Sherpani Col Pass Trek

The Sherpani Col Pass Trek includes three passes, two of them over 6,000m. It traverses the mountain range between Makalu and Everest. This trek combines cross-country trekking with mountaineering (fixed ropes and possible ice axe) to scale the high passes of the “Three Cols” – namely Sherpani Col, West Col, and Amphu Labsta. Today this trek forms part of the Great Himalayan Trail, a newly opened up trail that crosses the country from east to west through some of the toughest and most beautiful landscapes.

This being one of the most challenging sections of the Great Himalaya Trail, an excellent level of fitness is required to complete the long weeks of trekking, the majority of days at altitudes over 4,000 and up to 6,000m.

The latter section of the trek follows the route to Everest Base Camp, from where mountaineering expeditions set off to scale Everest. The trek also visits Gorakshep and Kala Patthar, the viewpoint for Everest, from where the views of the world’s tallest mountain are simply stunning! The Makalu Barun region is one of the largest protected areas in Nepal, home to 3,000 species of flowering plants, including a variety of Himalayan orchids, 440 species of birds, and 75 species of mammals. Rare species such as the snow leopard, musk deer, and Himalayan Thar live in this pristine environment. This is one of the reasons it has been included in the Sacred Himalayan Landscape initiative of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF).

And not forgetting the once-in-a-lifetime views of the immense mountain vistas of Makalu (8,481m), Everest (8,848m), and Lhotse (8,516m) – which are towering granite cliffs capped with amazing glaciers, and high altitude lakes. This is a journey for those who have the stamina and fitness level to tackle one of the most rewarding and challenging treks in Nepal. The final days of this amazing trip are spent in Namche Bazaar and Lukla – and that’s just the icing on the cake (Or the snow on the glacier!).

Sherpani Col Pass Trek Outline Itinerary

Includes

Sherpani Col Pass Trek Map

Location of the Sherpani Col Pass Trek

The Sherpani Col Pass Trek starts from Tumlingtar, situated in the eastern part of the country, near the Tibet border.

You will be trekking through the Makalu Barun National Park with its stunning river valleys and high mountains, not to mention unique wildlife and bird population. Then, icing on the cake, you will be trekking through Sagarmatha National Park in the Everest Region, passing through some of the iconic Sherpa villages on your way down to Lukla and flying out from there.

Trek Difficulty

This is a strenuous to extreme  camping trek. Not only will you be hiking for 20 days, sometimes more than 6 hours per day, you will be climbing over 4 mountain passes and hiking and sleeping at very high altitudes (over 5,000 m / 16,404 ft)

It is a camping trek.  Something people either  love or hate.  We assume if you are considering this trek, you love camping!

You should be very fit, with a high stamina level to successfully, and happily, complete this trek. Previous high altitude trekking experience will definitely stand you in good stead.  Do not use this trek as your first camping experience – definitely try for something less remote, and at times challenging, for your first camp out. 

How to Prepare for the Trek

 If you are seriously considering this fantastic trek through a remote area of Nepal, we are under the impression you must already by physically and mentally fit, with a great level of stamina and experience!  Most people, however, can improve on that fitness (unless you have just completed a similar trek or something more challenging in the past couple of months). 

·        Increasing your cardio capacity will stand you in good stead at high altitude. 

·        Increasing your leg muscles will be great on the ups and downs of the Himalayas.

·        Having a positive attitude when things go wrong – and there is always some minor upset – will keep your focussed and calm during your adventure.

Highlights of the Sherpani Col Pass Trek

Breathtaking Views: There are many stunning mountains to be seen on this trek.  The biggies are Makalu and Everest.
Diverse Landscapes: At lower altitudes, trekking  through the Makalu Barun National Park, this trek offers lush forests, exciting river crossings, green pastures, and alpine landscapes.  When you reach higher elevations the landscape becomes more dry and rocky, with moraine and scree to hike over as well as glaciers, snow and ice.  Once in Sagarmatha National Park, the landscape starts off similar to that rocky, snow and ice topography and then turns greener as you make your way down in altitude to Lukla.
People and Culture: You will meet Rai and Sherpa people on this trek.  Both ethnic communities on the Makalu side and then mainly Sherpa on the Everest side.   
Unique Wildlife: The Makalu Barun National Park is home to a wide variety of species of flora and fauna including the snow leopard and red panda. Similar flora and fauna exist in the Everest Region.  With perhaps the addition of the Yeti!

Makalu Barun National Park

The Makalu Barun  is home to 3,000 species of flowering plants, 440 species of birds and 75 species of mammals including the Snow Leopard, red panda, musk deer, wild boar, wild yak and the Himalayan Thar.

It was established in 1992 as the eastern extension of Sagarmatha National Park.  According to Wikipedia it is the only protected area in the world with an elevation gain of more than 8,000 m / 26,000 ft.  This means it has tropical forests and snow-capped mountains.  It shares a border with the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tibet.

