High in the heart of the eastern Himalaya, seven valleys radiate from mount Makalu, the world's Fifth highest peak. These valleys, particularly the Barun valley, treasure some of the last remaining pristine forests and alpine meadows of Nepal. Makalu Trek with Sherpeni Col trek start from the bottom of the Arun valley, at just 435 m above sea level, the Himalaya rise to the snow-capped tip of Makalu- 8463m- within a 40 km distance. Within this wide range of altitudes and climates, the Makalu-Barun area contains some of the richest and most diverse pockets of plants and animals in Nepal, elsewhere lost to spreading human habitation.
Nestled in the lower reaches of these valleys are communities of Rai, Sherpa, and Shingsawa (Bhotia) farmers. Though economically poor and isolated, they retain a rich cultural heritage. They hold the key to the preservation of the unique biological and cultural treasures of the Makalu Barun area.For the naturalist, there are spectacular displays of wildflowers and exotic plants. More than 3.000 species of flowering plants, with hundreds of orchid varieties, 48. Primroses and 25 of Nepal's 30 rhododendrons splash the hillsides with color. The forests shelter abundant wildlife, including the endangered red panda and musk deer as well as the ghoral, Himalayan tahr and leopard. Ornithologists have identified 400 bird species, at least 16 of which are extremely rare.
The trek starts from Tumlingtar after a short fly from Kathmandu. After the Makalu Base Camp we cross the 3 difficult passes which are Sherpani Col (6110m), West Col (6135m) and Amphu Laptsha Pass (5845m).