Sherpani Col and Amphu Laptsa Trekking

Free day in Kathmandu preparation for the trek, or one can join in our tour around Kathmandu at places of interest as Kathmandu city and the valley steeped with world Heritage Sites.

5 hours Trek.

Take a mountain scenery filled flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, located on low and warm areas of Arun Valley around Nepal Far East of Sankhuwasava district within Makalu zone in Tumlingtar town.

From Tumlingtar, half an hour’s drive brings us to Khandbari, set on a hilltop at 1020 metres, the headquarters of the Sankhuwasaba District with plenty of shops. We leave the Jeep, start trek climbing between terraced fields, and reach Naya Bazaar (New Bazaar), a small village. Further continuing with a gentle ascent, reach Mani Byanyang at 1100 metres, a small hill saddle with some basic lodges and a camping site. From mani Byanjyang the trail follows an ancient trade route and climbs through Bamboo Forest reaching a School and Arun Than at 1280 metres. Then cross the Bhotebas at 1740, a village of Tamang people with several teahouses. Leaving the Bhotebas, the trail enters a forest and reaches Gogane 1845 metres with spectacular scenery of Jaljale 5333m, Makalu and Chamlang 7319m. From Gogane, the trail follows a crest through rhododendron forest and reaches Chichila 1850 metres, a village of Gurung people with several teahouses and open flat places for comfortable camping.

A 5-hour Trek.

We start the walk on an open forest, skirting the top of the ridge, passing several Sherpa settlements of the Makalu region and descending to a group of Mani-Walls at Sakuranti Majua 1865, going up to Fururu 1890 metres. Further continue gaining altitude along a ridge, which drops through brown oak forests and climb again through a heavily destroyed forest by firewood collectors and cross a small hamlet and reach at Mure 1990 metres, a Rai and Sherpa village with some basic teahouse. The trail to Num village, set on high land above Arun River, descends through forest and temporary pasturelands. Num has a good view of Seduwa village, our next destination, and the views of Shipton-La on a clear day. People also drive Tumlingtar to Num and start the trek from here.

A 5-hour Trek.

The walk starts north, following along the ridge and steep descent to Lumbang through green terraced fields and crossing the Arun River at 620 metres. We lost many metres that we gained in the last three days. The northside of the Arun Valley, patched with terraced fields, is where the villagers grow everything, including rice, maize, buckwheat and barley. As we descend, we need to climb about 1000 metres to reach Seduawa or MurmiDanda at 1545 metres. After crossing the Arun, there is an only one-stop place past Runmura at 810 metres, a good place for a refreshing rest. In Seduwa, there is a checkpoint, and we need to register the Makalu Barun national park entry permit and TIMS permits

A 4-hour Trek.

From Seduwa village, a beautiful half-day walking start climbing through a ridge passing a forestry project of the national park and through farm areas, crossing several streams on the bamboo bridge or on stone requiring to wade in some section, to Mani Gaon with a view of Num village on the far side of the Arun valley. Turn west and climb gradually above the KasuwaKhola and reach a mani-wall at ChyaksaDanda 1900 metres, also called Narbu Gaon, with a school and flat areas for camping. Continue further passing farms, forests, and meadows, reach a school at the bottom of the hill and reach the Tashi Gaon through a stone staircase, a moderate-sized farm village populated by the Sherpa community. Tashi Gaon is the last village on the way to Makalu base camp. We reach Tashi Gaon for lunch, and a half-day is for rest and exploring around.

A 5 1/2-hour Trek.

This day is a bit altitude gaining day, 1400 metros, and one may feel the altitude slightly. But the camps above Tashigaon are identified by the Makalu Barun National Park. From Tashi Gaon, the walk leads away from the human settlement for a week. The morning starts with a gradual climb into a dense forest of rhododendrons, oaks and pine trees and reaches a stream. Further passing several cattle herder’s shelters and sheds reach another ridge at 252o metres, called Chipla. The trail still climbs past a stream and overhanging rock to UnshishaKharka, a grazing meadow at 3180 metres. From Unshisha, the trail makes the final climb through a densely forested ridge that separates the KasuawaKhola and IsuwaKhola and brings us to KhongmaDingm (Khongma Meadow). After refreshment and rest, we climb a nearby hill to enjoy the views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu and adjoining peaks.

A 6-hour Trek.

