Trip Highlights:

“Exciting adventure on both sides of world’s highest mountains within Makalu and Everest. Marvelous walks to Mt. Makalu Base Camp with daily views of high snow-capped peaks. Explore traditional mid hills villages blended with the local culture of Hindu and Buddhist religions. Into lovely alpine green woodland of tall rhododendron-magnolia-oaks-pine and fir tree lines. Stunning panorama from Makalu base camp close views of Mt. Everest Khangsung East Face. Traverse world’s highest pass over Sherpani-West Col to reach with high Khumbu area. Panorama of Mid-East and Far East Himalayan range of peaks with Mt. Everest and Makalu. From low warm areas of Arun valley to remote arctic zone of ice and glaciers to Everest region. Exciting scenic flights both ways to Tumlingtar and from Lukla back to Kathmandu”.

Brief Trip Profile:

Mode of Trekking: On Hotels, Lodge and camping.    

Trekking Grade :  Moderate to Adventurous and Challenging.

Highest Altitude :  At Sherpani- West Col 5,700 m and Amphu Labtsa pass 5,780 m.

Activities  : Sightseeing tour, exciting flights and trekking.

People and Culture : Populated by Rai and Sherpa of Makalu and Everest region of Buddhism and Hindu religions with colorful culture and custom.

Area of Trekking :  Nepal Far East Himalaya around high Makalu and Everest region.

Trekking duration : 18 Nights and 19 Days (Tumlingtar to Lukla).

Total Trip : 22 Nights and 23 Days (Kathmandu to Kathmandu).

Season  :  April to May and September to November months March to May wild-flowers rhododendron and magnolia in full bloom.

Introduction:

Makalu - Sherpani West Col Trekking one of the most challenging and daring adventure a perfect tough trek for interested veteran and expert climbers and trekkers, which leads you to traverse from Makalu to reach within Everest area at high Khumbu around Imjatse Valley. Makalu - Sherpani West Col Trekking, where all hardy and tough trekkers can join in this challenging adventure of a lifetime experience crossing high scenic passes of Sherpani-West Col and over Amphu-Labtsa at 5,780 m high overlooking a breathtaking panorama of Makalu and Everest range of peaks. A daring feat where you will be isolated from human settlement and villages for more than a week duration within pure wilderness encircled by world’s highest peaks around remorseless fields of ice, snow, glaciers and moraine. An interesting and exciting adventure where you can best of both world highest mountain range from world 5th highest Makalu to number one Mt. Everest areas around high and scenic Khumbu with tremendous views in the harmony of Sherpa impressive Buddhist culture and custom. Mountain Challenger Treks and Expeditions offers Makalu - Sherpani West Col Trekking, starting from Kathmandu with a scenic flight to reach Nepal Far East Himalaya region at Tumlingtar around sub-tropical temperatures of Arun Valley. Where walk starts with a short drive to reach Makalu mid hills enriched with deep green forest and mountain views and exploring local farm villages, and then heading high towards Barun valley enclosed within the alpine forest and green vegetation where rare herbs and plants almost extinct in this planet found around Makalu area at Barun valley. Walk reaches you at Makalu base camp on leaving the green woodland for the sheer wilderness of arid and barren landscapes of ice and glaciers, with time to enjoy fabulous close views of Makalu, Baruntse, Chamling with rare east face of Everest the Khangsung Face. Slowly after much preparation and rest day for acclimatization heading towards our real adventure to cross over Sherpani and West Col above 5,700 m high to reach at Panch Pokhara around Hongu valley of Everest and near Baruntse Himal. From crossing the last and highest pass of the adventure over Amphu Labtsa to reach at scenic Imjatse valley near famous and popular Island peak, as walk leads to Chukung with a first luxury overnight in the comfort of the nice and cozy lodge. After completing our daring feat and adventure over high passes an easy downhill walk to scenic Thyangboche Monastery back into the green forest to reach at famous colorful Namche Bazaar and then to Lukla where our magnificent adventure Makalu - Sherpani West Col Trekking of a lifetime experience completes with a flight back to Kathmandu. 

Outline Itinerary:

Day 01:            Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.

Day 02:            In Kathmandu with a sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.

Day 03:            Fly to Tumlingtar 448 m - 40 mins and drive to Num 1,490 m - 04 hrs.

Day 04:            Trek to Seduwa 1,540 m - 05 hrs.

Day 05:            Trek to Tashi Gaon 2,135m - 04 hrs.

