MAKALU BARUN NATIONAL PARK & CONSERVATION

Facts
Introduction
Makalu Barun National Park and Buffer zone area (previously conservation area) was established in 1992. His Majesty's Government of Nepal and supported by The Mountain Institute's initiative, this reserve is an innovative model on conservation integrating protected area management and development. This park is administered and managed by Department of National Parks and Wildlife Conservation.

A management approach in which local people are encouraged to get actively involved along with the park in protecting the natural resources and forests and conserving their rich cultural heritage. For resource management traditional systems are being strengthened such as community controlled grazing and forest guardianship .Low technologies are being introduced wherever required.

Features
Nepal's Makalu-Barun National Park and Buffer zone, covering 1500 + 830 sq, km. is the only protected area on earth with an elevation gain of 8,000m-from tropical forests along the Arun River to icy mountain summits. The skyline is a panorama of rugged Himalayan peaks which includes Mt. Makalu (8,463m) fourth highest mountain in Nepal and fifth highest in the world and. Mt. Chamlang (7,319m), Mt. Baruntse (7,129m). Mera Peak (6,654m) and Nepal known as peak hill.

Climate
The climate in Makalu-Barun area can be described as monsoon type since it falls in the eastern Himalayan climatic regime where monsoon starts early (June) and stays longer than in west Nepal (until late September). More than 70% of the precipitation occurs between June and September. During the month of April and May, pre monsoon rain is common which is an important factor in biomes production. Due to great variations in temperature and precipitation –a factor common due to extreme difference in altitude, slope and different aspects within the area , there is no record of reliable data representing the entire area .

Flora and Fauna
Tremendous diversity of plants, and animals can be found here for which this park is widely recognized. The area is home to 47 types of orchids, 56 rare plants and 25 species of rhododendron. It provides habitat to Snow leopard, red panda, musk deer, wild boar etc..

Park facilities
Tha Makalu-Barun National park and Buffer zone headquarter is located at Murmidanda. Trekkers can procure kerosene from Seduwa- A kerosene depot at Makalu Tourism Association. Private lodgers in Tashingaou also sell kerosene to all trekking groups including the porters. Kerosene stoves and blankets for porters are available on rent from Makalu Tourism Association as the trekking group has to provide the facilities to the porters. Four shelters are built for the use of porters while they are inside the park. Lighting fire is prohibited inside the shelter as it is for sleeping purpose only and can be dangerous.

How to get there
There are daily flights from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Biratnagar to Tumlingtar Can also be reached from Biratnagar/Dharan. It is a 6/7hrs drive to Hile and 3 day trek to Tumlingtar from there. One can also reach Inkhu valley of Makalu Barun from Lukia and Phalpu.

Trail safety
Until April or May, there is generally winter snow on the passes and on high altitude trails approaching shershong .Most trails are quite rocky and become slippery after rain or overnight freezes.. One particular hazardous area is the trail between Mumbuk and Yangle Kharka, an area of unstable and dangerous Rock fall. Trekkers in this area are advised to move quickly and watch for falling rocks. There is a serious risk of mountain sickness elevation gains are rapid without proper acclimatization.

Camping regulations
The trek route has designated Campsites . The purpose of designation of campsites is to regulate the impact on vegetation, minimize landscape damage , waste management and aesthetic . Seven campsites have been designated in ( Khongma 3500 m, Dobato 3500m, Yangle 3570m, Neghe 3700m, Langmale 4100m, Shershong 4600m) for tourists .