Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek
Sherpani Col Pass Trek: Explore the Eastern Himalayas | Trekker Trails
Sherpani Col Pass Trek is situated in the eastern part of Nepal, in the Makalu-Barun region. It offers stunning views of the eastern Himalayas, including Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Kanchenjunga, and other Himalayas on the eastern side of Nepal. The main highlights of Sherpani Col are a high-altitude pass that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
This Sherpani Col Pass Trek involves crossing several high passes, including the challenging Sherpani Col Pass (6150 m), West Col (6143 m), and Amu Laptsa Pass (5850m). The trek offers a blend of cultural and natural diversity as it passes through traditional Sherpa villages and pristine landscapes. The route includes highlights like Makalu Base Camp, Barun Valley, and Arun Valley, where you can experience the unique culture and traditions of Sherpa and Rai villages and also get a small glimpse of the Everest region.
Trip Overview
Trip code: SCP 101 
Duration: 23 Days 
Trip Type: Group 
Max Altitude: Sherpani Col Pass (6150 m) 
Transportaion: Flight / Private Vehicle 
Accomodation: Hotel / Lodge or Teahouse 
Start: Kathmandu
End: Kathmandu 
Meals: European Plan Outline Itinerary
Kathmandu (Arrival) – Transfer to Hotel (Private Transfer)
Kathmandu (1400m)Kathmandu – Tumlingtar (Fly – Flight Transfer) – Num (Drive – Private Transfer)
Tumlingtar (1980 m; 50 mins- fly) Num (1040 m; 6 hrs)Num – Seduwa
Seduwa (1500 m; 6 hrs)Seduwa – Tashi Gaon
Tashi Gaon (2100 m; 5 hrs)Tashi Gaon – Khongma Danda
Khongma Dada (3500 m; 7 hrs)Khongma Danda
Khongma Danda (3500 m)Khongma Danda – Dobate
Dobate (3600 m; 6 hrs)Dobate – Yangla Kharka
Yangla Kharka (3557 m; 7 hrs)Yangla Kharka – Langmale Kharka
Langmale Kharka (4410 m; 6 hrs)Langmale Kharka – Makalu Base Camp
Makalu Base Camp (4870 m; 6 hrs)Makalu Base Camp – Swiss Base Camp
Swiss Base Camp (5150 m; 6 hrs)Swiss Base Camp
Swiss Base Camp (5150 m)Swiss Base Camp – Sherpani Col Base Camp
Sherpani Col Base Camp (5688 m; 5 hrs)Sherpani Col Base Camp – Baruntse Camp
Sherpani Col Pass (6150 m) West Col (6143) Baruntse Camp (6050 m; 8 hrs)Baruntse Camp – Hinku Cave
Hinku Cave (5500 m; 5 hrs)Hinku Cave - Amu Lapcha Base Camp
Amu Lapche Base Camp (5527 m; 5 hrs)Amu Lapche Base Camp
Amu Lapche Base Camp (5527 m)Amu Lapche Base Camp – Chhukung
Amu Laptsa Pass (5850m) Chhukung (4730 m; 8 hrs)Chhukung – Tengboche
Tengboche (3960m; 6 hrs)Tengboche – Namche Bazar
Namche Bazar (3440 m; 5 hrs)Namche Bazar – Lukla
Lukla (2840 m; 7 hrs)Lukla – Kathmandu (Fly – Flight Transfer)
Kathmandu (1400 m; 30 mins - fly)Kathmandu (Departure)
Price Inclusion
- Airport transfers (Domestic/ International) on a tourist vehicle
- Domestic flight ticket (Kathmandu / Tumlingtar) (Lukla / Kathmandu)
- Private tourist vehicle (Tumlingtar / Num)
- Entire accommodation during the trek – 2 nights at hotel in Kathmandu, and 17 nights in lodges/guesthouse during trek to Makalu Base Camp
- Hotel breakfast during the stay at Kathmandu
- Experienced, government licensed, English-speaking or another language trekking guide
- All necessary permits for Makalu Barun National Park and Sagarmatha National Permit and TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System)
- Porters during the trek for carrying luggage (1 porter for every 2 pax)
- All government taxes and administrative expenses
- Local staff insurances
Price Exclusion
- International flight tickets and Nepal Entry Visa
- Personal travel insurance
- Any meals during the Trek
- Any expenses of a personnel nature, e.g., telephone calls, laundry, table drinks, etc.
