An overview of Makalu Barun National Park

Makalu Barun National Park spreads over the districts of Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbhu in northeast Nepal. The parks headquarter lies at Seduwa. One of the prime attractions for visitors to the park is the experience of unique Himalayan bio-diversity. The vegetation ranges from sub-tropical forests to sub-alpine and alpine as the altitude increases. The vegetation consists of a variety of natural forest types including pine, bamboo, rhododendron oak etc, depending upon the altitude and other many aspects. The park boasts of 48 species of orchids, 87 species of medicinal herbs, 25 of Nepal’s 30 varieties of rhododendron, 19 bamboo species, 15 oak species, 48 species of primrose and 86 species of fodder trees.
The park also offers bird- watching opportunities with its 400 species of birds, including the rare spotted wren babbler and the olive ground warbler. Wildlife include the endangered red panda, snow leopard, Himalayan black bear, clouded leopard, ghoral, thar , wild boar, barking deer, Himalayan marmot, weasel, langur monkey and serow. River Arun that flows through the park has 84 varieties fish including Salmon.
Visitors are attracted to the park for trekking and mainly mountaineering. They can also get an experience about their local common culture. Local accommodations are obtainable for the trekkers in all trekking routes. Most of the areas of the park have better camping facilities. Visitors can have the panoramic views of hills and mountains from the park.
The park is easily accessible from Kathmandu. It takes about 40 minutes flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and then about six-day walk. The best seasons for the visitors to visit the park is Oct-Nov and Mar-Apr. It is monsoon during Jun-Sep while hot at lower elevations during Apr-May.