The Sherpani Col Pass trek is a legendary adventure across the breathtaking Makalu and Everest regions. This route links three dramatic mountain passes: Sherpani Col, West Col, and Amphu Lapcha, collectively recognized as the “3-Col Pass” trek. Known for its demanding trails, the journey calls for excellent physical fitness, prior experience in high-altitude trekking, and solid technical mountaineering skills. Winding through remote landscapes and wilderness sections of the Great Himalayan Trails, this expedition is ideal for trekkers looking for an alternative path and a fresh outlook on the Himalayas.
The trek passes through both Everest and Makalu base camps, following a ridge that separates the Dudh Koshi and Arun valleys. Because of its unique terrain and untouched beauty, this route is often referred to as the Hidden Treasure Trek. Along the way, trekkers also explore Makalu Base Camp, situated near the river that serves as the staging point for the Makalu Expedition.
Sherpani Col Pass (6,155m): The highest and most challenging section, with steep ice slopes and exposed terrain.
West Col Pass (6,143m): Involves a rope-supported technical climb.
Amphu Lapcha Pass (5,845m): Requires a steep ascent over a rugged ridge.
At 6,155 meters, Sherpani Col is widely regarded as the highest pass in Nepal. Although other passes such as Thorong La or the Everest 3 Passes are often cited in conversation, Sherpani Col maintains the distinction of being the highest. One of the overnight stops, Baruntse Camp One, sits at an impressive 6,146 meters above sea level.
Your journey begins with a scenic flight to Tumlingtar, then gradually ascends through forests, the Arun Valley, and picturesque villages. Traditional settlements such as Khandbari, Mane Bhanjyang, Num, Tashi Gaon, and Khongma showcase authentic local lifestyles. Throughout the trek, breathtaking panoramas of Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Everest reward your efforts. Because of its remoteness, this trek is primarily camping-based and aligned with the Great Himalayan Trails, ensuring a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
Scenic Landscapes: Spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.
Cultural Encounters: Immersive experiences with Sherpa and Rai communities.
Glacial Valleys: Exploration of pristine glaciers and remote Sherpa hamlets.
High Altitude: With elevations reaching over 6,100 meters, trekkers must manage acclimatization carefully to avoid altitude-related illness.
Technical Demands: Ropes, crampons, and ice axes are required to cross glaciers, navigate crevasses, and climb icy slopes.
Weather Uncertainty: Conditions can shift quickly, with snowstorms and high winds possible at any time. The safest seasons are Spring (March-May) and Autumn (September-November).
Remoteness: Access to medical care and communication facilities is extremely limited, so reliable logistics and support teams are essential.
Physical and Mental Endurance: Daily long hikes over rugged terrain test both body and mind, making preparation critical.
Training: Build endurance with cardio, strength workouts, and altitude conditioning if possible.
Equipment: Pack reliable cold-weather gear, mountaineering boots, and technical climbing equipment.
Guidance: Trek with experienced Sherpa guides and porters familiar with the region.
Acclimatization: Follow a structured schedule and include contingency days for rest.
Health & Safety: Carry a comprehensive first aid kit, including altitude medication.
The optimal months are Spring (March–May), when wildflowers and rhododendrons bloom, and Autumn (September–November), when cool, stable weather provides unmatched mountain views. Avoid the summer monsoon season due to heavy rainfall and the winter months when extreme cold and snow make trails hazardous.
The Sherpani Col Pass trek is a rare combination of adventure, culture, and natural beauty. With its remote location, technical challenges, and cultural immersion, it remains one of Nepal’s most demanding yet rewarding expeditions. Sole Encounters Adventures provides full logistical support, experienced Sherpa guides, and a reliable team to ensure your journey is safe, well-prepared, and unforgettable. This unique half-camping and half-teahouse trek along the Great Himalayan Trails is designed for those who dare to explore beyond the ordinary.
Today you arrive in Kathmandu where our Sole Encounters Adventures representative welcomes you at Tribhuvan International Airport and transfers you to your hotel in Thamel, the vibrant tourism hub. In the afternoon, your trekking guide will meet you to brief you about the detailed trekking plan, routes, safety measures, and necessary preparations. You will also have time to use ATMs, exchange money, or purchase any last-minute trekking essentials in Thamel’s busy streets. In the evening, the group enjoys a welcome dinner of Nepal’s traditional dal bhat, the perfect start to your adventure.
