Makalu Sherpani West Col - 24 Days

On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuvan International Airport you will be received by our staff and escort you to the Hotel, where our guide will give you a brief orientation of the Hotel, Kathmandu, Trekking / Camping, do’s and don’t and other related information that you might require while in Nepal.

After your first night in Kathmandu, you will be well informed on arrival about the time for your half day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu at places of interest. Sometime, depending upon your flight arrival if it’s late in the night we will do this tour in the afternoon instead of morning to give you a nice sleep and rest before you venture out of the Hotel for our interesting tour of history & culture.

After breakfast, a bus ride to the domestic terminal of Kathmandu Airport for the 50 minute sweeping scenic flight to Tumlingtar overlooking range of snow capped peaks from Langtang all the way to Mt. Everest, Makalu & Mt. Kanchenjunga, Tumlingtar airport and its village town located on a shelf above the Arun River, we walk across to meet our trek crew beside the airstrip, we can clearly see, far off to the north, the white peak of Makalu. From here, our first day of the trek, starts from Tumlingtar the walk is pleasant for an hour through the farm fields and villages. After leaving the suburb of Tumlingtar, the trail climbs up gradually towards Khadbari in the midst of the sub-tropical forest of Sal (Sorea-Robusta)and more farm fields along the way, as we come to a town of Khadbari a major village and a headquarter of the Sankha Shaba and Makalu region. This is a busy bazaar, especially on Saturday market days.

From Khadbari the trail is gradual with few ups and down till the village of Manibhanjang, after an hour and half of gradual walking with a break here, ascend the ridge on a wide and well-used trail, reaching at the lunch stop at Bhotebas after three and a half hours of steady ascent. After lunch walk for another couple of hours to the small ridge-top village of Chichira. On route, passing through fertile farmed land, and verdant rain forest, with thick undergrowth and many types of ferns. Chichira a small farm village with 6-8 houses with a superb view of Mt. Makalu 8,463m and the Khumbukarna mountain range.

In the clear dawn we have good views of Makalu and its satellite peaks, from this magical spot of Chinchilla, perched high above the surrounding countryside. The walk to Num leads us through the cool and tranquil forest of rhododendron, oaks and hemlocks as we climb to the ridge top, from the ridge top it is almost downhill for two hours to the overnight camp at Num. Num a small village with about fifteen houses and a primary school on the large flat ground, from where we have good view of our route for the next couple of days. Opposite, across the Arun River, is the village of Sedua, our camping place for the next day.

From Num, we set off down the incredibly steep and terraced slopes towards the Arun River, nearly a 800 meters below. The lower slopes of this narrow valley are densely forested and the paths are quite slippery, after reaching the bottom, cross the suspension bridge across the torrential Arun River, at the height of 670 meters, we start our climb back out of the rain forest, reaching our lunch place at Runruma. After lunch, a steep climb takes us up to Sedua, a village with a small health post and a primary school. We camp overnight near the schoolyard. It’s a nice place to camp out

The trek to Tashi-Gaon is a short walk of three to four hours probably with lunch and camp on the same spot. The walk takes you to more rural farm villages, on the gradual trail through the farm fields and terraces, as we come near to Tashi Gaon; it’s an uphill climb for an hour through the millet and rice fields. Tashi Gaon is a Sherpa village, unlike the Sherpa of Everest, they are bit different in the way they live in, the dress and the house they live in, being settled in the low warm areas they are engaged more in agriculture and cattle raising. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to wander around. The trek to Tashi-Gaon is a short walk of three to four hours probably with lunch and camp on the same spot. The walk takes you to more rural farm villages, on the gradual trail through the farm fields and terraces, as we come near to Tashi Gaon; it’s an uphill climb for an hour through the millet and rice fields. Tashi Gaon is a Sherpa village, unlike the Sherpa of Everest, they are bit different in the way they live in, the dress and the house they live in, being settled in the low warm areas they are engaged more in agriculture and cattle raising. In the afternoon, you’ll have time to wander around. This is a good place to hang around.

