Makalu Region is located at Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu district in the eastern Part of Nepal. Located in Mahalangur Mountain range Mount Makalu is fifth highest mountain of the world. It measures 8,485m from sea level. Locating in between the border of Nepal and Tibet, Makalul is situated 19 km south-east of Mount Everest. Besides, the beautiful Mt. Chamlang (7319 m) and Mt. Baruntse (7129m) add more charm in Makalu. Makalu stops the blowing wind from Bay of Bengal and causes monsoon in Nepal. The magnificent view of Mt. Makalu can be explored only through trekking in Makalu region.
The peculiarity of Mount Makalu is that it seems isolated peak appearing like pyramid with four sides. Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation project protects entire Makalu Region Trekking. Makalu & Barun National Park covers an area of 2330 square kilometers. Makalu region is divided into five ecological zones namely lush, tropical Arun Valley, dense forests, fir and alpine meadows.
The splendid beauty of mountains, landscapes, gorges and waterfalls make the site heaven in earth that can be experienced through Makalu trek. Greenery, exotic wild flowers and the hospitality of locals make Makalu more special. Fir, birch, juniper, rhododendron, 19 species of bamboo, 47 species of orchids and many more species of plants are fond in Makalu Region, Makalu trek.
The park inhabits Snow leopard, Musk Deer, and Himalayan Black Beer, Himalyan Thar, Serow, Ghoral, Wild Boar, Barking Deer, Himalayan Marmot and Weasel among others. Besides, more than 84 species of fishes are found in Arun River system. Researcher pointed that Makalu Region inhabits more than 400 species of birds. Among them two species of warbler are seen here. Similarly, 16 other endangered species of birds are also sighted in the park.
Around 35,000 people from ethnic background inhabit Makalu Region. Sherpa, Rai, Tamang, Gurung, Magar, Limbu are main inhabitants of this area. The mixed ethical group show good example of social harmony. People living in Makalu celebrate Lhosar and Dumji are some of the popular festivals celebrated here among the community. People here are versed in brewing local brew also known as ‘rakshi’. Agriculture and animal husbandry is the main source of income of the people living in Makalu Region.
American team led by William Siri tried to climb Mount Makalu in 1954. It was an unsuccessful attempt. The expedition was called California Himalayan Expedition to Makalu.
Lionel Terray and Jean Couzy were the first to climb Mt. Makalu in May 15, 1955. It was a French Expedition Team led by Jean Franco. The leader Franco, G. Magnone and Gyaltsen Norbu summited next day. Norbu was an assistant of the team. He is a Nepali. He was the one who climbed Mt. Manaslu for the first time with Japanese member.