Sherpani Col Pass Trek

Sherpani Col Pass Trek - 0 reviews

Max. Elevation

6000 M

Accommodation

Hotel-lodge-Tea house - tent

Best Season

Spring- Autumn

Duration

23 Days

Trip Grading

Moderate

Activity

Trekking

Meals

Breakfast - Lunch - Dinner

Transport

Private vehicle

Departure Location

Kathmandu

One of the most difficult and isolated trekking routes in Nepal's Everest region is the Sherpani Col Pass Trek. This exhilarating journey offers experienced hikers an adventure they won't soon forget, taking them through untamed terrain, high-altitude passes, and breathtaking Himalayan vistas. The hike, which includes three high passes—Sherpani Col, West Col, and Amphu Lapcha—is perfect for anyone looking for an adventure that is not often taken. You'll see breathtaking glaciers, alpine valleys, and the distinctive culture of isolated mountain settlements as you go. Both physical difficulties and amazing rewards are anticipated on this walk.

One of the most difficult treks is the Sherpani Col Pass trip. Makalu Barun National Park is home to Sherpani Col Pass. Beautiful landscapes and a singular experience of the isolated Himalayan region will be provided by the walk. Depending on the trekkers' route, level of fitness, and experience, this will take 20 to 25 days.

The Sherpani Col at 6,135 m.
Makalu base camp & Shipton Trail.
High mountain guide.
A tent trip with 3 high pass.

Travel Style

Nature & Adventure

Sherpani Col Trek - Extreme High Pass Expedition in Eastern Nepal

Challenge yourself on the Sherpani Col Trek, one of Nepal’s most remote and demanding high-altitude adventures. Cross Sherpani Col (6,135m), West Col, and Amphu Laptsa while surrounded by the raw beauty of the Makalu-Barun and Everest regions—perfect for experienced trekkers seeking true Himalayan wilderness.

Description

The Phakding is where the journey starts. This is undoubtedly an adventure for the daring, exhilarating traveler who is committed to achieving their objectives. The Makalu Sherpani Col Trek is another name for the Sherpani Col Trek. Reaching Sherpani Col (6110m) will require a lot of effort, but the reward will be a breathtaking vista of Mt. Makalu (8485m) and Island Peak (6189m) to the west.

You will pass through remote villages, dense forests, and stunning terraced fields throughout your trek. The finest hospitality will be extended to you by the locals. The Rai and Sherpa ethnic groups reside in this region.They maintain their unique culture and traditions. Since it tests your stamina at such a high altitude, the Sherpani Col Pass Trek is one of the most difficult.

The breathtaking vistas of the mountains and the glacial rivers give way to a different landscape as you ascend higher. It is among the adventure's most exciting highlights. The three ascending passes we will traverse are Sherpani Col (6110m), West Col (6,143m), and Amphu Laptsa (5,850m). We can get to the Makalu base camp by arriving here. We occasionally need to use fixed ropes and abseil. We traverse a snow-covered, glacial landscape with towering peaks.

This walk will give you a sense of solitary and a closer bond with the natural world. In addition to being physically demanding, the Sherpani Col pass offers access to the most stunning and unspoiled region of the Himalayas.

Trip Itinerary

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Upon 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 1350 m

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 small climb along the Dudh Kosi (milk river in Nepali) to Phakding.

flight about 25 minutes

about 3 hours of trek

Altitude different: + 100 m / - 300 m

Final altitude: approximately 2,610 m

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 different: + 1,000 m / - 350 m

Final altitude: approximately 3,440 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in 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 different: + 420 m / - 20 m

Final altitude: approximately 3,780 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

Very beautiful day, 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 different: + 220 m / - 180 m

Final altitude: approximately 3,810 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in lodge

We continue the gradual climb into Khumbu. It is advisable to walk slowly to have the best possible acclimatization.

5 hours trek

Altitude different: + 450 m / - 150 m

Final altitude: approximately 3,960 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in 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 different: + 400 m / - 100m

Final altitude: approximately 4,400 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in 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 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 different: + 650 m

Final altitude: approximately 5,300 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in 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 different: + 650 m / - 400 m

Final altitude: approximately 5,500 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in 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 different: + 250 m / - 300 m

Final altitude: approximately 5,430 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in 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 different: + 750 m / - 100 m

Final altitude: approximately 6,100 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in 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 different: + 200m / - 600 m

Final altitude: approximately 5,450 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in 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 different: + 250 m / - 850 m

Final Altitude: approximately 4,850 m

Meals: breakfast – lunch – dinner

Accommodation: night in 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 different: + 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 different: + 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 different: + 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 different: + 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 different: + 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 Different: + 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 airport

about 35 minutes flight

approximately 1,300 m

Meals: breakfast – free lunch (not included) – free dinner (not included)

Accommodation: night at the hotel

Free day in Kathmandu, safety day can be used during the trek...

Approximately 1,300 m

Meals: breakfast – free lunch (not included) – free dinner (not included)

Accommodation: night at the hotel

Free time depending on the departure time of your flight and our representative will drop you at the airport, ending your journey in Nepal. We hope to be of service to you again. Thank you and safe travels.

Trip Included & Excluded

Trip Included

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 & Garbage Deposit fees.
INSURANCE :
Medical & Emergency rescue Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek and expedition.
MAP :
Trekking and climbing map.
DUFFLE BAG :
One Real Sherpa Adventures 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 :
1 government-licensed climbing Sherpa per member (1 Member: 1 Sherpa), during the entire climb from Basecamp to the summit and back.
ASSISTANCE :
Climbing Sherpa to assist in carrying your gear to the high camps.
CLIMBING SHERPA SALARY & ALLOWANCE :
Climbing Sherpa’s Salary, Equipment, Food, and Clothing.
OXYGEN BOTTLE (O2) :
Oxygen bottles will be in stock at base camp in case of an emergency (with an appropriate charge).
OXYGEN MASK & REGULATOR :
1 Set of Summit Oxygen masks will be in base camp in case of an emergency.
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.

Trip Excluded

AIRFARE :
International flight airfare (from and to Kathmandu).
NEPAL ENTRY VISA FEE :
The Nepalese Visa fee is USD 50 for 30 Days.
LUNCH & DINNER :
Lunch & 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 & 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.
SUMMIT BONUS :
Summit bonus for climbing Sherpa - Minimum 300 USD.
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.

Notes: Costs may be subject to change in itinerary. So costs will be recalculated if the trekking/tour days get modified.

Note: For unforeseeable reasons at this stage of climatic hazards, form or deformity of the participants or others (state of the roads, traffic, case of unforeseeable, your guide or guide may have to adapt the program, if necessary for the smooth running of your trip. He remains the sole judge and guarantor of your safety. Walking times are given as an indication and may vary from one participant to another.

Organization

Your Guide and Team

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.

Your Nepalese team may consist of several people, each with different responsibilities. They are:

Accommodations in Kathmandu

In Kathmandu, you will accommodate in a hotel. We use different hotels depending on availability. The two preferred hotels are:

Hotel Ramoda: 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 Upper Mustang

For lodge accommodation: meals are prepared by the cooks of the lodge and are taken from the lodge's dining room.

Here is a typical one-day menu:

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: provide tablets (Hydroclovazone, Micropur, or another type) to disinfect the water you put in your water bottle, depending on the source and on the advice of your guide. It is sometimes possible to buy purified water and refill your water bottle without having to buy bottled water. You can also buy mineral water in the cities (not included in the price) but its ecological balance is poor, as you know. Also, we do not recommend it.

Preparation for the Trek

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

Being in good health is essential to fully enjoy your Real Sherpa Adventures trip. 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

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.

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