‘adventure on the world’s highest and scenic passes of Makalu West and Sherpani Col’
Overview
Trek Style: Lodge trek + fully supported camping
Trek Grade: Adventurous to Highly Challenging
Highest Elevation:
Sherpani Col – 6,180 m
Amphu Labtsa Pass – 5,845 m
Region: Far North-Eastern Himalaya (Makalu–Everest Traverse)
Activities: Cultural sightseeing, scenic flights, high-altitude trekking
People & Culture: Rai, Sherpa, Magar, Gurung communities; Hindu & Buddhist traditions
Trek Duration: 21 days (Tumlingtar to Lukla)
Total Trip: 26 days (Kathmandu–Kathmandu)
Best Seasons: April–May | September–November
The Makalu Sherpani West Col Trek is one of the most demanding and rewarding Himalayan adventures, linking the remote Makalu region with the famed Everest–Khumbu valley via extreme high passes above 6,000 meters.
This expedition-style trek takes you deep into untouched wilderness—across glaciers, icefalls, and vast moraines—where for days you walk without villages or human settlements, surrounded only by towering Himalayan giants.
Beginning with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar in the Arun Valley, the trail climbs gradually through terraced farmland and traditional villages before entering the high alpine world of the Barun Valley and Makalu Base Camp.
Beyond base camp lies the heart of the adventure: the dramatic crossing of Sherpani West Col, followed by a traverse of the Hongu Valley, and finally the demanding ascent of Amphu Labtsa Pass, delivering you into the classic trails of the Everest region.
The journey concludes through the legendary Sherpa heartland—Dingboche, Pangboche, Tengboche Monastery, and Namche Bazaar—before flying back from Lukla to Kathmandu.
This trek is designed only for experienced, physically fit trekkers seeking one of the greatest high-altitude traverses in the Himalaya.
Highlights
- A rare high-altitude traverse from Mt. Makalu (8,485 m) to the Everest–Khumbu region
- Crossing legendary Himalayan passes: Sherpani Col (6,180 m) and Amphu Labtsa Pass (5,845 m)
- Journey from subtropical Arun Valley to vast glaciers, moraines, and alpine wilderness
- Trek through one of Nepal’s least-visited and most remote regions
- Extended days in complete mountain isolation, far from settlements
- Exploration of remote Rai, Sherpa, Magar, and Gurung villages
- Walk through pristine forests of rhododendron, pine, and juniper
- Grand finale through iconic Everest villages: Dingboche, Tengboche, Namche Bazaar
Itinarary
Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,345 m and transfer to respective Hotels
Day 02: Kathmandu with sightseeing tour, trek briefing and preparations.
Day 03: Fly to Tumlingtar 410 m - 45 mins flight with overnight stop.
Day 04: Drive to Num 1,560 m - 06 hrs with afternoon free to explore.
Day 05: Trek to Seduwa 1,500 m - 06 hrs.
Day 06: Trek to Tashi Gaon 2,100m - 06 hrs.
Day 07: Trek to Kongma Danda (Ridge) 3,500 m - 06 hrs
Day 08: Trek to Dobato 3,862 m - 06 hrs.
Day 09: Trek to Yangle Kharka 3,557m - 06 hrs.
Day 10: Rest Day and short hike to near spot
Day 11: Trek to Langmale Kharka 4,410 m - 06 hrs.
Day 12: Trek to Makalu Base Camp 4,870 m - 05 hrs.
Day 13: Rest day at base camp for local exploration and hike.
Day 14: Trek to Swiss Camp at 5,150 m - 05 hrs.
Day 15: Climb and Camp at High Camp 5,688 m - 05 hrs
Day 16: Climb and camp on Honku Basin 5,500m after Sherpani col.
Day 17: Trek to Panch Pokhari 5,484 m - 06 hrs.
Day 18: Rest day at Panch Pokhari preparation for the next last pass.
Day 19: Traverse Amphu Labtsa Pass 5,845 m on route Chhukung 4,730 m -07 hrs.
Day 20: Trek to Dingboche 4,410 m - 06 hrs.
Day 21: Trek to Thyangboche 3,860 m - 05 hrs.
Day 22: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m - 05 hrs.
Day 23: Trek to Lukla 2,840 m - 06 hrs.
Day 24: Fly to Kathmandu and then transfer to your hotels.
Day 25: In Kathmandu free day for individual activities.
Day 26: International departure for homeward bound or to respective countries.
For more information and trek details please contact us:
Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu.
In the evening, meet fellow trekkers for a detailed trek briefing covering safety, culture, and logistics.
A guided cultural tour of Kathmandu Valley UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including:
- Kathmandu Durbar Square
- Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple)
- Pashupatinath Temple
- Boudhanath Stupa
Afternoon free for final trek preparation and briefing.
Scenic flight to Tumlingtar in the Arun Valley with views of Everest and Makalu.
Meet trekking crew and porters. Overnight in a local lodge. Free afternoon to explore this warm, rural town.
Drive through Khandbari and remote hill villages to Num. Overnight in a local lodge with views of Jaljala Himal and Mt. Makalu.
Steep descent to the Arun River followed by a climb through subtropical forests and villages to Seduwa, a small settlement with school and health post.
Gradual ascent through terraced farmland to Tashi Gaon, the last permanent Sherpa village before entering the wilderness.
Climb through rhododendron and pine forests to a high ridge with spectacular views of Makalu and Kanchenjunga. Enter complete wilderness.
Ridge walk crossing Keke La and Shipton La (4,453 m), passing Thulo Pokhari and Sano Pokhari. Descend into the forest for an overnight camp.
Descend into the magnificent Barun Valley, rich in rare flora and wildlife. Gentle walk to Yangle Kharka.
