Complete Guide to Makalu Sherpanu Col Pass Trek

The Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek is one of the most challenging and adventurous treks in Nepal. This trek is known for its stunning natural beauty, diverse landscapes, and unique cultural experiences. It is an off-the-beaten-path trek that takes you through remote villages, high mountain passes, and lush forests. The trek starts in Tumlingtar and goes through various villages such as Seduwa, Tashigaon, Khongma, and Dobate before reaching the Sherpani Col Pass. The pass is located at an altitude of 6,145 meters and is one of the highest mountain passes in Nepal. The trek also takes you through the Barun Valley, which is home to rare and endangered species such as the Red Panda and Snow Leopard.

Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek is the cultural experience it offers. The trek takes you through the traditional Sherpa villages where you can experience the Sherpa culture and way of life. You can also visit monasteries and gompas and learn about the unique Buddhist practices of the region. The trek offers breathtaking views of the Himalayan mountain range, including Mount Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, and Kanchenjunga. The trek also takes you through various landscapes such as forests, alpine meadows, and glaciers, making it a photographer's paradise.

 Itinerary

• DAY 1 - Arrival in Kathmandu (1400m) & Transfer to the Hotel

  Welcome to Kathmandu, the bustling capital city of Nepal. Our representative will pick you up from the airport and transfer you to your hotel. After you have checked in and rested for a while, our trekking guide will meet you and give you a briefing about your upcoming adventure. You can spend the rest of the day exploring the colorful streets of Thamel, the popular tourist hub of Kathmandu.

• DAY 2 - Fly from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and drive to Num (1,560m)

  After breakfast, we will take a scenic flight to Tumlingtar, which offers stunning views of the Himalayas. From Tumlingtar, we will drive to Num, a small village situated on a hilltop. We will spend the night at a guesthouse in Num.

• DAY 3 - Trek from Num to Sheduwa (1,510m)

  We will start our trek from Num and descend through a dense forest to the Arun River. After crossing the river, we will ascend through terraced fields to the Gurung village of Seduwa. We will stay at a guesthouse in Seduwa for the night..

• DAY 4 - Trek from Sheduwa to Tashi Gaun (2,070m)

  The trek from Seduwa to Tashi Gaun is a steady climb through beautiful rhododendron forests. Tashi Gaun is a traditional Sherpa village with stunning views of Makalu and its neighboring peaks. We will spend the night at a guesthouse in Tashi Gaun.

• DAY 5 - Acclimatization at Tashi Gaun (rest day)

  We will take a rest day in Tashi Gaun to acclimatize to the altitude. You can explore the village and interact with the locals to learn about their culture and way of life.

• DAY 6 - Trek from Tashi Gaun to Khongma (3,760m)

  Today's trek is a challenging one as we will ascend to a high altitude. The trail is steep and rocky, and we will pass through alpine meadows and yak pastures. Khongma is a small settlement with basic guesthouses where we will spend the night.

• DAY 7 - Trek from Khongma to Mumbuk (3,520m)

  The trek from Khongma to Mumbuk is a steep ascent through a rocky and barren terrain. We will cross the Keke La Pass (4,152m), which offers spectacular views of Chamlang, Makalu, and Baruntse. We will spend the night at a guesthouse in Mumbuk.

• DAY 8 - Trek from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka (4,320m)

  The trail from Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka is a gradual ascent through rhododendron forests and alpine meadows. We will cross the Barun River and follow its course towards the upper valley. We will spend the night at a guesthouse in Nehe Kharka.

• DAY 9 - Trek from Nehe Kharka to Makalu Base Camp (4,870m)

  The trek from Nehe Kharka to Makalu Base Camp is a challenging one as we will ascend to a high altitude. We will cross the Shipton La Pass (4,220m) and follow the trail to the base camp. The views of Makalu, Baruntse, and other peaks from the base camp are breathtaking. We will spend the night at a campsite in Makalu Base Camp.

• DAY 10 - Trek from Makalu Basecamp to Hillary Camp

  After breakfast at the base camp, we will start trekking towards Hillary Camp. The trail leads us through the beautiful and scenic valley, with Makalu towering above us. As we ascend, we will pass through several small streams and rocky terrain, before finally reaching Hillary Camp. Hillary Camp is situated at an altitude of 5,300 meters and is named after Sir Edmund Hillary, the first person to summit Mount Everest. Here, we will have some refreshments and enjoy the stunning views of the Himalayan range.

• DAY 11 - Trek from Hillary Camp to High Camp (5,650m)

  Today, we will make our way to High Camp, which is located at an altitude of 5,650 meters. This part of the trek is challenging, as the trail becomes steeper and the air thinner. As we ascend, we will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains, including Makalu and Everest. We will reach High Camp by late afternoon and rest for the night, enjoying the beautiful scenery and the silence of the mountains.

• DAY 12 - Acclimatization at High Camp (Rest day)

  Today is a rest day, allowing our bodies to acclimatize to the high altitude. We will spend the day relaxing and enjoying the spectacular views of the mountains from our campsite.

