Highlights:

"Entering into scenic and hidden Barun valley and Mt. Makalu base camp on route West Col
Rare East Face views of Mt. Everest the famous and scenic Khansung from Makalu base camp

Trek from low warm Arun valley towards alpine cooler areas into arctic zone of ice and glacier 
Explore mid hills villages of immense culture and tradition untouched by modernization

Panorama of Mid to Far Eastern Himalaya on scenic flights to and from Kathmandu / Tumlingtar

Views of Mt. Makalu-Kanchenjunga-Baruntse with Chamling and crossing of high Sherpani Col
Trekking into enchanting alpine forest of tall rhododendron-magnolia-oaks and pines trees”

Trip Profile:

Introduction:

Makalu West Col –Sherpani passes, an adventure over high Himalayan Mountains traversing from scenic and beautiful Makalu and Barun valley towards Khumbu around Everest region.

One of the highest pass crossing in whole Himalayan region, where trekkers and adventurer should be well prepared with some knowledge in basic climbing, as the route over Makalu West Col –Sherpani passes requires technical efforts to encounter steep tough climb and long descends.

Besides tough climbs over high passes rewards you with awesome panorama of world’s highest mountains from Everest-Lhotse-Makalu to Kanchenjunga with array of adjoining peaks, an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime experience on Makalu West Col –Sherpani passes.

A mind-blowing adventure within scenic Arun and Barun valley leading towards world 5th highest Mt. Makalu base camp and traverse toward beautiful Imjatse valley at high Khumbu in the shade of mighty Mt. Everest.

On Makalu West Col - Sherpani passes, leads you away from human settlements and villages in total isolation for more than a week in complete wilderness in the harmony of giant peaks-glaciers within serene ambiance.

Starting from former kingdom of Nepal at Kathmandu with sweeping scenic flight to land at warm areas of Arun valley in Tumlingtar, then heading towards high hills past rural farm villages and into moss filled alpine woodland to reach at scenic Barun valley, where rare herbs and vegetation almost extinct in this planet found in this remote beautiful areas of Makalu and Barun valley.

Finally adventure leads to the base of Mt. Makalu within Chamlang and Baruntse peaks where our daring traverse leads over Sherpani or Makalu West Col to enter into Khuambe areas at Everest after crossing the highest pass of the trek over Amphu Labtsa.

From Imjatse valley back into human civilization following the main trail of Everest to Thyangboche monastery and into green forest of pines and rhododendron to reach at famous Namche bazaar as walk leads on pleasant trail to Lukla for flight to Kathmandu, after a great adventure of a lifetime experience on Makalu West Col - Sherpani passes.

Outline Itinerary:

Trip Dossier:

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu 1,300m via respective airlines.

On arrival at Kathmandu Tribhuwan International Airport received by our staff and transfer to your Hotel, where our guide provide briefing of the Hotel, Kathmandu, Trekking / Camping, do's and don'ts and other necessary information.

Day 02: A day in Kathmandu with half day sightseeing tour.

After your first night in Kathmandu, morning with half day guided sightseeing tour in and around Kathmandu at places of interest, Kathmandu valley and the city steeped with historical monuments listed as World Heritage Sites with time in the afternoon for trek preparation.

Day 03: Fly to Tumlingtar (950m) 40 minutes' flight and drive to Num 1,500 m -05 hrs.

Morning transfer to Kathmandu domestic airport for short and scenic flight to land Tumlingtar airport around Arun valley, during air grand views of Himalayan peaks from Ganesh-Langtang-Jugal Himal to Everest with Makalu and Kanchenjunga towards far eastern horizon.

Soon landing at Tumlintar grassy airstrip after 45 mins of sweeping flight, where our trekking crews and porters receives you for an exciting drive towards mid hills of Makalu areas, ride leads north past warm sub-tropical areas of Arun valley through number of farm villages and town of Khandbari, and then reaching cooler areas with views of Makalu in the distance.

After an interesting drive of four hours or less reaching at Num village for overnight stop in a hill village inhabited by mixed tribes of Nepal, Newar-Rai-Sherpa-Tamang –Gurung and Magar with Hindu Brahmins and Chettries.

Day 04: Trek to Seduwa 1,493m - 05 hrs.

