Highlights:
Crossing the world’s highest mountain passes with fabulous views. Scenic views Makalu and Everest regions. Trekking in the hidden pockets of Makalu. Closest view of Makalu, Baruntse, Everest, crossing east and west Col. Walk on low, warm Arun valley to the arctic zone. Cross the three highest mountain passes of Makalu and Everest region.
Makalu Base Camp to Sherpani Col and West Col to Amphu Laptsa pass, entering Chhukung valley in Everest’s base, is the most adventurous trip in Nepal. The adventure starts from a 745m hot Arun River valley to Makalu base camp and crosses the Sherpani Col 6,150m, the highest pass between Mount Makalu, the fifth tallest peak in the world and Everest, the tallest in the globe.
Only a few adventure trekkers use this high route from one end of the valley to another and enjoy seeing exceptional sceneries of high mountains, including Mount Makalu and its adjoining peaks, the Chamlang Himal and Baruntse.
The trail goes through many rural farm villages and cultivated fields until Tashi Gaon, the last settlement inhabited by Sherpa of the Makalu region. Leaving the last village, we get to spend nearly two weeks in a pristine environment within deeply forested areas of tall rhododendron and pine tree lines until Kongma Danda ridge.
From Kongma, the trail goes through high green hills and meadows as the walk leads to scenic and beautiful Barun valley to the foot of giant Makalu, which has been listed world 5th highest peak at 8485m.
At Makalu base camp, we take an acclimatizing rest day and explore around and hike to its side viewpoints to find extraordinary panoramas. It is also the day to use the climbing gear, crampons and ice axe, which are required to walk on the East Col, West Col and Amphu Laptsa Lass.
The final leg of the adventure leads to cross the trek’s highest point over Amphu Labtsa Pass at above 5,845m and reach the scenic Imjatse valley staying closely to Island peak base camp, one of the most famous trekking peaks of Everest region.
Once we enter Imjatse/Chhukung valley, the views are endless and surrounded from all directions. The dominating mountains are Lhotse and Nuptse wall and Ama Dablam, but you have an extraordinary view of Makalu from Chhukung Ri. The trail back ends at Lukla Airport with a comfortable Lodge Trekking; visitng the villages of Chhukung, Dingboche, Pangoche, Tengboche, Khumjung, Namche, Jorsalle, Phakdingma etc., the village of Sherpas of Khumbu region.
The last day gets celebrated at Lukla and lands back to Kathmandu with a 40 minutes scenic mountain flight enjoying the sceneries of Karyi Lung, Gauri Shanker, Ganesh and Langtang, among uncountables.
Arrive in Kathmandu, clear customs and immigration formalities, and claim your baggage, which takes some time. Upon arrival, receive a traditional welcome from a Happy Feet Mountaineers representative, then transfer to the hotel. Arrive at the hotel, and the rest of the day is free, with optional excursions (not included), or you can ask to organize any of the tours or stroll through its vibrant streets.
Kathmandu, the capital and heart of the country, is home to three medieval cities that symbolize everything in Nepal. Having lived through several Buddhist and Hindu ruling dynasties, the culture and society of Kathmandu Valley have evolved to give it more than just a unique feature. Today, it is an urban city, still rapidly growing, with its ancient myths and testimony to the greatness of the people who have lived there for time immemorial.
You will have a free day in Kathmandu to prepare for the trek, or you can join our tour around Kathmandu, visiting places of interest such as the city and the valley, steeped in World Heritage Sites.
A 35-minute flight & 5 hours’ drive.
Take a mountain-scenery-filled flight from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, located in the low, warm areas of the Arun Valley, in Nepal’s Far East, in the Sankhuwasava district, within the Makalu Zone, in Tumlingtar town.
From Tumlingtar, about a 5-hour drive to the trek starting point, Seduawa village. Reach Seduwa, register the Makalu Barun national park entry permit and TIMS permits and first overnight in a mountain village.
A 4-hour Trek.
From Seduwa village, a beautiful half-day walk starts climbing through a ridge, passing a forestry project of the national park and through farm areas, crossing several streams on the bamboo bridge or hopping on stones requiring wading in some sections, to Mani Gaon with a view of Num village on the far side of the Arun valley. Turn west, climb gradually above the Kasuwa Khola, and reach a mani-wall at Chyaksa Danda, 1900 metres, also called Narbu Gaon, with a school and flat areas for camping. Continue 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. You will reach Tashi Gaon for lunch, and the half-day is for rest and exploring around.
A 5-hour trek.
This day is altitude-gaining, with 1400 metros, and one may feel the altitude slightly. However, the camps above Tashi Gaon are certified by the Makalu Barun National Park. From Tashi Gaon, the walk leads away from the human settlement for a week. The morning starts with gradually climbing into a dense forest of rhododendrons, oaks and pine trees and reaching a stream. Further passing several cattle herders’ shelters and sheds, reach another ridge at 2520 metres, called Chipla. The trail still climbs past a stream and over a rock overhang to Unshisha Kharka, a grazing meadow at 3180 metres. From Unshisha, the trail makes the final climb through a densely forested ridge separating the Kasuawa Khola and Isuwa Khola, bringing you to Khongma Dingm (Khongma Meadow). After refreshment and rest, climb a nearby hill to enjoy the views of Kanchenjunga, Makalu and adjoining peaks.
