Makalu Sherpani Col Pass

Cost Included

• Airport – Hotel transfers – Airport (Pick Up and Drop).
• 3 Star Category hotel Accommodation In Kathmandu in twin sharing bed room including Breakfast.
• Farewell Dinner in a tourist standard Nepali restaurant with a cultural show in Kathmandu.
• All necessary paper works: Makalu Barun National Park permits, TIMS permit & conservation entry fee.
• Insurance for all involved Nepalese staff during the trek.
• Fly from Kathmandu – Tumlingtar and Lukla – Kathmandu, as per itinerary
• Drive Tumlingtar to Num.
• Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner along with accessible accommodation sharing twin bed room at Hotel/Lodge/Camping during the trek.
• Camping: All necessary camping equipment and stuff during the trek.
• Guide: Local government-licensed Guide (English speaking) during the trek and sightseeing in Kathmandu Valley.
• Porter: Porters (2 trekkers: 1 porter) during the trek.
• Staff Salary and allowance: All Nepalese staff & porters’ daily wages, salary, equipment, food & clothing.
• Comprehensive Medical kit for group.

What’s Not Included

• Nepalese visa fee
• International airfare to and from Kathmandu
• Excess baggage charges
• Entrance  Fee for  Sightseeing
• Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and/or Pokhara
• Extra night accommodation in Kathmandu and Pokhara in case of early arrival, late departure, and early return from the mountain(due to any reason) than the scheduled itinerary
• Travel and rescue insurance
• Personal expenses (phone calls, laundry, bar bills, battery recharge, extra porters, bottle or boiled water, shower, etc)
• Tips for guides and porters

1. What is the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek ?
The Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek is an adventurous, high-altitude trek that crosses through the Makalu and Everest regions of Nepal. The trek takes you through remote areas, providing stunning views of Mount Makalu (8,485 meters) and other peaks like Ama Dablam, Island Peak, and Chonku Peak. It involves crossing three of the highest passes in the Himalayas: Sherpani Col (6,150m), West Col (6,143m), and Amphu Labtsa Pass (5,800m).

2. How long does the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek take ?
The trek typically takes 3 weeks to complete, depending on the pace of the trekkers, acclimatization days, and weather conditions. The duration may vary slightly, but most itineraries span between 19 to 21 days.

3. Is the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek difficult ?
Yes, the trek is considered extremely challenging. It involves high-altitude trekking (over 6,000 meters), glacier walking, and the use of mountaineering gear such as ice axes, crampons, and ropes. Crossing the high passes requires technical skills, and trekkers should be experienced in high-altitude hiking and prepared for harsh conditions.

4. What physical preparation is needed for the trek ?
The Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek demands excellent physical fitness. You should prepare by:

Cardiovascular training (long hikes, running, cycling).
Strength training for legs and core muscles (squats, lunges).
Endurance to handle long days of walking at high altitudes.
Acclimatization: Take extra rest days at high altitudes to adjust to the thinner air. You should be in good health and have experience with multi-day trekking, ideally in high-altitude conditions.

5. Do I need mountaineering experience ?
While you don’t need advanced mountaineering experience, you do need to be comfortable with glacier walking and using basic mountaineering equipment like ice axes and crampons. It’s highly recommended to have some experience in high-altitude trekking or even taking a basic mountaineering course before attempting this trek.

6. What gear is required for the trek ?
The trek requires specialized gear, including:

Warm clothing (layers, down jacket, thermal tops).
Technical gear like ice axes, crampons, and harnesses for crossing the passes.
Sleeping bag rated for -10°C (14°F) or lower.
Headlamp with extra batteries.
Water purification equipment (tablets or filters).
Good hiking boots (sturdy and broken-in).
Rucksack (50-70 liters) and duffel bags for your gear.
First-aid kit, including altitude sickness medication (Diamox).
7. What is the altitude of the trek and how can I avoid altitude sickness?
The highest point of the trek is Sherpani Col at 6,150 meters (20,177 feet). The trek involves substantial elevation gains, making altitude sickness a concern. To minimize the risk of altitude sickness:

Acclimatize properly by taking rest days at key altitudes.
Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Take it slow to avoid exertion at high altitudes.
Consider taking Diamox (under medical supervision) as a preventative measure against altitude sickness.

8. What kind of permits do I need for the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek ?
Makalu Conservation Area Permit (MCAP).
Sagarmatha National Park Permit (if trekking in the Everest region as part of your route).
Trekkers’ Information Management System (TIMS) Card. These permits can be obtained in Kathmandu or Salleri (the trek’s starting point).

9. Is a guide and porter required ?
While a guide and porter are not strictly required, they are highly recommended, especially for such a challenging trek. A guide will assist with navigation, provide safety advice, and offer valuable local insights. A porter can help carry your heavy load, allowing you to focus on the trek. Most trekking agencies will arrange both services for you.

10. When is the best time to do the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek ?
Spring (March to May): The weather is generally stable, and the views are clear. Wildflowers start to bloom in the valleys.
Autumn (September to November): This is the most popular trekking season, offering clear skies, stable weather, and great visibility.
Avoid trekking in the monsoon season (June to August), as trails can be muddy, and the passes may be more difficult to cross due to snow or rain.

11. How difficult are the Sherpani Col, West Col, and Amphu Labtsa Pass crossings ?
Sherpani Col: This pass is physically demanding and requires glacier navigation, and at certain points, it is quite steep. There may be crevasses and snow, so technical skills are needed.
West Col: Similar to Sherpani Col, this pass involves technical glacier walking and crossing rocky terrain. It is slightly lower in elevation than Sherpani Col but still challenging.
Amphu Labtsa: This is one of the most famous passes in the Everest region, and while it is lower in elevation, it still presents challenges with its snow-covered slopes and the potential for difficult weather.

12. What are the accommodation options along the trek ?
Accommodation is basic but comfortable. You’ll stay in teahouses (guesthouses).  Teahouses typically offer simple rooms with shared bathrooms. Meals are served in communal dining rooms, and menus usually feature a mix of Nepali, Tibetan, and Western food. Some of the higher-altitude teahouses may have limited amenities.

13. What kind of food should I expect on the trek ?
Meals along the trek will mostly consist of dahl bhat (rice with lentils), vegetable stew, momo (dumplings), and Tibetan bread. You can also expect some Western-style options, like pasta, noodles, and fried rice. At higher altitudes, food options may become more limited, but snacks like chocolate, energy bars, and nuts can be bought at various teahouses.

14. Is it safe to trek the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek ?
While the trek is generally safe if you follow the guidance of your guide, there are inherent risks due to the high-altitude environment and challenging terrain. It’s important to:

Trek with a guide to ensure safety and assistance in emergencies.
Be cautious when crossing high passes, particularly in bad weather.
Ensure you’re well-prepared with proper gear, knowledge of altitude sickness, and first-aid supplies.

15. Can I do the trek independently ? 
While it is possible to do the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek independently, it is not recommended due to the technical nature of the passes, the need for specific mountaineering equipment, and the remote location. Most trekkers prefer to join a guided group for added safety and logistical support.

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