Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek

The Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek is a challenging high-altitude adventure that crosses the Sherpani Col Pass (6,110m) and offers stunning views of Mount Makalu and the surrounding peaks. This remote trek combines rugged terrain, glaciers, and remote villages, ideal for experienced trekkers seeking a truly adventurous experience.

The Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek is one of the most demanding and rewarding trekking routes in Nepal, offering an incredible journey through remote, untouched landscapes. This trek traverses the Makalu-Barun National Park, providing close-up views of Mount Makalu (8,485m), the world’s fifth-highest peak, as well as other towering mountains like Lhotse, Baruntse, and Everest.

The highlight of this trek is crossing the Sherpani Col Pass (6,110m), a high-altitude, technical pass that requires mountaineering skills and proper preparation. The trek begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, followed by a journey through lush forests, terraced fields, and villages inhabited by the Rai and Sherpa people. As you ascend, the landscape shifts from subtropical greenery to alpine meadows, glaciers, and snow-capped peaks.

The route passes through Barun Valley, a biodiversity hotspot home to rare wildlife such as the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan tahr. You will cross glaciers, navigate challenging terrain, and camp at high altitudes, including the Makalu Base Camp, where trekkers are rewarded with breathtaking views of Makalu and the surrounding peaks.

Crossing the Sherpani Col Pass itself is a significant challenge, as it requires glacier crossing, navigating crevasses, and enduring extreme altitudes. However, the experience is incredibly rewarding, with sweeping views of the eastern Himalayas and a sense of accomplishment upon completing the pass.

The Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek is a true adventure, designed for experienced trekkers with a high level of fitness and mountaineering knowledge. The trek offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore Nepal’s rugged and remote wilderness, providing solitude, natural beauty, and a sense of accomplishment in the heart of the Himalayas.

Region
Nepal
Duration
25 days
Level
hard
Max Altitude
6143m
Daily Activity
5 to 6 hours
Season
April, May, September, October
Starting From
$ 3625
Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek
Brief Introduction

The Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek is a challenging high-altitude adventure in Nepal, featuring the crossing of the technical Sherpani Col Pass (6,110m). This remote trek offers stunning views of Mount Makalu, Everest, and Lhotse, while navigating glaciers, rugged terrain, and high-altitude valleys, providing trekkers with an unforgettable Himalayan experience.

Highlights of Sherpani Col Pass Trek
  • Sherpani Col Pass (6,110m): A challenging and technical high-altitude pass, offering stunning panoramic views of the eastern Himalayas.
  • Majestic Mountain Views: Breathtaking vistas of Mount Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, and other towering peaks.
  • Makalu Base Camp: Experience the serene beauty of Makalu Base Camp, surrounded by dramatic landscapes and glaciers.
  • Remote and Untouched Wilderness: Trek through the isolated Makalu-Barun National Park, known for its rugged beauty and biodiversity.
  • Diverse Landscapes: From subtropical forests to alpine meadows, glaciers, and high-altitude valleys, the trek offers a wide range of stunning terrain.
  • Cultural Encounters: Interact with local Rai and Sherpa communities, learning about their unique traditions and lifestyles.
  • Wildlife Spotting: The trek offers opportunities to see rare species like the snow leopard, red panda, and Himalayan tahr.
  • Exclusive Adventure: A remote and less-travelled route, perfect for those seeking a challenging and off-the-beaten-path Himalayan experience.
Itinerary

Seeking for a real adventure? Our travel itinerary is based on years of trekking expertise, ensuring that you have a fun and safe vacation. However, like with all such risky excursions, there may be instances where we must change the schedule, possibly without much notice. While we make every attempt to stick to the timetable, we humbly ask for your patience and flexibility if unforeseen circumstances like weather or unforeseen natural events come into play. You may be sure that our knowledgeable guides will adjust as needed to make your tour as enjoyable as possible.

