Makalu-Barun National Park, a virtually uninhabited 1500-km2 area of Eastern Nepal, is very close to virgin wilderness. This remote terrain stretches east from Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, between the high plateau of Tibet and the deep subtropical gorge carved by the Arun River. There are spectacular views of rugged Himalayan peaks, including Mt. Makalu (8463m), fifth highest in the world, Mt. Chamlang (7319 m) and Mt. Baruntse (7129m). Within 40 kms, these high peaks descend to the Arun river at 670m.The Makalu-Barun Valley provides stunning contrasts, where high waterfalls cascade into deep gorges, craggy rocks rise from lush green forests, and colorful flowers bloom beneath white snow peaks.

This unique landscape shelters some of the last pristine mountain ecosystems on earth. Rare species of animals and plants flourish in diverse climates and habitats, relatively undisturbed by mankind. Over 3000 species of flowering plants, 440 species of birds, and 75 species of mammals, including the endangered Clouded Leopard, Red Panda and Musk Deer, have been recorded. This remarkable biodiversity is considered to be of global significance, and provides a living laboratory for international scientific research.

The Barun Valley is part of a huge international protected area under an agreement between Nepal and China. The trek crosses several high passes as it climbs into the remote Barun Valley at the foot of Makalu, the world's fifth highest mountain, providing a splendid venue for more adventurous nature lovers. If you are looking to combine some serious flora and fauna with some strenuous hiking are also available in this area.