A beautiful and striking mountain, Makalu is a four sided pyramid rising to an altitude of 8462 metres. The world's fifth highest peak sits within the Makalu Barun National Park, bordered by the Sagamartha National Park to the west and the Arun River to the east. This region offers some of the most outstanding and diverse trekking in the Himalaya. Beginning our trek from the trade route village of Tumlingtar we ascend through Sherpa villages and cultivated fields with views of the Chamlang Range in the distance. Our first pass sits at an altitude of 1800 metres and it is here that we have our first views of Makalu and the Jaljale Himal. Proceeding through rhododendron forests we eventually make a crossing of the Shipton La before arriving at Makalu Base Camp (5000m). From base camp we gain magnificent views of the imposing south face of Makalu, and with further forays along nearby ridges, we may gain magnificent views of Everest, Lhotse and the Barun Glacier.