A 6-hour trek.
From Kongma Danda, the trail crosses a ridge and descends a steep switchback to Chorten (Buddhist stupas dedicated to the dominant 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 rhododendrons and altitude mossy boulders to Tutu La 4050 metres (also known as Ghungru La). Then descend to Kalo Pokhari (black lake) at 3840 metres and take a steep rocky gully to reach the Shipton La at 4216 metres. The ridge was named for Eric Shipton in 1952, during the Everest reconnaissance expedition with Sir Edmund Hillary.
From Shipton La, the trail skirts a lake and climbs through hills to Keke La, 4150m, a last steep climb. Then it descends into a pretty rhododendron valley to Mumbuk Dobato. 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 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 and offers views of Mt. Makalu and Baruntse, leading to Yangle Kharka, marked by fluttering prayer flags, near Shersong at the end of the Barun valley, close to Makalu base camp.
The site is a sacred refuge blessed by Guru Padmasambhava around the end of the 7th century, during a time of turmoil. Visit the holy cave accessible by hanging on a metal chain and other sites.
5 hours trek.
From Yangle Kharka, 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 Jhat Kharka herders camp at 4210 metres. A gradual climb continues, passing Langmale (Yak Kharka) at 4400m, a basic, lonely stone house serving 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. Surprisingly, Makalu is not visible from here, and reach Merek, the actual campsite certified by Makalu Barun National Park instead of Langmale. You 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 Chulu and 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, arrive at the camp for lunch with enough time for side excursions. After lunch, take an option view-finding hike around the valley.
Today, take a grassy slope without any fixed trail northeast of Shersong and reach a 5250-metre ridge, the lower slopes of Peak-3. This ridge offers superb views of the world’s fifth-highest peak, Makalu, Lhotse, 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, a highlight of 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 Baruntse Himal, poorly defined on the rubble of Barun glacier. Once we reach the base camp, there is nothing to see except the views you enjoyed on the way in. There are several base camps named after expeditions from different nations that were used at the time. The Hillary Base Camp, used by Edmund Hillary in 1952, and the French Base Camp, the base camp of the first successful ascent in 1955, are at an altitude of 4950 metres, where the peaceful Barun Pokhari (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 prepare for the east and west col passes 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. You 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 you to a small glacier valley, then onto a faint trail over boulders of rock and ice, with strewn ice caves, and finally to 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 the 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 the base of Sherpani Col/pass within a glacial valley for a lunch stop and overnight camp.
The day begins at dawn with flashlights/torch lights to cross the Sherpani glacier and the Sherpani Col, an icy snout to three separate Col’s, 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 cross a glacier to a rocky ridge at the Sherpani West Col. An exceptional cirque, covered in ice and facing the Baruntse glaciers, offers close views of Makalu, the wall of Chamlang peak to the south, and 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 the overnight camp.
A 5-hour Trek.
From Baruntse Base Camp, a morning walk to Panch Pokhari (five ponds) located beneath Amphu Laptsa pass, the next high pass to cross to reach Imjatse valley in the Khumbu region. Then walk on rocky moraines to reach a wide area of the Upper Hongu Basin, close to Kang Leyamura peak at 6,430 meters, following the 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 climbs 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.
An 8-hour Trek.
Start early in the 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 Amphu Laptsa for an hour or more. From the ridgetop of Amphu Laptsa, there is a stunning panorama of the South Face of Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, and Island/Imjatse Peak. From Amphu Laptsa Pass, make a roped descent to Imjatse Valley, 150m down from the pass. Time takes, as the roped descent requires going through a steep, rocky wall one at a time. After crossing the Amphu Laptsa, the trail descends to an ablation valley of the 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, 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, the Dibuche nunnery, and the Tengboche monastery. Tengboche Monastery is situated on a beautiful meadow with a 360-degree view, including Everest. The monastery is one of the leading Buddhist centres in the Khumbu region.
A 5-hour Trek.
From Tengboche, the trail descends through a pleasant rhododendron and pine forest, offering beautiful views of the Dudh Koshi River valley, Khumjung, Namche, and the Kwangde mountains. Cross the bridge at Punggi Tenga and climb up to Senasa below Khumjung village, the trail junction to Gokyo, Khumjung, Namche, and Tengboche. The views are indescribable. Instead of going directly to Namche, stop in Khumjung for lunch and explore the area. In the afternoon, descend to Namche and enjoy the 360-degree panorama.
A 7-hour Trek.
Today is the last day of the walk. From Namche, walk downhill to reach the Dudhkoshi River, and then a short climb to Monjo past the Sagarmatha National Park entrance point. Next, a pleasant trek through a comparatively low, warm river valley leads to Phakding village. Finally, cross the river for the last time and traverse through several tiny villages of Sherpas and reach Lukla Airport for the last overnight stop.
After a great adventure around the high Barun Valley and at Makalu base camp, a short flight brings you back to Kathmandu. Meet with a Happy Feet Mountaineers representative, then transfer to your hotel.
A free day to cope with the unforeseen possibilities. If all goes well, take a guided city tour or spend a full day resting and enjoying free time on your own.
Breakfast and the rest of the day are leisure on your own. The Representative of Happy Feet Mountaineers will arrive at your hotel with transport three hours before your departure flight time. Get escorted from the hotel to the International Departure Terminal, complete the formalities, and go through immigration and departure.
