Makalu Barun National Park Permit Guide

Makalu Barun National Park Permit Guide

Makalu — the world's fifth-highest mountain at 8,481 meters — is one of Nepal's most spectacular yet least-visited trekking destinations. The route to Makalu Base Camp passes through the Makalu Barun National Park, a biodiversity corridor of exceptional richness that bridges tropical lowland forests with the alpine zone of the Barun Valley. Unlike the crowded highways to Everest or Annapurna, the Makalu trail sees a fraction of the foot traffic, making it one of Nepal's true wilderness trekking experiences.

The permit system for Makalu is simpler than the restricted area structures of Kanchenjunga or Upper Mustang, but the practical challenges of reaching this park — primarily its distance from Kathmandu and the camping-focused logistics — make advance preparation critical. This guide covers everything you need about the Makalu Barun National Park permit in 2026: the fee structure, where to obtain it, what documents you need, and the realities of trekking in one of Nepal's most remote protected areas.

Table of Contents

1. About Makalu Barun National Park
2. Permit Requirements Overview
3. National Park Entry Permit: Costs and Details
4. TIMS Card for Makalu
5. Total Permit Cost Breakdown
6. Where to Obtain Permits
7. Required Documents
8. The Makalu Trek: Route and Logistics
9. Camping and Accommodation Reality
10. Getting to the Trailhead
11. Common Issues and Solutions
12. Frequently Asked Questions

About Makalu Barun National Park

Makalu Barun National Park was established in 1992 and covers 1,500 square kilometers in the Sankhuwasabha and Solukhumbu districts of eastern Nepal. Uniquely, the park includes one of the world's most dramatic altitude gradients — from tropical forests at 700 meters elevation all the way to the glacial summit zones above 8,000 meters, all within a relatively compact geographic area.

Biodiversity

The park's altitude range creates exceptional species diversity:

• Mammals: Snow leopard, clouded leopard, red panda, Himalayan black bear, musk deer, common leopard, and the rare Himalayan tahr
• Birds: Over 440 species including the spiny babbler (Nepal's only endemic bird), blood pheasant, and multiple vulture species
• Flora: Tropical and subtropical forests in the Arun Valley transition through temperate oak and rhododendron forest to sub-alpine scrub and glacial moraines

Conservation Significance

The Makalu Barun National Park is part of a transboundary protected area that connects with China's Qomolangma National Nature Reserve to the north and with Nepal's Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park to the west. This corridor is critical for large mammal movement including snow leopard populations that range across all three protected areas.

Permit Requirements Overview

The Makalu Barun permit structure is simpler than the restricted area systems of Kanchenjunga or Manaslu. There are two permits required:

Permit 1: Makalu Barun National Park Entry

This is the primary permit granting entry to the park. It does not carry a restricted area designation — there is no minimum group requirement, no mandatory agency requirement, and no licensed guide obligation imposed by the permit itself (though all three are strongly recommended for practical reasons).

Permit 2: TIMS Card

The standard Nepal trekker registration card, required for all trekkers in the Makalu region.

Unlike the Manaslu Circuit or Kanchenjunga, there is no separate restricted area permit required for Makalu Barun National Park. The national park entry fee is the only government permit required.

National Park Entry Permit: Costs and Details

Fee Structure

What the Permit Covers

The national park entry permit is valid for the duration of your trek within the park boundaries. There is no time limit on the permit per se — it covers your entire stay, whether that is 10 days or 25 days. You purchase one permit per entry.

Important: If you exit and re-enter the park (for example, by making a side trip and returning through the main gate), you may be required to purchase an additional permit. Confirm your route logistics with the park office.

Fee Payment Currency

The park entry fee is denominated in USD for foreign nationals. Payment can be made in Nepali Rupees at the current exchange rate. Carry NPR 4,050–4,200 as equivalent to $30 USD (exchange rates fluctuate slightly).

TIMS Card for Makalu

The TIMS card is required for the Makalu Barun region.

Given the remote nature of the Makalu trek and the absence of mandatory agency requirements, some trekkers may be tempted to skip the TIMS card. Do not. In a region this remote, having your trek registered in Nepal's emergency database is particularly important. Rescue operations in the Makalu region are challenging to coordinate, and TIMS data can be critical for locating a trekker in difficulty.

Total Permit Cost Breakdown

For a Standard Makalu Base Camp Trek

Comparison with Other Eastern Nepal Trek Permits

Makalu is one of Nepal's most affordable major treks from a permit-cost perspective.

Where to Obtain Permits

In Kathmandu (Recommended)

TIMS Card:

• Nepal Tourism Board office, Pradarshani Marg (near Bhrikutimandap/Exhibition Road), Kathmandu
• Hours: Sunday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM; closed Saturdays and public holidays

National Park Permit:

• Nepal Tourism Board counter (same location) for pre-purchase
• Alternatively, the permit can be purchased at the park entry gate

At the Park Entry Gate

Seduwa Gate / Num Area: The Makalu Barun National Park has entry checkpoints near Num village and Seduwa on the approach from the Arun Valley. Foreign trekkers can purchase the national park entry permit here if they have not already obtained one in Kathmandu.

Practical consideration: While buying at the gate is possible, it is better practice to obtain the permit in Kathmandu. Gate purchase assumes the gate is staffed (not always guaranteed given the remoteness and limited ranger presence), and having pre-obtained permits avoids delays at the trailhead.