Sagarmatha National Park

Established in 1976, Sagarmatha National Park is 443 square miles in size and lies in the Solukhumbu District (Everest Region). In 1979 it became a World Heritage Site. It also borders with Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tibet and is part of the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) Sacred Himalayan Landscape.   

It is home to 208 bird species, and is designated as an Important Bird Area.  Mammals found there include the Himalayan Tahr, musk deer, Snow Leopard (at over 3,500 m / 11,500 ft) and the Indian leopard at lower elevations.

The Mountains

There is a long list of stunning mountains that can be seen on the Sherpani Col Pass Trek.  Some of them are:

·       Everest

·       Lhotse

·       Makalu

·       Cho Oyu

·       Kanchenjunga

Chamlang 

What to Expect on the Sherpani Col Pass Trek

You will be flying across the country to Tumlingtar then driving along bumpy and dusty roads for a few hours to Chichila where you start the trekking part of the adventure. From here you follow the Makalu Base Camp Trek until you branch off to the Swiss Base Camp.

There are four base camps on the Sherpani Col Pass Trek, and several mountain passes.  This is partly what makes it a challenging trek.  From lush pastures, forests of rhododendrons and pine, through to glaciers, ice and snow this trek is as varied as it is exciting.  

You will trek through Makalu Barun National Park, crossing rivers, hiking through forests, valleys and pastures.  You will also be hiking over four mountain passes and once you cross Amu Lapcha Pass you will be in Sagarmatha National Park in the Everest Region.

The settlements on the ‘Makalu’ side of the trek are small, mainlyRai or Sherpa communities.  Once you cross to the ‘Everest’ side, they are mainly Sherpa and there are two great monasteries to visit.

This is a remote trek, the majority of which you will be alone on the mountain trails as there will be few other trekkers on this extreme trek.  This is why it is a camping trek – there are very few accommodation options in this area.  Once you cross over to Chukung it’s a very different story as you will be in the heart of the Everest trekking region. 

An Average Day on the Trek

At the camp sites your fabulous camp chef will prepare breakfast, afternoon snacks and dinner for you.  He will also prepare lunches which will be packed for eating on the trail.  He will also provide you with boiled water for drinking and hot water for bathing.

After breakfast you will head out on that day’s adventure, usually around 8am but there are some days when a dawn, or pre-dawn departure are necessary.

On average you will walk 6 to 7 hours per day.  With some longer days and a couple of acclimatization days to regain your strength.

On the trail there may be suspension bridges to cross, small settlements to hike through and yaks to watch grazing on green pastures. Or there may be crampons to wear, fixed ropes to hold on to and icy trails to clamber over.  It depends on the day!

Sleep time always comes early on a trek, so take another look at the dark mountains and stary sky and say goodnight.

Safety First Always

While your priority may be to see something very different from your daily life, our priority, apart from showing you our beautiful country, is to keep you safe!

You will be walking and sleeping at high altitude so we must consider the possibility of altitude related illness.  In order to reduce the possibility of encountering this, we recommend plenty of short breaks, drinking plenty of water and not walking too fast.  Please tell your guide even if you have a slight headache, slight dizziness or any other ailment. Our guides are trained in first aid and in recognising signs of altitude so do not hesitate to inform them if you are feeling unwell.

The use of the correct trekking gear will help keep you safe from falls.  Hiking poles are a must.  Crampons (when and if needed) should be on your packing list too. 

Exploring the mountains on your own is not a good idea.  It is too easy to get lost there.  This is a remote area.  No signpost, maybe few passers by and the possibility of falling on loose scree or ice.  If you want to explore, talk to the guide.

Tips for Safety on the Trek:

We know as experienced trekkers you know these tips; this is just a reminder.

• Trekking poles for stabilizing yourself on risky trails.
• Crampons when and if needed.
• Do not go off on your own at the rest/ overnight stops. without telling your guide.
• Drink at least 4 liters of water per day. While camping you will be provided with boiled drinking water.
• It is important not to skip meals.
• Do tell your guide if you feel unwell; even slightly unwell. 
• Have the correct insurance.
• Wear the correct gear. Bring waterproof gear in case of rain or snowfall even when it’s not forecast.
• Bring your own regular medicines and a medical kit.
• Pay attention to the guide in tricky or dangerous areas such as scree slopes.

When is the Best Time to go on the Sherpani Col Pass Trek

Spring: (March to May) Spring is of the best times to trek in Nepal,  pretty much everywhere. It is a good time for this trek as it will not be too cold at the higher altitudes. 

Autumn: (September to November)  Autumn is the other season quoted as the best for trekking in Nepal and it is good for the Sherpani Col Pass Trek.  September and October are probably best before the cold starts to settle in.  

