Makalu – Sherpani Col Trek

  • Trip Duration:
    29 Days
  • Trip Code:
    MSC
  • Trip Grade:
    Moderate
  • No. of Pax:
  • From
    $ /person

Overview

Makalu – Sherpani Col Trek is incomparable trekking route traverses a spectacular, seldom visited region of Nepal and crosses three High Mountain passes. On the final section, the route meets the popular southern approach to Everest Base Camp at Chhukung. The rare views are some of the most breathtaking in the whole Himalayan range: around you are vistas of three of the world’s five highest mountains: Makalu, Kanchenjunga & Everest.

Makalu – Sherpani Col Trek starts form Khandbari and takes us through the secluded villages to the Khongma Pass, allowing much needed acclimatization. Beyond Num there are no villages. The ultimate challenge is after the Makalu Base Camp as we cross three high passes – Sherpani Col (6135m), West Col (6143m) and Amphu Laptsa (5850m) to reach Chhukung. Of all the great walks in the world, this is one of the most spectacular and rewarding.

This adventure requires toughness as well as the ability to travel on ice and snow. Sherpas will guide the route and ensure safety, but trekkers must be capable of walking with crampons, ice axe, harnesses and ropes.

Itinerary:

This trek is considered one of the most technically difficult treks, suitable only for those who love truly adventure. If you are fit enough and have a sense of adventure you can attempt this trek. The itinerary that we have designed will enable you to acclimatize gradually without having high altitude sickness.

Please note that our itinerary is designed in such a way that we can adjust the route in certain circumstances during the trekking. We request you to be flexible with the situation to enjoy yourself. The climb ascends towards Khadbari and descends gradually, taking us from villages at 4570m to the Khongma Pass at 3,090m, allowing excellent acclimatization. Beyond Num there are no villages. The track climbs all the way to Yangri Kharka crossing the Barun Khola flowing from Makalu. The trek starts from Tumlingtar after a short fly from Kathmandu. After the Makalu Base Camp we cross the 3 difficult passes which are Sherpani Col (6135m), West Col (6143m) and Amphu Laptsha Pass (5845m).Trekkers carry only day pack and walk on their own pace.

  • Arrive at the Tribhuwan International Airport where you will be welcomed by Trek Himalayan representative and transferred to your hotel. This day is simply an arrival day and there will no organized activities. So you will have some free time to relax or walk around for local sights. A predeparture meeting will be held early evening and you will be introduced with your trekking guide.

    Overnight at hotel in Kathmandu

  • 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

Trip Map:

Map

What is included

  • International arrival/departure transfers
  • Kathmandu half day sightseeing escorted by City Guide ( any foreign language accordingly )
  • 4 Nights standard hotel accommodation in Kathmandu on BB basis
  • Flight Kathmandu – Tumlingtaar & Lukla – Kathmandu
  • Domestic Airport Arrival/Departure Transfer
  • Domestic Airport Tax
  • Kanchenjunga Conservation Area Permit Fee
  • Special Permit Fee
  • TIMS card
  • Full Board Camping with meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) on trek
  • Necessary camping equipment (two men tent, dining tent, kitchen tent, toilet tent, kitchen equipment etc.)
  • Supporting staff (a professional trekking guide and porter(s), cook & kitchen boy(s) as well as their necessary wages, insurance, meals, transportations and allowances
  • Clients allowed taking only 20 kg. personal luggage  on trek

What is Excluded

  • International airfare
  • Nepal Entry Visa fee
  • Monument entry fee in Kathmandu
  • Single supplement for hotel accommodation
  • Note: Additional cost applies for single tent on camping trek
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Travel / medical insurance and emergency evacuation costs
  • Personal expenses such as telephone calls, alcoholic beverages, bottled drinks (including cold drinks and mineral water/boiled water), laundry
  • Camera/cell phone battery charge while on trek
  • Personal trekking equipment
  • Excess baggage will be charged if exceeds 20 kg
  • Donation & tips etc.
  • All expenses incurred in the event of early departure (evacuation fee, transport, extra hotel night, food etc.)
  • Any other services not specified in the ‘Cost includes’

Makalu – Sherpani Col Trek 2024/2025 Cost and Departure Dates

Trip Code
Arrival Date
Departure Date
Status
Price

Nitty Gritty

  • Trekking Region: Kanchenjunga, Nepal
  • Trip Duration: 29 Days
  • Total Trekking days: 25 Days
  • Camping Trek: Full board basis (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
  • Hotel Accommodation in Kathmandu : 04Nights
  • Trips Starts / Ends: Kathmandu
  • Activities: Camping Trek + Kathmandu Sightseeing
  • Mode of Transportation: Domestic Flight
  • Best Season: Mid Feb – May &  Mid Sept – Dec
  • Accommodation: Hotels in Kathmandu & camp on trek
  • Type of Trip: Private & Fixed Departure
  • Service available: Standard/Camping
  • Trek grade:  Medium – hard
  • No .of Pax : 2 & above
  • Meals during trip:  Included, except lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Maximum elevation: 6143 m
  • Walking hours: 5 – 6 hrs a day
  • Support Staff: Guide 1:10 pax, Leader 1:11 pax above, Assistant Guide 2:10 pax, 3:12 pax, 4:16 pax. Porter 2: 1 pax (20kg each) (Each porter carries only 30 kg. x 2 porters = 60 kg,- 20 kg. clients baggage + 40 kg. camping equipment/food) as per IPPG guideline
  • Kitchen Staff: 1 cook, 1 asst. cook (depending on the group size)

General Information

  • Trip Notes tell you about the itinerary details and supplementary information of the relevant trip of Trek Himalayan. We have prepared specific trip notes adhering to fixed travel dates. Please check which travel dates suit you. If you find any trip notes missing or only partially received while sending to you by email, please bear with us. They will be there anytime soon.

FAQ

  • Nepal is a land of ancient history, colorful cultures and multi- religions found nowhere else on the planet! There are many festivals and cultural events celebrated throughout the year in the various regions by different Nepalese ethnic groups who follow their own way of religious practice, lifestyle, language, culture, and tradition keeping peace and harmony in society.
  • Trekking can be organized for few days to few weeks long, depending on trekkers interest, strength and time frame. Walking could be twelve kilometers or just four kilometers a day and spend the night in the countryside lodge or camp.
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