Max. Elevation
Overview
From Everest to Makalu via the Sherpani Col at 6180 meters
The route crosses three major high-altitude passes, each requiring technical skill, endurance, and solid alpine experience. We begin with Amphu Laptsa (5,850 m), a steep and often icy pass that marks our transition into serious mountaineering terrain. From there, the challenge intensifies with the crossing of the West Col (6,143 m), first climbed by the legendary Eric Shipton in 1951. This historic passage remains a true Himalayan classic, involving glacier travel, snow slopes, and complex route-finding.
The third pass, Sherpani Col (6,135 m)—an alternative to the more technical East Col—provides access to the remote Makalu region. Although considered slightly less technical, it remains a serious high-altitude crossing, often requiring fixed ropes, roped glacier travel, and rappels to negotiate steep sections safely. Throughout the expedition, we move through an immense landscape of ice, snow, and high glacial basins, skirting the flanks of towering Himalayan giants in total isolation.
The reward for these demanding efforts is extraordinary. After crossing Sherpani Col, we descend to Makalu Base Camp, set beneath the world’s fifth-highest mountain, surrounded by some of the wildest scenery in the Himalaya. The return journey follows the historic Shipton Trail, an elegant and remote route that completes this epic traverse.
This expedition is not a trek—it is a true Himalayan adventure, combining technical mountaineering, historical routes, and extreme high-altitude exploration for those seeking one of Nepal’s most elite and unforgettable challenges.
Everest to Makalu Trek via Amphu Laptsa, West Col and Sherpani Col – 23-Day Itinerary
Day | Itinerary | Altitude |
|---|---|---|
01 | Arrival in Kathmandu | 1,350 m |
02 | Expedition preparation, briefing and equipment check in Kathmandu | 1,350 m |
03 | Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek to Phakding | 2,610 m |
04 | Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar | 3,440 m |
05 | Trek from Namche Bazaar to Khumjung | 3,790 m |
06 | Trek from Khumjung to Phortse | 3,810 m |
07 | Trek from Phortse to Pangboche | 3,985 m |
08 | Trek from Pangboche to Dingboche | 4,410 m |
09 | Trek from Dingboche to Chukhung | 4,730 m |
10 | Acclimatization and rest day in Chukhung | 4,730 m |
11 | Trek from Chukhung to Amphu Laptsa Base Camp | 5,400 m |
12 | Cross Amphu Laptsa Pass (5,845 m) and descend to East Base Camp | 5,400 m |
13 | Trek from East Base Camp to Baruntse Base Camp | 5,400 m |
14 | Cross West Col (6,150 m) and continue to Baruntse High Camp | 5,700 m |
15 | Cross Sherpani Col (6,180 m) and descend to Sherpani High Camp | 5,700 m |
16 | Trek from Sherpani High Camp / Swiss Camp to Makalu Base Camp | 4,870 m |
17 | Explore Makalu Base Camp via Moraine (5,350 m) and Makalu Pattar (5,795 m), return to Base Camp | 4,870 m |
18 | Trek from Makalu Base Camp via Langmale Kharka to Yangri Kharka | 3,557 m |
19 | Trek from Yangri Kharka to Dobato | 3,860 m |
20 | Cross Keke La (4,185 m) and Shipton La (4,216 m), descend to Khongma Danda | 3,500 m |
21 | Trek from Khongma Danda to Seduwa | 1,500 m |
22 | Trek from Seduwa via Arun River (735 m), trailhead (1,060 m) and Num (1,560 m), then drive to Tumlingtar | 400 m |
23 | Fly from Tumlingtar to Kathmandu | 1,350 m |
Itinerary
Expand AllUpon your arrival in Kathmandu, our local team warmly welcomes you at the airport. You will then be escorted to the hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved relaxation. The itinerary includes a briefing about the trek's progress and presentation, followed by leisure time. If you arrive in the morning, you'll have the entire day at your disposal. This can be used for rest or for those interested, to explore the surroundings freely. It's an ideal chance to deeply experience Nepalese culture and indulge in the local culinary delights.