Schedule for each day
Days: 1- Arrival at the Tribhuvan International Airport, KathmanduTransfer to Hotel  
Upon your arrival in Kathmandu, our airport representative will come to receive you at the airport, and he will transfer to the hotel where you will be spending the night. Meanwhile, you can further inquire about any information regarding the program. Overnight at Hotel.
Days: 2 -Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing Tour  
Today, we will start our sightseeing tour of Kathmandu Valley. The tour includes excursing the cultural heritage sites listed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites List, which includes Kathmandu Durbar Square, the Swayambhunath Temple, Bouddhanath Stupa and the Pashupatinath Temple. These heritage sites present a sense of nostalgia because of their unique architectural integrity. Enjoy the artistically opulent palaces, cultural quintessence, old priceless paintings, sculptures and a brief history of Nepal. Overnight at the hotel, breakfast included.
Days: 3 - Fly to Tumlingtar. Drive to Num 1,560m - 3½ hours driving approximately  
You will be collected from your hotel and driven to Kathmandu airport for your domestic flight to Tumlingtar. The flight usually takes around 35 minutes and the views of the mountains are great if you are lucky enough not to have any cloud! You drive for about half an hour on a winding road uphill to Kandbari, a major town in the district which houses the government officials. There's plenty of rural life to observe as you head upwards with fields of corn, bamboo and sal trees. You continue on a winding, dirt road to the highest point at 1,960m before descending to Chicula at 1,900m, a small town with a police checkpoint where you have to present your trekking permit. There are pleasant views of the surrounding forested hillsides. The road deteriorates a bit from Chicula so it's a bumpy ride from here most of the way to Num. Don't be surprised if your vehicle gets temporarily stuck, either behind a grounded truck, or just stuck on the rocky, muddy road. Locals can usually be relied upon to help get you out of a tight spot! Overnight: Tea House
Days: 4 - Trek from Num to Seduwa, 1,560m - 800m descent / 800m ascent, 8km, 5-6 hours  
Today you have a big, steep descent to the Arun River, which takes around 2 hours, and a big climb to Seduwa, losing and regaining your height in one day. The walk down to the river is through cardamom crops (the largest cash crop in the area), and the path is on big stone steps all the way to the river at 770m. It's very hot, but the scenery is rural Nepal at its best. You cross the suspension bridge over the Arun River and begin the long, winding climb to Seduwa, passing groves of giant bamboo, and bustling village life. Your guide will need to visit the Makalu-Baron National Park checkpoint. There is a school in Seduwa, as well as many houses and small shops, and a few tea houses scattered across the hillside. Overnight: Tea House
Days: 5 - Trek from Seduwa to Tashigaon, 2,100m - 700m ascent, 8km, 5-6 hours  
It's a lovely day's walk today without the brutal ascents and descents of yesterday. You begin climbing on a path with many stone steps and pass several mani walls as you head into Sherpa country. You walk through many small farms dotted across the hillside, cardamom plantations and bamboo and rhododendron forests. It's certainly a varied, undulating walk today. After approximately two hours you reach the small settlement of Chyaksa Danda at 1,900m. There's a tea shop, a school and several houses here. You may hear barbets, cuckoos, drongos, and laughing thrushes calling through the trees. In some places you are walking through dense forest and have to cross a few streams on good log bridges. You can see your destination, Tashigaon, on the hillside ahead, although it takes longer than you might think to arrive, as you contour on an undulating path. Eventually you descend to a log bridge just before your final push on stone steps to reach Tashigaon. The lodges are all perched on the top so you have a bit of climbing through the village to earn your dal bhat! Overnight: Tea House
Days: 6 - Trek from Tashigaon to Khongma Danda, 3,637m - 1,400m ascent, 7.2km, 7 hours  
Be prepared for a lot of ascent today! You begin by ascending out of Tashigaon and head up on stone steps. After a while you cross a log bridge and continue ascending through stunning rhododendron forest. It's a steep climb but a lovely walk with verditer flycatchers, treepies and warblers tweeting through the trees, with sparrowhawks overhead. In April the rhododendrons and magnolia trees in bloom provide a colourful foreground with snow-capped summits to the east. As you look back you'll see Tashigaon way beneath you. After approximately three hours you reach Dhara at 2,867m which has a tea shop, and you are likely to have your lunch here as it's your last chance to have a refreshment stop until you reach Khongma. Leaving Dhara it's a stiff climb of around one hour to Unshisa at 3,200m, where you pass a giant rock. There's a tea hut here (closed in April 2019) and prayer flags marking this pass. From Unshisa it's more relentless climbing on stone steps through rhododendron forest. In April 2019 where was quite a bit of snow on this section making the going somewhat trickier. Eventually after a couple of hours toiling upwards from Unshisha, you reach a stone rest stop with prayer flags, and another 15 minutes - ½ hour - brings you to Khongma Danda at 3,560m. There are three lodges at Khongma, and there may be quite a bit of snow here as well. Overnight: Tea House