Trail: City streets only
Views: Kathmandu valley rooftops, colorful bazaars, Buddhist stupas, and Hindu temples
Story: Kathmandu has been a cultural crossroads since the Licchavi era, blending Hindu and Buddhist traditions that still thrive today.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Today you take a 45-minute scenic flight to Tumlingtar, then drive 65km (7 hrs) through farmland and small towns to reach Num.
Trek distance: Minimal walking
Trail: Jeep road, winding and uphill in parts
Views: Arun Valley, hillside farms, subtropical forest
Story: Num sits above the Arun gorge, gateway to Makalu-Barun National Park.
Overnight: Num
Today you descend steeply to cross the Arun River, then climb long stone staircases to Seduwa.
Trek distance: ~10 km
Walking hours: 6 hrs
Trail: Steep downhill, then sustained uphill, some flats
Views: Arun River gorge, bamboo and cardamom fields
Story: Seduwa marks the entry to Makalu-Barun, one of the world’s richest biodiversity parks.
Overnight: Seduwa
Today you climb gradually through farmlands and forest to the last permanent village before high passes.
Trek distance: ~8 km
Walking hours: 5 hrs
Trail: Steady uphill, stone steps, flat ridges
Views: Rhododendron and oak forest, mountain ridgelines
Story: Tashi Gaon is a Sherpa settlement with ancient Buddhist mani walls.
Overnight: Tashi Gaon
Today you ascend into alpine meadows, leaving villages behind.
Trek distance: ~7 km
Walking hours: 5 hrs
Trail: Mostly uphill, occasional flats
Views: Cloud forest, distant Chamlang peak
Story: Khongma is a summer yak grazing area.
Overnight: Khongma
Today you cross Shipton La Pass (4,200m / 13,780ft), then descend to Dobate.
Trek distance: ~9 km
Walking hours: 6 hrs
Trail: Repeated ups and downs, steep sections
Views: Makalu, Peak 6, alpine tarns
Story: The pass is named after British explorer Eric Shipton.
Overnight: Dobate
Today you descend into forest, then follow the Barun River upstream.
Trek distance: ~11 km
Walking hours: 6–7 hrs
Trail: Moderate ups and downs, riverside path
Views: Waterfalls, pine and juniper, wide U-shaped valley
Story: Kharka means pasture; herders seasonally bring yaks here.
Overnight: Yangri Kharka
Today you climb steadily into high alpine country.
Trek distance: ~10 km
Walking hours: 6 hrs
Trail: Mostly uphill, rocky gullies, short flats
Views: Hanging glaciers, steep rock faces
Story: Mani stones and cairns mark ancient spiritual trails.
Overnight: Jak Kharka
Today you reach Makalu Base Camp, with awe-inspiring views.
Trek distance: ~9 km
Walking hours: 6 hrs
Trail: Gradual uphill, moraine, rocky ground
Views: South face of Makalu, Barun Glacier
Story: Historic site of Makalu climbing expeditions since the 1950s.
Overnight: Makalu Base Camp
Today you move higher to Hillary Base Camp.
Trek distance: ~7 km
Walking hours: 5 hrs
Trail: Gradual uphill over moraine
Views: Makalu, Kangchungtse, icefalls
Story: Named after Sir Edmund Hillary’s exploratory climbs.
Overnight: Hillary Base Camp
Today you climb short but steep to High Camp.
Trek distance: ~5 km
Walking hours: 3 hrs
Trail: Steep uphill, rocky and snowy, no flats
Views: Jagged ridges, cirques, alpenglow sunsets
Story: High Camp is set only for technical pass crossings.
Overnight: High Camp
Today you cross the highest, toughest pass.
Trek distance: ~6 km
Walking hours: 5 hrs
Trail: Rope climbing, steep ice, exposed ridge, technical descent
Views: Baruntse, Everest group in distance, massive glaciers
Story: Among Nepal’s most challenging trekking routes.
Overnight: Camp 1 of Baruntse
Today you descend rope sections to reach Baruntse Base Camp.
Trek distance: ~7 km
Walking hours: 5 hrs
Trail: Steep technical downclimb, moraine undulations
Views: Baruntse peak, seracs, crevasses
Story: Baruntse (7,129m) was first climbed in 1954.
Overnight: Baruntse Base Camp
Today you descend to the sacred five lakes.
