day packs for our beautiful pass crossing tomorrow. (3 1/2 hrs)
Distance: 5.5km

Day 17 – Langyung Kharka 3745m | Cross Nango La 4775m
Our first Himalayan pass day! We’ll be up early with a mug of steaming coffee before ascending somewhat steeply on a rocky trail towards the Nango La (4775m), a two hour climb from camp. Nearing the pass we will probably trek through snow, the views increasingly more spectacular. From the narrow crest of the Tibetan Buddhist prayer flag decorated Nango La we wil be treated to a panorama of Himalayan peaks, a perfect photo opportunity.

We trek steeply down the pass, often through deep snowdrifts, potholing our way down the first snowy section of the pass. The porters often have trouble descending through the snow with their loads, so we will all trek together and help when needed. We’ll pass the small dharamsala, a stone hut where the porters will stop for lunch, from where we turn left (west) and follow the green Thasa Khola valley on a rocky, snow free and (as usual) undulating trail to our green campsite at Langyung Kharka. (6 1/2 – 7 hrs)
Distance: 8km

Day 18 – Trek Olangchung Gola 3190m
Staying on the west of the Yangma Khola, we descend steeply through a magical forest of large, leafy rhododenrons with flowers of pink and crimson red, mossy rocks, hanging lichen and tangled roots. The trail is muddy, rocky and there are a few slides to maneuver around, so we will hike carefully.
We finally reach the bottom of the steep valley where we cross a smalls stream to a lovely campsite amongst the rocks at 3340m, and the intersection of the Yangma Khola. We cross the small river on a wooden bridge, pass another campsite and hike along the the right banks of the Yangma Khola through several more slide sections of trail for an hour and a half. These slides were caused by the 2011 earthquake, locals have told us. Passing a ruined hut, we trek along a green plateau before starting a 1 1/2 hour climb through a forest of bamboo on a slightly exposed trail, staying high above the river. We turn right, lunch at a small clearing and then have another hour of steep climbing on a less exposed trail along the Tamor River, crossing still more slides. Finally we reach grassy trails, with stone ‘chhataras’, mani stones and views up and down this scenic valley. The village of Olangchun Gola and its ochre monastery are visible above us, reached via more Tibetan prayer flags.

We’ve reached the sprawling village of Olangchung Gola (Walunchung Gola), partly cobbled with local stones, peppered with chortens, mani walls and whitewashed stupas, one of the most remote Tibetan villages in the Kanchenjunga region. There is lots to explore within the maze of traditional houses of wood and stone that comprise the village, great shopping (woven Tiger and Dragon rugs are their specialty) and lots to explore. We camp in the back of Pema and Tashi’s lodge, their adorable young son (two daughters are at school elsewhere) keeping us company in the afternoon. Pema makes great tongba, and as always provides a wonderful opportunity to mix with the locals, experience traditional village life and stay warm by the fire. (7 hrs)
Distance: 12.8km

Day 19 – Olangchung Gola
Olanchung Gola is the largest village of the Walung people, who speak a language derived from Tibetan and share many cultural similarities, foods and of course their religion with Sherpas and Tibetans. We have a free day to wander through this remote village, once restricted to tourism, do some shopping, take photos and do some carpet shopping, a craft at which the women of Olangchun Gola excel. There are small shops in the village, so stock up on snacks as you explore this traditional village.

We will hike up to the 466 year old Deki Choling Gompa, of the Nyingmapa tradition, which contains many old and priceless statues from Tibet. The path up is lined with colorful prayer flags, and the view down to the village beautiful. Perhaps we’ll be invited to a game of volleyball in the afternoon by the Nepali police in this remote post!

