Sherpani Col Pass Trek – High Altitude Nepal Trek

25 Days

The Sherpani Col Pass Trek is a 24–30 day high-altitude expedition linking Makalu Barun National Park to the Everest region. This challenging trek involves glacier crossings, technical passes, and remote camping above 5,000 meters. Ideal for experienced trekkers, it offers breathtaking views of Makalu, Everest, Lhotse, Baruntse, and Ama Dablam. With expert guides, full logistics, and safety planning, this is one of Nepal’s most adventurous and least crowded trekking routes.


Why Choose the Sherpani Col Pass Trek?

This trek is perfect for adventurers who want something beyond commercial trekking routes.

Sherpani Col Trek Overview

The Sherpani Col Pass Trek is one of the most demanding and remote high-altitude trekking expeditions in Nepal. Connecting the wild Makalu region with the Everest (Khumbu) region, this extraordinary journey crosses three technical mountain passes: Sherpani Col (6,135m), West Col (6,143m), and Amphu Laptsa (5,845m).

This is not a regular teahouse trek. It is a true Himalayan expedition designed for experienced trekkers with strong physical conditioning and some glacier travel knowledge.

If you are seeking one of the most extreme trekking adventures in Nepal, the Sherpani Col Pass Trek delivers unmatched wilderness, raw alpine beauty, and serious high-mountain challenge.

Sherpani Col Trek Highlights

  • Sherpani Col Pass (6,135m)
  • West Col Pass (6,143m)
  • Amphu Laptsa Pass (5,845m)
  • Makalu Base Camp exploration
  • Glacier crossings and alpine camping
  • Everest region descent via Chhukung and Namche
  • Diverse landscapes: jungle, alpine meadows, ice fields
  • Rare Himalayan biodiversity

Itinerary

  • Day
    01

    Arrival in Kathmandu

    Upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport, our representative will transfer you to your hotel in Kathmandu. After check-in, you may rest or explore the vibrant streets of Thamel.

    3 Stars Hotel
  • Day
    02

    Trek Preparation & Permits

    Today we complete all necessary paperwork including permits for Makalu Barun National Park and Sagarmatha National Park. Final gear checks and expedition briefing.

    Breakfast
    3 Stars Hotel
  • Day
    03

    Fly to Tumlingtar (400m) & Trek to Khadbari

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    04

    Khadbari to Chichila

    Gradual ascent through terraced fields and forests to ridge-top Chichila with panoramic Himalayan views.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    05

    Chichila to Num

    We trek through rhododendron, oak, and hemlock forests along a scenic ridge before descending steeply to Num village. This settlement offers sweeping views into the Arun Valley below.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    06

    Num to Seduwa

    A challenging day begins with a steep descent nearly 800m down to the Arun River. After crossing a long suspension bridge, we climb again through forested trails to Seduwa, located inside the Makalu Barun conservation region.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    07

    Seduwa to Tashi Gaun

    Today’s steady climb passes through terraced fields of rice and millet. Tashi Gaun is the last permanent settlement before entering true wilderness terrain. We take time to explore the village and interact with locals.

    4 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    08

    Tashi Gaun to Kahuma Danda

    A demanding ascent through oak and rhododendron forest leads to alpine grazing lands. As vegetation thins, we reach Kahuma Ridge with dramatic Himalayan panoramas.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    09

    Kahuma Danda to Mumbuk

    We cross Keke La (4,230m) and Tutu La (4,200m) passes before descending through forests into Mumbuk. This section offers expanding views of Makalu’s massive south face.

    5 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    10

    Mumbuk to Nehe Kharka

    Descending into the Barun Valley, we cross the Barun River and follow a glacial valley toward high yak pastures at Nehe Kharka.

    5 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    11

    Nehe Kharka to Sherson – Makalu Base Camp

    Today we reach Lower Makalu Base Camp at Sherson, with spectacular views of Baruntse and Makalu’s towering south face. The Barun Glacier stretches nearby.

    7 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    12

    Acclimatization at Sherson

    An important acclimatization day. We take short hikes toward the glacier to improve adaptation and reduce AMS risk.

    2 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    13

    Sherson to Barun Glacier Camp

    We gradually ascend toward the upper Barun Glacier basin, surrounded by icy peaks and moraine landscapes.

    3 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    14

    Barun Camp to High Camp

    Following rugged glacier terrain below Makalu’s West Pillar, we ascend carefully over rocky moraine.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    15

    High Camp to Barun Advanced Camp

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    16

    Rest & Acclimatization

    Final acclimatization before crossing technical passes. Preparation of ropes and climbing gear.

    1 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    17

    Cross Sherpani Col (6,115m) – Moraine Camp

    Expedition highlight. Early alpine start with fixed rope sections across snow and glacier. Stunning views of Makalu, Chamlang and Ama Dablam.

    8 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    18

    Cross Amphu Laptsa (5,780m) – Panch Pokhari

    Technical crossing into the Everest region via Amphu Laptsa Pass.