Day 06:            Trek to Kongma Danda (Ridge) 3,556 m - 05 hrs

Day 07:            Trek to Mumbuk 3,553 m - 06 hrs.

Day 08:            Trek to Nghe (Nehe) Kharka 3,760 m - 05 hrs.

Day 09:            Trek to Shersong 4, 572 m - 05 hrs.

Day 10:            Trek to Makalu Base Camp 4,812 m - 04 hrs.

Day 11:            Rest day at base camp for local exploration and hike.

Day 12:            Trek to High Camp at 5,200 m - 04 hrs.

Day 13:            Climb and Camp at 5,700 m - 05 hrs.

Day 14:            Climb and camp on the Moraine 5,640m after Sherpani col.

Day 15:            Trek to Panch Pokhari 5,480 m - 05 hrs.

Day 16:            Rest day at Panch Pokhari preparation for the next to last pass.

Day 17:            Cross over Amphu Labtsa pass 5,780 m and trek to Chukung 4,900 m.

Day 18:            Trek to Thyangboche Monastery 3,867 m - 06 hrs.

Day 19:            Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m - 05 hrs.

Day 20:            Trek to Lukla - 06 hrs.

Day 21:            Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel with a free afternoon.

Day 22:            Free and contingency day in Kathmandu and for individual activities.

Day 23:            International departure for homeward bound.

Day 01:            Reach Kathmandu 1,340 m via respective airlines and transfer to hotel.

On arrival at Kathmandu and Nepal International airport received by our Mountain Challenger staff and guides for short transfer and drive in the heart of Kathmandu city to your respective hotels. After checking into your rooms meet at briefing hall where our guide or leader will brief regarding Makalu - Sherpani West Col Trekking. Include information of hotels, lodge and do’s and don’ts with group welcome dinner in a nice authentic Nepalese Restaurant with various Folk programs of Nepal as entertainment.  

Day 02:            In Kathmandu with sightseeing tour around world heritage sites.

Morning after breakfast our city guide will take you for interesting sightseeing tour in and around Kathmandu city, where Kathmandu valley steeped with ancient historical, religious monuments which is listed on world heritage sites. Tour of Kathmandu Durbar Square (old Malla and Shah Royal courtyard) with resident of virgin ‘Goddess Kumari’ and other places of great interest, from here heading to oldest landmark of Kathmandu and Nepal at Swayambhunath Stupa, believed to be more than 2,600 years old a Buddhist dome shaped with all seeing eyes of Lord Buddha. After exciting and enjoyable tour back to hotel with free afternoon preparation for Makalu - Sherpani West Col Trekking.

Day 03:            Fly to Tumlingtar 448 m - 40 mins and drive to Num 1,490 m - 04 hrs.

Early start from the hotel after having breakfast with short drive to Kathmandu domestic air- terminal for scenic flight to Tumlingar of 40 mins in a small aircraft either Dornier or Twin Otter facing panorama of Himalayan peaks with Everest and Makalu. After swift flights landing at low warm areas of Arun Valley at Tumlingtar town with refreshing break, and then transfer for local jeep drive heading towards cooler hills past farm villages and woodland to reach a scenic ridge at Num town for first overnight within Makalu region. 

Day 04:            Trek to Seduwa 1,540 m- 05 hrs.

First day walk of the adventure begins with downhill and then up to Seduwa village, starting with steep descend to a bridge over Arun River within sub tropical areas, and then climb towards farm fields and small villages of Runmura, and then with gradual climb to reach overnight stop at Seduwa village, a small place with a primary school and health post facing views of Jaljala peaks.

Day 05:            Trek to Tashi Gaon 2,135m - 04 hours.

After Seduwa village, morning walk on winding trail to Tashigaon a Sherpa village, the last village before Makalu base camp, walk leads into farm areas with nice terraces fields of millet, major crops after rice and wheat’s of the area. Walk continues after few hours of good trek to reach at Tashigaon for lunch and overnight stop with time to visit this nice last Sherpa village before heading into complete wilderness.

Day 06:            Trek to Kongma Danda 3,556 m - 05 hours.

On leaving Tashi Gaon, the last village for a week long, morning walk leads on gentle path into thick forest of rhododendron, oaks and tall pines trees passing many cattle herder’s temporary shelters of shades and stone huts after few hours of pleasant walk stopping for lunch on the grassy meadow and summer pasture ground. Afternoon walk with steep climb for few hours to reach Kongma ridge top, as the tall trees gives away for smaller rhododendron and juniper bushes and small birch trees. This high ridge offers excellent views of Kanchenjunga mountain range and of Mt. Makalu with adjoining peaks, from here in complete wilderness.