- Transfer to hotel
- Final altitude: approximately 1,350m
- Meals: Dinner
- Accommodation: night in the hotel
We take advantage of this moment to take stock with the expedition manager about the equipment taken. If necessary, the numerous mountain equipment shops in Thamel can help you complete our equipment. Meanwhile, our local team is working to complete essential paperwork and climbing permits.Accompanying persons will be able to take tours of Kathmandu.
- Meals: breakfasts – free lunches (not included) – free dinners (not included)
- Accommodation: nights at the hotel
We leave Kathmandu in the morning for a superb flight to Lukla where we meet our porters who share the loads. Gentle descent then a small climb along the Dudh Kosi (milk river in Nepali) to Phakding.
- flight about 25 minutes
- about 3 hours of trek
- Altitude gain / loss: + 100 m / - 300m
- Final altitude: approximately 2,610m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in lodge
We travel up the Dudh Kosi River, with the magnificent Himalayan pines lining our route. Several bridges make us change banks as the river meanders. Steep climb to the capital of Khumbu (the Sherpa country). On the way we admire Thamserku and from time to time we see Everest. At Namche Bazar, visit the village, very picturesque. You can wander the streets of this village built like an amphitheater.
- 6 hours of trek
- Altitude gain/loss: + 1,000 m / - 350 m
- Final altitude: approximately 3,440m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a lodge
We climb into a small forest and admire for the first time the high peaks of Khumbu (Everest, Lhotse, Ama Dablam), we arrive in the villages of Kunde and Khumjung. It may be possible to visit the Hillary High School and the Kunde Hospital built at Hillary's initiative.
- 3 hours of trek
- Altitude gain/ loss: + 420 m / - 20 m
- Final altitude: approximately 3,780m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a lodge
Very beautiful day, a quiet walk with beautiful views of the Himalayan range, we are starting to be acclimatized. Crossing the Dudh Khloa, we are at the foot of Thamserku (6,608 m) and Kangtega (6,685 m).
- 3 hours OF trek
- Altitude gain/ loss: + 220 m / - 180 m
- Final altitude: approximately 3,810 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a lodge
We continue the gradual climb into Khumbu. It is advisable to walk slowly to have the best possible acclimatization.
- 5 hours trek
- Altitude gain/loss: + 450 m / - 150 m
- Final altitude: approximately 3,960 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a lodge
Vegetation begins to become scarce from 4,000 meters. We go up along the moraines of the Khumbu glacier - Some alpine villages line our route and the last yaks still hang out here and there, before going down to the villages to spend the winter.
- 5 hours trek
- Altitude gain/ loss: + 400 m / - 100m
- Final altitude: approximately 4,400 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a lodge
After the mountain pastures and the Tulka ridge, we arrive at the foot of the Lobuche peak, before us the Nuptse and the Pumori are revealed.
- 5 hours trek
- Final Altitude: approximately 4,730 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent or lodge
Rest before starting the key point of the crossing. It should be remembered that the Amphu Laptsa pass is obligatory to leave Khumbu. It is entirely possible to leave this region, but it would take so many days that reaching Kangchenjunga would be unrealistic.
- Approximately: 4,730 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent or a lodge
A short descent, then a bridge and it is time to start the climb which will take us to the Amphu Laptsa base camp. The Ama Dablam disappears from our view well before following a small lake. The camp is well hidden in a recess and the water is some distance away. All we have to do now is try to find where our pass of tomorrow is located.
- 5 hours trek
- Altitude gain: + 650 m
- Final altitude: approximately 5,300 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
Once we have crossed a small place of fine sand, some traces point us towards the pass. These tend to disappear, but following a set of tracks we gain height before reaching a small platform where we must stop. Our guide will have to place a rope on a belay placed above a granite rock. Once past this barrier, the path becomes easy again and propels us directly onto the ridge. Ama Dablam reappears, beautiful east face. A set of snow/ice ledges allows you to descend quickly. Depending on the snow conditions, it may be necessary to lay a piece of rope to reach the rock. From there, one last effort and the camp is there in front of us. Well deserved rest.