Day 20 – Trek Sanjung Camp (Tamor Sumdo Camp) 4020m
Leaving wonderful Olangchung Gola, we hike northwest towards one of the high points of our trek, the remote Lumbha Sambha pass (5160m) on the Great Himalayan Trail, connecting Kanchenjunga with Makalu Barun. Ascending on a good trail after crossing a small wooden bridge marked by a sign, we pass several wooden kharkas marked with yak tracks as we trek through more rhododendrons, with yellow primroses scattered everywhere along the trail, an abundance of bird life and might perhaps even spot blood pheasants en route. We will be trekking along the Tamor River through landscape that looks much like the Kharta Valley in Tibet not far north from here, gaining altitude slowly as we trek past the intersections of the Dingsamba and Tamor Rivers to Sangjung camp by the river. (4 hrs)
Distance: 8.5km

Day 21 – Trek Lumba Sumba High Camp 4455m
A sublimely beautiful half day’s trek as we head towards the Lumba Sumba pass, on Nepal’s Great Himalayan Trail. We cross the small river near camp to avoid hiking on slippery rocks on the right side of the river. The left side of the river has a good trail, and we pass four doksas, all of which could be Yangetar. We passed a dead Red fox along the trail in 2015. Ascending, we hike straight up a steep trail and trek along a rolling plateau, following the snaking river. Snow often sticks at this point, and we might break through the soft snow if Nepal has had a big winter, hiking through a beautiful, white Himalayan landscape. We have another steep climb to reach a big S turn in the river, a stunning high altitude plateau, and then yet another steep climb followed by a descent to our otherworldly campsite right on the river. We had to shovel out campsites in 2015, wet but stunning at the base of tomorrow’s Lumba Sumba pass. (4 hrs)
Distance: 4.2km

Day 22 – Trek Sumba Yak Kharka 4550m or Langtang Camp 4200m | Cross Lumba Sumba Pass 5160m
A dawn start for our Himalayan crossing of the remote Lumba Sumba pass, an epic double-pass crossing. After a short walk on snow, we have a very steep climb to reach an open, snow baked plateau reflecting the morning’s first rays. Crossing this expanse of white, crusted and frozen snow, leaving shallow footprints, we trek along a rolling plateau, past hidden mountain lakes, with expansive views opening of Kanchenjunga looming mightily in back of us, to the east. After about two hours we reach the first pass, the Lumba La, from where Makalu is finally visible, as well as Jannu to the east, an incredible panorama. There are few passes in the Himalaya where one is able to see two 8000 meter peaks rising so massivly on either side!

The next pass, after a somewhat exposed traverse, is the Sumba La, where we will stop for more photos, and to absorb the mind-boggling Himalayan vista. Possibilities to ‘sled’ down the pass, first relatively gradually and later more steeply following the bank of the river on a rocky trail, staying high. The river becomes the Lapsi Khola, and the banks are soon covered in juniper and dwarf rhododendrons, the later which blooms with papery delicate white flowers in June. We soon reach the first grassy doksa where we stop for a rest, a snack and to dry wet socks. We continue along the riverside for an hour to Langtang Doksa, en route passing through more yellow primroses, and camp at a lovely spot peppered with large, lichen covered rocks. In 2015 our Tamang porters stopped to collect medicinal herbs along the way, and we met a Tibetan woman and her daughter at a lone doksa, drying more medicinal roots with red glacier flowers.

The descent will take us about as long as the descent as we trek as we will possibly be descending in snow to reach our camp at Chaurikharka in the Lapsi Khola valley far below, possibly at the next sumdo near Lasa and Samne summer settlements. Her daughter spends five months of each year alone with the animals in even higher doksas, an incredibly lonely existence in an extremely harsh environment. (6 hrs)
Distance: 10km

Day 23 – Trek Thudam 3555m
We’ll hope for clear views of Makalu in the morning from our lovely campsite, and then set off on a short hike to Thudam. We trek through more mossy, lichen filled landscape, the floor carpeted wtih primrose, rhododendrons, purple and yellow pea flowers, something in the rose family which looks like a buttercup, and still more juniper; a world of flowers! Birds fill the air with their singing, a magical approach to Thudam. We pass several doksas as we follow the river on a rocky trail, often right on the river through a beautiful, green valley. Makalu stays looming in front of us as we hike along the Lapsi Khola; it’s hard to put the camera away on this wonderful day!

The staff will have set up a lovely camp near Thudam, a traditional village of Tibetans (called ‘Bhotias’ by Nepalis) who only trade with Tibet over the Umbak La (5230m), having very little interactions with Nepal although they settled in this remote spot three generations ago Thudam is a village of wooden houses with decks, which used to house 25 familes but now has only 10 families. The others moved to more populated settlements, finding life just too challenging in this remote outpost of Tibetan culture. Some of the children are at school in India, in TCV schools, and others are in Taplejung (there is a trail from Thudam leading directly to Taplejung, a 2 day journey).