Days: 7 - Acclimatisation walk to Khongma La  
It's essential to acclimatize properly, so we strongly recommend that you walk up to the Khongma La today. You leave your tea house and begin ascending on stone steps all the way to the pass at 3,890m through rhododendron bushes. It should take you an hour or so to reach the pass. You can go a little beyond if you are keen - your guide will advise. You then retrace your steps back to Khongma, fit and acclimatized ready to tackle the four passes tomorrow, the first one of course being the Khongma La. Overnight: Tea House
Days: 8 - Trek to Dobate 3,860m, over the Khongma La, Sano Pokhari Danda, Shipton La, and Keke La - 852m ascent / 599m descent, 7.6km, 6-8 hours  
Today is truly spectacular, crossing four high passes with airy traverses and dramatic ridge sections offering near-constant stunning views of snow-capped peaks. Be prepared for snow though if you are trekking in April. There is one lonely tea shop on the Shipton La, but it's likely that you won't have lunch until you reach Dobate so make sure you take plenty of snacks and water with you as it's a long, tough day (you may be given a packed lunch today). It takes around one hour of ascent through rhododendron bushes until you reach your first pass of the day - the Khongma La at 3,890m. From there, if it's clear, you'll see Makalu and Chamlang. You descend for a short while before ascending towards your second pass. There are views of Kangchenjunga to be had as you traverse an airy ridge. Some steep stone steps bring you to Sano Pokhari Danda at 4,105m with Sano Pokhari Lake below. To reach here from the Khongma La, takes around an hour, although it will be longer if negotiating your way through snow. More undulations bring you to the highest pass - the Shipton La at 4,200m. There's a tin shelter/tea shop here which serves thirsty, tired trekkers and pilgrims during the season. The pass is marked by a mani wall and cairn adorned with prayer flags near the shelter. It's quite a steep pull up to the Shipton La but not difficult. You descend on less steep ground to Kalo Pokhari Lake at 4,080m. It's adorned with prayer flags and is visited by Hindu pilgrims during the Janai Purnima Festival. From the lake, it's an easier climb to your last pass of the day - the Keke La at 4,170m. Finally, a further 45 minutes or so of descent brings you to your lodge at Dobate - a very welcome sight after your four pass toils! There is a pretty good, clean lodge here with a friendly and welcoming owner. The dal bhat will taste especially good by way of reward for your exertions today. Overnight: Tea House
Days: 9 - Trek from Dobate to Yangle Kharka 3,630m - 430m ascent / 600m descent, 9.7km, 5-6 hours  
You have a really pleasant descent through rhododendron and pine forests this morning. Look out for Guldenstadts redstarts, minivets, tragopans and magpies in the trees. There is a steep descent towards the Barun River through the forest and this can be tricky with lingering snow. Eventually you reach the river and then begins your walk on a path underneath a substantial landslide area. You catch glimpses of Chanlang and Tutse en route this morning. After a brief ascent you reach the tea shop at Themathang Kharka, 3,500m. It takes around four hours to reach this spot from Dobate. There is an impressive waterfall just before you reach Themathang. From here you walk for a short while until crossing the Baron Khola on a wooden bridge. The trail undulates, and you have the river now on your left. Quite a bit of work has been done to construct a stony path in places approaching Yangle Kharka. It takes about 1½ hours from the tea shop at Themathang to reach the meadows of Yangle Kharka and your lodge for the night. It's a wild, remote, windy spot. There is a monastery (which is closed) just down from the lodge, providing an attractive foreground for photos with the snowy mountains behind. Overnight: Tea House
Days: 10 - Trek from Yangle Kharka to Langmale, 4,420m - 758 ascent, 10.5km 5 hours  
You descend from your hut to the river and small monastery. It's a pleasant, flatish start keeping the river on your left, with the arresting scent of juniper as you walk. You pass many colourful prayer flags lining the trail. The dramatic cliffs soar either side of you, and the views ahead are dominated by Peak 4, Peak 6, Peak 7 and Yaupa. It really is a fabulous day, with jagged snow-clad summits, vertical cliffs, waterfalls, and sacred caves as a visual feast. The trail opens out as you walk past the pastures of Jhak Kharka, Yak Kharka and eventually Merek where a welcome tea shop appears after about 2½ hours of walking. You'll doubtless indulge in a cup of chai here before continuing upwards. Take it slow and steady here as you will no doubt be feeling the altitude as you toil upwards towards Langmale. It takes around 2 hours to reach your tea house at Langmale from Merek. The views here are sublime, with Peak 7 providing a breath-taking backdrop to the lodge rooms. A mani wall adorned by prayer flags sits just in front of the row of rooms. Black redstarts and choughs are quite commonplace here. Overnight: Tea House