• DAY 13 - Trek to Baruntse Base Camp (5,700m) via Crossing Sherpani Col (6,146m) and West Col (6,143m)

  Today, we will start early and cross two high passes, Sherpani Col (6,146m) and West Col (6,143m), before reaching Baruntse Base Camp. The trail is steep and challenging, with steep ascents and descents, but the views are incredible.

• DAY 14 - Acclimatization at Baruntse Basecamp (Rest Day)

  Today is a rest day, allowing our bodies to acclimatize to the high altitude. We will spend the day relaxing and enjoying the spectacular views of the surrounding mountains.

• DAY 15 - Trek from Baruntse Basecamp to Amphu Labste Base (5,400m)

  Today, we will trek to Amphu Labste Base, which is located at an altitude of 5,400 meters. The trail leads us through a beautiful valley, with stunning views of the surrounding mountains..

• DAY 16 - Trek from the Base to Imja Lake camp (5,100m) Via Crossing Amphu Laptsa pass (5,850m)

  Today, you will embark on one of the most challenging parts of the trek. You will begin the day by crossing the formidable Amphu Laptsa Pass, which is at an altitude of 5,850 meters. The trail will be steep and strenuous, with challenging sections that require the use of ropes and crampons. As you reach the top of the pass, you will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. After taking some time to rest and soak in the scenery, you will begin the descent towards Imja Lake Camp.

• DAY 17 - Trek from Chhukung to Pangboche (3,985m)

  Today, you will begin your descent towards lower altitudes. You will trek from Chhukung to Pangboche, a small village located at an altitude of 3,985 meters. The trail will take you through beautiful forests and traditional Sherpa settlements.

• DAY 18 - Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazaar

  Today, you will continue your descent towards Namche Bazaar. The trail will take you through beautiful forests and small villages, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

• DAY 19 - Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

  Today, you will trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla, the town where you started your trek. The trail will take you through beautiful forests and small villages, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

• DAY 20 - Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu and Transfer to the Hotel

  Today, you will take a short flight from Lukla to Kathmandu. The flight will offer stunning views of the mountains and valleys that you have been trekking through for the past few weeks. Once you reach Kathmandu, you can rest and relax at your hotel.

• DAY 21 - Sightseeing around Kathmandu Valley

  Today, you will have a full day to explore the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Kathmandu Valley. You can visit famous landmarks such as the Boudhanath Stupa, Swayambhunath Temple, and Pashupatinath Temple.

• DAY 22 - Transfer to the International Airport for Final Departure

  On Day 22, after breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport for your flight back home. As you fly back, you will have memories of an incredible journey filled with natural beauty, adventure, and cultural experiences that will last a lifetime.

• TRIP ENDS HERE!

 Makalu Sherpanu Col Pass Trek Map

 What's Included

   ACCOMMODATION IN KATHMANDU : sharing a twin bedroom at the hotel (3 Star category) in Kathmandu on a bed & breakfast basis

   AIRPORT PICK-UP & DROP : Airport - Hotel transfer – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).

   WELCOME DINNER : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office’s Staff.

  Permits : All necessary paper works: Trekking Permit including MCAP and special permit, TIMS Card & conservation entry fee

   STAFF INSURANCE : Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.

   MAP: Trekking map of the trek

   MEMBER TRANSPORTATION  : Land Transportation Kathmandu

   MEMBER LUGGAGE: Up to 15 Kg per member for personal baggage during the trek carried by porters.

   FOODS & LODGING : 3 meals a day (BLD; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation sharing basis in tea house/camp during the trek.

   DRINKS : 2 liters of boiled water to carry on thermos per day per member.

   Guide : Government licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sight-seeing in Kathmandu valley.

   PORTER : Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.

   STAFF SALARY & ALLOWANCE : All Nepalese staff & porter’s daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.

   MEDICAL KIT : Comprehensive Medical kit.

   Meals on treks only: Breakfast, Lunch , Dinner.

 What's Not Included

  NEPAL VISA FEES : Nepali Visa fee is US$ 60 per person for 30 days (to be applied for 60 days (USD$ 120).

  LUNCH & DINNER : Lunch & dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking than the scheduled itinerary).

  EXTRA NIGHTS IN KATHMANDU : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary.

  INSURANCE : Travel and high altitude insurance, accident, medical & emergency evacuation.

  RESCUE EVACUATION : Medical Insurance and emergency rescue evacuation cost if required. (Rescue, Repatriation, Medication, Medical Tests, and Hospitalization costs.)

  PERSONAL EXPENSES: Telephone calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beer, and any alcoholic beverages.

  PERSONAL EQUIPMENT : Clothing, Packing Items or Bags, Personal Medical Kit, Personal Trekking Gears, etc.

  TOILETRIES : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.

  FILMING : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.

  INTERNET SERVICE : Internet facility during the trek is not included.

  EXTRA PORTER : $35 USD for an extra porter per day (If an extra porter is demanded).

  TIPS : Tips for Guide, porters, and staff.

  EXTRA : Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary. Any other item not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.

 Mandatory Documents

  Identification document

  Booking Receipt, if Booked Online (PDF will work)

 Cancellation Policy

  More than 30-days prior to departure - 50% refund.

  In Between 15-30-days prior to departure - 25% refund.

  Less than 15-days prior to departure - No Refund.