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Makalu, West Col & Sherpani Col Trek
| Max Elevation: | 5,700m/18,700ft at Sherpani Col. |
| Price: | USD 3990 per person |
All inclusive cost
USD
3990
per person
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Overview
Makalu, West Col & Sherpani Col Trek is one of the adventurous treks in the truly remote and wild region of the Great Himalayas of Nepal. The trek also passes through the Makalu and Barun Valley, the Himalayan glacier valley situated at the base of Mt. Makalu (8,481m/27,825ft) which is one of the Eight-thousander and the fifth highest mountain in the world. The valley lies entirely inside the Makalu Barun National Park, a heaven for alpine terrain and Orchids.
Makalu, West Col & Sherpani Trek Trip Introduction:
The challenging trek of Makalu follows the trekking-hiking route to Everest. The trek offers majestic views of Mt. Makalu and Kanchenjunga, later with more stunning views of the Khumbakarna mountain range as you enter the Barun valley of the Makalu basin. We get an amazing opportunity to witness the mesmerizing view of the Kanchenjunga massif, Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, Chamlang, and the rarely-seen Kangshung face of Everest.
This walk-in follows a picturesque but rarely trekked route, which passes through numerous ethnic settlements. You can stay a couple of days for acclimatization at Sherson and beyond in the laps of these giant peaks. From here, one can move to a higher camp at the foot of the Barun Glacier. The trek can be an amazing journey to blend with the wildness of the area. We might need to camp at multiple places on our journey.
Itinerary Outline:
1st Day: Arrival day in Kathmandu
2nd Day: Preparation for the trek
3rd Day: 50-minute flight to Tumlingtar and camping
4th Day: Trek to Mani-Bhanjyang, 5-6 hrs walk
5th Day: Trek to Chichila, 5-6 hrs walk
6th Day: Trek to Num, 5-6 hrs walk
7th Day: Trek to Seduwa, 5 hrs walk
8th Day: Trek to Tashi Gaun, 3-4 hrs walk
9th Day: Trek to Kahuma Danda, a 5-6 hours walk
10th Day: Trek to Mumbuk, 5-6 hrs walk
11th Day: Trek to Nehe Kharka, 6-7 hrs walk
12th Day: Trek to Sherson, 6-7 hrs walk
13th Day: Acclimatization day at Sherson
14th Day: Trek to Barun-the Base Camp, 2-3 hrs walk
15th Day: Trek to High Camp, 4-5 hrs walk
16th Day: Camping(5,700m/18696ft), 4-5 hrs walk
17th Day: Rest day
18th Day: Camp on the Moraine, after crossing Sherpani col
19th Day: Trek to Panch Pokhari, 4-5 hrs walk
20th Day: Trek to Amphu Labtsa base camp
21st Day: Traverse Amphu Labtsa Pass and trek to Chhukung
22nd Day: Trek to Tyangboche, 5-6 hrs
23rd Day: Trek to Namche Bazaar, a 5-6 hrs walk
24th Day: Trek to Lukla, 6-7 hrs walk
25th Day: Fly back to Kathmandu
26th Day: Leisure at Kathmandu
27th Day: Departure from Kathmandu
Trip Cost Includes:
✅ All airport and hotel transportation by private vehicle in Kathmandu per the suggested itinerary.
✅ Deluxe twin-sharing accommodation in Kathmandu with breakfast
✅ Farewell dinner in Kathmandu (Alcoholic beverages are excluded)
✅ Kathmandu to Tumlingtar and Lukla to Kathmandu by flight
✅ Full board meal (breakfast, lunch, dinner, tea & coffee) during the trek
✅ Seasonal fruits during the trek are provided
✅ Comfortable & clean accommodation on teahouse/lodge/tent during the trek
✅ Government Registered Trek guide (English speaking, First Aid and eco trained), Sherpa porter (one porter for two trekkers)
✅ All necessary paper works, entry fees, and permits & TIMS card
✅ Four seasonal sleeping bags, Nepal Vision Treks duffel bag, and trekking map (sleeping bag to be returned after trip completion)
✅ First aid exclusive medical kit bag
✅ All government and local taxes
Trip Cost Excludes:
❌ Visa fees (You can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu so (bring accurate USD cash and two passport photographs)) International airfare to and from Kathmandu
❌ Lunch and dinner apart from the trek except for welcome & fare well dinner (and also in the case of early return from the mountain than the scheduled plan)
❌ Any extra night accommodation in Kathmandu because of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain (due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary plan
❌ Travel and rescue insurance
Makalu, West Col & Sherpani Col Trek Map
Itinerary
Welcome to the Himalayan country of Nepal. Upon your arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will be waiting to welcome you and assists you to transfer in your hotel in Kathmandu. After taking some time to get refreshed, you'll meet again in the evening. We will then transfer for a welcome dinner in one of the typical Nepalese restaurants in the heart of Kathmandu where we will also have a short briefing about your trip and overnight at the Hotel.
