Makalu
(8463m / 27760ft), one of the highest peaks in
the world, stands between its two tall neighbours
Kanchanjungha in the East and Everest in the West.
A 45 minute's flight from the capital city of
Kathmandu takes you to the town of Tumlingtar
in the base of the Arun river, the trekking starting
point. From Tumlingtar the route gradually follows
the Arun river out of the Arun valley and beyond
permanent settlements. Trekking up to Makalu base
camp is relatively moderate but is not yet too
spoiled by large numbers of visitors. Makalu-Varun
national park has laid the foundations for the
preservation of the natural and cultural environment
of the area. As trekkers and mountaineers increase
every year teahouses are being set up for the
visitors. However, at the moment, a camping trek
is required to explore the area as it will take
some time to be developed as a teahouse trek destination.
Before entering the upper Varun valley, the trek
goes over the pass of Shipton La (named after
Eric Shipton 1952) at 4216m / 13828ft, approaching
the base camp. This provides breathtaking views
of beautiful ice lakes, the giant south face of
Makalu, Mt. Varuntse and the Everest ridge along
with Lhotse and other peaks. |
The
trek up to Makalu base camp usually returns on
the same trail to Tumlingtar but some enthusiastic
hikers or climbers trek even higher across the
most challenging passes of Sherpani Col, East
Col, West col and Amphulabtsa. All above 5500m
/ 18040 ft, these passes demand extreme physical
fitness and some skills of crossing and climbing
glaciers and rocks. These extremely wild and adventurous
passes connect the Makalu-Varun area with the
Hongu valley and Chhuikung of the Everest region.