- Any Tips to Guides, Drivers, and Trekking Staffs
- Any entrance fees for cameras and video cameras at the monuments
- Any other services not mentioned above
- Cost of any emergency evacuation, strikes, etc.
Detail Itinerary
Expand AllKathmandu (Arrival) – Transfer to Hotel (Private Transfer)
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, the capital city of Nepal, our representative will be waiting at the airport for your welcome. Then board a private vehicle and be transferred to your hotel. Check into your hotel and rest after your journey.
Depending on your arrival time, you may have the opportunity to explore ancient temples and vibrant markets and experience the unique atmosphere of Nepalese urban life.
Kathmandu – Tumlingtar (Fly – Flight Transfer) – Num (Drive – Private Transfer)
Your journey starts with an early morning flight to Tumlingtar. You will arrive at Tumlingtar airport with stunning views of the hills, mountains, and surrounding areas. Upon your arrival at Tumlingtar, you will drive for 6 hours to reach Num. The ride is full of greenery filling up your landscape and some glimpses of the Himalayas from Num village.
Num – Seduwa
Your trek starts with a descending trail through the forest and fields to reach the Barun River. After crossing a wooden bridge, you will enter the Makalu Barun National Park area. Then, you will walk through dense forests of Juniper and Rhododendron, passing a few villages, to reach Sedwa.
Seduwa – Tashi Gaon
After having your breakfast, you will ascend towards ridges bounded by two rivers, Isuwa Khola and Kuswa Khola, on each side. You will cross the bridge over Isuwa Khola and pass several small settlements and forests. After a few hours of walking through the villages and paddy fields, you will reach Tashi Gaon. Tashi Gaon is a small Sherpa village that offers a magnificent view of the Himalayas.
Tashi Gaon – Khongma Danda
You will have the toughest trek today as you take steep ascents on the way to Khongma Danda. You will ascend the stone stairs and come across a few lakes and fields with yaks and sheep cattle grazing in the fields. Your trails also pass through the forest and a stream to reach the top of ridges.
Then, you will have a few hours of walking to reach Khongma Danda, from where you will get a beautiful view of Mt. Chamlang and other peaks.
Khongma Danda
Today, you will be spending your day in Khongma Danda. You can relax and explore the village. You can visit nearby Buddhist monasteries and learn about Sherpa culture and their way of life.
Khongma Danda – Dobate
Leaving the Khongma Danda, you will follow the trail towards Dobate, crossing four passes along the way. You will start your trek by climbing the ridge over Kauma La Pass, then head towards Keke La Pass.
After crossing these passes, you will follow the trail to the foothills of Shipton Pass. You will walk along the ridge towards Tutu La Pass, and after a few hours of trekking, you will reach Dobate. Upon reaching Dobate, you will be mesmerized by the views of Mt. Chamlang, Peak 6, Peak 7, and other Himalayas.
Dobate – Yangla Kharka
You will follow the trail, passing through the dense forest of rhododendrons, to cross the Barun River and trek towards Yangla Kharka. You will cross the yaks grazing in the fields to reach Yangla Kharka.
Yangla Kharka – Langmale Kharka
You will start your walk through lush Himalaayn forest and cross the suspension bridge over small streams to reach Merek, then walk with the mesmerizing views of the Himalayas, walk on moraines, and pass small Himalayan villages to reach Langmale Kharka.