We will be preparing for the trekking and necessary arrangements on this day. We will have a short briefing about your trip, what is your responsibility, and what to do and don't do on the trek in the evening. We will also have an introduction session with our fellow trekking staff. You'll have a chance to ask the remaining questions. You can spend the remaining time exploring the surrounding areas or simply relax at the hotel.
You'll be transferred to a domestic airport to fly to Tumlingta. You will have an amazing flight overlooking a range of snow-capped peaks from Langtang all the way to Mt. Everest, Makalu & Mt. Kanchenjunga. After arriving at Tumlingtar airport, which is a village town located on a shelf above the Arun River. We'll walk beside the airstrip continuing the walk to reach the camp for the overnight stay. We'll meet up with our crews for the trekking. You can explore the town for the rest of the time. Overnight at a tented camp.
We will start our adventurous journey from Tumlingtar with a pleasant walk for an hour, passing through the farm fields and villages. The trail will climb up gradually towards Khadbari in the midst of the sub-tropical forest of Sal tree (Sorea-Robusta). You'll witness many more farm fields along the way, as we come to the town of Khadbari. It is a major town in the Makalu region. With further up and down walk for a few more minutes, the trail will lead us to the camp at Mani Bhanjyang.
We will start our adventure by ascending 3 to 4 hours to the ridge on a wide and well-used trail. We will stop at Bhotebas, our lunch stop. After lunch, we will walk further passing through fertile land and a forested path. The path will eventually bring you to the top of the small ridge at Chichila village for the overnight after a few hour's walk. Chichila village is settled with few local houses with superb scenic mountains of Mt. Makalu and Khumbakarna range.
Our journey further to Num will lead us through the cool and serene forest of rhododendron, oaks, and hemlocks as we climb to the top of the ridge. From the top, it is almost downhill for two hours till we reach Num. We will have our shelter for the day at our camp at Num, which is a small village with about fifteen houses and a primary school on the large flat ground. We will have a good view of our route for the next couple of days from the village.
We will descend incredibly steep and terraced slopes towards the Arun River, nearly 800 meters below. The lower slopes of this narrow valley are densely forested and the paths are quite slippery. We will cross the suspension bridge across the torrential Arun River after reaching the bottom. We will again climb back out of the rain forest, reaching our lunch place at Runruma. We will further take a steep climb that will take us up to Seduwa, a village with a small health post and a primary school nearby. We will be camping in Seduwa for the night.
We will have an easy and pleasant short walk that will take you to some rural farm villages, on the gradual trail through the farm fields and terraces. As we will approach the Tashi Gaon, it's an uphill climb for an hour through the millet and rice fields. We'll have our overnight at camp. You can utilize the rest of the time walking around the village.
Tashi Gaun is the last village up to the Makalu and after this village, the walk will be refreshing for an hour and a half taking us through the beautiful shade of the rhododendron and oaks forest. After leaving the dense forest, we come nearer to summer pastures with traces of temporarily made shepherd huts. From here onwards, till we reach the Kahuma ridge, it will be a strenuous uphill climb, as the tree lines decline for the bushes of rhododendron and juniper. We'll stay here for the night. The place offers a great view of scenic mountain ranges.
After the superb mountain view and the surrounding landscapes, our trek will follow a gradual trail with a few ups and down as we pass through the Thulo Pokhari (big pond) and Sano Pokhari (small pond). The path from here can be quite misleading if there is heavy snow. It will be arduous to find the trail sometime and further walking across the pass of Tutu-la(4,075m) might be risky to walk during the heavy snowfall. We will move with our journey downhill back to vegetation, a small clearing place for camping in the middle of the woods of pines, hemlock, birch, and rhododendrons to reach Mumbuk. Overnight.