Tashi Gaon, the last village en-route to Makalu basin, after this village the walk is refreshing for an hour and a half in the beautiful shade of the rhododendron and oaks forest, after leaving the dense forest coming to a summer pastures with traces of temporary made shepherd huts. From here onwards to Kohma ridge is a arduous uphill climb, as the tree lines declines for the bushes of rhododendron and juniper. Then coming to an open area of Kohma danda for the overnight camp. From this spot a grand view of the far landscapes with the 3rd highest mountain Kanchenjunga in view towards the north east and Mt. Makalu towards North West. From here onwards you can feel the cold chill of the Himalayas. The climate changes dramatically from here on.

With the wonderful morning and the superb views of the surrounding landscapes and snow capped peaks, our trek follows a gradual trail with few ups and down as we pass through the Thulo Pokhari (big pond) and Sano Pokhari (small pond). In the heavy snow, the path from here can be quite misleading and it will be arduous to find the trail sometime. After the bigger pond is crossed, we come to the pass of Tutu-la at 4,075m. From here onwards it is all downhill back to vegetation, as we reach to our camp at Mumbuk, a small clearing place for camping in the middle of the woods of pines, hemlock, birch and rhododendrons.

The camp being in the shade of the tree, the view of the Khumbukarna can be seen through the vegetation of the tree lines, the walk from here is downhill to the enclosed and concealed Barun Valley, one of the least explored area in the eastern Himalayan region of Nepal. This unique landscapes within the Makalu-Barun National Park are some 3,000 species of flowering plants, 440 bird species and 75 species of mammals, including the endangers clouded leopard, red panda and musk deer. The remarkable bio-diversity is considered to be a global significance and provides a living laboratory for international scientific research. As we reach the lush alpine area of Barun Valley the walk is very pleasant with gradual uphill slopes, following the Barun River upstream on the valley gorge towards our camp at Neha-Kharka one of the summer pastures for the local folks of Tashi and Navagoan. We camp out here on the green meadows.

A little beyond our camp we cross the Barun river by way of couple of wooden bridges, which make use of conveniently situated boulders. There is a large prayer wall at Ramara, after 2-3 hours walk, from here the vegetation gets sparse, although the rhododendron, barberries, cotoneaster and juniper bushes persist for some time. This is a lovely day’s walk, through the high alpine, as we come nearer to Sherson in sight of the lower Barun glacier and the towering majestic Mt. Makalu. Sherson is also the lower base camp of Mt. Makalu. There are number of stone enclosures at this high grazing ground with outstanding view of host of peaks, including the upper part of Makalu south face, and Mt. Baruntse 7,220m peeking above peak 4. The views here are just great!

A leisure day for a day hike, free from the hassle of packing. Around Sherson there are many interesting hike and view points to explore, the most scenic walk would be taking a hike on the right side of the camp above for the closer view of Mt. Makalu, Barun Pokhari and the view of the rare face of Everest the Kanshung face with Lhotse nearby. A one hour steep up brings you to the large meadow you can walk farther up to have a magnificent views of the Mt. Makalau and more other peaks of this area and beyond.

From Sherson, we continue to more isolated area towards the higher base camp, which is less than three hour trek above Sherson, at the snout of the Barun glacier, near its glacial pond. On arrival at the camp afternoon free for short hike above the camp, a climb on the moraine ridge, for more impressive views of Mt. Makalu, and of the usual hidden east sides of Lhotse and Everest, this looms above the Barun glacier to the North West. We will spend rest of the afternoon at leisure and preparing for the next big adventure. Some of the porters will set off back with equipment which we do not need to take with us making the load as light as possible to overcome the traverse over Sherpani Col and beyond.