Days: 11 - Acclimatisation walk from Langmale  
There are a few options for acclimatisation today. There's a good hill and viewing point behind the tea house and you can extend this walk as far as your guide suggests. Overnight: Tea House
Days: 12 - Trek to Makalu Base Camp 4,800m - 473m ascent / 115m descent, 8.7km, 5-6 hours  
A truly sublime day on the trail today; Peak 7 is an almost constant companion whilst Peak 6 sits directly ahead, looking quite Ama-Dablam-esque. You begin ascending on a good path - the going feels tough at this altitude so take it very easy. You'll be keeping the river on your left as you snake your way around the valley. As you round each bend you'll have another dramatic aspect to marvel at. In parts you'll be hopping from boulder to boulder, but mostly you're on a reasonable, sandy trail. Obviously you are gaining 400m of height to your destination, but the trail undulates gently and there are only a few steeper sections to get you puffing. Peak 4 comes into view as you progress. After a couple of hours walking, you reach a wide, flat area with a locked small stone hut - this is called Shershong, at 4,630m, making a good camping area. Eventually Makalu comes tantilisingly into view. Its formidable face with its icefalls, crevasses, jagged edges and seracs makes you gaze up in awe. As you round a few bends, you wonder when the base camp will reveal itself. Eventually you will see the lodges and (if in spring) a huddle of tents which mark the base camp. You descend, cross the river, and in five minutes you arrive at your long-awaited destination. As you would expect, the world's fifth highest mountain, Makalu, completely dominates the view. Many Tibetan snowcocks, hill pigeons, black redstarts and mountain finches may be seen around the base camp. Overnight: Tea House
Days: 13 - Exploration day at Makalu Base Camp  
One option today which assures the most glorious panoramic views is to climb to the ridge - around 5,300m - above the base camp. You cross the river on the log bridge and ascend on a vague, slightly indeterminate path for around 3 hours. From this viewpoint you can see Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse as well as close-up, dramatic views of Makalu, Peak 7, Peak 6 and Peak 4. Re-trace your steps to the base camp when you've had your fill of mountain drama.The round trip should take around 4-5 hours. It's a strenuous undertaking as it's steep and the altitude will surely bite above 5,000m. There are some softer options, which include following a path to view the lakes beyond base camp. There is also a much shorter ridge climb you can do just above base camp, and there's a small hill at the head of base camp marked with prayer flags which is around an hour's walk out and back. Your guide may also have other suggestions. Overnight: Tea House
Days: 14- Trek to Higher Makalu BC (4870 m /15,973 ft) 4 – 5 hrs  
Today, you will bid Sherson farewell and continue your trek towards the remote higher base camp. The trek to High Makalu base camp is 3 hours hike above Sherson. Upon arrival, you will witness a glacial pond at the snout of the Barun glacier. You will have plenty of time in the afternoon for a short hike above this camp. The short hike leads towards a climb on the moraine ridge. The short is certainly pleasing as it offers spectacular views hidden east sides of Lhotse and Everest. The rest of the day, you can rest or prepare for the adventure tomorrow. The porters make their load as light as possible to overcome the difficulties and traverse over Sherpani Col.
Days: 15- Trek to Higher Camp at (5,200 m/ 17056 ft) meters  
You will enjoy a splendid breakfast at the Makalu Base Camp. After you pack up for the trek ahead, you will head westwards to Higher Camp just below Makalu west pillar. You must take your time as you ascend because the altitude is radical. If you do not take enough breaks in the high terrain, you might suffer from Altitude sickness. The path follows on an ablation valley on the west side of the Barun glacier. You will follow the trail onto the glacier and head through the boulder-strewn ice caves towards Puja Camp/High camp (5200m). The 4-5 hours strenuous hike today is rewarded with views of rare Kangshung face (3350m) of Everest
Days: 16- Trek & Camp near the base of Sherpani col. 5 – 6 hrs  
You will leave Puja Camp or Higher camo and follow the trail up a steep climb over the rocky slopes of the Barun’s west bank. You need to be careful hiking on these steep terrains. A slight misstep may cause an accident. You will follow the trail until a line of cairns leads us into the valley. You will finally arrive at two small glaciers by the slopes of the Sherpani Col (6180m) after 4-5 hours of vigorous climb. You will set up camp beneath the ice cliffs of these two glaciers. You will spend the night at the on route camp (5700m).
Days: 17- Rest Day for rest and acclimatization  