Monsoon: (June – September) Monsoon can bring heavy rain, but even moderate rain can spoil your trek. Flights may be delayed or cancelled due to the weather.  Rivers may overflow making the trails hazardous and trails will become slippery and more dangerous. Camping on soggy ground is not great either.  Best not to try to trek at this time of year.

Winter: (December – February)  There will be snowfall at the higher altitudes, and we do not recommend winter for this trek.  

Permits Required for This Trek

Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area Permit:

Cost: SAARC citizens – Nrs1,500 per person, per entry.

Other nationalities – Nrs 3,000 per person, per entry.

Makalu Rural Municipality Permit:

Cost: Rs2,000 per person per entry.

Sagarmatha National Park Permit – Nrs 3,000 per person.

Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Entrance Permit – Nrs2,000 per person.

**We will have these permits issued on your behalf.**

Why You Need These Permits

The fees from these permits go back into conservation and cultural preservation of the area to help keep the ecosystem for future generations.

 It is also a way to keep track as to where trekkers are in the area.  When you go through a checkpoint it is noted down, which is invaluable should you get lost between checkpoints. 

Experience a Camping Trek in a Remote Area

There are very few larger settlements which can provide accommodation for trekkers in these remote areas, which is why we chose to camp instead. 

At the campsite you will have a comfortable tent and sleeping mat.  There will be a toilet tent and dining tent.  The chef will have his kitchen tent from where he will prepare good, wholesome food and safe drinking water for you.

We will try to make your camping experience as comfortable as possible but it is the Himalayas and we cannot predict the weather!   

Food at the Camp Sites

Breakfast, lunch, afternoon snacks, and dinner are provided.

The food our chef will make is very good but we find it a good idea to bring some comfort food like dried fruits and nuts, chocolate bars, power bars etc from home.  Nothing beats a bar of chocolate with a cup of hot tea at 5,000 m  /  16,404 ft after an exhausting day. 

Possible Menu While Camping:

Breakfast may be porridge with bread (probably roti – a Nepali flat bread)

If available in nearby settlements, perhaps eggs are on the menu.

Lunch and dinner can be pasta, noodles, dal bhat (Nepali vegetable curry), pizza, etc.  

Afternoon snack may be fried potatoes and popcorn.

We will not buy meat on the trail but will bring some canned meat / tuna fish.  Please note there always vegetarian food available at every meal.  

Tea/ coffee/ hot water is unlimited, with  powdered milk and sugar. Unfortunately, the coffee will be instant; no espresso or cappuccino here.

We will not carry alcohol as we do not recommend its consumption at altitude. And its too heavy for our porters to carry.  Same goes for soft drinks – too heavy to carry.

Drinking Water While Camping

The kitchen tent will provide you with boiled water for drinking.  A Lifestraw is probably the best idea as it filters out some, not all, larger bacteria, and if you add sterilizing drops/ liquid to spring water it will be drinkable.

What to Bring for a Camping Trek

Take a look at our list of trekking equipment / gear  you need on any trek.  We suggest a few additional items for a camping trek, such as:

• Clothing for the cold at high altitudes.

·       Portable solar panel (one which hooks onto your day pack) to recharge equipment.

• Headtorch with batteries and extra batteries.
• Medicines – any ones you take regularly plus items such as headache tablets, stomach tablets etc.  And a small first aid kit.
• Four-season sleeping bag. This can be rented in Kathmandu.
• Toiletries in small, travel sized containers, and some clothes washing soap.
• Things for blisters and a few bandages in case of sprains.
• Nepali rupees in case there is something you wish to buy on the trek.  There will be limited places to spend money on this trek but you will need money for donations at monasteries, and in the very few places that have a shop.
• Your favorite snacks from home. 

Whose Carrying Your Gear?

Porters will be carrying the tents, kitchen equipment and food for this trek.  It is also possible for them to carry your gear.  Please be considerate and keep your gear down to a sensible weight of essentials! 

Before the Trek

Arriving in Kathmandu

If you wish, we can meet you at the Tribhuvan International Airport on your arrival, saving you time and effort.  Just let us know on the booking form but please note there is a charge for pick up. 

Hotels in Kathmandu

You will book your own hotel in Kathmandu (although we can advise you if you wish.) Booking.com and hostelworld.com will give you a selection of hotels in Kathmandu.  The area known as Thamel is geared up for tourists with lively cafes, restaurants, bars and shops, and is a great place to stay while visiting.  Our office is also in Thamel.

Explore Kathmandu:

There is so much to see in Kathmandu on a tour or simply exploring by yourself. Highlights of any tour will include Boudhanath (Tibetan area), Swayambhunath (also a Buddhist stupa) and Pashupatinath (Hindu temples and ghats). There are three Durbar Squares within the Kathmandu Valley, dating back to when there were three kingdoms in what is now Kathmandu, Patan and Bhaktapur.  These are among the 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites in the Kathmandu Valley. But there is so much more to see, from other heritage sites, to nightclubs and trendy hotel bars.