- 7hrs of trek
- Altitude gain/loss: + 650 m / - 400 m
- Final altitude: approximately 5,500 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
The path is “cairned”, but as luck would have it, it still ends up disappearing. We leave a large lake on our right to head towards an immense glacial moraine. You have to find the best descent to get back on the other side. In the distance, we see the camp where multiple tents are crowded together which serve as a base camp for the ascent of Baruntse. The West pass is becoming clearly visible, all that remains is to cut it tomorrow. Take the time to go have something to drink at the improbable guesthouse.
- 6 hours trek
- Altitude gain/loss: + 250 m / - 300 m
- Final altitude: approximately 5,430 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
After another night at more than 5,000 meters, we follow the lake to continue over a few bumps that we have to pass. They bring us to the foot of a large face of snow that we will have to go back up. Using the fixed ropes, we finally reach the West Col which opens the doors to the immense basin of the Lower Barun glacier. This is where we will set up camp. The night will be cold, but the sunset over Makalu, which seems so close, will warm us up as much as possible.
- 6 hours trek
- Altitude gain/loss: + 750 m / - 100 m
- Final altitude: approximately 6,100 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
Two options are available to us. Take the classic Sherpani passage or use the pass opened by Laurent Boiveau, a little further to the east. In the first case, you will have to unwind the ropes which allow you to descend towards the Sherpani base camp. A route of rock and snow. In the second case, you will have to continue to climb a little after crossing the glacier to reach a well-hidden pass which allows you to descend without difficulty, returning to the old route of the East pass. All that remains is to reach the Swiss base camp, making the best use of the terrain of the glacier.
- 7hrs of trek
- Altitude gain/loss: + 200m / - 600 m
- Final altitude: approximately 5,450 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
In both cases, we reach the Makalu base camp along the moraine of the Baruntse glacier. The glacier is far below, the Makalu with its 8,481 meters is omnipresent, it attracts all eyes. The moraine is quite bad, so you have to follow the cairns so as not to lose too much time. One last descent and everything becomes easier. A wide path allows us to reach the base camp guesthouses. After this last day, don't forget to make some offerings to the tutelary gods. A small altar for fumigations is also provided for this purpose.
- 6 hours trek
- ALtitude gain/ loss: + 250 m / - 850 m
- Final Altitude: approximately 4,850 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent
This morning we gain height to head towards the eastern moraine which dominates the base camp. Halfway up you can see the Khumbu mountains and more particularly the Lhotse and Sagarmatha in “person”. The latter is hardly recognizable because it is its north face that is presented to us, the Tibetan side. From a small plateau, it is possible to measure yourself against a “small” stony summit of almost 5,800 meters which allows you to broaden the view of the satellite peaks and glaciers of Makalu, always as impressive it goes without saying… Return to the Camp from Makalu Base for a second night.
- 6 hours trek
- Altitude gain/loss: + 1000 m / - 1000 m
- Final altitude: approximately 4,850 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent or lodge
Descent towards Langmale kharka via a route of grassy ridges allowing you to admire from above the frontal glacial lake of the West Barun glacier. Then, in the space of an hour, we are again on the grassy mountain pastures of Langmale. We go back down along the Barun khola to Yangri Kharka.
- 5 hours trek
- Altitude gain/loss: + 100 m / - 1,400 m
- Final altitude: approximately 3,530 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent or lodge
We take the Shipton trail which owes its name to Eric Shipton (one of the pioneers of Himalayanism). This trail is also known for its difficult terrain and the characteristic of being affected by the first snowfall in the region. The Barun Khola valley remains dry while the only route available to quickly reach "civilization" is often stuffed with fresh snow... Departing from the kharka we take a path that crosses several rocky and sandy scree. We find a primary forest and, after passing a natural cave, here is the path that turns right to go up a thalweg in which "path" and torrent sometimes blend intimately. How high the steps are! We then climb into a forest of rhododendrons and reach the small clearing of Dobato from which we can try to look in the mountain range opposite for traces of the path on the side of which we followed between Kalo Pokhari and Korlangue Kharka.