Rest day with a short hike for acclimatization and exploration.
Gradual ascent along the Barun Valley with stunning views of Mt. Makalu and Baruntse.
Trek across rocky moraine and glacier terrain to Makalu Base Camp, beneath Makalu’s dramatic south face.
Acclimatization and optional hike for views of Everest’s Kangshung Face, Lhotse, and surrounding peaks.
Climb beneath Makalu’s West Pillar, crossing glaciers and ice formations. Camp at Swiss Camp (Puja Camp).
Steep ascent toward Sherpani Col. Final preparation for the major high-pass crossing.
A challenging day crossing Sherpani Col (6,180 m) using fixed ropes. Descend onto the Hongu Glacier with breathtaking views of Makalu, Chamlang, and Ama Dablam.
Traverse the upper Hongu Valley to Panch Pokhari, beneath Amphu Labtsa Pass
Rest and preparation day. Guides fix ropes on Amphu Labtsa Pass.
Final high-pass crossing with panoramic views of Lhotse, Island Peak, and Imja Valley. Descend into the Everest region.
Easy walk through Imja Valley to Dingboche, a major settlement in the Everest region.
Descend and re-enter forested trails with stunning views of Ama Dablam, Everest, and Lhotse. Visit the famous Tengboche Monastery.
Scenic descent through rhododendron forests to Namche Bazaar, the Sherpa capital.
Final trekking day along the Dudh Koshi River, crossing suspension bridges to Lukla. Farewell celebration dinner.
Morning scenic flight back to Kathmandu. Free afternoon.
Extra day reserved for weather delays or optional sightseeing.
Transfer to airport for your onward journey.
Includes/Excludes
Cost Includes
- • Standard meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner/one main course) as per the local teahouse menu during the trek
- • Seasonal fruits served every evening during the trek
- • Water purification tablets or drops for safe drinking water on the hike
- • Private airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)
- • KTM-Tumlingtar Airfare
- • Lukla –KTM Airfarfe
- • Transport from Tumlingtar-NUM
- • Friendly, experienced, first-aid-trained, government-licensed, English-speaking MWT guide
- • One assistant guide for groups larger than 6 people
- • One porter for every two trekkers (maximum 20 kg per porter; 10 kg per trekker)
- • All guides’ and porters’ wages, meals, accommodation, insurance, and required equipment
- • Makalu Barun Conservation Area Permit
- • Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) card
- • Khumbu rural Municipality permit
- • Sagarmatha National park Permit
- • All local and government taxes and official fees
- • Two nights at a best available 3-star hotel in Kathmandu (One night before and One night after the trek), including breakfast
- • Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek (twin-sharing basis)
- • Free and secure storage of non-essential luggage at MWT’s office or hotel in Kathmandu
- • Certificate of Appreciation upon completion of the trek
Cost Excludes
- • Nepal entry visa (available on arrival at Kathmandu Airport:
- o USD 30 for 15 days
- o USD 50 for 30 days
- o USD 125 for 90 days)
- • Extra accommodation and meals due to delays or changes from the planned itinerary
- • All beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic), including tea, coffee, and soft drinks
- • Personal expenses such as shopping, snacks, hot showers, Wi-Fi, charging batteries, bottled water, and additional helpers
- • Travel insurance (must cover emergency rescue and evacuation up to 6,000 meters)
- • Personal trekking/hiking gear and equipment
- • Tips for trekking staff and drivers
MT. MAKALU SHERPANI WEST COL TREK FAQs
The highest point is Sherpani Col at 6,180 meters, followed by Amphu Labtsa Pass at 5,845 meters.
Yes. Previous trekking experience above 5,000 meters is strongly recommended. Experience using crampons, ice axe, and moving on snow and glaciers is highly beneficial.
No. This trek is not suitable for beginners. It is designed for seasoned trekkers seeking a remote and technical Himalayan adventure.
The best seasons are:
- Spring: April – May
- Autumn: September – November
These periods offer stable weather and safer high-pass conditions.
Yes. The trek includes a combination of lodge trekking and fully supported camping, especially in remote high-altitude sections beyond villages.
Yes. Fixed ropes are installed on technical sections of Sherpani Col and Amphu Labtsa Pass to ensure safety during ascent and descent.
Approximately 7–9 days are spent above 5,000 meters, including acclimatization days and high-pass crossings.
- lower sections: Comfortable hotels and local lodges
- High-altitude sections: Fully supported camping with dining tents, kitchen crew, and equipment
You should have:
- Excellent cardiovascular fitness
- Ability to trek 6–8 hours daily at high altitude
- Strong mental endurance for isolation and cold conditions
Pre-trek training is essential.
Yes. Due to extreme altitude, proper acclimatization is critical. The itinerary includes rest days, and our guides monitor health closely. Emergency evacuation protocols are in place if needed.
Essential gear includes:
- Mountaineering boots
- Crampons
- Ice axe
- Harness
- Helmet
- Cold-weather expedition clothing
A detailed packing list is provided after booking.
Yes. You must have comprehensive travel insurance covering:
- Trekking above 6,000 meters
- Emergency helicopter evacuation
- Medical treatment
We operate small expedition groups for safety, logistics, and minimal environmental impact.
Yes. We can customize:
- Private departures
- Extra acclimatization days
- Combined climbing objectives
- Flexible dates
This trek offers:
- True wilderness and isolation
- Two of Nepal’s most extreme passes
- A rare Makalu–Everest traverse
- Far fewer trekkers than classic Everest routes
It is considered one of the ultimate trekking challenges in the Himalaya.
Simply contact us via email or inquiry form for:
- Availability
- Detailed cost breakdown
- Departure dates
- Preparation guidance