In Pokhara

The Nepal Tourism Board Pokhara office can issue TIMS cards and sometimes national park permits, but confirm Makalu Barun permit availability before relying on this option, as it is a less-common permit destination.

Required Documents

For the National Park Entry Permit

1. Valid passport — Park entry requires identification. A photocopy of the information page is sufficient for the permit application.
2. Passport-sized photographs — One to two photos are typically required.
3. Permit fee — $30 USD or equivalent NPR.

For the TIMS Card

1. Passport photocopy — Information page.
2. Two passport-sized photographs — 35mm x 45mm.
3. Completed TIMS application form — Available at the NTB counter.
4. Planned trekking route — Name the trek and approximate start/end dates.
5. Emergency contact details — Name, relationship, phone, and email.

Additional Practical Documents

Even without a mandatory agency requirement, bring:

• Travel insurance documentation — Emergency helicopter evacuation coverage. Makalu Base Camp sits at approximately 5,700 meters. Verify your policy covers this altitude.
• Passport original — Carry the original document on the trail; a photocopy alone may be insufficient at some checkpoints.

The Makalu Trek: Route and Logistics

Standard Makalu Base Camp Itinerary

The trek to Makalu Base Camp typically takes 18–24 days round-trip from the trailhead at Num, accessible after a long drive from Kathmandu via the Koshi Highway and Tumlingtar, or a flight to Tumlingtar (Arun Valley).

Key waypoints on the northern approach:

• Num → Seduwa → Tashigaon
• Tashigaon → Khongma La (4,170m) or Shipton La (4,200m) — the high passes
• Yangle Kharka → Makalu Base Camp (5,700m)

Alternative: Barun Valley approach Some itineraries approach via the Barun Valley directly, avoiding the high passes. Discuss route options with your agency.

Acclimatization Requirements

Makalu Base Camp sits at 5,700 meters. The rapid altitude gain from the low-elevation trailhead (Num is at approximately 1,560m) demands careful acclimatization. A minimum of 18–20 days for the round trip allows adequate rest days. Compressing below 16 days significantly increases altitude sickness risk.

Camping and Accommodation Reality

This is the most important practical consideration for Makalu trekkers: unlike Everest or Annapurna, Makalu does not have an established teahouse network above the lower Arun Valley villages.

Below Tashigaon

Basic teahouse accommodation is available in villages including Num, Seduwa, and Tashigaon. These are simple homestay-style guesthouses offering a bed and meals. Do not expect the established lodge infrastructure of the Sagarmatha region.

Above Tashigaon

Above Tashigaon, this is a full camping trek. Your party must carry:

• Tents (sleeping, dining, kitchen)
• Sleeping bags and pads rated for sub-zero temperatures
• Cooking equipment and fuel
• Food supplies for the upper section (limited or no resupply above Tashigaon)
• Stoves capable of operating at altitude

Your trekking agency must arrange the full camping logistics. If you are trekking with an independent guide only, ensure camping equipment is fully organised before reaching Tashigaon.

Getting to the Trailhead

Option 1: Flight to Tumlingtar + Overland

Tumlingtar Airport (in the Arun Valley) receives regular flights from Kathmandu (approximately 45 minutes). From Tumlingtar, a jeep drive of 4–6 hours reaches Num, the primary trailhead. Total travel time from Kathmandu: 1.5–2 days.

Flight operators: Buddha Air, Yeti Airlines, and charter services operate the Kathmandu–Tumlingtar route. Frequency is limited (typically 3–5 flights per week) and weather-dependent.

Option 2: Drive from Kathmandu

The road journey from Kathmandu to Num follows the Koshi Highway through the Terai, then climbs into the Arun Valley. Total driving time is approximately 3–4 days via this route. This is rarely chosen by trekkers due to the time required but is an option if flights are unavailable.

Option 3: Via Lukla

Some extended itineraries combine Makalu with the Everest region via the high-altitude Hongu Basin crossings. These routes are serious expeditions requiring mountaineering experience and equipment and are not standard trekking itineraries.

Common Issues and Solutions

Issue: National Park Permit Unavailable at Kathmandu NTB

Makalu Barun National Park is less frequently visited than Sagarmatha or Langtang, and NTB permit counters in Kathmandu sometimes need to verify procedures for this specific permit. Allow extra time (2–3 days before departure to the trailhead) in case of administrative delays. Your agency should handle this but be prepared for minor bureaucratic friction.

Issue: Camping Equipment Not Arranged

Discovering that camping gear is inadequate at Tashigaon is a trek-ending problem. Before leaving Kathmandu, confirm in writing exactly what equipment your agency is providing. If self-arranging (not via agency), rent a full camping kit in Kathmandu — Thamel has several reputable trekking gear shops.

Issue: Flight Delays to Tumlingtar

Tumlingtar's flights are weather-dependent. A 1–2 day buffer in your schedule on both the outbound and return legs is essential. Mountain weather can close the airport for several consecutive days during unsettled periods.

Issue: Limited Rescue Infrastructure

Medical evacuation from the Barun Valley is significantly harder than from the Khumbu or Annapurna regions. Helicopter landing zones are fewer, and high-altitude windy conditions common in the upper valley can prevent rescue flights for days. Altitude sickness must be managed conservatively — the standard treatment (descend immediately) is the only viable option in most situations.

Frequently Asked Questions

Planning Your Makalu Trek