Our camp will be settled in the shade of the tree. The view of the Kumbakarna can be seen through the vegetation of the tree lines and the walk from here will be downhill to the enclosed and concealed Barun Valley. Barun Valley is one of the least explored areas in the eastern Himalayan region of Nepal. These unique landscapes within the Makalu-Barun National Park are home to some 3,000 species of flowering plants, 440 bird species, and 75 species of mammals, including the, endangers clouded leopard, red panda, and musk deer. As we reach the lush alpine area of Barun Valley, the walk will be much more pleasant with gradual uphill slopes, following the Barun River upstream on the valley gorge towards our camp at Nehe-Kharka, one of the summer pastures for the local folks of Tashi and Navagaun.
Our trek will move onward crossing the wooden bridge on the Barun River. We will be walking on the boulders, where there is a large prayer wall at Ramara. We reach there after a 2-3 hour walk. You will notice that the vegetation gets sparse, although the rhododendron, barberries, cotoneaster, and juniper bushes persist for some time. With a pleasant walk, we will come nearer to Sherson in sight of the lower Barun glacier and the towering majestic Mt. Makalu. Sherson is also the lower base camp of Mt. Makalu. There is a number of stone enclosures at this high grazing ground with an outstanding view of a host of peaks, including the upper part of Makalu's south face, and Mt. Baruntse(7,220m). We will make the camp for the night at Sherson.
You will have a full day's rest at the camp or for acclimatization. You can visit some interesting hikes and viewpoints to explore. You can also go on the most scenic walk on the right side of the camp above for a closer view of Mt. Makalu, Barun Pokhari, and the view of the rare face of Everest (the Kanshung face with Lhotse). A one-hour steep up will bring you to the large meadow. You can also walk farther up to have a greater view of the mentioned peaks and more other peaks of this area and beyond. After exploring the area, we will stroll back to the camp.
From Sherson, we will continue our walk to a more isolated area towards the higher base camp, which is less than a three-hour trek above Sherson, at the snout of the Barun glacier, near its glacial pond. On arriving at the camp, you are free for a short hike above this camp. You can take a climb on the moraine ridge, for more spectacular views of Mt.Makalu. The place also offers a sight of the usual hidden east sides of Lhotse and Everest, which looms above the Barun glacier to the North West. We will spend the rest of the afternoon at leisure, preparing for the next big adventure. Some of the porters will set off back with equipment that we do not need to take with us making the load as light as possible to overcome the traverse over Sherpani Col and beyond.
Our journey from the base camp will head westwards to camp just below Makalu's west pillar, as the altitude gains slowly. We will take our time with enough breaks in this high terrain. Our walk will follow a path that climbs an ablation valley on the west side of the Barun glacier. Following this valley onto the glacier, we will make our way over the boulder-strewn caves and ice to a camp known as Puja Camp which is located just below the towering Mt. Makalau's West Pillar. Our strenuous trek on the glacier will be rewarded with unique views of Lhotse and the rare Kangshung face of Everest. Overnight camp on the clearing of the moraine.
We will be leaving our camp taking the path that follows a steep climb up the rocky slopes of the Barun's west bank until a line of cairns leads us into the valley where two small glaciers are fed by the slopes of the Sherpani Col. We will make our camp beneath the ice cliffs at the terminus of these two glaciers after 4-5 hours of vigorous climb.
We will be taking an important rest day for acclimatization before we reach the hard high climb. At this altitude, the place offers superb views of the giant West Face and West Pillar of Makalu. Here our expert guides will check the route and make the pass accessible by fixing ropes en route pass.
This will be a very big day! Leaving the camp before dawn, we will climb on the icy snout of the Sherpani Glacier. The three separate Cols will give access to the Cirque. We will choose the most appropriate of these routes, according to the prevailing conditions. Then, our climb will follow on steep snow-covered slopes, with the backup of the fixed ropes which we had set up on the previous day. From the Col, we will rope up to cross the glacier to the rocky crest of the West Col. This stunning cirque is framed by the sweep of Baruntse's icy ridges to the north, the vast cliffs of Makalu, the wall of Chamlang to the south and the shapely spire of Ama Dablam ahead of us to the west. We will be having our packed lunch at the world's highest picnic spots. In the meantime, our guides will scout the safe route down the West Col. After a break, a descent from the Col on fixed lines will lead us to the Hongu Glacier. We will end our long hard day with a gradual walk over snow slopes down to our camp on the moraine.
Our journey will lead us to our next adventure over the Amphu Laptsa before we head towards the main busy trail of Lukla, Namche Bazaar, and Thyangboche. The walk will follow across the wide reaches of the upper Hongu Basin towards Kang Leyamura a 6,430 m peak to the west. Following the rocky glacier in the beginning, then towards old and more recent moraine deposits, we will eventually reach the beautiful Panch Pokhari meaning ‘five ponds’, We will make our camp near to the largest pond at the foot of our final pass Amphu Labtsa (5,780m).