    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    19

    Panch Pokhari to Amphu Laptsa Base Camp

    Gradual descent and preparation for final descent into Imja Valley.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    20

    Amphu Laptsa to Chhukung

    Challenging descent with breathtaking views of Lhotse and Island Peak.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Camping
  • Day
    21

    Chhukung to Tengboche

    Descending through Dingboche and Pangboche to Tengboche Monastery, heart of the Everest region.

    5 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    22

    Tengboche to Namche Bazaar

    Forest trail descent to Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar.

    6 hour
    Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
    Tea House
  • Day
    23

    Namche to Lukla

    Final trekking day following the Dudh Koshi River valley.

    6 hour
    Tea House
  • Day
    24

    Fly to Kathmandu

    Scenic flight back to Kathmandu.

    45 minute
    Breakfast + Lunch
    3 Stars Hotel
  • Day
    25

    Final Departure

    Transfer to airport for onward journey.

    Breakfast

Costs Includes

  • Airport pickup and drop transfer (private vehicle)
  • 3 nights 3-star hotel in Kathmandu with breakfast
  • Kathmandu – Tumlingtar flight
  • Lukla – Kathmandu flight
  • Domestic airport taxes
  • Three meals per day during trek (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
  • Fresh fruit every evening after dinner
  • Tea house/lodge accommodation during lower trek
  • Full tented camping during remote & high pass sections
  • Two-man tents, kitchen tent, toilet tent, tables, chairs, mattresses
  • Sleeping bag, down jacket, duffel bag, trekking poles (returnable)
  • Makalu Barun National Park permit
  • Sagarmatha National Park permit
  • Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality fee
  • Government licensed English-speaking guide
  • Sherpa porters (1 porter for 2 trekkers)
  • Guide & porter salary, insurance, food & accommodation
  • High pass technical support (fixed ropes where required)
  • First aid medical kit
  • Pulse oximeter (oxygen saturation monitoring)
  • Emergency helicopter arrangement support
  • Government taxes & official service charges
  • Trip completion certificate

Cost Excludes

  • International airfare
  • Nepal entry visa fee (available atobos at Tribhuvan International( Airport)
  • Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu
  • Personal travel & medical insurance (mandatory)
  • Personal expenses (laundry, Wi-Fi, shopping, calls)
  • Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages on trek
  • Tea, coffee, mineral water, desserts, extra snacks
  • Hot shower and battery charging during trek
  • Kathmandu sightseeing entrance fees
  • Tips for guide, porter, and driver
  • Excess baggage over 15kg on domestic flights
  • Expenses due to early return from trek

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Things to Carry (Professional Packing List)

Clothing

Down jacket (-20°C rated)
Waterproof shell jacket & pants
Thermal base layers (2–3 sets)
Fleece jacket
Trekking pants (2 pairs)
Warm gloves (inner + outer)
Beanie & sun hat
Gaiters

Footwear

Mountaineering boots (crampon compatible)
Trekking shoes (for lower section)
Camp shoes
Wool socks (4–5 pairs)

Technical Gear

Crampons
Ice axe
Climbing harness
Helmet (recommended)
Carabiners & safety lanyard
(Some gear can be rented in Kathmandu.)

Sleeping & Personal Gear

Sleeping bag (-20°C to -30°C)
Sleeping liner
Headlamp with spare batteries
60–70L duffel bag
Daypack (30–40L)

Health & Hygiene

Sunscreen SPF 50+
Lip balm
Personal first aid kit
Water purification tablets
Wet wipes
Hand sanitizer

Miscellaneous

Trekking poles
Sunglasses (Category 4 glacier rated)
Power bank
Passport copies
Insurance documents

Know before you book

1. Experience Required

This is NOT a beginner trek. Prior high-altitude trekking (above 5,000m) is strongly recommended.

2. Physical Fitness

You must be capable of walking 7–10 hours daily with long ascents and glacier crossings.

3. Technical Sections

Sherpani Col and West Col involve:

  • Crampon walking
  • Possible fixed rope usage
  • Steep snow & ice slopes

4. Weather Risk

High passes are highly weather-dependent. Snowfall can delay crossing.

5. Flight Delays

Lukla flights are frequently delayed. Buffer days are mandatory.

6. Insurance is Mandatory

Policy must cover:

  • High altitude trekking up to 6,500m
  • Helicopter evacuation
  • Emergency medical treatment

7. Expedition Mentality

Expect basic facilities during camping days. This is a wilderness expedition.

FAQ's for Serpani Col Pass Trekking

How difficult is the Sherpani Col Pass Trek?

It is an extreme expedition trek involving glacier crossings and technical passes above 6,000m.

How long is the Sherpani Col Pass Trek?

The trek typically takes 25–30 days including acclimatization and buffer days.

Do I need mountaineering experience?

Basic glacier travel and high-altitude trekking experience are strongly recommended.

What is the highest point of the trek?

West Col at 6,143 meters.

Is Sherpani Col harder than Everest Base Camp?

Yes. It is significantly more technical and physically demanding.

When is the best time for Sherpani Col Pass Trek?

Spring and autumn seasons offer the most stable weather.

Are there teahouses throughout the trek?

No. The high pass section requires full camping support.

Is helicopter evacuation available?

Yes, but proper insurance coverage is required.