Our journey from here heads westwards to camp just below Makalu west pillar, as the altitude gains slowly, we take our time with enough breaks in this high terrain our walk follows a path which climbs an ablation valley on the west side of the Barun glacier. Following this valley onto the glacier we make our way over the boulder-strewn caves and ice to a camp known as Puja Camp below the towering Mt. Makalu’s West Pillar. Our strenuous trek on the glacier is rewarded with exclusive views of Lhotse and the rare Vanishing face of Everest.

Leaving our camp the path follows to a steep climb up the rocky slopes of the Barun’s west bank, until a line of cairns leads us into the valley where two small glaciers are fed by the slopes of the Sherpani Col. We will make our camp beneath the ice cliffs at the terminus of these two glaciers after 4-5 hours of energetic climb.

This is a tough day for the hard & high climb with steep descending. At this altitude offers superb views of the giant West Face and West Pillar of Makalu. Here our expert guides will check the route and make the pass accessible by fixing ropes on route.

After crossing Sherpani col, this is our big day! Leaving the camp before dawn, we climb on the icy snout of the Sherpani Glacier, three separate Col’s give access to the cirque, we will choose the most appropriate of these routes, according to the prevailing conditions, our climb follows on steep snow covered slopes, with the back-up of the fixed ropes which we had set up on the previous day. From the Col a rope will be fixed up to cross the glacier to the rocky crest of the West Col. This stunning cirque is framed by the sweep of Baruntse’s icy ridges to the north, the vast cliffs of Makalu, the wall of Chamlang to the south and the shapely spire of Ama Dablam ahead of us to the west. We will be having our packed lunch on the world’s highest picnic spots, in the meantime our guides will scout the safe route down the West Col. After a break a descent from the Col on fixed lines leads us to the Hongu Glacier, and end our long hard day with a gradual walk over snow slopes down to our camp on the moraine.

Our journey leads to our next adventure over the Amphu Laptsa before we head towards the main busy trail of Lukla, Namche Bazaar and Thyangboche. Walk follows across the wide reaches of the upper Hongu Basin towards Kang Leyamura a 6,430 m peak to the west. Following the rocky glacier in the beginning, then towards old and more recent moraine deposits, we reach the beautiful Panch Pokhari meaning ‘five ponds’ and make our camp near to the largest pond at the foot of our final pass Amphu Labtsa 5,780m.

Another well earned rest day, which gives us a break to pull back our strength back for the final assault over the last big pass. Either relaxing or for the energetic people there is an opportunity to climb smaller hills behind the camp for the excellent views of the Hinku Glacier and the Mingbo-la. Here our guides will go up to the Amphu Labtsa and will fix ropes on some difficult section for the safe descent towards Imjatse Valley.

Another big day, an early start from the camp for 2-3 hrs treks leads to the top of the pass. From the pass, overlooking stunning views of the impressive south face of Lhotse and Lhotse Shar and the summit of Island or Imaja-tse Peaks. As soon as the kitchen staffs and porters arrive at the pass, they will be lowered 150 meters to the relatively less steep ground below the pass. Similarly, loads have to be carefully lowered, after checking every member in the group we slowly and carefully descend with the help of ropes and ice axe if required, then reaching the safe side from the pass by early afternoon everybody should be off the snow. Once in the safe ground away from the snow and ice area, an hour or more walk will take us to the ablation valley by the side of the Imja Glacier, now being within the Imja-tse valley walking will be more or less easier most of the way to the trekkers civilization at Chukung a temporary settlement with 5-6 teahouse and lodges. We camp overnight at Chukung after 8-9 hrs of hard adventurous trek. A well earned rest, we should say.

After the hard couple of days over the two high hidden pass in between the massif peaks, our route from here leads to a pleasant walk on the downhill slope to Dingboche and Pangboche village before Thyangboche. After two hours of easy walk brings us at Dingboche village. Dingboche is a beautiful patchwork of field enclosed by stone walls, protecting the crops of barley, buckwheat and potatoes from the cold winds and grazing animals. From Dingboche a gentle walk leads towards the Imjatse River with excellent views of Ama Dablam, Kangtenga and Tawoche peaks the trail leads to a small wooden bridge, from the bridge an easy walk to Pangboche village. From here the route diverts two ways; the upper one going to the upper Pangboche village, where the old Monastery is located, the gradual low route is the straight forward main trail onwards to Thyangboche and beyond.