Langmale Kharka – Makalu Base Camp
Today, you will follow the steep trail alongside the Barun River and walk through icy glaciers and ridges to reach Shershong. After an hour or two of walking, you will finally reach Makalu Base Camp with the alluring views of Mt. Makalu (the world’s fifth-highest mountain) and other snow peaks.
Makalu Base Camp – Swiss Base Camp
After enjoying the beautiful morning at Makalu Base Camp, you will start your journey towards Swiss Base Camp. You will follow the trail on the west side of Barun Glacier before continuing on the moraine. During the trekking towards the Swiss Base Camp trail, you will witness the spectacular views of Mt. Makalu from west and north, as well as Mt. Everest and Mt. Lhotse. The trail becomes rocky and passes through slopes towards Swiss Base Camp.
Swiss Base Camp
Today, you will acclimate to the Swiss Base Camp. You can hike to the nearest point or rest. This is the extra day on the trip, so you can adapt to the higher altitude and get proper rest before climbing the highest passes.
Swiss Base Camp – Sherpani Col Base Camp
After having your breakfast, you will start your trek towards Sherpani Col Base Camp. You will follow the trail, which is ascending and descending, to reach the valley, and then you will have an ascending trail all the way to Sherpani Col Base Camp.
Sherpani Col Base Camp – Baruntse Camp
Today, you will have a long hike towards Baruntse Camp as you will pass through Sherpani Col Pass (6150 m) and West Col (6143 m). In the early morning, you will start your hike up the glacier to Sherpani Pass. With the help of a fixed rope, you will reach the summit of Sherpani Col Pass.
Then, you will descend towards the other side of the pass to the West Barun glacier valley, from where you will hike towards West Col. After crossing the West Col summit, you will descend towards Hinku glacier and continue your journey towards Baruntse camp.
Baruntse Camp – Hinku Cave
Your trail will pass through five big glacial lakes, which will also be called Panch Pokhari, towards Hinku Valley. On the way to Hinku Cave, you will witness serene lakes and panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Ama Dablam.
Hinku Cave - Amu Lapcha Base Camp
After having your breakfast, you will start your journey towards Amu Lapcha Base Camp. Your trail is full of descending and ascending to reach Amu Lapche Base Camp.
Amu Lapche Base Camp
Today, you will acclimate to the Amu Lapche Base Camp. You can hike to the nearest point or rest. This is the extra day on the trip, so you can adapt to the higher altitude and get proper rest before climbing the Amu Laptsa Pass.
Amu Lapche Base Camp – Chhukung
In the early morning, you will start your hike towards Chhunkung, as your hike will be long and challenging. You will cross the highest pass of this trek, Amu Laptsa Pass, which connects the Makalu region and the Everest region.
After crossing the pass, you will reach the Everest region. The trail towards Amu Laptsa Pass takes place over rocks, moraine, and icy slopes. After reaching the summit of Amu Laptsa Pass, you will witness the breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Everest, and Island Peak. You will descend towards Imjatse Valley after enjoying the views from the Amu Laptsa Pass summit.
Once you descend through a sheer rocky wall, you will proceed towards Chhukung Valley in the Everest region.
Chhukung – Tengboche
You will continue your trek in the Everest region, where you will walk towards Chhukung Ri. From Chhukung Ri, you will witness the amazing views of snow-capped peaks, including Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse, and Mt. Nuptse. After crossing Chhukung Ri, you will pass through the beautiful Sherpa villages in Dingboche and Pangboche. On the way, you will visit the oldest monastery in the region, Pangboche Monastery.
After crossing the small settlements, you will reach Tengboche. Once you reach Tengboche, you can explore the largest monastery in the Kumbu region, Tengboche Monastery, with 360-degree panoramic views of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest.
Tengboche – Namche Bazar
After having your breakfast, you will descend towards Namche Bazar, the gateway to the Everest region. You will pass through a beautiful forest of rhododendrons and pines with views of the Dudh Koshi River. After crossing the bridge and small settlements, you will reach Namche Bazar, a thriving Sherpa town where you can buy regional goods and get to know the welcoming Sherpa people.