We will start our trek after breakfast at the Amphu Labtsa Base Camp. Here our guides will go up to the Amphu Labtsa and will fix ropes on some difficult sections for the safe descent towards Imjatse Valley.
The day is another big day for us. We will have an early start from the camp for 2-3 hours treks that lead us to the top of the pass and overlooking stunning views of the impressive south face of Lhotse and Lhotse Shar. You can also get an amazing view of the summit of Island or Imajatse Peaks which looks as if it could almost be even lower than our vantage point. As soon as the kitchen staffs and porters arrive at the pass, they will be lowered 150 meters to the relatively less steep ground below the pass. Similarly, loads have to be carefully lowered. After checking every member in the group, we will slowly and carefully descend with the help of ropes and an ice axe if required. We will stop after reaching the safe side from the pass. By the early afternoon, everybody should be off the snow. Once in the safe ground away from the snow and ice area, an hour or more walk will take us to the ablation valley by the side of the Imja Glacier. The walk will be more or less easier most of the way to the trekker's civilization at Chhukung, a temporary settlement with few teahouses and lodges. Overnight at Chhukung.
The walk on this day will be easy heading downhill to a lower elevation from Chhukung all the way to Tyangboche. Tyangboche is one of the most beautiful places in the Himalayas. The first thing that comes to your eye will be the big Monastery or Gumba, then the large field with campsites and teahouses, lodges beneath the towering majestic beautiful peak Ama Dablam, Everest, Mt. Lhotse, and Lhotse Shar towards the northeast, and more peaks all around you.
We will trek down to Phungithanka, a small settlement with a couple of teahouses. The trail will lead downhill through the forested path of silver fir, blue pines, rhododendron, and a few magnolia and birch trees. After crossing the suspension bridge over the Dudh Koshi River, we will trek onwards to the Sanasa and re-track to Namche Bazaar for an overnight stay.
After a long trekking trip, we'll have a long last-day trek back to Lukla. We will trek back with enjoying the lush green scenery around and passing through the incredible mountain scenery and local Sherpa village. After your arrival at Lukla, you will have some time to stroll around the areas. The guide will re-confirm your flight ticket. You can enjoy the last celebration dinner with your crew member.
After an early morning flight to Kathmandu, our guide will help you to transfer to your hotel. You may have time to relax after a long journey and take back your breath. You can rest at your hotel by ending your Himalayan trip with us.
It's also a spare day in case of bad weather in Lukla. On this pleasant day, you may have a full day at leisure on your own. You can also extend your extra trip with us at an additional cost. You can also choose to explore the Thamel for last-day shopping. In the evening, the company will meet you for the farewell dinner.
You'll have some time for the last minute shopping for souvenirs or gifts for your family, friends, or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If you are ready for departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onward destination.We wish you a wonderful Himalayan adventure with us!
Makalu, West Col & Sherpani Col Trek Altitude Chart
FAQ
The Makalu West Col trek takes you to Makalu which is then followed by the West Col and Sherpani passes trek. It is considered one of the most challenging treks, as it is the fifth-highest mountain in Nepal.
Mt Makalu is one of the eight-thousanders in Nepal. It has a height of 8,485m from sea level. It first ascended on May 19, 1955.
The Makalu Trek followed by West Col and Sherpani Trek elongates to 30 long days. You will trek to the high mountain which then is followed by the West and Sherpani Col so the long trek is completed after a long time.
With the beautiful view of Mount Makalu itself, you can enjoy the serene view of many other mountains like Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse, Mt Kanchenjunga, Mt Kumbhakarna, and others.
Being the eighth thousand, Makalu is hard to climb. It is also one of the hard and technical mountains, which has its trails also comparatively difficult, hence, it is hard to climb.
Mt. Makalu is one of the eight-thousanders in Nepal with an altitude of 8,485m from the sea level. It was first ascended on May 19, 1955.
Departure Date
Departure dates for Makalu, West Col & Sherpani Col TrekWe provide a series of fixed departure trek, tour and expeditions in Nepal, Bhutan, Tibet and India. If you are single and wishing to be with a group, you can join our fixed departure schedule. If the schedule dates are not convenient for you, contact us & let us know; we are more than happy to customize our trips to suit your needs. If any individuals or group doesn’t want to join with our other group, we can operate as per your wish and requirement. We are ground operator of these Himalayan destination and able to arrange your trip as per your interested date and choice.
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