From Num setting off down with steep slopes past terraced farms towards Arun River, with about 800 meters drop, the lower area of the narrow gorge densely forested and the paths are quite slippery, on reaching at the bottom.

After downhill then cross a suspension bridge over torrential Arun River, our route leads to a climb and out of the rain forest, reaching our lunch spot at small farm areas of Runruma.

After lunch, a steep climb up to Seduwa for overnight stop in a village with a small health post and a primary school, overnight camp by the schoolyard.

Day 05: Trek to Tashi Gaon 2,200 m - 04 hours.

Trek to Tashi-Gaon a short day walk of few hours probably reaching there for lunch as well with overnight stop. Morning walk leads past rural farm villages, on gradual winding trail into farm fields and terraces, and then reaching at Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon.

Where walk leads to a climb for an hour through millet and rice terraces, Tashi Gaon populated with mostly Sherpa people which is quite unlike from the Sherpa of Everest, although follows the same culture and religion of Buddhism.

Different in the way they live, as the Sherpa of Tashi Gaon being migrated and settled in low warm areas a bit different with agriculture way of life and traditions.

With free afternoon to enjoy walk around this interesting village and its nice cultivated farm fields and terraces.

Day 06: Trek to Khongma Danda 3,500 m - 06 hrs.

Tashi Gaon the last village on-route to Makalu basin, after this village starting with refreshing walks for an hour into beautiful shade of rhododendron and oak forest, on leaving dense forested areas then reaching a summer pastures with traces of temporary cattle herders shades.

From here heading to a steep climb into cool forest to Kohama ridge, where tall tree line fades for short rhododendron and juniper bush, Khongma Danda for overnight camp on a ridge top.

From the camp enjoy the views Mt, Kanchenjunga, Mt. Makalu towards North with fresh mountain cool air.

Day 07: Trek to Dobato 3,700 m cross Tutu La & Shipton La over 4,230 m -07 hrs.

With wonderful morning and views of surrounding beautiful landscapes and snow capped peaks, morning walk follows on gradual path with few short ups and down through Thulo Pokhari (big pond) and Sano Pokhari(small pond).

In snow condition, the trail can be quite misleading and arduous to locate, the trail from last pond leads to over Tutu-la and Shipton-La pass at above 4,075 m high. Here onward downhill and then back into vegetation with trees at Mumbuk area, with views of Khumbukarna  Himalaya, afternoon walk leads  downhill to reach within Barun Valley.

Barun valley, one of least explored area around eastern Himalayan region, this unique valley at present added as Makalu & Barun National Park, with more than 3,000 species of flowering plants, 440 different birds life and 75 mammals species, which includes endangered clouded leopard, red panda and musk deer.

Remarkable bio-diversity of the areas considered to be of global importance and significance which provides a living laboratory for international biology and zoology research.

After a wonderful trek entering into lush alpine area at Barun Valley with gradual up slopes, following Barun River upstream towards our camp at Dobato, a summer pastures for the locals.

Day 08: Trek to Yangle Kharka 3,620m -06 hrs.

From here onward within scenic and beautiful enclosed and hidden valley of Barun with glacial streams that joins further down into Arun River, morning walk heading due west on slow uphill with bushes of juniper and azalea (dwarf rhododendron) along the trails crossing the same icy stream several times to reach at a large field at Yangle Kharka for overnight stop.

Day 09: Trek Langmale Kharka or Jark Kharka 4,400 m -06 hrs.

As our walk progress heading closing to our destination at Makalu, where morning continues with gradual uphill climb with views of surrounding peaks of Baruntse-Chamlang and Makalu and the finally ending our nice day walk at Langmale Kharka / Jark Kharka for overnight stop on a summer pasture of Yaks summer grazing field.

Day 10: Trek to Makalu BC 4,650m -05 hrs.

A little beyond the camp crossing Barun River by way of couple of wooden bridges, which make use of conveniently situated boulders encountering large prayer wall, after few hour walk, as green vegetation gets sparse, although rhododendron, barberries, cotoneaster and juniper bushes persist for some times.

Our lovely day walk leads into high alpine areas reaching at Sherson within lower Barun glacier with towering Mt. Makalu.