Camp is set up just across the river from Thudam, in a perfect, grassy campsite where we’ll be visited by the village children. We’ll enjoy a relaxing afternoon, and wander up through town after lunch. (2 hrs)
Distance: 5.7

Day 24 – Trek Forest Kharka Camp 2775m
From Thudam we hike along the Modek Chheju Khola through a mixed oak and pine forested gorge with steep walls, the trail deteriorating as we trek further from the Kanchenjunga region. We continue along this rough trail for 1 1/2 hours, twice along the riverbed over fallen tree trunks, winding our way through rocks, before contouring away from the river above an old doksa, a very small trail. We climb for half an hour through dense forest, contouring several times around steep valleys on sketch trails, and eventually reach what we’ve named the Kharka La (3370m), an outcropping of rock in the middle of nowhere, looking out over broad valleys, way down to the river below.

We descend on a tricky, steep and muddy trail and through the equally densely forested Himalosa Danda, often crossing paths with local herders. We have a few climbs and descents to negotiate with a often slippery few small river crossings on ‘local’ bridges, but the walking is lovely as bamboo lightens the forest, and we soon reach our next campsite at a one family kharka, where Nisha, Dorji’s daughter, tends to the dzobkios. Wild country! (8 hrs)
Distance: 11.6km

Day 25 – Trek Chyamthang 2185m
Leaving our forested kharka camp, we hike along a barely visible trail to a ridge sticking out from the mountainside, finally broad views of the Makalu region ahead. We have the Arun River in sight as we head further west, descending, often steeply, through a thick and tangled rhododendron forest on trails that have seen better days. The later part of the morning is spent climbing again on a somewhat steep, green trail and then contouring around a hillside to reach the sprawling village of Chyamthang.

Spend the rest of the afternoon exploring this fascinating and picturesque Tibetan village, its crops drying on terraces next to the houses, the local Sherpa women wearing beautiful ‘tribal’ silver jewelry and traditional, flat wool hats. The trails are lined with bamboo fences, many sheds stacked with wood for the winter, stone houses are often roofed with wooden shingles, ancient mani walls and poles with Buddhist prayer flags line the trails, goats are tethered in small sheds, chickens sit on rooftops and the green and golden fields of ripening barley and millet billow in the wind. The children will return from school early afternoon from Linggam, a small village which we pass through tomorrow. (4 1/2 hrs)
Distance: 6.4km

TRAVEL NOTE | Chyamthang was where we experienced the second 2015 Nepal Earthquake. 

Day 26 – Trek Hatiya 1560m
The character of the trek changes as we head towards more populated parts of Makalu Barun, villages hugging steep mountainsides, locals eeking a living from fields built into steep hillsides. Leaving Chyamthang, we take a beautiful trail high above the river, past many lichen covered mani walls, trekking southwest through more forests of flowering rhododendrons and bamboo. We climb gradually on slate steps for broad views of this incredibly mountainous region. We soon reach the village of Linggam from where a major trail leads up to the border of Tibet to the Kharta Valley and Kangshung Face of Everest region (the eastern part of this trek). Previously we met Tibetan traders who have used this pass when in the Kharta valley and the Kangshung Face of Everest, on the Tibet side of the Makalu Barun region.

Linggam is a lively, green village with a new school which contours around the hillside, with village taps, bamboo fences, vegetable gardens and a patchwork of fields of barley, millet and other crops. The trails are again undulating, often stone steps, and we constantly share the trail with horse and mule trails supplying the villages.

Another hour brings us to beautiful Chepuwa (2040m), followed by an old, grassy chorten, some slightly exposed trail and the the very small hamlet of Gimbar as the trail hooks upwards to the northwest, and we soon pass near the village of Hongan, a possible campsite. Just past Hongan the trail forks and leads either northwest to Makalu and Makalu Base Camp or southwest towards Tumlingtar. We pass flocks of goats and sheep on the trail as we contour around a hillside and climb past a stone hut on a lovely trail to high viewpoints, resting at the stone benches before continuing the trek. We’ve seen Golden eagles and black snakes while on these trails, more wild country through mountainsides dotted with impossibly situated villages. From the Hongan turnoff we have almost 3 full hours of trekking on relatively flat trail, stopping to pick wild yellow rasberries, strawberries and local berries on creeping vines.

