Makalu Trek with Sherpani Col

Location: Kathmandu

Kathmandu Altitude: 1400 Meters

Accommodation: Hotel

The first day of the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek welcomes you to Nepal. You will fly to Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu from your home country. Officials from our agency will welcome you and escort you to the hotel for your stay.

Besides you can also visit Peak Climbing Nepal’ office to learn more about this package and prepare according to it.

Location: Kathmandu

Kathmandu Altitude: 1400 Meters

Accommodation: Hotel

On the second day of the trip, we will engage in sightseeing activities in Kathmandu. We will start our journey early in the morning from our hotel and visit Pashupatinath Temple, the holiest Hindu Temple in earth. It is located on the banks of the Bagmati river and carries great significance in Hindu Culture, where the Lord of Lords, Shiva, is worshipped.

After that, we will set our journey to visit Boudhanath and Swayambhunath Temple. Both of these temples are Buddhist monasteries rich in Buddhist culture. The main stupa of Boudha and the Hariti Temple beside it offers a significant notion of the practice of ancient Buddhism. Swayambhunath is located at the hilltop featuring numerous ashramas, stupas, and prayer wheels.

Besides, we will visit other tourist places like Kathmandu Durbar Square and Narayanhiti Palace, where the belongings of ancient Kings and Queens remain.

Location: Tumlingtar | Khadbari

Khadbari Altitude: 1030 Meters

Elevation Loss: 370 Meters

Travel Duration: Driving 2 Hrs

Today, we will take a short ride from our hotel to Tribhuvan International Airport. Upon reaching the airport, we will go through some official formalities before we onboard a flight to Tumlingtar Airport in Sankhuwasabha District. The flight lasts around 45 minutes, which is also very calm and relaxing.

We can cherish the views of the green hills, forests, snow-capped mountains, terraced fields, and several towns & villages during the flight. Upon reaching Tumlingtar Airport, we will rest and manage our materials for a short drive to Khadbari.

We will take a jeep to drive to Khadbari, which takes around 2 hrs to reach Tumlingtar airport. After reaching Khadbari, we must purchase the essential permits and licenses for Makalu Region since Khadbari serves as the administrative headquarters of Sankhuwasabha District. If trekkers have already purchased it from Kathmandu, there is nothing to worry about. Upon reaching Khadbari, we will stay at a hotel.

Location: Chichira

Chichira Altitude: 1830 meters

Elevation Gain: 800 Meters

Trek Duration: 5 to 6 Hours

The fourth day of our Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek leads us to Chichira at 1830 meters. We will start our journey early in the morning from our hotel and head towards the beautiful village of Mane Bhanjyang. To reach the village, we must traverse the small settlements of Sunarpanma and Gueabari.

From Mane Bhanjyang, we will continue our trek to Bhotebas (1740 meters) after passing through a small ride. From there, the picturesque views of Mount Makalu and other peaks can be viewed. We will pass through the lush green forest through uphill trail that stretched towards Chichira, where we will stay overnight at a tea house.

Location: Num

Num Altitude: 1490 Meters

Elevation Loss: 340 Meters

Trek Duration: 5-6 Hours

On the fifth day of our trek, we will continue our journey from Chichira to Num Village. The morning time shows the clear visibility of Mount Manaslu massif from Chichira, so the scenic sunrise view is the most attracting aspect here. We will leave the settlement early in the morning and head towards Kuwapani. Then, we will walk through the remote trails between the dense forest and reach Daju La pass at 2100 meters above sea level.

From Daju la Pass, we will commence our trek towards steep section and descend towards the large village of Num.

Location: Seduwa

Seduwa Altitude: 1460 Meters

Elevation Loss: 30 Meters

Trek Duration: 5-6 Hours

First, we need to get down to the basin, so we will continue our trek early in the morning towards Arun River. As we walk downhill through the rugged trail, we will cross a suspension bridge and then head towards an uphill climb. The trail takes us through the dense forest of Seduwa. We will pass through the green vegetation rich in wild plants, birds, and animals as we enjoy the views of Makalu and other peaks during our trek.