- 4 hours tent
- Altitude gain/loss: + 630 m / - 300 m
- Final altitude: approximately 3,860 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent or lodge
We climb steadily into the rhododendron forest which fades as we progress in altitude. We arrive at Keke La (4,185 m), the first pass of the day, marked by a chorten and prayer flags. We descend along the Kalo Pokhari (black lake) where the surrounding peaks are reflected before continuing towards the Shipton La (4,216 m) and its endless staircase climb before descending to cross the Ghungru La (4,020 m), the last pass of the day. Then, we follow the edge of the ridge to reach the lodges of Khongma danda.
- 6 hours trek
- Altitude gain/loss: + 630 m / - 950 m
- Final altitude: approximately 3,580 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent or lodge
A day of pure descent! We feel the difference both in terms of altitude and temperature. First part of the day on stairs in the forest before happily returning to the first places inhabited all year round and firstly the Tibetan village of Tashigaon. In the afternoon, a lightly marked up/down balcony path takes us through villages mainly of the Rai ethnic group until reaching the hamlet of Seduwa.
hours trek.
- Altitude gain/loss: + 150 m / - 2,060 m
- Final altitude: approximately 1,670 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in a tent or lodge
One more last effort! We descend in wide bends on a rocky path to the metal footbridge which allows you to cross the Arun Khola then, once on the other side, in previous years the endless climb to the Num ridge began! Today, the track has (fortunately or unfortunately) been traced at the height of the Arun Khola valley and the ascent is lightened. The Jeeps wait for us at 1,060 meters and we arrive at Num for lunch. We have 3 hours of trail left before arriving in Khandbari. The shopping town is not very exciting and it is preferable to go down to Tumlingtar via the tarmac road to stay in one of the guesthouses facing the airport.
by private vehicle
- 4 hours drive
- about 3 hours trek
- Altitude gain/loss: + 300 m / - 950 m
- Final altitude: approximately 500 m
- Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner
- Accommodation: night in guesthouse
No more than 200 meters of flat walking to reach the boarding hall with a late morning flight to Kathmandu for a splendid “mountain flight” which allows us to review our Himalayan geography… To enjoy to your heart's content!
- by private vehicle and domestic flight
- approximately 2 hours drive to the airport
- about 35 minutes flight
- approximately 1,300 m
- Meals: breakfast – free lunch (not included) – free dinner (not included)
- Accommodation: night at the a hotel
Note:
If you have a private group and prefer a personalized experience, we can organize a custom trip tailored to your requirements and group size, running it any day you choose.
Plan a Private TripIncluded & Excluded
Included Points
Arrival and departure : Airport - Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop), by private vehicle.
Hotel Accommodation in kathmandu : 3 nights hotel in Kathmandu With breakfast plan.
Welcome dinner : One Welcome Dinner in a tourist standard restaurant in Kathmandu with Office Staff.
Cargo clearance : Assistance for cargo clearance in Nepal’s Customs, clearance cost is subject to a charge.
Permits : Expedition Royalty and permits fee, Sagarmatha National Park, and Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality entry permit and fee.
Garbage management : Stool Shipment Transfer and Garbage Deposit fees.
Insurance : Medical and Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and expedition.
Map : Trekking and climbing map.
Duffle Bag : One Alpinist club Duffle Bag.
Member transportation : (Domestic Flight) Fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and while returning from Tumlintar to Kathmandu, as per itinerary.
Expedition stuffs transportation : All necessary expedition equipment transportation for all Members and Staff from Kathmandu to Lukla (by air cargo) and Base camp (by Porters / Yak) – While returning: Base camp to Lukla (by porters / Yak) and Lukla to Kathmandu (by air cargo).
Member luggage : Up to 25 Kg per member as personal baggage during the trek to be carried by porters.
Food and lodging : 3 meals a day (breakfast, lunch, and dinner; including tea and coffee) along with accessible accommodation at Hotel/Lodge/Tent during the trek and at the Basecamp.
Porter : Porters per member up to the Base camp and from the Basecamp (both ways).
High altitude Climbing sherpa : government-licensed climbing Sherpa per member (1 Member: 1 Sherpa), during the entire climb from Basecamp to the summit and back.
Assistance : A climbing Sherpa to assist in carrying your gear to the high camps.