Visa for Nepal

Visa on arrival is available for people from most countries, via the Immigration Department of Nepal’s on-line site.   Complete the form, print it out and bring it with you.  Bring USD cash (exact money) to make payment on arrival at the airport. 

Visa on arrival is valid for 15 days, 30 days or 3 months and costs: 

• 15 Days – 30 USD
• 30 Days – 50 USD
• 90 Days – 125 USD

What is Included and Not Included in the Cost of Your Trek

Transport: Two domestic flights and public road transport are included in the cost of your trek.

Accommodation: Tented accommodation is included in the cost. 

Food: Breakfast, dinner,  and afternoon snacks at the camp site. Lunch most likely made by the camp chef but eaten on the trail. 

Permits: The permits required for this trek are included in the cost of your trip.

Tips: Tips are not included in the cost of your trek.  Please calculate the tips for your guide and porters.  Tips can be in Nepali rupees or other currencies.

Before you come expenses:  .

• Trekking / camping gear, good  trekking boots, crampons and trekking poles. 
• Flight ticket, visa fee, and insurance.

Expenses You May Encounter

The cost of the trek, namely, food, accommodation, guide, chef and porters has already been covered, and because it is a remote camping trek, there really isn’t many places to spend your money.   

You will need money for donations at the monasteries you visit.  Around Nps150-500 for each is good, with some extra if you light butter lamps.

There is not likely to be any opportunity to buy souvenirs on this trek although when you reach the ‘Everest side’ you might be able to pick up a few gifts as you pass through Monjo, Namche and Lukla. 

We can suggest you bring around USD5-10 per day, in Nepali rupees,  just in case there is anything interesting to buy such as a soft drink, at any point.

Tipping the Guide, Chef and Porters

It is the norm to tip your guide and porters on treks.  For camping treks, you also have a camp chef who you should tip also. 

This is a long trek with challenging terrain even for locals (which most of our porters are) when carrying weight.  Your appreciation of these strong and amazing men is appreciated.  Your guide is also working hard to keep you safe, supported, and informed.  And you could not do this trek without the camp chef!

Please be aware,  100% of your tips go to the staff. 

We suggest the following:

• Tip the guide 10% of your trip cost. 
• For the porters  it is normal to tip around a total of USD150  for each porter.
• Tip the chef USD200 as the norm.

The tips for the guide and crew members are divided by the number of trekkers on a trip The larger your group, the less you pay as an individual!

Your Personal Travel Insurance

Travel insurance should include trekking up to 6,000 m / 19,685 ft . It should cover helicopter evacuation, just in case.

Magical Nepal provides  insurance for our guides, porters and other staff.  Due to the rules of the Government of Nepal, we cannot cover the insurance of clients. Foreign tourists cannot buy insurance in Nepal. Please organise your insurance before coming to Nepal.

Group or  Private Trek –  What is the Difference?

A group trek is where you will be with a few other trekkers, not previously known to you, who wish to visit the same trek.  The group treks will no exceed xxxx people.

A private trek is where you know everyone on the trek because you brought them with you!  If you are traveling with family or friends, around 3 or 4 of them, this is the type of trek to choose.

If you are traveling solo it might be difficult to provide you with a guide for a private trek, but you can ask us, and we will see what we can do.

There is no difference in the price between a private and a group trek. 

Packing Tips

Download our packing list PDF here.

Bring clothes to layer:  It may be quite warm at the start and end of this trek, but it will be cold at the higher altitudes. Bring clothing that can be layered

Pack Smart: Keep your pack light for carrying over rough trails.  The porters are only human.  AI has not reached the Himalayas yet!

Toiletries: Bring what you need in travel sized containers.  Don’t bring too many – showering every day is not standard on a trek!

Why Book with Magical Nepal

Diversity – Equality – Inclusion: Keys to a Great Experience

We at Magical Nepal are a team of highly trained travel enthusiasts.  

We started Magical Nepal in 2017 and pride ourselves in growing a great team. From our climbing guides, trek guides, and liaison staff to our camp staff, porters and camp chef, we all love to explore and travel in the Nepal Himalayas. We also love to introduce our beautiful country to our clients.

We are committed to human dignity, security, and safety for all – for our clients and for the communities we visit. We are also committed to the environmental sustainability of the landscapes, flora, and fauna of the Himalayas.

We also pride ourselves on offering great value for money and a price guarantee – if you can find the same trek at a lower price, we will match it – guaranteed.

Please check the reviews from our past clients to see what they say about us.

FAQs For Sherpani Col Pass Trek:

Related Trip in Makalu Region

Makalu Base Camp Trek | Lumba Sumba Pass Trek