From KongmaDanda, the trail follows over a ridge with a steep switchback to Chorten (Buddhist stupas specially dedicated on the dominating hill ridges) at 3840 metres providing fine views of Peak-6 (6739m), Peak-7 (6105m) and Chamlang. Then several ups and downs, crossing several false ridges through scrubby rhododendron and altitude mossy boulder to Tutu La 4050 metres (also known by Ghungru La). Then descend to KaloPokhari (black lake) at 3840 metres and take a steep rocky gully to reach the Shipton La at 4216 metres. The ridge’s name is dedicated to Eric Shipton in 1952 while leading the Everest reconnaissance expedition with Sir Edmund Hillary.

From Shipton La, the trail skirts a lake and climbs through hills to Keke La 4150m, our last steep climb and descend into a pretty valley of rhododendrons. If you travel here around mid-April to May, the valley turns into a beautiful garden with brilliant flowers.

A 5-hour Trek.

Morning walks head down through a scree-covered slope to Barun valley, a scenic place famous for rare species of plants. The region is known for medicinal herbs and endangered wildlife, which are rarely spotted. Upon reaching Barun valley, the walk leads gradually up with peaks on both sides of the valley. A slow uphill walk crosses streams with views of Mt. Makalu and Baruntse, bringing us to YangleKharka, marketed with fluttering prayer flags, near Shersong, situated at the end of Barun valley close to Makalu base camp.

5 hours Trek.

From YangleKharka, a gradual climb encountering several Yak herders shelters to Nehe Kharka 3750m (Nehe mean sacred or pilgrimage site in Sherpa Language) also marked with prayer flags. Then cross a waterfall and reach Riphuk (Hill cave) herders camp and JhatKharka herders camp at 4210 metres. A gradual climb continues passing Langmale (Yak Kharka) at 4400m, a basic lonely stone house that serves hot drinks and basic food, a pleasant place to camp.

A 4-hour Trek.

The morning starts with a gradual uphill filled with views of Peak-4, Chamlang, Peak-3, and Peak-5, surprising Makalu is not visible from here, and we reach Merek. Actual campsite certified by Makalu Barun National Park, instead of Langmale. We are now in arctic zones made of arid sand and gravel. From Merek, follow a trail to the west beside a stream, enjoying the views of Hongku Chuli, the pyramid peak rising ahead. Then turn north, enter a side valley, get the view of Makalu soaring high above, continue on a faint trail through the east bank of the stream for an hour, and reach Shersong, a summer yak grazing meadow for the Sherpas of the Makalu region. Today, we arrive at our overnight camp for lunch with enough time for side excursions. After lunch, take an option view finding hike around the valley.

Today we take a grassy slope without any fixed trail to the northeast of Shersong and reach a 5250-metre ridge, the lower slopes of the Peak-3. This ridge has superb views of the world’s fifth-highest peak Makalu, the Lhotse and Lhotse Shar, Everest with the Kangshung Face, and the South Col of Everest. In the afternoon, return to camp and rest.

A 3-hour Trek.

Today the walk leads to Makalu Base Camp, one of our highlighted points in the journey. The trail passes the higher mountain path over moraine, ice and rocky areas to Makalu base camp, close to a glacial pond next to BaruntseHimal, poorly defined on the rubble of Barun glacier. Once we reach the base camp, there is nothing to see except the views that we enjoyed to accessing the base camp itself. There are several base camps named after different expeditions from different nations used at their time. The Hillary Base Camp, used by Edmund Hillary in 1952, and the same camp known as French Base Camp, the base camp of first successful ascent in 1955, are at an altitude of 4950 metres, where the peaceful BarunPokhari (Barun Lake) lies.

A 4-hour Trek.

From Makalu Base Camp, climb and walk on the moraine, ice and glaciers until our overnight camp above Makalu base camp, located close to the snout of Barun glacier and its glacial pond. In the afternoon, rest and preparation for the east and west col pass to reach the Amphu Valley.

A 4-hour Trek.

After an exciting overnight at High Camp, we initiate a more challenging climb that leads west beneath the towering Western Pillar of Makalu. We are now entirely in the mountain environment. The altitude gains rapidly following a valley ablation on the west side of the glacier coming from the Barun peak. The climb brings us to a small glacier valley and then on a faint trail over boulders of rocks and ice with strewn ice caves and then reach Advanced camp for an overnight stop. This area is also called Puja Camp, right beneath Mt. Makalu’s West Pillar.

A 4-hour Trek.