Upon reaching Seduwa Village, we must make another registration at the National Park Office. Seduwa is a large trading village in the Makalu Region.

Location: Tashigaon

Tashigaon Altitude: 2070 Meters

Elevation Gain: 610 Meters

Trek Duration: 5-6 Hours

Today, we will embark on a 5 to 6 hours of hike through the uphill mountain to reach Tashigaon at 2070 meters above sea level. First, we will leave Seduwa village behind commencing on an easy trail and reach Murmidanda. Then we will continue our journey to Narbugaon and Subedigaon, enjoying the views of local terraced fields, forests, and snow-capped mountains in the north.

The trail then turns left towards Tashigaon at 2070 meters and passes through the lush green forests and cultivated fields. This is the last settlement on the Makalu Region Trail, so if you need anything for your trek, make sure that you purchase them here in Tashigaon.

Location: Kauma Danda

Kauma Danda Altitude: 3470 Meters

Elevation Gain: 1400 Meters

Trek Duration: 6-7 Hours

Today’s trek will be one of the exhausting ones since the average trek duration is long and we will be elevating through 1400 more meters than before. So trekkers must make sure they are well equipped with all the necessary items for this hike.

We will leave Tashigaon and start our journey to Kauma Danda passing through the beautiful cloud forest. First, we will reach Dhara Kharka, after a few hours of walking. The views of the deep down green fields and settlements and the mountains will soothe the journey somehow. From Dhara Kharka, we will now climb through the forested area reaching another campsite Unshisa, where we can find tea shops. We can take rest for sometime enjoying our lunch at Unshisha.

Now the final push of today’s trek begins. From Unshisha, we will head towards Kauma Danda, which can be reached at around a couple of hours. Tonight, we will stay at a tea house.

Location: Mumbuk

Mumbuk Altitude: 3570 Meters

Elevation Gain: 100 Meters

Trek Duration: 7-8 Hours

One of the most beautiful but strenous phase is the ninth day of Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek. Today, we will pass through three high-altitude passes to reach our next destination Mumbuk at 3570 meters above sea level.

The trek can be tough as the average duration is around 7 to 8 hours. We will head toward the Kauma La Pass at 3603 meters (11817ft) first from Kauma Danda through the rugged and rocky landscapes. However, the magnificent views of Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, Kanchenjunga, and other peaks always soothe our journey.

From Kauma La, we will commence our journey uphill to Tutu-La Pass at 4125 meters (13,530 ft). Remember, the winds are strong in high-altitude passes, so make sure that you are well-prepared for that. Crossing high-altitude passes does not end here. We head further towards Keke La Pass at 4170 meters (13,677 ft). Keke La Pass is a great viewpoint to watch the series of mountain ranges, including Chamlang Range and Tibet to the north.

Later, we must descend through the steep ridge to make it to the Mumbuk Campsite, where we will stay overnight.

Location: Nehe Kharka

Nehe Kharka Altitude: 3700 Meters

Elevation Gain: 130 Meters

Trek Duration: 4-5 Hours

Today, the first step to make is to reach Barun Nadi inside Makalu Barun National Park. We must walk uphill through the remote landscapes and trails to reach Barun Nadi, which takes around an hour to reach. From there, we will continue our journey towards Nehe Kharka at 3700 meters.

Remember, the trails are often affected by the landslides, so it is best to avoid hiking during the monsoon season. From Barun River, we will walk uphill enjoying the views of Makalu and Chamlang Peak towards Nehe Kharka. Tonight, we will stay at a tea house.

Location: Shersong

Shersong Altitude: 4615 Meters

Elevation Gain: 915 Meters

Trek Duration: 6-7 Hours

On the eleventh day of the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek, we will head towards Shersong form Nehe Kharka, which takes around 6-7 hours of hiking. We will catch a trail alongside Barun River from Nehe Kharka and walk for around an hour and a half before we cross a suspension bridge over it. After crossing the bridge, we will reach Yangri Kharka at 3557 meters above sea level.