Namche Bazar – Lukla
Today, you will descend towards Lukla via Phakding. You will hike fownhill from Namche to the Dudh Koshi River and then ascend to Monjo, an entry point of Sagarmatha National Park. Then, you will hike towards Phakding village and cross the suspension bridges and several small Sherpa villages to reach Lukla.
Lukla – Kathmandu (Fly – Flight Transfer)
After taking off from one of the world’s most dangerous airports, Tenzing Hillary Airport, you will experience a short yet thrilling flight from Lukla to Kathmandu in the early morning. You will see an incredible shift in scenery and the climate on your flight, which is an excitement in itself.
The flight back to Kathmandu provides a bird’s-eye view of the Himalayas. As you return to the bustling city of Kathmandu, you can explore some of the city’s cultural and historical areas.
Kathmandu (Departure)
Depending on your flight schedule, our representative will escort you towards the airport. Before your fight schedule starts, you may have some free time in Kathmandu for last-minute shopping or sightseeing.
Why you'll love this trip
- Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Makalu, the fifth-highest mountain in the world, from Makalu Base Camp.
- Interact with the local Sherpa and Rai communities and experience their unique culture, traditions, and warm hospitality.
- Crossing challenging high mountain passes, Sherpani Col Pass (6150 m), West Col (6143), and Amu Laptsa Pass (5850m)
- Witness the beautiful home to a variety of flora and fauna in Sagarmatha National Park and Makalu Barun National Park.
- Panoramic views of some of the world’s highest peaks, including Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Chamlang, Mt. Baruntse, Mt. Kanchenjunga, and other Himalayas.
- A thrilling flight to Lukla, considered one of the world’s most dangerous airports.
When To Visit
The best time to start on the Sherpani Col Pass Trek is during the spring and autumn seasons. In March to May, the region experiences mild temperatures, blossoming rhododendron forests, and clear skies, making it an ideal time for trekking. Similarly, from September to November, the post-monsoon period offers stable weather conditions with crisp, clear views and moderate temperatures. During these months, the Sherpani Col Pass Trek showcases its breathtaking landscapes, including pristine glacial lakes and towering peaks, creating an unforgettable trekking experience. Avoiding the monsoon and winter ensures safer trail conditions and enhances the overall enjoyment of this challenging and rewarding adventure.
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FAQs for Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek
Which permits are required for the Sherpani Col Pass Trek?
Trekkers need permits to enter Makalu Barun National Park and Sagarmatha National Park. TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System), a Makalu Barun National Park permit, a Sagarmatha National Park permit, and a Pasang Lhamu Municipality Entrance Fee are necessary.
What is the difficulty level of the Sherpani Col Pass Trek?
The Sherpani Col Pass Trek is considered a challenging trek, involving high altitudes, technical sections, and remote terrain. Trekkers should have prior high-altitude trekking experience and be physically fit. Hiring an experienced guide is advisable.
What kind of gear is essential for the Sherpani Col Pass Trek?
Essential gear includes a good-quality sleeping bag, sturdy trekking boots, warm clothing layers, a waterproof jacket, trekking poles, and a reliable backpack. Technical climbing gear may be required for Sherpani Col.
Are there teahouses or lodges along the route in Sherpani Col Pass Trek?
While some sections have teahouses, the Sherpani Col Pass Trek involves remote and challenging terrain. Trekkers should be prepared for camping and carrying sufficient provisions, especially in the high-altitude and less-developed areas.
Is it necessary to hire a guide and porter for the Sherpani Col Pass Trek?
Yes, it is mandatory to hire a local guide and porter. The Sherpani Col Pass trek involves high risk, and the route passes through a remote village in Nepal. Hiring a local guide and porter can enhance the trekking experience by providing local insights, assistance with logistics, and relieving you of heavy backpacks.