From Advance camp or Puja camp, a steady challenging climb to a rocky ridge near Barun peak west end, then heading to a row of cairns reaching at the base of Sherpani Col/pass within a glacial valley for a lunch stop and overnight camp.

The day begins in the dawn with flashlights/torch lights to cross the Sherpani glacier, and Sherpani Col, an icy snout to three separate Col, and the climb follows on a steep snow-covered slope requiring rope fixing to support porters and members. All will be roped from the Col/Pass to get across over a glacier to a rocky ridge at Sherpani West Col. An exceptional cirque covered by ice facing Baruntse glaciers offers close views of Mount Makalu, the wall of Chamlang peak to the south with Ama Dablam on the west. After a tough climb, descend to Hongu Glacier on fixed ropes to complete the day with a pleasant walk over snow slopes beneath moraines near Baruntse base camp for overnight camp.

A 5-hour Trek.

From Baruntse Base Camp, morning walk to Panch Pokhari (five ponds) located beneath Amphu Laptsa pass next high pass to cross to reach Imjatse valley in the Khumbu region. Then walks on rocky moraines to reach a wide area of Upper Hongu Basin close to Kang Leyamura peak at 6,430 meters, following rocky glacier towards a moraine then close to Amphu Laptsa Pass for an overnight stop at Panch Pokhari, a glacial pond.

A necessary rest day after days of challenging climbing on rocks, ice, and glaciers allows us to regain energy and strength while our staff and guides scout the next pass to fix ropes necessary for the final crossing.

An8-hour Trek.

Start early morning to cross the last final pass of the adventure. The climb takes place on rocks, moraine, and icy slopes to reach the top of AmphuLaptsa for an hour or more. From the ridgetop of AmphuLaptsa, there is a stunning panorama of Lhotse South Face, Lhotse Shar and Island/Imjatse Peak. From AmphuLaptsa Pass, make a roped descent to Imjatse valley, 150m down from the pass. Time takes as the roped descent requires one by one through a steep rocky wall.   After crossing the Amphu Laptsa, the trail descends to an ablation valley of Imja glacier in the Khumbu region. A pleasant walk towards Chukung village with some lovely lodges for overnight stops.

A 5-hour trek.

In the morning, we climb to Chhukung Ri and enjoy the stunning views of Makalu and Lhotse Nuptse Wall. Then a panorama filled, walking down, passing the villages of Dingboche and Pangboche. Mount Ama Dablam dominates the eastern skyline; Everest remains hidden by Lhotse and Nuptse walls. On this day, one can visit the monastery of Pangboche, the oldest in the region, Dibuche nunnery and Tengboche monastery. Tengboche Monastery situates on a beautiful meadow with the most beautiful view of 360 degrees, including Everest. The monastery is one of the leading Buddhist centres in the Khumbu region.

A 5-hour Trek.

From Tengboche, the trail leads downhill through a pleasant rhododendron and pine forest with a beautiful view of Dudh Kosi river valley, Khumjung, Namche, and Kongde mountains. Cross the bridge at Punggi Tenga and climb up Senasa below the Khumjung village, the trail junction to Gokyo, Khumjung, Namche and Tengboche. The views are indescribable. Instead of going direct to Namche, we climb to Khumjung for lunch and see around. In the afternoon, descend to Namche, enjoying the 360-degree panorama.

A 7-hour Trek.

Today is the last day of the walk. From Namche, walk downhill to reach Dudhkoshi river, and then a short climb to Monjo past Sagarmatha National Park entrance point. Next, a pleasant trek in a comparatively low warm river valley brings Phakding village. Finally, we cross the river for the last time and traverse through several tiny villages of Sherpas and reach Lukla Airport for the last overnight stop.

Take a short scenic flight from Tenzing -Hillary airport Lukla to Kathmandu. The adventurous trekking around Makalu, traversing the highest and rugged passes Sherpini Col, West Col, Amphu Labtsa and back to Khumbu valley is an end with beautiful and everlasting memories. Upon landing at Kathmandu airport, meet with the Happy Feet Mountaineers representative and transfer to your hotel.

We reserve an extra day in Kathmandu for flight delays or other unforeseen factors. If all goes well, this day can be a medieval village tour of Bhaktapur and Patan cities, the not to miss sites in Kathmandu.

Breakfast and the rest of the day are leisure on your own. The Representative of Happy Feet Mountaineers arrives at your hotel with transport three hours before your departure flight time. Get escorted from the hotel to the International Departure Terminal; see off formalities, and go through the immigration and departure.