The area of Nepal to the east of the Everest Region is isolated and has some of the best trekking in Nepal. The most popular areas for trekkers are the Makalu Barun National park and the Kanchenjunga massif. The treks to the very remote Makalu (8475 m) and Kanchenjunga (8598m) base camps are two of the finest in Nepal. This area is rarely visited by trekkers and is rich in wildlife. The area has hot rice-growing districts and also encompasses the cooler tea-growing region of Ilam. The heavily populated Middle Hills are gouged by the mighty Arun Kosi, which is flanked by the massifs of Kanchenjunga and Makalu.

Kanchenjunga is the world’s third highest mountain and is on the Nepal-Sikkim (India) border. It is possible to trek to both the south and the north side of Kanchenjunga by crossing the Mirgin La (4500m). Makalu is the fifth highest mountain in the world and its base camp is reached by walking up the beautiful and lush Arun Valley and crossing Shipton La (4127m). At the Makalu Base Camp there are great views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse and Peaks 6 and 7.

Treks here tend to be expensive, since access to eastern Nepal is by bus or plane. The treks are also long because it requires two weeks to travel from most trailheads to the high mountains. Flying to short take-off and landing airstrips at Tumlingtar can shorten the time, but increases the expense.