The Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek is among Nepal’s most challenging and technical high-altitude treks, connecting the Makalu region with the Everest (Khumbu) region. This legendary route crosses three major high passes—Sherpani Col, West Col, and Amphu Labtsa (Amphu Lapcha)—each towering above 6,000 meters.
Unlike regular trekking trails, this is a true expedition-style adventure. It demands mountaineering skills, glacier navigation, the use of ropes and crampons, and guidance from experienced expert leaders.
Trip Info
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Spring/Autumn/Winter
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Fly/Jeep/Car/ Tourist bus.
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5-6 Hours
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Hotel / Tea Houses
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6150m
Overview
The Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek region is one of Nepal’s most underrated trekking destinations. Despite offering countless trekking opportunities and a rich mix of natural beauty and cultural experiences, many trekkers still choose the more popular routes, such as the Everest Base Camp trek. Yet, the Makalu region provides an equally, if not more, remarkable trekking experience.
Everest and Makalu are neighbouring regions, and the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek is the rare route that links the two. Along the way, trekkers get to experience the best features of both regions, from breathtaking landscapes to vibrant local cultures.
Trip Highlights
- One of Nepal’s most challenging trekking routes
- No crowds – total wilderness.
- Glaciers, icefalls, and high camps.
- Views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, Ama Dablam.
- Remote Barun Valley.
- True expedition-level trekking.
- Crossing three legendary high passes.
Itinerary
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, you will be greeted and transferred to your hotel. Rest and relax after your journey, and prepare for the trekking adventure ahead.
Spend the day exploring Kathmandu’s cultural and historical highlights, including temples, monuments, and local markets. In the afternoon, complete your trek preparations, check your gear, and attend a briefing to get ready for the journey ahead.
Take a scenic 50-minute flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar. From there, enjoy an 8–9 hour drive through beautiful landscapes to reach the starting point of your trek.
Begin your trek from the starting point and hike through picturesque villages, terraced fields, and lush forests. Arrive in Seduwa (1,500 m) and settle in for the night at your lodge or tea house.
Continue your trek through scenic trails, passing traditional villages and vibrant landscapes. Reach Tashi Gaon (2,100 m) and rest for the night at your lodge, enjoying the serene mountain surroundings.
Trek through alpine forests and open ridges, enjoying stunning mountain views along the way. Arrive at Khongma Danda (3,500 m) and settle in for the night, taking in the peaceful high-altitude surroundings.
Continue trekking through scenic mountain trails, passing traditional villages and terraced landscapes. Reach Mumbuk/Dobato (3,400 m) and relax at your lodge, enjoying the spectacular high-altitude views.
Trek through beautiful alpine meadows and rugged mountain paths, surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan scenery. Arrive at Yangli Kharka (3,600 m) and spend the night at your lodge, soaking in the serene high-altitude environment.
Take a full day to rest and acclimatize at Yangli Kharka (3,600 m). Optional: enjoy a side hike to Shivadhara, exploring the surrounding alpine landscapes and taking in panoramic mountain views before returning to your lodge for the night.
Enjoy a shorter but scenic trek today, gradually ascending through alpine meadows and rugged terrain. Arrive at Langmale Kharka (4,410 m) and spend the night at your lodge, taking in the stunning high-altitude surroundings.
Embark on a challenging yet rewarding trek through rocky trails and dramatic mountain scenery. Reach Makalu Base Camp (4,870 m), where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks and glaciers. Overnight stay at your high-altitude lodge or camp.
Begin the trek to Swiss Camp, passing through the challenging terrain of Advanced Camp (5,018 m). Enjoy spectacular high-altitude landscapes, glaciers, and panoramic mountain views along the way. Arrive at Swiss Camp and rest, preparing for the next stage of your expedition.
Spend a full day at Swiss Camp (5,150 m) to rest and acclimatize to the high altitude. Take short hikes around the camp, enjoy the stunning Himalayan views, and prepare your body for the challenging trek ahead.
Begin the ascent to Sherpani Col Base Camp (5,688 m), trekking through rugged high-altitude terrain and glaciers. Take in the breathtaking views of surrounding peaks along the way and rest at the base camp, preparing for the challenging pass crossing ahead.
Today is one of the most challenging and rewarding days of the trek. Cross the high-altitude Sherpani Col Pass (6,150 m) and traverse the West Col (6,050 m), navigating glaciers and rugged terrain. Arrive at Baruntse Camp and rest, surrounded by breathtaking Himalayan views.
Continue your high-altitude journey as you trek to Hinku Cave (5,500 m), navigating glaciers and rugged mountain terrain. Enjoy panoramic views of towering peaks along the way and rest at the camp, preparing for the next stage of your expedition.
Trek to Amphu Lapcha Base Camp (5,527 m), crossing stunning glaciers and high-altitude landscapes. Take in spectacular views of surrounding peaks and prepare for the challenging Amphu Lapcha Pass ahead. Overnight stay at the base camp.
Spend a full day at Amphu Lapcha Base Camp (5,527 m) to rest and acclimatize. Take short hikes around the camp, enjoy the breathtaking high-altitude scenery, and prepare your body for the challenging pass crossing ahead.