From Yangri Kharka, we will continue our hiking through the forest of rhododendron, pine, and fir forest before reaching another pastureland, Langmale Kharka. As we leave Langmale Kharka, we proceed through the ancient lateral moraine where the stunning Barun River flows. Also, there is a large glacial lake in the valley, which offers a picturesque scenes to our trek. We will catch an easy trail from Langmale Kharka that stretches to Shersong.

Location: Makalu Base Camp

Makalu Base Camp Altitude: 4800 Meters

Elevation Gain: 185 Meters

Trek Duration: 4-5 Hours

Today, on the twelfth day, we will leave Shersong Village early in the morning after having a breakfast. The morning time offers a great beauty to Makalu region with the perfect views of sunrise and the touch of golden rays into the head of Mount Makalu.

Cherishing the views of the mountains and sunrise, we will take a trail that turns right and heads toward landscapes filled with moraines. The trek continues through the rocky and rugged trail taking us to the small bridge. As we cross the bridge, we will see the stone huts of Makalu Base Camp, where we can reach within a few hours.

Upon reaching Makalu Base Camp, we will set up a tent for camping. It is a perfect viewpoint for viewing the picturesque vistas of Makalu Massif, Chamlang Peak, and others.

After a long and exhausting hiking for twelve days, we need to acclimatize and rest to adjust our body to the changing altitude. We will also explore some core areas of Makalu Base Camp but return to the lower altitude for staying overnight. To acclimatize, trekkers must focus on hydrating their body, intaking nutritious foods, and getting enough sleep and rest.

Other precautions include gradual ascent, intake of medicines like Diamox, and use of oxygen supplements [if the respiratory system is highly affected by high altitude]. This will ultimately help you adjust your body to the altitude and help you prevent from altitude sickness.

Location: Swiss Base Camp

Swiss Base Camp: 5150 Meters

Elevation Gain: 350 Meters

Trek Duration: 5-6 Hours

The first phase of our trek is complete. Now, its time to set off for the another phase of journey and the first step is to make it to the Swiss Base Camp at 5150 meters. Remember, the weather conditions above 5000 meters in the Himalayan region is dynamic and can be harsh. So preparation with your clothes, safety options, and altitude must be strict.

As we leave Makalu Base Camp early in the morning, we follow a trail that stretches to Hillary base Camp, which offers a scenic views of the surroundings. Then, we take the uphill trail on the south side of Barun Glacier Valley and reach Swiss Base Camp, where we set up a tent for staying overnight.

Location: Sherpani Col Base Camp

Sherpani Col Base Camp Altitude: 5700 Meters

Elevation Gain: 550 Meters

Trek Duration: 6-7 Hours

Today, we reach our next milestone, Sherpani Col Base Camp at 5700 meters above sea level. As we leave Swiss Base Camp, we must proceed through the steep uphill trail, which is rocky and is dangerous. We, nevertheless, climb uphill towards a steep boulder-filled gully through the trail. Though the initial phase of this hiking is challenging, the later parts will become more easier as the trail stretches towards a small flat area.

From there, we must walk for around an hour through the steep and rocky route to reach Sherpani Col Base Camp. It sits at the snout of a glacier.

Another phase of acclimatization comes in the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek since the altitude has been changing day by day. On top of that, the risk of altitude sickness is high as we trek over 5000 meters above sea level. Like mentioned before, we will go through the hydration, nutrition, gradual ascent, and enough rest and sleep for acclimatizing at Sherpani Col Base Camp.

Location: Baruntse Base Camp

Baruntse Base Camp Altitude: 6180 Meters

Elevation Gain: 480 Meters

Trek Duration: 8-9 Hours

Now the most challenging phase of the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek starts in the seventeenth day. Today, we will embark on 8 to 9 hours of hike from Sherpani Col to reach Baruntse Base Camp. And this is one of the most technically challenging part of the trek. Trekkers must be acknowledged with the basic technical climbing skills as they must traverse through the steep ridges using fixed rope and handines.

