Makalu – Sherpani Col Trek

Your guide will meet you at your hotel in the morning to begin your city tour of Kathmandu. You will visit the Boudhanath temple, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal, Pashupatinath, a Hindu pilgrimage site, and possibly view cremation ceremonies along the banks of the Bagmati River. Continue drive to Patan Durbar Square to see ancient Nepalese architecture and end your tour after lunch. After that you will visit the Patan museum.

Overnight in Kathmandu

Upon arrival at the Tumlingtar (457m) airstrip we head south on the long plateau, pass many hotels and gently climb along the ridge to Khandbari, a Newar Bazaar and the district center for about three hrs. Here, we find the Makalu- Barun National park office headquarters, a police check post, many shops, hotels, a hospital and a local market.

Early in the morning we begin our trek to Chichila passing through the crest of a ridge. The trail enters into a glorious mixed broadleaf verdant hobbit forest, with moss everywhere. It is quite risky to walk alone in this forest for solo trekkers.

From Chichila we continue our trek heading north along the west side of the ridge. The trail consists of red mud (rato mato). We then reach our destination for the overnight at Num (1500m)

We descend through incredibly lush jungle on the east side of the valley and cross the Arun Khola at 2,260 ft. We then climb up to Sedua at (1510m.)

From Sedua we ascend a ridge with valleys on both sides, the Ipsuwa Khola to the west and the Kasuwa Khola to the east. We enter Sherpa country and begin to notice Sherpa homes clustered on the hillsides. We then gradually ascend to 6,860 ft. and the village of Tashigaon, (literally known as) “Luck Village.”

From Tasihigoan we head north, crossing a few streams, on a wide trail in a lush cloud forest, pass trees festooned with orchids, to reach a notch at (3090m). After entering the Makalu National park we descend to more open country on the west side on the ridge. We continue our trek along a ridge crest and gently climb the hill until we reach Kauma, flat area for camping

We need one day rest at Kauma to avoid high altitude sickness. We can explore the surroundings and have a glimpse of Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, Kangchenjunga and Jannu to the east. Overnight at camp

From Kongma, we continue along the ridge and past Gongrua La. The views on this day are spectacular: the trail is dotted with prayer flags and views of Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, Kangchenjunga and Jannu tower overhead are spectacular. We reach Sano Pokhari which means in Nepali “Little Lake,” where the reflection of the nearby peaks is stunning. We then begin climbing the first of two passes, Tutu La. and then descend slightly to Thulo Pokhari, the magical lake. The trail climbs and then descends through fir, rhododendron and birch forest to Mumbuk where we spend overnight at camp. From the camp we can gaze off to view Mt. Chamlang (7,319m), Peak 6 (6,524m) and Peak 7 (6,758m) if weather permits.

A further descent from Mumbuk through the rhododendron forest leads us to the Baruni river and the upper flat area of the valley. As we walk slowly through open meadows, we reach at Yangri Kharka situated at the base of the valley (3hrs).

The trail now climbs up the valley, through yak pastures and boulder fields. We continue on to Hillary Base Camp. This was the original site of the base camp for the French expedition team who summited Mt. Makalu in 1955 (8481m). We camp beneath the south face of Makalu.

Today we descend slightly and head up the valley in the Barun canyon where one can see glimpses of the “Great Black One,” Makalu. We pass through open meadows among forests of silver fir and birch to our camping ground at Base Camp where we set up camp.The views of the nearby ice covered peaks are impressive

This is full day of rest and acclimatization at Makalu base camp. We’ll be able to simply relax at camp and enjoy the spectacular views or we just explore the surrounding area including a visit to Barun pond and return to the camp in the evening.

Today we wake up early and walk along the trail and the banks of the small Narrow River to reach Kuna camp (also known as puja camp). After the Puja or Prayer for safe passage, we walk up the mountain toward the Chago Glacier. Sherpas fix ropes on the glacier to ensure our secure passage. After proper acclimatization, we walk further to the flat plateau. From here we’ll have fantastic views of Makalu I & II and we’ll camp here overnight.

Today we follow a steep upward trail to reach high camp. We’ll follow the faint trail marked by cairns over the rough morains and rocky slopes of the Barun glacier to reach high camp where we’ll rest and relax overnight in camp. From the camp we can have splendid views of Everest, Lhotse and Barunste if weather permits

Today we will have a rest day to help acclimatization before we go further up to Sherpani Col. From high camp we can have superb views of the Himalayan Mountains throughout the day. Overnight at camp

From Makalu Base Camp the trail follows the ablation valley on the west side of Barun Glacier and then continues on lateral moraine.Further along the trail is rocky and traverse scree slopes marked by cairns. During the walk we will enjoy spectacular views of Makalu’s West ridge and North West ridge as well as Everest and Lhotse at the head of the valley. Overnight at camp

After an early start around 1AM we follow a snowy route then a short traverse on a rock step before reaching West Col. There is a rapel/ abseil for 40m and then an hour walk to reach the top of the West Col where there is a 200m rapel/ abseil down to Hunku Glacier followed by an hour or so walk.

The trail descends on moraine to the lower Baruntse Base Camp then continues over moraine ridges with loose rock to the highest of the Panch Pokhari lakes in the Hongu valley.

Today we cross Amphu Lapcha Pass. It takes about an hour to descend with the help of ropes to the other side of Amphu Lapcha. Overnight at camp

After several challenging days of trekking in the remote Makalu area we now enter into Everest region. We walk through well constructed trails making several ascents and descents until we finally reach Chukung. Here you will find other trekkers staying in the impressive network of teahouse / lodges. From the trail we’ll be able to see the peak of Mt. Everest, Peak 39 (Imjtse peak) and Island peak and we’ll overnight  at Chhukung

From Chukung it is a short, steep descent to a forest of birches, conifers and rhododendron. The trail passes many mani walls and some magnificently curved mani stones to Dingboche. While walking you will pass through several yak herders’ camps, and finally reach at Dingboche for overnight stay.

After breakfast at Tengboche we start our trek crossing the Khumbu Khola on a wooden suspension bridge and we follow the Imja Khola to the village of Pangboche. We mark an end to our trek for the day on arrival to Tengboche. Overnight stay at Tengboche

From Deboche we walk up to Tengboche monastery then make a descent to Phunki Tenga by the river, this is followed by a steep section uphill then a long traverse to Namche Bazaar. Overnight camping

The next morning we head for Lukla. In the end we spend more time ascending this day since the elevation of Lukla is at least 1000 feet higher than Monjo. During this day we can see many new groups on the trail heading out to Namche. At a teahouse at Lukla we will toast over a beer the incredible trip we just finished and spent some time reflecting over our experiences.

We pack up early and head for the airstrip to catch a flight back to Kathmandu Upon arrival in Kathmandu the rest of your day is free to do your own things. You could do some last minute shopping and packing, or send a few post cards home or even go down for a stroll to Thamel