It will be better to go the upper trail, for more view and to visit the upper Pangboche village 3,900m and its Monastery, which had a Yeti scalp, and a skeleton believed to be Yeti’s hand, it was stolen in the early ’90’s, and has never been recovered back, like the monastery in Khumjung this Monastery is believed to be older, after the visit to the Monastery a gradual walk downhill brings you back to the main trail, with a short climb after the bridge over the gorge of Imjatse River, the walk follows mani wall through the beautiful forest of silver fur, birch and rhododendron all the way to Thyangboche Monastery, a magnificent place surround by the impressive view of the snow capped mountains. The views hereabouts are just out of this world.

After a visit to the newly built monastery after the old one was burned to the ground in the late 80’s, our trek begins with a descend for an hour to Phungi Tenka, here we cross the long suspension bridge over the Imjatse River by now the trail is more busier with trekkers, porters and pack animals than the previous days. From the bridge an hour and half climb brings to Shana-sa village, with outstanding views of Mt. Ama Dablam and Tharmserkhu. Perhaps the trek might break here for lunch in this village. After a good stop, if people are interested to visit the upper sleepy village of Khumjung and Khunde they may do so, as the walk to Namche from here is just two hours away on the easy winding trail with constant view of the snow capped peaks of Kwangde, Tharmaserkhu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, Lhotse and Everest. As the path splits from here to Namche and Khumjung the later village will take about an hour uphill walk and then about 2-3 hrs to reach Namche for the overnight halt. On reaching Namche Bazaar it will be more or less back to civilization with brilliant restaurants, shops, lodges and even Cyber cafe.

Being on the main trail to Everest, the walk from Namche onwards will be much easier all the way to Lukla, the path leads downhill all the way to the convergence of Bhote-Koshi and Imjatse which makes the Dudh Koshi. From here cross the long suspension bridge with a short climb into the pine woods, which reaches back to the river bed, the gentle trail follows the river downstream passing through many farm fields and villages then coming at the entrance of Sagarmatha National Park in Monjo village. After Monjo another two hours of good walk leads to Phakding near the river Dudh Koshi. Final leg of this great trek will be a good walk to Lukla; you can walk at your own leisurely pace, enjoying the lush green scenery around. Apart from few short uphill the only long climb will be just before Lukla which will take approximately 45 minutes from a place called Choplung or from the old big oak tree. On reaching Lukla, prepare for the last day dinner and celebration with the fellow Sherpa crew, porters and trekking members. Its time for a party!!

The flight time to Kathmandu, are schedule for morning normally, because of the wind in the afternoon, sometime the flight time can be delayed due to bad weather and other reason beyond our control. After getting the boarding pass depending upon the flight time, make way to the terminal for security check, this scenic flight from Lukla takes about 30 to 40 minutes to Kathmandu, a panoramic view of the snow capped peaks can be seen during the flight. Arriving at Kathmandu domestic terminal, our staff will be there to receive and escort you back to the Hotel.

A free day in Kathmandu; please let our staff know if you would like to go on another short tour in and around Kathmandu Valley or for our exciting extension trips. Programs include White Water Rafting, Jungle Safari, Paragliding or for a Bungee Jump. At eventide, we visit a well known Nepali kitchen for a delicious Nepalese cuisine & as we enjoy our supper, we are entertained to a thrilling cultural dance performed by the local belles. This is a complimentary outing on behalf of Higher Limits Treks & Expedition for the good welfare of our guests. Overnight at your hotel.

Today, as per your international flight time, keep your confirmed air ticket, departure tax (in local currency) and your passport handy. Our Office staff will take you to the airport for the final departure. Sayonara!! We hope to see you again!!