Climbing Sherpa salary and allowance : Climbing Sherpa’s Salary, Equipment, Food, and Clothing.
High camp service infrastructure and logistics : High Altitude Tent, Lights, Necessary cooking EPI gas, cooking pot, High food for a member, Sherpa, and other crews. Group climbing gears, fixed and dynamic rope, during the climbing period as required.High altitude tent: Members will share tents in high camps (2 members: 1 tent).Weather forecast : Weather forecast report during the entire expedition.
Guide : Local government-licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley.
Medical kit : Comprehensive Medical kit for members and staff.
Summit Bonus : Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa - Minimum 300 USD.
Excluded Points
Airfare : International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
Nepal Entry Visa fee : The Nepalese Visa fee is USD 50 for 30 Days.
Lunch and dinner : Lunch and dinner during the stay in Kathmandu (also in case of early return from Trekking / Expedition than the scheduled itinerary).
Extra nights in kathmandu : Extra nights’ accommodation in Kathmandu. In case of early arrival or late departure, early return from Trekking / Expedition, or domestic flight cancellation (due to any other reason) than the scheduled itinerary.
Insurance policy : Insurance covering both medical and high-altitude evacuation costs (for the trip cancellation, interruption, high-altitude rescue and air evacuation, medical treatment, repatriation, etc.) *Mandatory
Personal expenses : Telephone Calls, Internet, Toiletries, battery recharge, hot shower, laundry, soft drinks, beers, and any Alcoholic beverages (during the trek and in Kathmandu, but we will have soft drinks for members at base camp).
Personal Climbing equipment : Clothing, Packing Items, Bags, Personal Medical Kit, and all kinds of Personal Trekking / Climbing Gear.
Toiletries : Soaps, shampoos, toilet and tissue papers, toothpaste, and other items used to keep yourself clean.
Filming : Special Filming, Camera, and Drone permit fee.
Internet Service : Not included during the trek and the expedition.
Tips : Calculate some tips for the staff
Extra : Any other services or activities not mentioned in the itinerary and other items not listed in the “Cost Includes” section.
Trip Information
sherpani col pass trek Details Guide
Your guide, from your arrival in Kathmandu until your departure, is responsible for the success of your trip and oversees your team. Do not hesitate to ask him questions, respect his position as the team leader, and above all follow his advice! Often your guide is the only English-speaking member of the team. In the mountains and, especially when during high-altitude travels, your guide is responsible for the safety of the group. The instructions he gives and the remarks he makes to all participants must be carefully followed. The interest and safety of the trekking group must be preserved, even when it may be to the detriment of an individual member of the group.
Read MoreYour Nepalese Team may include several members, each with specific responsibilities:
- The Guide Leader (Sirdar) is responsible for and is the leader of the whole team and is treated with respect by all. Often he has earned his position by starting as a porter and rising through the ranks.
- Climbing Sherpa: Responsible for fixing ropes, guiding you to the summit, and assisting with technical climbing while carrying essential gear.
- The Cook: is responsible for all meals and is on a trek that doesn’t use lodges for meals. (camping trek )
- The kitchen boy: is an assistant to the cook. ( camping trek )
- The Assistant Guide: is actively helping clients under the leader’s direction and set camp.
- The porter: carries loads for the trekking group, essential in Nepal’s mountainous terrain with limited roads. Regulations ensure a maximum weight limit and a minimum wage for their work. Porters are provided with proper gear based on the trekking route and are insured for alpine treks.
Each trekker is allowed a maximum weight limit: 15 kg for lodge (tea house) accommodations, 22 kg for tent camping, and 27 kg for expeditions or summit ascents. Porters receive a premium wage for carrying loads over 30 kg. Additionally, the Nepal Alpinist Club ensures that guides and porters have insurance. They are also provided with specific equipment for high-altitude pass crossings, though many porters prefer not to wear certain gear due to lack of habit.
