Makalu to Khumbu via Sherpani Col Trek
Cross Two Himalayan Giants: world’s highest passes between Makalu and Everest, the Sherpani Col (6,150 m) and Amphu Labtsa Pass (5,845 m)
Highlights
Starting in Kathmandu to Arun Valley: Start with acclimatization in Kathmandu, then fly to Tumlingtar and take a rugged jeep ride to Seeduwa or Num, the gateway to Makalu Barun National Park, before trekking through terraced farmland and forests.
Through Barun and Arun Valleys: The route traverses high hills, Sherpa villages like Tashi Gaon, and dense forests, gradually leaving human habitation behind for more than a week in a pristine wilderness setting.
Acclimatizing Passes and Landmarks: Trekkers cross challenging passes such as Shipton La (4,050 m) and visit notable sights like Kalo Pokhari (Black Lake) before descending into the lush Barun Valley toward Beyul Khembalung.
Cultural and spiritual highlights: Travellers encounter Sherpa communities, Buddhist stupas, ancient monasteries, and the Beyul Khembalung caves, a sacred gateway blending physical and spiritual realms.
Ascent toward Makalu Base Camp: The route traverses dense woods and alpine scenery up to Yangle Kharka, ultimately crossing Sherpani Col (6,150 m) and Amphu Labtsa Pass (5,845 m) with fixed ropes and technical climbing for grand summit views.
Descent into classic Khumbu terrain: After the passes, descent into the Imjatse Valley leads to Chhukung, Tengboche Monastery, Khumjung Village, Namche Bazaar, and Lukla for a return flight to Kathmandu
Optimal travel times and conditions: The best months are March–May and September–November when skies are clear day and night and mountain views are at their finest.
Introduction
The Makalu to Khumbu via Sherpani Col Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition through some of the most remote and spectacular terrain in the Himalayas. This challenging 21-day journey begins with a scenic mountain flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar in the eastern Himalayas of Nepal, followed by a rough off-road drive to Seeduwa, the gateway to Makalu Barun National Park. From Seeduwa, the trail climbs through lush forests, terraced farmland, and traditional Sherpa villages to Tashi Gaon, the last settlement on the way to Makalu Base Camp.
As you head toward Makalu Base Camp, the landscape shifts to dense rhododendron, oak, and pine, dotted with tiny Buddhist stupas against a backdrop of towering peaks. The trail then leads through the sacred Barun Valley, a region renowned for its rare flora and fauna, all the way to Yangle Kharka. Near Yangle Kharka, you can visit the caves of ‘Beyul Khembalung,’ believed to be a gateway where the physical and spiritual worlds overlap. A ‘Beyul’ is a hidden sanctuary, a refuge for difficult times, and is said to be blessed by Guru Padmasambhava. This spiritual stop adds a profound dimension to your adventure as you continue your ascent toward Makalu Base Camp.
The Makalu to Khumbu via Sherpani Col Trek reaches its climax with the crossing of Sherpani Col (6,150 m) and Amphu Labtsa Pass (5,845 m), two of the most demanding high-altitude passes in Nepal. Using fixed ropes and technical climbing equipment, you will navigate glaciers, moraines, and steep snow-covered slopes, rewarded with grand views of Makalu, Chamlang, Baruntse, and the Everest massif. The descent into the Imjatse Valley leads to Chhukung and the classic Khumbu trail, passing through Tengboche with its famous monastery, Khumjung Village, Namche Bazaar, and finally Lukla, where a morning flight returns you to Kathmandu.
This adventurous Makalu to Khumbu via Sherpani Col Trek combines challenging high-altitude trekking, profound cultural encounters in Sherpa communities, visits to a Beyul, ancient monasteries, and the rare privilege to conquer two remote Himalayan passes. The best months for the Sherpani Col Trek are from March to May and September to November, when skies are clear day and night and mountain views are at their finest.