Trek distance: ~9 km
Walking hours: 5 hrs
Trail: Long downhill, some flat stretches
Views: Turquoise lakes, mirrored peaks
Story: Pilgrimage site during Janai Purnima festival.
Overnight: Panch Pokhari
Today you acclimatize and explore the lakes.
Trek distance: 2–3 km optional
Walking hours: 1–2 hrs
Trail: Easy ridge and lakeside paths
Views: Sacred lakes, Ama Dablam in distance
Story: Local belief says mountain deities protect these waters.
Overnight: Panch Pokhari
Today you climb into icy moraines.
Trek distance: ~6 km
Walking hours: 4 hrs
Trail: Uphill, loose moraine, boulder fields
Views: Ice walls, spires, glacier bowls
Story: Amphu Lapcha is one of Nepal’s most technical passes.
Overnight: Amphu Lapcha Base Camp
Today you stage for Amphu Lapcha crossing.
Trek distance: ~6 km
Walking hours: 4 hrs
Trail: Steep snow and rock, rope sections
Views: Ice ridges, Lhotse wall glimpses
Story: A hidden corridor linking Makalu to Khumbu.
Overnight: High Camp
Today you cross the final pass and enter the Khumbu.
Trek distance: ~9 km
Walking hours: 6-8 hrs
Trail: Rope climb, sharp descent, valley walk at end
Views: Ama Dablam, Island Peak, Everest and Lhotse
Story: Chhukung serves climbers of Island Peak and trekkers on the Everest 3 Passes.
Overnight: Chhukung
Today you descend to the famous monastery of Tengboche.
Trek distance: ~10 km
Walking hours: 5 hrs
Trail: Mostly downhill, forest trails, short climbs
Views: Ama Dablam, pine forests, Dudh Koshi valley
Story: Tengboche Monastery is the spiritual center of the Sherpa people.
Overnight: Tengboche
Today you trek to the bustling Sherpa capital.
Trek distance: ~9 km
Walking hours: 5 hrs
Trail: Down to river, long uphill, stone steps
Views: Suspension bridges, terraced hillsides
Story: Namche has been a trade hub between Tibet and Nepal for centuries.
Overnight: Namche Bazaar
Today you complete the trek at Lukla.
Trek distance: ~13 km
Walking hours: 6-8 hrs
Trail: Long descent, some short climbs, well-used trail
Views: Dudh Koshi River, mani stones, prayer wheels
Story: Lukla airstrip, built in 1964, connects Khumbu to Kathmandu.
Overnight: Lukla
Today you take a 35-minute mountain flight back to Kathmandu. Our team transfers you to your hotel.
Trek distance: Minimal walking
Views: Final aerial views of Everest and Makalu ranges
Story: Kathmandu welcomes you back with living history and culture.
Overnight: Hotel in Kathmandu
Today your Sole Encounters Adventures representative transfers you to the airport for your flight home.
Trail: Short city transfer
Views: Kathmandu Valley ridge lines
Story: Farewell from the Himalayas, carrying memories of the Sherpani Col adventure.
Hotel in Kathmandu on a bed-and-breakfast basis (twin sharing)
Two-person tent for accommodation during the trek
Sleeping mattress
Kitbag for carrying personal items
All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) as per the itinerary
Experienced guide, Sherpa, cook, and necessary porters, including their salaries, meals, insurance, and equipment
Makalu-Barun National Park entry permit
TIMS (Trekkers’ Information Management System) card
Domestic flights: Kathmandu – Tumlingtar and Lukla – Kathmandu
Jeep transportation from Tumlingtar to Num
Private car transfer from Kathmandu airport to hotel
General climbing equipment (from previous expeditions) such as ropes, ice screws, snow bars, etc.
Professional climbing Sherpa, including his personal equipment and wages
International flights to and from Nepal
Nepal entry visa fee – easily obtainable upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport
Additional meals and accommodations in Kathmandu beyond the itinerary
Bar and beverage expenses – bottled water, soft drinks, and alcoholic beverages
Sleeping bag (trekkers must bring their own suitable for high altitude)
Personal climbing and trekking equipment – crampons, harness, ice axe, etc.
Personal travel insurance – must cover high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
Tips for guide, Sherpa, and porter – tipping is customary in Nepal and generally ranges from 15% to 20% of the total trip cost
Extra personal expenses – such as laundry, telephone calls, snacks, souvenirs, or unforeseen costs not mentioned in the itinerary
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