Finally, we look across the last valley and see the large village of Haitya, where we camp at the school grounds at the end of the village. This remote village is worth a wander through even though it’s been a long day. (8 hrs)
Distance: 18.7km

Day 27 – Trek Barun 1150m
Leaving Hatiya, we either take the old trail below the large hill above the village, or, like in 2015 when the trail was destroyed, we climb the approximately 550 meters through dense forest (with leeches) to a small pass with a mossy chorten which we named Hitiya Jungle La (2100m), and then descend steeply to the interesting Sherpa village of Sembung (1835m), where the local ‘Bhotias’ wear a distinct sort of flat, green hat, with coins sewn into them. Continuing this beautiful descent, we pass through more hillsides of cardamom, terraced fields, bamboo huts and stone resting spots, the entire landscape peppered with beautiful boulders.

We pass the intersection of the Barun River, which feeds from the Barun Glacier and Makalu, one of Nepal’s most important water sources. Eventually we reach the small settlement of Barun, where we set up camp on the green school grounds and then go to the river for a swim, as it’s a hot campsite at just above 1000m!
Distance: 9.3km

Day 28 – Trek Gadidandha 1120
A contouring day of trekking as we cross the river on a suspension bridge, and then climb on several steep, somewhat exposed trails and contouring around terraced rice paddies with villages peppering the landscape. We pass through the Rai and Sherpa villages of Gola, a long bazaar town with a check post at the end of it, followed by a climb and a slightly destroyed trail. Sting high, we pass through the small, colorful Rai hamlets of Simma and Hedangna, walk along a beautiful trail built into the rock, passing more loaded mule caravans, and eventually our camp at Gadhidanda, another long, bazaar. There was a health post set up here in 2015, many shops, and even TV (where we caught up on our earthquake news). Our campsite was also flooded by extremely heavy rains, turning the waterfall across the river into a deluge of mud, quite a sight.Tonight is our last night with the crew, so we will celebrate the trip with beers for all, and hand out their well deserved tips!
Distance: 15.1km

Day 29 – Trek Num 1560m. Drive Khadbari 1040m
Our lats day of trekking, leaving Gadidanda and descending through villages with flooded, muddy rice paddies plowed by water buffaloes, past reflective ponds and drying stacks of hay, through Hindu and Rai villages. We descend steeply down to the Arun River on a new road, cross on a metal suspension bridge and pass through a dusty bazaar before starting our dusty and hot climb to Num. We’ll meet our jeep, say goodbye to our crew and drive to Khadbari (or possibly another place with a hotel, possibly camping). We might stay at Lhamo and Lhakpa’s hotel in Num.
Distance: 5km

Day 30 – Drive Tumlingtar 410m
Love Nepali roads! It’s a rough ride on a slightly exposed dirt track to the larger road which leads to Tumlingtar. We’ll stay at one of Tumlingtar’s lovely, ‘rustic’ hotels, a real Nepali experience!
Distance: 45.52 km (Drive)

Day 31 – Fly Kathmandu
We’ll board our plane leaving Tumlingtar Airport, a beautiful and scenic flight over the patchwork of Nepal’s middle hills back to Kathmandu. We head directly back to the Kathmandu Guest House, where hot showers await, and later meet for a celebratory dinner and drinks at Yak + Yeti!

Day 32 – Trip Ends
Transfer to the Tribhuvan International Airport (TIA) for your flight home. Namaste!

TRAVEL NOTE | We strongly suggest keeping an extra ‘free’ day in Kathmandu in case of flight delays or cancellations out of Tumlingar. Or just to enjoy some of Kathmandu’s many sites and adventures!