Day 07:            Trek to Mumbuk 3,553 m - 06 hours.

From Kongma Danda morning walk on a ridge line following a gradual path with few ups and down reaching at icy ponds of Thulo Pokhari (big) with Sano Pokhari(small) after crossing Tutu-la and Shipton la at above 4, 453 meters passes, and then downhill back into forest with views of Khumbakarna Himal range of mountains towards north, overnight camp on a level ground in the middle of tall trees.

Day 08:            Trek to Nghe (Nehe Kharka 3,760 m - 05 hours.

Today walks leads to scenic Barun valley famous for rare species of vegetation- plants and herbs including wild-life, starting the morning with down-hill for an hour and crossing a small stream to reach Barun valley, walk with gentle up views of peaks on both side of the valley passing few Sheppard’s shelters with a small Buddhist Gompa (monastery), after a pleasant walk of 5 hours reaching at Nehe Kharka for overnight camp around Barun valley.

Day 09:            Trek to Shersong 4, 572 m - 05 hours.

From Barun valley walk to Shersong leading at the end valley near Makalu base camp leading on gentle uphill crossing streams with great views of Mt. Makalu and Baruntse peaks, after a nice walk of 5 hours reaching at our destination at Sherson for overnight stop.

Day 10:            Trek to Makalu Base Camp 4,812 m - 04 hrs.

Morning walk leads on a high trail within moraine and ice trails into rocky areas to reach at Makalu base camp close to its glacial icy pond near Baruntse and towering great South Face of Mt. Makalu, with time to marvel this wild and beautiful surrounding with arrays of high peaks.

Day 11:            Rest day at base camp for local exploration and hike.

Rest and acclimatization day to soak with the views of Mt. Makalu, Baruntse peaks with peak IV, morning an optional hike for excellent views of Mt. Everest with rare East Face known as Kangshung face with Mt. Lhotse, rest of the day rest and marvel the surrounding beautiful views.

Day 12:            Trek to High Camp at 5,200 m - 04 hrs.

After a nice rest climb leads westwards beneath the towering Makalu Western Pillar, from this point taking cautiously with the altitude gain on this high area, trek and climb follows to an valley ablation to the west side of glacier from Barun peak, then trekking into a small valley through glacier to make our own trail over the boulder of rocks and ice with strewn ice caves and then setting up the camp, this spot is also called Puja Camp below towering Mt. Makalu's West Pillar.

Day 13:            Climb to Camp at 5,700 m - 04 hrs.

From this high camp after having good rest and overnight, leaving Puja camp as walk follows to a steady hard climb towards rocky ridge line at Barun peak west end, and then a climb to a row of cairns reaching at Sherpani Col a glacial valley for overnight camp and lunch, afternoon preparation for next day crossing of ultimate Sherpani Col pass.

Day 14:            Camp on the Moraine 5,640m after crossing Sherpani / West Col.

Today final assault and a big day, starting the journey before dawn heading with flashlights / torch lights,, making our own path to the Sherpani glacier icy snout to reach three individual Col's providing entrée to the cirque, then choosing the most suitable and reachable routes, climb follows on steep snow covered slope, with fixed ropes back-up, where our expert guide have fixed on the previous afternoon time, from this Col or pass all rope up to get cross the glacier on the rocky ridge of  Sherpani West Col. This striking cirque is covered by icy ridges to the north of Baruntse's glaciers, offering views of Makalu, the wall of Chamlang to the south and majestic towering peak of Ama Dablam in the west direction. After a hard day of arduous climb descending from the Col on fixed rope lines towards Hongu Glacier, and completing this long day with a good walk over snow slopes beneath the moraines near at Baruntse base camp for overnight camp.

Day 15:            Trek to Panch Pokhari 5,480 m - 05 hrs.

From this isolated camp, morning starts to Panch Pokhari “five ponds” on the foot of Amphu Laptsa pass which is another pass to cross before Imjatse valley at Everest or Khumbu region. As the good walk progress walking on rocky moraines and then reaching a wide area at Upper Hongu Basin close to Kang Leyamura peak at 6,430 meters, and then following a rocky glacier towards a moraine area to reach the campsite beneath Amphu Labtsa pass at 5,780 meters.

