Barun Valley vs. Other Nepal Treks: Which One Should You Choose?

Do you know? Barun Valley is located entirely inside the Makalu Barun National Park, extended within Nepal's Shankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu districts. It is an eastern extension of the Sagarmatha National Park.

Makalu Barun National Park is a surprising territory that has expanded over an area of 1,500 km2 (580 sq mi). The eighth national park is Nepal; Makalu Barun was established in 1992. tropical forests along the Arun River (435 m) to Mt. Makalu (8,463m), the fifth-highest peak in the world and the fourth-highest in Nepal.

The Eastern Himalayan valley, of Barun is expanded over a territory of 49 km in the territory of Mount Makalu. It lies to the southeast of Mount Everest in the Mahalangur range of the Nepal Himalayas. Alternatively, it is also known as the local dialect, Kumba karna, which means "The Giant."

Why Barun Valley trek?

The Barun Valley Trek is a hidden gem in Nepal's Himalayan region, offering a truly off-the-beaten-path trekking experience within the Makalu-Barun National Park. This remote valley lies at the base of Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world, standing at an impressive 8,481 meters (27,766 feet).

Barun Valley Nepal is a beautiful tourist place allowing you to explore the trekkers’ paradise, Makalu Barun Base Camp. Camping is allowed only in selected areas, and since, the entire trek takes you to most of the National Park, finding teahouse accommodation on the entire journey can be a matter of concern.

Camping is much preferred at the Barun Valley entry point, due to the lack of basic facilities. Which fact will be next-level adventure trekking in Nepal, testing your mental strength to survive and explore the natural habitats, with the world's most beautiful creatures and plant species

The camping areas of the Barun Valley trek are Mumbuk, Yangle Kharka, Nghe, Ripuk, Tadaso, Yak Kharka, Langmale, and Shershon. These places have subalpine conifer forests providing you with a remarkable biodiversity suitable for scientific research purposes.

Barun Valley or Some Other Treks in Nepal: Which One Should You Choose?

The Barun Valley is the perfect destination for trekkers in search of true wilderness adventures up in the Himalayas. The valley in itself is surrounded by the views of the Mahalangur range including Makalu (the fifth-highest!) and Lhotse (the fourth-highest!).

The Barun Valley trek takes you to the off-the-beaten-path adventure in the Makalu National Park. While the terrain is still challenging, make the right choice to witness the dramatic scenery, rare flora fauna, mountain glaciers, waterfalls, and Dudh Koshi Lake.

You can have optional hiking to Arun Valley and visit Makalu Base camp. Barun Valley trek allows you to experience rarely-seen wildlife and the culture of people residing in the Arun Valley. Comparatively, this is a less crowded trail, offering views of the World’s 8th-thousand peak.

Annapurna Circuit Trek, Everest Base Camp Trek, and Langtang Valley Trek can be your other trekking alternatives in Nepal. But are they suitable for remote experiences, of rare wildlife observation as same, with steep and a remote part of Nepal?

The Barun valley is one of the least explored Himalayan valleys in Nepal. The camping adventure in Makalu Base Camp and Barun Valley trek leaves you in awe. Also, the tea house accommodation, local porter guide, and exploration of the Makalu Barun National Park area for around 15 days give you the best adventure.

Which animal is famous in Barun Valley?

Makalu Barun National Park is home to endangered species, including the adorable reddish brown-red panda, the elusive Himalayan snow leopard, the black bear, musk deer, and 440 species of birds.

Makalu Barun National Park is home to 47 varieties of orchids, 67 species of bamboo, 15 oaks, including Arkhoulo, 86 species of fodder trees, and 48 species of primrose. 78 species of fish, 16 amphibians, and 16 rare protected bird species are seen.

With such a diverse range of flora and fauna, the Barun Valley trek is a must-do for any nature lover and researcher out there. Rare species of birds like Blyth's kingfisher, deep-blue kingfisher, blue-naped pitta, pale blue flycatcher, sultan tit, and silver-eared media are protected for this reason.

What is the Barun Valley famous for?

Barun valley in Nepal is famous for the presence of herbs like Yarsha Gumba and Panch Aule. Panch Aule. Beyond that, the Barun Valley trek takes you to an exceptional view of the mystical milky lake, Dudh Pokhari, at the base of the mountain.

The footprint of the Makalu Barun National Park takes you to Shiva Dhara, News Kharka, and Makalu Base Camp. The remoteness of the valley embedded in the national treasure, the largest, and high altitude national park of Nepal, is exceptionally beautiful.

Barun valley is the gateway to the fourth-highest mountain in Nepal, Mount Makalu at 27, 766 ft high. It was first ascent by Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy on the 15th of May 1955. Barun Valley remarkably stands out with secluded beauty in the Himalayan region, with colorful wildflowers, alpine meadows, and lush oak forests.

Barun River is also known as Chukchuwa in the local Limbu language. The interesting fact is that this is a river in summer, which turns glacier in winter in the Barun valley. Also, there is a sacred place called Nghe in Barun Valley (Chukchuwa Upatyaka) named after the local Sherpa language.

How to reach Barun Valley Nepal?

To reach Barun Valley through the banks of the Arun and Barun rivers, first, take the flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. After that, a private jeep ride takes you to the village of Num with 5 5-hour ride. The Barun Valley trek itinerary typically includes camping in uninhabited areas of the Makalu Barun National Park.

Barun Valley Nepal trek takes you on a gentle climb through forests of rhododendrons and oaks. Starting with the small village, Num, the entry point for Barun Valley, you make your way to Seduwa. This village in Province 1 of Nepal is a settlement area of Sherpa, Rai, Limbu, and Tamang people, living in harmony with their indigenous cultures and traditions.

Barun Valley trek is done to explore the beauty of Nepal's Makalu-Barun National Park and Conservation Area. Meanwhile, your journey in the Barun Valley lasts for a day or two, making it the trekking package of 14 to 15 days, untaming nature’s potential.

From Seduwa, you can take the mountain views and take the steeper trail to Tashigaon. The next day, you ascend to Khongma Danda, a ridge from where you can explore the higher-altitude valley. Yangle Kharka, and Dobate, are some of the stopovers for your Barun Valley trek.

What are the entrance fees for Barun Valley Trek?

The Makalu Tourism Association has actively taken care of trekking and tourism activities in this region. Whereas, the Government of Nepal has been actively focusing on the protection and conservation of endangered species in their natural habitat in Makalu Barun National Park.

Nepalese citizens are required to pay an entrance fee of Rs 100, while the tourist porter can pay Rs 25 as the designated counter fees. Citizens of the SAARC nations must Rs 1500/- entrance fee. The entrance fee for foreign tourists on the other hand is Nrs 3000 per person.

Conclusion

Barun Valley trek brings new excitement to tourists and trekkers around the world with the bumpy roads and trails. You get to see the massive glaciers like the Kangchenjunga Glacier and the Barun Glacier. The valley is nourished by the Arun and Barun rivers, melted from the icy giants, and not only do you get to have some jaw-dropping scenery of Makalu, Lhotse, and other surrounding mountains.

Remote wilderness in Barun Valley is a teeming experience. As you trek through bamboo grooves, spot waterfalls, and walk through the incredible home of musk deer, rare bird species, and floral diversity, you learn a unique way of life, living in a completely rural setting, with the distinct culture and language of people in the valley. If you find it interesting, contact Nature Trail for more such interesting packages of trekking in Nepal.