Not Enough of Nepal?
We highly suggest taking advantage of your trip to Nepal, adding on excursions into the Kathmandu Valley, Pokhara, Bandipur, Gorkha, the Annapurna Foothills, and Chitwan and Bardia National Park. Enjoy heritage tours, mountain biking, Kathmandu valley hiking, Himalayan panoramas with a hike down from the Chandragiri Cable Car, whitewater rafting, yoga and meditation courses, Nepali cooking classes, Buddhist or Hindu retreats, and much more. There are many wonderful, boutique, luxury, and heritage lodges in the Kathmandu Valley, and many options for world heritage sightseeing tours, bicycle trips, hikes, and craft-cuisine tours. Nepal boasts world-class restaurants, chic cafes, timeless alleyways to wander through, countless Hindu and Buddhist festivals, and lots of great shopping.

Don’t miss an Everest sightseeing flight or epic helicopter tour, sightseeing trips to Bhaktapur, Patan, and Panauti (Kathmandu Valley’s other historic and/or capital cities), a weekend at Shivapuri Heights Resort or Dwarikas in Kathmandu, a night at the Fort Hotel in Nagarkot for sunrise and sunset Himalayan panoramas, a spa and wellness getaway at the ultra-luxurious Dwarikas Dhulikhel Resort and visits to ancient temple and monastery complexes such as Namo Buddha, Changu Narayan, and Dakshinkali. Spend a night at The Old Inn in Bandipur or Three Mountain Lodge en route to Pokhara, or The Famous Farm in Nuwakot, and get to know Nepal’s Newar heritage.

Enjoy a luxury 3-6 day trek in the Annapurna Foothills, staying in the wonderful Ker & Downey luxury lodges. Relax in heritage style at Temple Tree Resort in Pokhara for some pampering at the spa and infinity pool, try out paragliding, zip-lining, and enjoy a morning of boating on the lake and the hike to Shanti Stupa. Once refreshed, drive to Chitwan National Park, spending a few nights at Maruni Sanctuary Resort or Tiger Tops Tharu Lodge for wildlife and bird spotting, river trips, and safaris in style. Tiger Tops also owns Karnali Lodge at Bardia National Park, reached by flight from Kathmandu, and there are nearby archeological sites to visit nearby.

Namaste!

Nepal Modules
Nepal & Kathmandu Modules | Customize Your Trip!

Dates
May 2024
32 Days

Trek Price
$5480

+ Garden Upgrade Kathmandu Guest House – $60
+ Deluxe Upgrade Kathmandu Guest House – $150
+ NO Single Supplement for Trek (Single Tents)!
+ Price for 5+ Trekkers

Kathmandu Guest House Single & Double Upgrades 
+ Deluxe Upgrade Kathmandu Guest House (3 Nights) – $135
+ Suite Upgrade Kathmandu Guest House (3 Nights) – $225

Kathmandu Guest House | Extra Nights Room Price
Includes Breakfast & Taxes

Standard Single – $55
Standard Double – $65
Deluxe Single – $100
Deluxe Double – $110
Suite Single – $130
Suite Double – $140

Includes

• Western + Sherpa Guide | Kim + Lhakpa Sherpa
• Kanchenjunga & Makalu Barun Conservation Area Permits
• Kathmandu Guest House (Breakfast)
• All Domestic Flights (4)
• Hotels En Route to Trek
• Group Transportation by Private Vehicle
• Airport Transfers
• NO Single Supplement on Trek!
• Kamzang Journeys Boutique Trekking
  Marmot Thor (or similar quality) Western tents, ‘gourmet’ food with seasonal, fresh produce, French-press coffee, chai, Kashmiri + herbal teas, Katadyn filtered drinking water, warm washing water, library, ‘lounge’ with colorful Indian rugs, camp chairs, blankets, occasional tent music in evenings, oxygen & PAC bag (when needed), full medical kit, horses, yaks or porters, Western, Sherpa & local guides (when needed), our 5-star Kamzang staff + the signature yellow Kamzang dining tent!