Accommodations in Kathmandu and Sherpani Col pass trekking
In Kathmandu, you will be accommodated in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:
- Hotel Himalayan Suit: Located in the heart of Thamel, this hotel is ideal for walking the bustling streets of Kathmandu. The spacious rooms all have a bathroom, air conditioning, and Wi-Fi. A fully equipped and active dining room is available for all meals, and the breakfast buffet offers a wide choice of foods. The hotel offers currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage
- Sampada Garden: Located just 20 minutes on foot from Thamel and Durbar Square, this hotel is convenient for exploring Kathmandu. The rooms have all the necessary comforts for your stay: air conditioning, bathroom, and Wi-Fi. Breakfasts are served as a generous buffet. The hotel provides currency exchange, laundry services, and luggage storage.
Accommodation during the Sherpani Col Pass trek
During the trek until we reach the chukung and afer he Makalu base camp we will stay in a Lodge or Tea house and between, we will stay in a Tent
- During the trek lodge: You will stay in the Lodge. Lodges in Nepal are very random in terms of comfort. Lodges can look like a refuge or sometimes a homestay. They are mostly family homes with double, triple, or dormitory rooms. Toilets and showers are always separate. however, the Everest region has good lodges.
- Sherpani col passes Chhukung to Makalu base camp: between these days, you will stay in tents. Since we'll be here for several days, we aim to make it as comfortable as possible to help everyone recover after returning from higher camps and summit. Each 2-person has a 1 tent with a comfortable mattress. There's a heated mess tent where we gather to eat and relax, with tables and chairs set up inside. We also have a shower tent and a toilet tent, where solid waste is collected in barrels for proper disposal
Meal In Kathmandu, Trekking and sherpani col pass expedition
Upon arrival in Kathmandu, a welcome dinner is provided on the first evening. Similarly, upon return from the expedition, a farewell meal is provided. In the cities, many small (or large) restaurants allow us to discover the typical local cuisine.
During the Trekking in Lodge Meal: Evening Meals and Breakfast are prepared by the lodge cooks and are taken in the lodge dining room or under the mess tent. Depending on the profile of the stages (length of the day's walk and/or presence of water), midday Lunch will be served hot in the Lodge
sherpani col Camping Meal: All meals are prepared by the kitchen team using local ingredients including rice, pasta, lentils, potatoes, vegetables, eggs, a little meat, etc. They are served to you in a Dining tent. Non-alcoholic hot drinks such as tea or coffee are offered to you at will. We recommend that you stay constantly hydrated.
At high altitudes, eating can be challenging, and freeze-dried food is often necessary. It may taste fine at lower elevations but can become unappealing in high camps. We provide freeze-dried meals and consider your preferences based on availability. You can also bring your favorite foods.
Here is a typical one-day menu for the trekking and Base camp for example:
- Breakfast: eggs, toast or chapati, or Tibetan bread or pancakes, or pancakes, butter/jam, tea or coffee
- Lunch: a main course, tea or coffee
- Dinner: soup, main course, fruit (fresh or canned), tea or coffee During the trek, tea or coffee is served with meals. Two cups per person are included. Apart from these included menus, other drinks and foodstuffs will be at your expense.
- Water: We provide water purification tablets. and Recommended to bring refilling bottles with purified water. Avoid buying mineral water due to its environmental impact.
Sherpani col pass Difficulty Level
This program requires mountaineering equipment like crampons, harnesses, ice axes, and ropes. The route may include small challenges, such as steeper glacier sections or continuous effort. It is designed for some mountaineering experience who have completed similar or slightly easier routes
Preparation for the sherpani col pass
Preparing for the trek requires several months of preparation with 4 to 6-hour walks every weekend for stamina and participating in a sport that requires short periods of high exertion.
Medical check-up Before going Trekking
Being in good health is essential to enjoy your Alpinist Club trip fully. If your last medical visit was more than four years ago, please get another general physical exam and tell your doctor the nature of your trip (climate, altitude, difficulty, etc.). The altitude also has the effect of reviving dental problems or other chronic pain, so getting a dental checkup is also prudent. If you are undertaking a high-altitude expedition, we advise you to consult a mountain medicine specialist.
Acute Mountain Sickness in sherpani col pass
This trip takes place at high altitudes so some people may experience altitude-related discomforts like headaches, loss of appetite, and swelling of limbs. Most of these symptoms usually go away within a few days, but sometimes they can develop into a serious illness: pulmonary or cerebral edema. There are no preventive drugs for AMS. Diamox diuretic is often effective for symptomatic relief, but you should first check with your doctor to verify that it is not contraindicated for you. Think about it before you go.
