Sherpani Col Pass Trek

Today is dedicated to trek preparation. We will complete all necessary permits and provide a detailed trek briefing, including safety, acclimatization, and equipment checks. In the afternoon, enjoy sightseeing in Kathmandu, visiting Durbar Square with its historical architecture, Kumari Ghar (Living Goddess), Swayambhunath Stupa, and local markets.

We take an early morning flight to Tumlingtar, enjoying breathtaking aerial views of the hills, rivers, and Himalayan foothills. From Tumlingtar, we drive through verdant landscapes to Num, catching our first glimpses of distant Himalayan peaks. The village offers a serene introduction to rural Nepal.

Crossing a wooden bridge over the Arun River, we enter the Makalu Barun Conservation Area. Trekking through lush forests of juniper and rhododendron, we pass small settlements before reaching Seduwa. This section combines gentle walking with scenic beauty.

We follow the Isuwa and Kusuwa Khola rivers, crossing wooden bridges and trekking through small villages and forests. Tashigaon, a Sherpa settlement, offers magnificent views of surrounding Himalayan peaks and provides insight into the local way of life.

Today’s trek is more challenging, climbing steep trails, stone steps, and passing alpine fields dotted with yaks and Himalayan cattle. Entering Makalu Barun National Park, we are surrounded by pristine nature and towering peaks. The journey to Khongma Danda rewards us with spectacular vistas.

To adapt to higher altitudes, we take a rest day. Optional short hikes to nearby ridges or visits to Buddhist monasteries provide cultural insight and gentle exercise to support acclimatization.

This is a demanding day, crossing four passes: Kauma La (3,603 m), Keke La (4,127 m), Shipton La (4,170 m) near Kalo Pokhari Lake, and Tutu La (4,080 m). The trek offers breathtaking views of Chamlang (7,319 m), Peak 6 (6,524 m), and Peak 7 (6,758 m) before reaching Dobate.

Trekking through dense rhododendron forests, we cross the Barun River and ascend toward Yangri Kharka. Yaks grazing in the fields are a common sight, and the serene alpine environment makes this a peaceful day of trekking.

We traverse lush Himalayan forests, cross wooden bridges, and walk along moraines and small villages before reaching Langmale Kharka. The Himalayan panorama becomes increasingly dramatic with altitude gain.

The trail climbs steeply alongside the Barun Nadi, crossing glaciers and ridges en route to Shershong. The south face of Makalu gradually comes into view, culminating in the awe-inspiring Makalu Base Camp, where the surrounding peaks dominate the skyline.

A day to explore the base camp surroundings, witnessing panoramic views of Makalu (8,481 m), Everest (8,848 m), Lhotse (8,516 m), and other eastern Himalayan giants. Optional short hikes to Barun Glacier or Barun Pokhari enrich the experience.

An early start takes us on a trek of about five to six hours to just below Makalu west and along the way have several rest breaks as we gain altitude. We follow a valley on the west side of the Barun Glacier and across a rough rocky terrain to Puja Camp below Mt. Makalu’s West pillar. Our arduous trek over the glacier is rewarded with exceptional views of Lhotse and the Kangshung face of Mt. Everest. Tonight we set up camp on a clear space on the moraine.

We will trek for around four to five hours across the rugged slopes of Barun Valley’s west bank until we reach some cairns that are a sign to head down into the valley. There are two smaller glaciers that have their origin at Sherpani Col. We will camp the night just below the bottom of these glaciers.

Again we must take time out to acclimatize before heading to higher altitudes. From High Camp we again have some awesome views of the west face and west pillar of Mt. Makalu. We will camp here overnight.

This is the highlight of our trek and we have to leave very early in the morning. We have to trek along the base of the Sherpani Glacier and head up and across snow-covered slopes using fixed ropes if necessary. We then cross to the West Col using fixed ropes as we cross the glacier. We are surrounded by Baruntse's icy ridges to the north, the huge cliffs of Makalu, the wall of Chamlang to the south, and the peak of Ama Dablam in the west. We will stop at the top of Sherpani Col for lunch. After our lunch break, we will descend using fixed ropes to the Hongu Glacier and back down to our previous night’s camp on the moraine.

Today we ascend to Amphu Laptsa and then follow the trail toward Hongu Basin and on to Mt. Kang Leyamura (6430m) in the west. We finally reach Panch Pokhari (meaning 'five ponds') where we make camp at the base of Amphu Labtsa at (5780m). Here our guides will go up to the Amphu Labtsa to fix ropes on some difficult section for a safe descent towards Imjatse Valley. We stay overnight at Amphu Labtsa Base Camp.

We have a seven to eight-hour trek today, firstly heading to the pass from where we have some stunning views of the south face of Lhotse, Lhotse Shar and Island Peak (Imjatse). We carefully descend from the pass using ropes and an ice axe. Once through the pass and heading down the going gets easier as we leave the snow and ice behind us. We continue on down to the valley close to the Imja Glacier and then on to Chhukung where we will camp overnight.

Our trek of four to five hours today is mostly downhill and at a lower altitude as head to Dingboche and on toward Tengboche. The next leg of our trek takes us to the very old Pangboche Sherpa village. Tengboche is often spoken about and said to be one of the most quaint villages on this trek and in the Himalayas. The large Gompa there is worth a visit. Next we come to a camping area where we will camp overnight and have fantastic views of Mt. Ama Dablam, Mt.Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Mt.Lhotse.

Today we trek for four to five hours heading through rhododendron, pine and juniper forests and then cross a suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River. We continue on and follow the trail to Sanasa Village and then to Namche Bazaar where we will stay the night.

We will follow the trail today for six to seven hours to Monju Village and then to the Sherpa Village of Phakding where we will stop for lunch. On arriving at Lukla you will have time to browse the shops while you wait for your flight to Lukla. We will stay here overnight and celebrate this mammoth undertaking to some extreme high altitudes.

We board our flight to Kathmandu and once in the air can look back over the majestic peaks and mountain ranges in the distance. After arriving back at Kathmandu, Sherpa Expedition and Trekking will take you to your hotel.

Your adventure comes to an end today – but your memories will last a lifetime! Our company representative will take you to the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. On your way home you'll have plenty of time to reminisce and plan your next adventure and opportunity to explore the most magnificent mountains of Nepal.