Sherson located lower from the base camp of Mt. Makalu, walking past number of stone enclosures around on high grazing areas with outstanding host of peaks to look at includes upper part of Makalu south face, with Mt. Baruntse 7,220m peeking above peak 4.

From Sherson trek on with closer views of Mt. Makalu and Barun Pokhari as walk finally reaches at our highest point at Makalu base camp with rare sight of Everest Khanshung face with Lhotse nearby.

Day 11: Rest day at Makalu BC for local excursion.

Rest day at Makalu base camp with free time for individual activity or hike further up for best view of the peaks of that surrounds base camp, a great opportunity for grand view of Everest East Face and some other peaks that adjoins with Makalu Mountains.

Day 12: Trek to High Camp at 5,200 m - 04 hrs.

After a nice rest, climb leads westwards beneath the towering Makalu Western Pillar, from this point taking cautiously with the altitude gain on this high area, trek and climb follows to an valley ablation to the west side of glacier from Barun peak, then trekking into a small valley through glacier to make our own trail over the boulder of rocks and ice with strewn ice caves and then setting up the camp, this spot is also called Puja Camp below towering Mt. Makalu's West Pillar.

Day 13: Climb to Camp at 5,700 m - 04 hrs.

From here after a good rest, leaving the Puja camp follows a steady hard climb to a rocky ridge line to Barun peak west end, and then a climb to a row of cairns reaching at Sherpani Col a glacial valley for overnight camp and lunch, afternoon preparation for next day crossing of ultimate Sherpani Col pass.

Day 14: Camp on the Moraine 5,640m after crossing Sherpani Pass.

Today final assault and a big day, starting the journey before dawn heading with flashlights / torch lights, making our own path to the Sherpani glacier icy snout to reach three individual Col's providing entrée to the cirque, then choosing the most suitable and reachable routes, climb follows on steep snow covered slope, with fixed ropes back-up, where our expert guide have fixed on the previous afternoon time, from this Col or pass all rope up to get cross the glacier on the rocky ridge of  Sherpani West Col. This striking cirque is covered by icy ridges to the north of Baruntse's glaciers, offering views of Makalu, the wall of Chamlang to the south and majestic towering peak of Ama Dablam in the west direction.

After a hard day of arduous climb descending from the Col on fixed rope lines towards Hongu Glacier, and completing this long day with a good walk over snow slopes beneath the moraines near at Baruntse base camp for overnight camp.

Day 15: Trek to Panch Pokhari 5,480 m - 05 hrs.

From this isolated camp, morning starts to Panch Pokhari “five ponds” on the foot of Amphu Laptsa pass which is another pass to cross before Imjatse valley at Everest or Khumbu region. As the good walk progress walking on rocky moraines and then reaching a wide area at Upper Hongu Basin close to Kang Leyamura peak at 6,430 meters, and then following a rocky glacier towards a moraine area to reach the campsite beneath Amphu Labtsa pass at 5,780 meters.

Day 16: Rest day at Panch Pokhari.

A necessary rest day after several days of tough and strenuous walk and climb on rocks, ice and glaciers, this rest day allows you to regain your energy and strength back while our team of staff and guides will scout the next pass fixing ropes where necessary for the last crossing of this trip.

Day 17: Traverse Amphu Labtsa Pass 5,780 m on route Chhukung 4,900 m -07 hrs.

Starting early morning to cross our last high pass of the adventure with climb for an hour or more on rocks, moraine and icy slopes to reach the top of Amphu Labtsa offering stunning panorama of Lhotse South Face, Lhotse Shar and of Island / Imja-tse Peak, here a final inspection of the all the members, porters and staff in case of ill health and sickness due to altitude and tiredness which is common at this altitude. From here with rope fixed for safe descent to other side at Imjatse valley, descent of 150 meters on the gradual slopes below the pass. After a nice safe descent walk leads to an ablation valley of Imja glacier, on the Imjatse valley onto Khumbu / Everest area for overnight stop.

Day 18: Trek to Dingboche 4,360 m past Chhukung - 06 hrs.

After a hard and adventurous time for many days, today a pleasant walks to reach our first small human settlement at Chhukung for lunch.