Transfers/ Transport During Trip
All transfers are provided in private vehicles. by plane
Group size for the sherpani col
The group is composed of 1 to 10 participants maximum. The number of participants is voluntarily limited to allow a better immersion, to not embarrass our hosts, to develop spaces of freedom and to allow a great flexibility of operation. However, the maximum number can be exceeded in the case where the last person who registers wishes to travel with another or several other people. The services will not be modified and the conditions of the trip will be identical as a result.
Camping Equipment for sherpani col pass trek
All logistical equipment is provided, including individual tents at the base camp with mattresses, mess tent, shower tents and toilet tents, as well as all collective and individual cooking equipment. At altitude, tents, stoves with gas cartridges, ropes and anchors.
Personal climbing Equipment
Personal equipment is not provided, but a complete list will be shared later. We will refine the list with you during the preparation days and up until departure based on your questions.
High-altitude sleeping bags, and quality down jackets are costly items you may not use often. We offer these specific items for rent during the expedition. You must return the equipment clean and in good condition, with a deposit required.
Security And Communication for Safety
We have at least one Iridium satellite phone for logistics, weather updates, and security. Participants may use it under certain conditions—please contact us for private use. All camps are connected by radio, with access for the expedition leader, participants, and high-altitude Sherpas. A hyperbaric chamber will be available at base camp, and a lighter, essential pharmacy will be stocked at higher camps.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Expand AllThe Sherpani Col Trek in the Everest region is a challenging and daring journey. It combines three distinct trekking routes: the Amphu Laptsa Pass, the Everest Base Camp Trek, and the Makalu Base Camp Trek. In addition to providing you with amazing views of the Himalayas and an opportunity to learn about Sherpa culture, the journey takes you into isolated and remote areas.
Permits are required to trek in the Sherpani Col Trek's covered zones. A TIMS (Trekker's Information Management System) card, a Makalu Barun National Park permit for the Makalu region, and a Sagarmatha National Park permit for the Everest region are required. These permits are available through local trekking agencies or in Kathmandu.
This trekking is one of the more challenging treks in Nepal since it includes high-altitude treks in remote areas and requires some climbing to cross the high passes. Therefore, only individuals with some expertise in trekking at high elevations should attempt this trek. We don’t recommend this trek for beginners.
There are lodges along the way until the Makalu base camp because this trek passes through a secluded part of the Makalu region; however, the quality of the lodges is not as high as in other well-known trekking locations. You must remain in tents after leaving Makalu Base Camp because there are no lodges until you have completed the Amphu Laptsa pass. Better mountain lodgings can thereafter be found until Lukla, where the trek is completed.
The lodges and hotels along the Sherpani Col Pass Trek Route offer basic restroom facilities on a sharing basis during the trek.
It typically takes 23–25 days to finish the Sherpani Col Trek. Trekking to Sherpani Col, over the Amphu Laptsa Pass, arriving at Everest Base Camp, and then heading back to Lukla are all included in this. Depending on your itinerary, acclimatization requirements, and degree of fitness, the duration may differ.
Spring (March to May) and fall (September to November) are the ideal seasons to do the Sherpani Col Trek. These months are perfect for hiking since they provide steady weather, bright skies, and comfortable temperatures.
The teahouses serve both international and local cuisine. Food and water supplies may be scarce in some places, so it's a good idea to bring snacks and water purification pills.
Comfortable hiking shoes, warm clothes, a down jacket, a sleeping bag, a cap, sunglasses, sunscreen, a first aid kit, water purification tablets, trekking poles, and a high-quality backpack are some of the things you must need for the Sherpani Col Trek.
It is not advised to undertake the technically difficult Sherpani Col Trek alone, particularly if you have no prior experience trekking at high altitudes. For safety and navigational reasons, hiring a guide and porter is strongly advised. Additionally, having a guide with you guarantees that you will have someone to help you in the event of an emergency or other challenge while trekking.