First, we will begin our journey by crossing the challenging high-altitude pass Sherpani Col. We will catch a trail by the side of the glacier and climb towards the landmarks of Buddhist prayer flags. This is the section where trekkers must use the basic technical climbing skills of fixed ropes and handlines. After reaching Sherpani Col, we will descend to West Barun Glacier through the steep and slippery trail. We will embark on a short hike from there to reach the campsite at Baruntse Advanced Base Camp, where we will stay overnight.

Location: Amphu Labsta Base Camp

Amphu Labsta Base Camp Altitude: 5400 Meters

Elevation Loss: 780 Meters

Trek Duration: 7-8 Hours

The day eighteen is another long journey in this package. The main motive is to reach Amphu Labsta Base Camp from Baruntse Base Camp via West Col. First, we will climb a loose rocky route that stretches towards the southern end and hike to West Col. From there, we must descend towards Honku Basin, which lies just 200 meters below.

As we descend from Honku Basin enjoying the pristine scenes of Mahalangur Mountain Ranges, including Mount Everest and Ama Dablam, we will reach Amphu Labsta Base Camp.

Location: Chhukung

Chhukung Altitude: 4730 Meters

Elevation Loss: 670 Meters

Trek Duration: 8-9 Hours

Today, we will reach Chhukung of the Everest Region after crossing one of the most dangerous passes in Nepal, Amphu Labsta Pass at 5850 meters above sea level. The important thing to acknowledge is that the trail is covered with snow and ice sheets, requiring technical climbing skills. So trekkers must prepare with the climbing gears here to make a safe ascent. We will climb uphill to Amphu Labsta Pass with the climbing equipment and cherish the beauty of this high-altitude destination.

From there, we will descend downhill through the steep rocky trail that leads us to Amphu Labsta Glacier and then stretches towards Chhukung Village.

Location: Tyangboche

Tyangboche Altitude: 3867 Meters

Altitude Loss: 863 Meters

Trek Duration: 5-6 Hours

The twentieth day of this package now drives us into the standard Everest route as well hike from Chhukung to Tyangboche. We will pass across the icy streams enjoying the perfect views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam before we reach a settlement at Bibre,

From Bibre, we will head towards the Buddhist settlements rich in prayer flags, mani walls, and chortens and reach Dingboche. As we descend from Dingboche through the rugged trail we will reach the Buddhist village of Tyangboche, where the ancient Tibetan Tengboche Monastery sits. We will stay at a tea house tonight.

Location: Namche Bazaar

Namche Bazaar Altitude: 3440 Meters

Elevation Loss: 427 Meters

Trek Duration: 4-5 Hours

On the twenty-first day, we will descend downhill from Tengboche to reach Namche Bazaar. We will catch the standard Everest Base Camp Trail that leads us to a small bridge at Phungitenga. From there, we must pass across Khumjung before the trail leads us to Namche Bazaar, Gate to Everest.

Namche is a diverse town in the Everest Region that offers a magnificent views of mystic mountain ranges. Similarly, the Sherpa culture and tradition along with the blended towns of both western and Nepalese market will be a mindblowing experience.

Location: Lukla

Lukla Altitude: 2800 Meters

Elevation Loss: 600 Meters

Trek Duration: 5-6 Hours

Today, we will leave Namche Bazaar early in the morning and head towards Lukla. We will pass through the alpine tundra forests through the rugged hilly trails. The Buddhist settlements around the region and the green vegetation aligned with its beauty soothes our journey.

We will first reach Nurning Village and then descend down to another Buddhist settlement at Phakding. From Phakding, it takes a few hours to reach Lukla, where we will stay at a hotel.

Today, we will onboard a flight at Lukla Airport [Tenzing Norgay Airport] and then fly directly to Kathmandu. The flight time is around 45 minutes and it takes us above the scenic beauties of the traditional towns, villages, forests, and rivers. Upon arriving at Kathmandu, we will be escorted to our hotel by the Peak Climbing Nepal’ officials.

This is the first day after the completion of the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek. We will have a full day free time to explore and go shopping around Kathmandu city. There are several place to visit and learn about Nepalese culture and history. The Hanumandhoka Palace, Rani Pokhari, Durbarmarg, and Ghantaghar are some of the places you can visit.