From Chhukung after a pleasant break walk leads to the end of Imjatse valley and then reaching at Dingboche, at one time a temporary settlement for farmers and Yak herders, at present many houses have flourished serving as guest house and lodge to travelers on this beautiful valley.

Day 19: Trek to Thyangboche - 05 hrs.

Morning after a pleasant stop at Dingboche return journey on downhill and up to Thyangboche Monastery and back into green vegetation and tree lines.

From Dingboche continue walk with super views of Amadablam, Nuptse wall, Lhotse, and then heading downhill and back into lower altitude within tree lines, as the walk leads to a climb reaching our overnight stop at scenic Thyangboche Monastery.

A beautiful spot located on a small plateau surrounded by green forest and snow capped peaks with stunning views of Mt. Everest and majestic Ama-Dablam.

Here with enough time to visit its interesting monastery where you can observe young and elder monks and priest on prayer with the sound of religious chanting.

Day 20: Trek to Namche Bazaar 3,440 m - 05 hrs.

After a wonderful time in Thyangboche scenic and peaceful spot within serene alpine woodland walk towards Namche Bazaar on downhill trails with a short uphill to reach at Sanasa village, and then on easy wide path with views along the walks to reach at famous Namche Bazaar.

Here with enough time to explore the streets of Namche with many stores and shops, fresh bakery-restaurants, banks-post office, cyber café and even places with ATM.

Day 21: Trek to Lukla - 06 hrs.

From Namche Bazaar walk downhill to Dudh Kosi River banks to enter into Sagarmatha National Park, from here on exit of the park to reach at nice village of Monjo, and then crossing several times on the same river over suspension bridges, reaching at Phakding village.

From Phakding on easy good trail to reach Ghat and Choplong villiages, and then a last uphill of the adventure of less than an hour to reach at Lukla for overnight stop.

Lukla with unique airstrip operating daily flights Kathmandu-Lukla-Kathmandu in Lukla celebrate last night dinner after a successful adventure on Mt. Makalu & Sherpani Col Traverse.

Day 22: Fly back to Kathmandu & transfer to hotel.

Depending upon flight time transfer to Lukla air terminal and then boarding in a small aircraft for scenic flight to Kathmandu overlooking view of snow capped and then landing at Kathmandu airport with short drive back to your hotel.

Day 23: Free day in Kathmandu for individual activities.

A free day in Kathmandu, reserved in case of delay on local drive due to broken trails by landslide which might occur sometimes, on this leisure day enjoy rest day for your own individual activities and shopping with options to join in tour around Kathmandu-Patan and Bhaktapur.

Day 24: Transfer to Airport for the International departure.

Today as per your international flight time, our staff transfers you to airport for final departure from the country of Himalayan Wonders, Nepal.

Note: 
The above itinerary should be taken only as a guide line; it could change due to weather, availability of clean water and campsite, trail or any other unforeseen conditions.

Price

Contact us for the special Price 

Price includes following services:

1. Accommodation sharing twin at Hotel in Kathmandu for 4 nights on Bed & Breakfast basis. 
2. Airport transfers in Kathmandu. 
3. Half day guided sightseeing tour of Kathmandu with applicable entrance fees. 
4. Internal flight Kathmandu / Tumlingtar / Kathmandu with applicable airport taxes.
5. Transportation Tumlingtar / Chichila / Tumlingtar by local available vehicles.
6. Trekking & camping arrangement backed by Sherpa crew on full board basis. 
7. Applicable Trekking Permit & National Park Fees. 
8. Transfer of staff and equipment to / from Tumlingtar.
9. Insurance for Nepalese crew. 

Our price does not include followings:

1. International flights to / from Kathmandu. 
2. Nepal entry visa fees. 
3. Lunch and dinner while in Kathmandu Hotel. 
4. Travel, Medical and Personal insurance. 
5. Rescue evacuation in case of emergency. 
6. Personal clothing and personal trekking gear including sleeping bag & down jacket. 
7. Expenses of personal nature, i.e. tipping, laundry, bottled drinks, bar bills etc.
8. Any expense for early returning member due sickness, injury or any other reason. No refund will be entertained for any unused service. 
9. Extra expense occurred due to unexpected circumstances like cancellation of internal flights, floods, strike etc.