Day 16:            Rest day at Panch Pokhari.

A necessary rest day after 3-4 days of hard walk and climb on rocks, ice and glaciers, this rest day allows you to regain your energy and strength back while our team of staff and guides will scout the next pass fixing ropes where necessary for the last crossing of this trip.

Day 17:            Cross Amphu Labtsa pass 5, 680m to Imjatse valley at Chukung.

Starting earlier to cross the last high pass of this adrenaline adventure with climb for an hour or more on rocks, moraine and icy slopes to reach the top of Amphu Labtsa offering stunning panorama of Lhotse South Face, Lhotse Shar and of Island / Imja-tse Peak, here a final inspection of the all the members, porters and staff in case of ill health and sickness due to altitude and tiredness which is common at this altitude. From here with rope fixed for safe descent to other side at Imjatse valley, descent of 150 meters on the gradual slopes below the pass. After a nice safe descent walk leads to an ablation valley of Imja glacier, on the Imjatse valley onto Khumbu / Everest area, after all the hard time this will be a pleasant walk to the first small settlement at Chukung for overnight stop in the comfort of nice cozy lodge.

Day 18:            Trek to Thyangboche 3,867 m - 05 hrs.

Return journey is much easier losing heights every hours, walking downhill with few short ups to Pangboche and then to the bridge with two 2 hours climb to Thyangboche for overnight stop. On reaching Thyangboche visit famous Buddhist monastery with magnificent panorama of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Kangtenga, Thamasarku, Kwande and majestic Amadablam.  Afternoon with time for tour of the monastery, which was burnt by accidental fire in 1991 at present back into normal form, where you witness young monks and elderly priest and Lama on evening prayer. 

Day 19:            Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m - 05 hrs.

Today an easy and short walks for four to five hours starting with a downhill walk and then an hour climb towards Lobesa and Shanasa villages, and then on gradual winding trail reaching at famous colorful Namche Bazaar, a civilization after being in complete wilderness for a week. Namche Bazaar with excellent facilities of good restaurant, pubs, cyber café, post office, and banks with grand views of Kwangde peaks. 

 Day 20:           Trek to Lukla 2,820 m - 06 hrs.

From Namche a long day walk to Lukla, but on easy and pleasant trail following the Dudh Kosi and crossing the same river few times to reach at Phakding from here walk to Lukla with last climb, on reaching Lukla celebrate last night dinner with fellow trekkers and staff.

Day 21:    Fly back to Kathmandu and transfer to hotel with free afternoon.

Morning flight takes you to Kathmandu, depart from the lodge at Lukla and transfer to Lukla airport for short scenic flight back to reach at Kathmandu, during air views of mountain panorama with green hill landscapes as lands at Kathmandu airport and then transfer back to your hotel, with free afternoon at leisure.

Day 22:            Free and contingency day in Kathmandu and for individual activities.

A free and spare day in Kathmandu for contingency, in case of flight delay and cancellation at Lukla, which happens sometimes due to Himalayan unpredictable weather. To be safe with extra day in Kathmandu, if all goes well as per our itinerary days, enjoy the rest day with individual activities or join in for another exciting sightseeing tour around Kathmandu-Patan or Bhaktapur. 

Day 23:            International departure for home ward bound.

Last day in Nepal, a country of high mountains and varied colorful culture, as per your international flight time, our staff transfers you to airport for final departure homeward bound with fabulous and unique memories and adventure on Makalu - Sherpani West Col Trekking.

Cost Details

  • Airport pick up and drop.
  • Meals (Breakfast + Lunch+ Dinner and Tea items) during trekking.
  • Accommodation (Tea house/tent) while on the trek.
  • Well trained trekking guide.
  • Hotel in Kathmandu two nights. (on B.B base). 
  • all ground and air transportation.
  • All require permits.
  • Travel & Rescue arrangement.
  • All necessary equipment and gears for camping organization on tented base trekking.
  • Porters.
  • Client Travel insurance.
  • Alcoholic, beverage.
  • Tips for trekking staff and driver. (Tipping is expected).
  • individual expenses of personal nature.
  • Donation for a local school, community poor people, if client want.

No fixed departures.

Trip Review


Starting from$3,000

  • Trip Level
    Moderate
  • Destination
    Nepal
  • Max Altitude
    5,780m
  • Duration
    23 Days

© 2018. All Rights Reserved