Today is an important day for acclimatization. The trek ahead is a difficult climb on the steep terrains. You need to rest and prepare yourself for the challenges ahead. So, your body needs to replenish energy and take rest throughout the day. The higher altitude provides spectacular views of the ginormous west face and west pillar of Mount Makalu. The guides and the trek leaders will check the route ahead and make the trail accessible by fixing ropes on route pass
Days: 18- Trek and camp at the moraine at an altitude of (5,640 m / 18500 ft)  
You will leave the camp before dawn and climb the icy snout of the Sherpani Glacier (6190m). There are three different Col’s giving access to the trek ahead. Your trekking team will choose the most functional and appropriate of these routes. You will commence the climb on steep snow-covered slopes. You will need the help of fixed ropes to cross the glacier. You will continue to move forward to the rocky crest of the West Col (6190m). The Cirque ahead is a fabulously framed by Baruntse’s icy ridges and the vast cliffs of Makalu. The wall of Chamlang to the south and the spire of Ama Dablam at the west will leave you speechless. The amazing experience continues with having a packed lunch on the world’s highest picnic spots. The Trek guides will fix scout a safe route leading down to the Hongu Glacier. The long hike over the snow slopes ends after you set up camp on the moraine (5640m).
Days: 19- Trek to Panch Pokhari “Five lakes” at (5,480m / 17,975 ft)  
The trek will lead you to the next adventure over the Amphu Laptsa. You will meet the busy trails of Lukla, Thyangboche, and Namche after you come across Amphu Laptsa. You will head on towards the upper Hongu Basin. The trail passes along the Magnificent Kang Leyamura 6,430 m peak to the west. You will pass many moraine deposits through your 4-5 hours trek to Panch Pokhari. Eventually, you will arrive at the beautiful Panch Pokhari. Panch Pokhari literally means ‘five ponds’ and you will set up camp next to the largest pond. You will sleep here at camp below the foot of Amphu Labtsa Pass 5,850m.
Days: 20- CTrek to Chukhung via the Amphu Labtsa pass 6 – 7 hrs, Tea House  
You will start your trekking journey early in the morning. You will pass the top of the pass overlooking impressive views of Lhotse Shar and the summit of Imja-Tse Peaks. After the arrival of the kitchen staffs and porters, the trekking team will descend 150 meters to a relatively less steep ground below the pass. The loads have to be carefully lowered in the steep descent. The trekking guide will check every member on the expedition team. Then the descent starts slowly and carefully. You will have the assistance of ropes and ice ax if required until you reach the safe side from Amphu labtsa Pass (5850m). You will step on ground free from by early afternoon. You will hike for another hour or more to the ablation valley away from the icy area. The trek will get easier from Imja-Tse valley to the trekker’s civilization at Chukung. You arrive at the temporary settlement of Chukung after 7-8 hours of strenuous hike. You will speed the night in a tea house at Chukung (5780m)
Days: 21- From Chukhung trek to Thyangboche (3,87 0m/12,694 ft) . 5 – 6 hrs, Tea House  
The strenuous and exhausting hike over the high passes ends here. You will start your trek today with a pleasant walk downhill to Dingboche. The trail passes along several icy streams and heads towards Bibre. You follow the route passing through stone-walled fields and alpine landscape towards Dingboche. The trek today is a 6 hours moderate and easy trek to Thyangboche. After you arrive at Dingboche, you continue on a moderate trail towards Dingboche (3867m). You make an easy descent to a and follow the trail to dense forest and green vegetation. After an hour, you will finally arrive at Thyangboche. You stay at Thyangboche for the night.
Days: 22- Trek to Monjo via Namche-Bazar (3,430 m/11,283 ft) 7 – 8 hrs, Tea House  
The journey today will retrace the trail back to Namche Bazaar. You will continue the trek downhill and hike on gradual paths towards Namche Bazar. After you arrive at Namche, you will follow the downhill trail to Monjo village. You will hike approximately for 5-6 hours until you reach Monjo (2835m). Monjo village lies near the entrance of Sagarmatha National park. You sleep in a lodge at Monjo village.
Days: 23- Trek to Lukla  
This day we descend to Lukla from Namche bazaar following the Bank of the Dudh Koshi River. This is the last day of our trek; so we share our experience and enjoy singing and dancing in the evening. Overnight in Lukla
Days: 24- Fly back to Kathmandu  
In the morning, we fly back to Kathmandu. The rest of the day is free for you to do your own thing. As the trip has finally come to an end, you may do some souvenir shopping as a memory. Later, pack your bags to return to their respective destinations. Overnight in a hotel
Days: 25- Farewell Departure  
A representative from Nepal New Generation will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before your scheduled flight. Breakfast included
Reservation & Date
Friday
01 Sep 2023
Thursday
30 Nov 2023
$175 Off
$3625
$3800
12 Seats
Available
Inclusion/ Exclusion

Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek Inclusion/Exclusion

Services Included
  • Accommodation: Teahouse/lodge accommodation during the trek and hotel stays in Kathmandu as per the itinerary.
  • Meals: Full board meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) during the trek.
  • Permits: Makalu National Park Permit, TIMS (Trekkers' Information Management System) card, and Sagarmatha National Park entry permit.
  • Guide and Porters: Experienced, licensed trekking guide and necessary porter(s) with their food, accommodation, and insurance.
  • Transportation: Domestic flights from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar (if applicable) and ground transportation to the trek starting point and back.
  • Trekking Gear: Sleeping bags and down jackets (if required, to be returned after the trek).
  • Climbing Equipment: Necessary climbing gear for Sherpani Col Pass (e.g., ropes, crampons, ice axe, etc.) provided by the agency.
  • Safety Equipment: First aid kit, emergency rescue arrangements, and oxygen supply if necessary.
  • Sightseeing in Kathmandu: Guided tour of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Kathmandu (if included in the itinerary).
Services Excluded
  • International Flights: Airfare to and from Nepal.
  • Visa Fees: Nepal visa fees and processing costs.
  • Personal Expenses: Snacks, beverages, personal trekking gear, hot showers, charging devices, Wi-Fi, and laundry services.
  • Travel Insurance: Comprehensive travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking, trip cancellations, and emergency evacuation (including medical and rescue coverage).
  • Climbing Gear: Personal climbing gear (e.g., harness, boots, etc.) not included in the trek package and must be brought by the trekker.
  • Tips: Gratuities for guides, porters, and other trekking staff.
  • Optional Activities: Additional sightseeing tours or activities in Kathmandu or along the trek route.
  • Unforeseen Costs: Expenses arising from unforeseen events such as natural disasters, flight delays, or other emergencies.
Frequently Asked Questions

The answers to your questions regarding the Nepal New Generation Trek, what this trip entails, and what is needed can be found in the following frequently asked questions. If your question isn't addressed there, don't hesitate to contact us.

The Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek is considered a challenging trek due to its remote location, high altitude, and technical nature. The trek involves difficult climbs over high passes, rugged terrain, and long trekking days. It requires good physical fitness, stamina, and previous trekking experience, especially in high-altitude conditions.

The best time for the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek is during spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). These seasons offer stable weather, clear skies, and moderate temperatures. Trekking during monsoon season (June to August) is not recommended due to the risk of heavy rain, and winter (December to February) can be harsh and extremely cold at higher altitudes.

The highest point of the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek is Sherpani Col at an elevation of 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). This is one of the most challenging parts of the trek, involving a steep ascent and a technical crossing of the pass.

Yes, a licensed guide is required for the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek, as the route is remote and technical. A guide will ensure safety, provide assistance in crossing high passes, and help with logistics. You’ll also need a guide to obtain necessary permits and navigate through this restricted area.

For the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek, you will need the following permits: Makalu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP) Trekking Information Management System (TIMS) Card Restricted Area Permit for trekking in the Makalu region These permits can be arranged through a licensed trekking agency in Nepal.

Accommodation is provided in teahouses and basic lodges along the trail, especially in lower regions. At higher altitudes, facilities are more basic, and you will likely stay in simple rooms with shared bathrooms. As you approach the Makalu Base Camp and Sherpani Col, accommodation becomes more basic, with sleeping bags required for added warmth.

On the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek, you will typically trek 6 to 8 hours per day depending on the terrain and altitude. Some days may require longer hours due to high passes and remote regions. There will also be acclimatization days to help your body adjust to the higher elevations.

Altitude sickness is a concern on the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek due to the high altitude and long trekking days. The trek reaches altitudes above 6,000 meters. Proper acclimatization is crucial to reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Ensure you take rest days, hydrate properly, and pay attention to your body’s signals.

No, the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek cannot be done independently. Due to the remote and restricted nature of the trek, you are required to travel with a licensed guide. This ensures safety and helps with obtaining permits, as well as navigating the challenging terrain.

During the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek, you will be able to enjoy typical Nepali cuisine like dal bhat (lentil soup with rice), momos (dumplings), fried rice, noodles, and pasta. The menu may vary at higher altitudes due to limited supplies. Vegetarian options are commonly available, but at remote locations, the variety may be limited.

The weather on the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek varies greatly depending on the altitude. At lower elevations, temperatures are relatively mild, but as you gain altitude, it can get very cold, especially at night. The Sherpani Col Pass will be colder, with possible snowfall. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the high mountains, so be prepared for rain, snow, and cold winds.

The Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek typically takes 18 to 22 days, depending on the pace, acclimatization, and route taken. The trek involves long days with challenging terrain, but with proper planning, you can enjoy the magnificent scenery and high-altitude adventure.

There is limited or no Wi-Fi along the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek, especially at higher altitudes. In the lower regions, you may find some teahouses offering internet access, but it can be slow and unreliable. A local SIM card with data may be useful for basic communication.

While trekking in winter (December to February) is possible, it is not recommended for most trekkers. The high altitudes and extreme cold temperatures make it a difficult option. Winter trekking can lead to dangerous conditions, and some areas may become inaccessible due to snow and ice. If you are planning for winter, it is essential to be well-prepared with proper gear and experience in high-altitude trekking.

Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended for the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek. The insurance should cover high-altitude trekking, emergency evacuation, medical treatment, and other potential issues like trip delays or cancellations. Make sure your insurance covers trekking up to 6,000 meters.

Yes, the Makalu region is known for its wildlife, including red pandas, snow leopards, Himalayan tahr, musk deer, and various species of birds. The region's diverse flora and fauna offer a unique opportunity to see rare animals, although sightings are not guaranteed.

Yes, there will be many opportunities to take photographs during the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek. You can capture the stunning landscapes, remote villages, high mountain passes, and beautiful wildlife. Be sure to carry extra batteries and memory cards, as charging options may be limited at higher altitudes.

To prepare for the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek, focus on building endurance, strength, and cardiovascular fitness. Practice trekking with a heavy backpack, as the trek involves long days and technical ascents. It’s also essential to familiarize yourself with the gear required for high-altitude treks and ensure you are mentally prepared for the challenges of a remote and physically demanding route.