Today you will cross the challenging Amphu Lapcha Pass (5,850 m), navigating glaciers and high-altitude terrain. After a rewarding climb, descend towards Chhukung, taking in spectacular Himalayan vistas along the way. Overnight stay in Chhukung at your lodge or camp.
Descend from Chhukung through beautiful alpine and rhododendron forests, passing traditional villages along the way. Arrive at Tengboche (3,960 m), famous for its monastery, and spend the night enjoying the serene mountain surroundings.
Descend through lush forests and along the Dudh Koshi River, passing picturesque villages and suspension bridges. Arrive in Phakding and rest at your lodge, enjoying the tranquil surroundings after a day of trekking.
Enjoy a final trek through scenic trails, crossing charming villages, suspension bridges, and rivers. Arrive in Lukla, where you can relax and celebrate completing the high-altitude journey. Overnight stay at your lodge.
Take a scenic morning flight from Lukla back to Kathmandu. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel and relax after your incredible trekking adventure. Spend the evening at leisure, reflecting on the journey.
After breakfast, transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your onward journey. Bid farewell to Nepal, taking with you unforgettable memories of the mountains, culture, and your epic trekking adventure.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- 1. Airport & Ground Transportation.
- Airport pick-up and drop-off (international & domestic).
- Private ground transport for Kathmandu–Tumlingtar–trailhead and return.
- All official transportation as per the itinerary.
- 2. Accommodation:>
- Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (twin-sharing, standard category).
- Teahouse or lodge accommodation in lower trekking areas.
- Fully supported camping accommodation in remote and high-altitude sections.
- Expedition-grade tents (sleeping, dining, kitchen, toilet tents).
- 3. Meals:>
- All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner).
- Nutritious high-altitude meals prepared by professional trekking cooks.
- Hot drinks (tea, coffee) during trekking days.
- Safe drinking water (boiled or treated).
- 4.Trekking & Climbing Staff:>
- Government-licensed, experienced trekking guide.
- High-altitude climbing Sherpa(s) for Sherpani Col, West Col & Amphu Labtsa.
- Cook, kitchen staff, and support crew.
- Porters to carry group equipment and personal luggage (as per weight limit).
- Staff salary, food, accommodation, insurance, and equipment.
- 5. Permits & Documentation:>
- Makalu-Barun National Park Permit.
- Sagarmatha National Park Permit.
- Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit.
- TIMS card (if applicable).
- All government taxes and service charges.
- 6. Expedition & Technical Equipment (Group Use):>
- Fixed ropes for high passes.
- Snow bars, ice screws, anchors (group safety gear).
- Glacier travel equipment.
- Satellite phone or emergency communication device (group use)
- First-aid medical kit with altitude medicine.
- Solar panels or a generator for lighting/charging (group use).
- 7. Safety & Logistics:>
- Route fixing and pass-crossing support.
- Weather monitoring and acclimatisation planning.
- Emergency rescue coordination assistance.
- Comprehensive logistical planning and support.
Cost Excludes
- 1.International & Domestic Flights:>
- International airfare to and from Kathmandu.
- Domestic flights (if applicable).
- Excess baggage charges.
- 2. Nepal Visa & Travel Insurance:>
- Nepal entry visa fees.
- Personal high-altitude travel & rescue insurance (mandatory).
- 3. Personal Equipment:>
- Personal mountaineering gear (boots, crampons, ice axe, harness, helmet).
- Sleeping bag and down jacket (unless rented).
- Trekking clothing and personal items.
- 4. Meals in Kathmandu:>
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu (unless specified).
- Snacks, bakery items, and alcoholic beverages.
- 5 Personal Expenses:>
- Personal snacks, energy bars, and chocolates.
- Battery charging, Wi-Fi, or communication fees (where available).
- Laundry, hot showers, and bottled drinks.
- Tips for guide, Sherpa, porter, and staff (customary but optional).
- 6 Emergency & Evacuation Costs:>
- Helicopter rescue or medical evacuation costs.
- Hospital and medical treatment expenses.
- 7.Delays & Unforeseen Costs:>
- Costs due to weather delays, route changes, strikes, or natural disasters.
- Extra nights in Kathmandu beyond itinerary.
FAQs
This trek is considered extremely challenging and is suitable only for experienced trekkers or mountaineers. It involves high-altitude trekking above 6,000 m, glacier crossings, and technical sections requiring ropes, crampons, and expert guidance. Proper physical fitness, acclimatization, and trekking experience are essential.
The best time to attempt the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek is during pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (late September to November) seasons. These periods offer clear skies, stable weather, and the best mountain views. Winter is extremely cold, and the monsoon season brings heavy snowfall and slippery trails.
Yes. This is an expedition-style trek, so you will need mountaineering gear such as crampons, ropes, ice axes, and high-altitude clothing. A reputable trekking agency will provide guides, porters, and technical support. Personal gear like insulated jackets, sleeping bags rated for cold weather, and proper trekking boots are essential.