Safety & Health Precautions | Included in Trek

• Thuraya Satellite Phone
• InReach Satellite Messaging System (Free Texts on Trek)
• Updated Route Published on InReach Site
• Helicopter Evacuation Services (Excluding Cost of Evacuation)
• Oxygen Saturation Monitoring System
• PAC Bag (Portable Oxygen Chamber)
• Full Medical Kit + Stretcher
• Kayadyn Filtered Drinking Water
• Safe, Sanitary, Delicious + Plentiful Food + Drinks

Excludes

• International Flights
• Travel Medical + Travel Insurance (Both Required)
• Nepal Visa
• Helicopter Evacuation
• Meals (While Not on Trek)
• Monastery Donations
• Equipment Rental
• Alcohol, Sodas + Packaged Drinks
• Laundry
• Tips

Tips & Extra Cash
Allow approx $250 for meals (while not on trek), drinks (on trek) and tips. We recommend $350 per trekker thrown into the tips pool for the crew.

Kanchenjunga Region
Majestic Kanchenjunga (8598 meters) is the world’s third highest mountain, surpassed only by Everest and K2. It is certainly one of the most spectacular massifs in the Himalayan range, rising majestically from the borders of Nepal and Sikkim (India). The region, inhabited by Tibetans and Limbus living in remote mountain villages, can be approached by both the Nepal and the Indian sides. Our trek along the Great Himalayan Trail to Kanchenjunga begins in Tumlingtar, in the Makalu region of Nepal.

Kanchenjunga is worshiped by the Tibetans in Sikkim as the home of their protector gods so isn’t climbed as much as the other Himalayan mountains. The first attempt to climb Kanchenjunga was in 1905 by Aleister Crowley, but the first successful attempt at climbing wasn’t until the British expedition of 1955. Located east of the great cleft of the Arun Salpa valley, the Kanchenjunga region receives the heaviest monsoon rains in all of the Himalaya. Its middle hills are lush, green and semi-tropical, full of seasonal flowers and foliage. Opened to trekking 1988, the Kanchenjunga region provides an opportunity to visit Rai and Limbu villages in the lush middle hills, and pristine forests, Himalayan glaciers and far-flung Tibetan villages higher up.

The Myth of Kanchenjunga
“The area around Kangchenjunga is said to be home to a mountain deity, called Dzö-nga (Kangchenjunga Demon) a type of yeti or rakshasa. A British geological expedition in 1925 spotted a bipedal creature which they asked the locals about, who referred to it as the Kangchenjunga Demon.

For generations, there have been legends recounted by the inhabitants of the areas surrounding Kanchenjunga, both in Sikkim and in Nepal, that there is a valley of immortality hidden on its slopes. These stories are well known to both the original inhabitants of the area, the Lepcha people and Limbu people, and those of the Tibetan Buddhist cultural tradition. In Tibetan, this valley is known as Beyul Demoshong. In 1962, a Tibetan Lama by the name of Tulshuk Lingpa led over 300 followers into the high snow slopes of Kanchenjunga, to ‘open the way’ to Beyul Demoshong. The story of this expedition is recounted in the 2011 book A Step Away from Paradise.” – Wiikipedia

Kanchenjunga First Ascent
“1955 British Kangchenjunga Expedition: Neil Mather, John Angelo Jackson, Charles Evans and Joe Brown, Tony Streather, Norman Hardie, George Band and Prof John Clegg. In 1955, Joe Brown and George Band made the first ascent on 25 May, followed by Norman Hardie and Tony Streather on 26 May. The full team also included John Clegg (team doctor) Charles Evans (team leader), John Angelo Jackson, Neil Mather and Tom Mackinnon. The ascent proved that Aleister Crowley’s 1905 route (also investigated by the 1954 reconnaissance) was viable. The route starts on the Yalung Glacier to the southwest of the peak, and climbs the Yalung Face, which is 3000m. The main feature of this face is the ‘Great Shelf’, a large sloping plateau at around 7500m covered by a hanging glacier. The route is almost entirely on snow, glacier and one icefall; the summit ridge itself can involve a small amount of travel on rock. The first ascent expedition made six camps above their base camp, two below the Shelf, two on it, and two above it. They started on 18 April, and everyone was back to base camp by 28 May.” – Wikipedia

Makalu Barun Region
The Makalu Barun National Park, established in 1992, is the extension of the Sagarmatha National Park. Located in the districts of Solu Khumbu and Sankhuwasabha, it is the world’s only protected area with an elevation higher than 8000 meters which encloses tropical forest as well as snow capped peaks – Makalu (8463m), the world’s fifth highest peak, Chamalang (7319m), Baruntse (7129m) and Mera (6654m). To the north, in Tibet, is the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve. The Barun Valley is a stunning region of waterfalls, steep sided gorges, jutting rocks, dense forested hillsides, bright flowers and Himalayan peaks. The Barun River is known as Chukchuwa in the local indigenous Kirat language, and studies have shown that this region was originally inhabited Kulung Kirat Rais centuries ago.

