Makalu Sherpeni Col Pass trek is a challenging high altitude trek that takes you through the less-traveled trail, linking both Makalu and Everest region. It is arguably one of the most strenuous treks in the Himalayas of Nepal. The route meanders through the Three Cols, three high mountain passes- West Col (6413m), Sherpani Col (6146m), and Amphu Lapcha Pass (5645m.) This trek offers you the opportunity to experience the beauty of Makalu (8485m), the fifth highest mountain in the world.
The breathtaking view of Ama Dablam, Kanchenjunga, Everest, Chonku Peak, Cho Polu, Island Peak, Kang Tega West, and the surrounding peak is one of the major highlights of this trek. Crossing the three high mountain passes is surely a thrilling experience for every avid trekker, and the views are truly incredible.
Trek through the mountain landscape dotted with terraced fields and Sherpa villages. Sherpa people are among the kindest people in Nepal, and their hospitality is second to none. You will gain insights into the local culture and lifestyle and grab an opportunity to indulge in local tradition.
The Makalu Sherpeni Col Pass trek route attracts experienced high altitude trekkers, who embrace daunting challenges. You will be trekking on a wide elevation range-from 518m to 6146m. The unrelenting up and down through the rugged trail calls for intrepid trekkers, and if you are ready, our experienced guides will take you to Makalu Sherpeni Col Pass.
Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek Route
Your journey starts with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar. The 35-minute flight rewards spectacular views of green hills, gorges, and the towering Himalayas. Upon reaching Tumlingtar, you’ll shortly drive to Num. From Num, you will march towards Sheduwa. You will descend steeply alongside Arun River and through the forested trail, and quaint villages.
After walking gradually through the terraced farm fields and ascending for about an hour, you will arrive in Tashigaun, a Sherpa village. Continuing your trek, you will head to Khonga Danda through rhododendron and oak forests. You will indulge in a steep uphill climb that reveals an open area of Khonga Danda danda, your resting ground for the night.
You will wake up early, enjoy a delicious breakfast, and hit the trail to Dobato and Yangri Kharka. Furthermore, the trail takes you to Sherson at 4615m. En route to Sherson, the trail pass through alpine tundra, leaving the forested path. Sherson is the lower base camp of Mount Makalu.
On the 8th day, you will slowly ascend to Makalu Base Camp at 5000m. Along the route, you will encounter ridges and icy glaciers. You will grab an opportunity to marvel at the excellent view of Makalu’s south face, Baruntse, and surrounding peaks.
Leaving Makalu Base Camp, you will proceed to the west side path of Barun Glacier. You will walk on moraines to reach Hillary Base Camp. Furthermore, you will continue the path to High Camp. The day will be tough for you, but you will make it to High Camp with strong determination. Today’s ascent will reward spectacular views of Makalu, Baruntse, Kali Himal, Chamlang, Makalu II, and surrounding peaks.
You will spend another day at High Camp, relishing the astounding views and preparing for the challenging climb. You will climb up the rocky slopes of the Barun Glacier to cross Sherpani Col (6146m) and West Col (6143m) and reach Barutse Base Camp. The trail then descends to Amphu Labste Base Camp and Imja Lake camp.
On the 16th day of the trek, you will reach Chhukung and continue to Pangboche. The trail is well-marked and offers impressive views. Pangboche is a beautiful Sherpa village at 3985m. Furthermore, you will slowly descend to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa Town brimming with shops, lodges, and marketplace. On the 18th day, you will trek to Lukla. From Lukla, you will catch a flight to Kathmandu.
Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek Difficulty
Makalu Sherpeni Col Pass trek is a difficult to challenging trek ideal for experienced trekkers. You will be crossing three high mountain passes over 5500m. The trek demands 6-7 hours trekking every day, and on a challenging day, you must trek for 8-9 hours.
The highest elevation of this trek is 6150m.
Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek Itinerary
Fly to Tumlingtar from Kathmandu
Duration: 35 minutes of flight and Drive to Num (1560m)
Duration: 4 hours
Trek from Num to Sheduwa (1510m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek from Sheduwa to Tashigau (2070m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek from Tashigau to Khongma Danda (3760m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek from Khongma Danda to Dobate (3570m)
Duration: 7-8 hours
Trek from Dobate to Yangri Kharka (3610m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek from Yangri Kharka to Sherson (4615m)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Trek from Sherson to Makalu Base Camp (5000m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek from Makalu Base Camp to Hillary Camp
Trek from Hillary Camp to High Camp (5650m)
Acclimatization Day at High Camp
Trek to Baruntse Base Camp (5700m) via Crossing Sherpani Col (6146m) and West Col (6143m)
Acclimatization Day at Baruntse Base Camp (5700m)
Trek from Baruntse Base Camp to Amphu Labste Base Camp (5400m)
Trek from the Base Camp to Imja Lake camp (5100m) Via Crossing Amphu Laptsa pass (5850m)
Trek from Chhukung to Pangboche (3985m)- 5-6 hour
Trek from Pangboche to Namche Bazar (3440m)
Duration: 5-6 hours
Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2860m)
Duration: 6-7 hours
Fly to Kathmandu (1400m)
Duration: 35 minutes of flight