Forests range from tropical, subtropical, temperate and subalpine, and the wide array of trees found in this region range from bamboo, sal, oak, laurel, maple, magnolia, Himalayan birth, Himalayan fir and conifers such as juniper and fir.The alpine regions are carpeted with dwarf rhododendron and many colorful wildflowers, as well as herbs that are collected by amchis (Tibetan doctors) to make medicine. There are said to be 25 of Nepal’s 30 varieties of rhododendrons, 48 varieties of primroses and 47 varieties of orchids.

Inhabiting this diverse topographical region are red panda, snow leopard, Indian leopard, clouded leopard, jungle cat, golden jackel, Himalayan wolf, red fox, black bear, Hanuman langur (monkey), Assam macaque (monkey), Himalayan tahr, Himalayan goral, musk deer, barking deer, wild boar, marmots, weasels, flying squirrel, otters and more. You will also find a wide variety of butterflies, reptiles, many species of birds, from eagles and vultures, white-necked storks and sunbirds to parakeet, varieties of kingfisher, flycatcher and spiny warbler.

“In 1988, the Makalu Barun Conservation Area Project (MBCAP)  was initiated as a joint endeavor of the Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation and TMI. At the time, about 32,000 people resided in the conservation area’s 12 Village Development Committees, who are primarily subsistence farmers of Sherpa, Rai, Gurung, Tamang, Magar, Newar, Brahmin and Chhetri ethnic groups. An innovative community-based conservation approach emphasized management of biodiversity together with local communities. Community Forest User Groups were created with legal rights to use designated forested areas on a sustainable basis. Ecotourism was promoted as a way of expanding off-farm employment opportunities for local people while at the same time minimizing negative environmental impact. Hunting and trapping of rare and endangered wild animals is strictly prohibited in the MBNPCA, except in extreme cases of threat to human life. There was also a provision for compensating farmers for crop and livestock depredation caused by endangered species. The inaccessible valleys of the Barun River, the glacier-fed tributary to the Arun River, treasure some of the last remaining pristine forests and alpine meadows. This area has been designated as a Strict Nature Reserve, the first in Nepal, in order to protect natural ecosystems and processes in an undisturbed state for scientific study, environmental monitoring, education and the maintenance of genetic resources.” – Wikipedia

“In the ancient religious Buddhist books, seven Beyul situated in the Himalayan region are described as mystical and spectacularly beautiful evergreen places where no one gets old. It is told that, in case of great cataclysm, life will remain only in these seven areas of the world. In those books one of the Beyul is mentioned to be situated somewhere at this Makalu-Barun region.” – Wikipedia

Makalu Climbing History
“Makalu has two notable subsidiary peaks. Kangchungtse, or Makalu II (7678m), lies about 3 km north-northwest of the main summit. Rising about 5 km north-northeast of the main summit across a broad plateau, and connected to Kangchungtse by a narrow, 7200 m saddle, is Chomo Lonzo.

The first climb on Makalu was made by an American team led by Riley Keegan in the spring of 1954. The expedition was composed of Sierra Club members including Bill Long and Allen Steck, and was called the California Himalayan Expedition to Makalu. They attempted the southeast ridge but were forced to turn back at 7100m by a constant barrage of storms. A New Zealand team including Sir Edmund Hillary was also active in the spring, but did not get very high due to injury and illness.

1955 French Makalu Expedition: Makalu was first summited on May 15, 1955, by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy of a French expedition led by Jean Franco. Franco, Guido Magnone and Gyalzen Norbu Sherpa summitted the next day, followed by Jean Bouvier, Serge Coupé, Pierre Leroux and André Vialatte. The French team climbed Makalu by the north face and northeast ridge, via the saddle between Makalu and Kangchungtse (the Makalu-La), establishing the standard route.” – Wikipedia