This Great Himalaya Trail traverse starts toward Makalu Base Camp, then crosses Sherpani Col, West Col, and Amphu Lapcha toward the Khumbu. You spend long days on glaciers and high camps with a climbing crew, ropes, and expedition tents. Sherpani Col, West Col, and Amphu Lapcha are serious glacier days with ropes, tents, and a climbing crew.
Makalu, Baruntse, and Everest sit on the skyline as you move west. The finish is the familiar teahouse country around Chhukung or Dingboche and a flight from Lukla after a true wilderness crossing. Honku Basin camps and the Barun glacier sit between the cols before you drop into Chhukung.
Client funds sit behind a security deposit at the Ministry of Tourism before this Makalu to Everest crossing leaves Kathmandu. You'll travel with a camping sirdar, kitchen tents, and a climbing crew across Sherpani Col, West Col, and Amphu Lapcha. Restricted and park paperwork, the Tumlingtar flight, and the jeep to Num are handled before you pack.
Your guide sets turn-around calls on glacier mornings when wind or snow closes a col. We'll plan high camps at Swiss Camp and Honku Basin, then the walk-out through Chhukung and Namche to Lukla. Daily plans stay easy to change once you are on the Barun ice.
On the 1st day of the Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek journey, you will arrive in Nepal as per your expected arrival time. Our team will be there to welcome you and show you warm hospitality at the airport’s terminal.
Then, they will escort you to your 3-star hotel in the city. You can check in at your hotel room and then make yourself comfortable by changing clothes or taking a shower.
Today is about preparing for tomorrow's most adventurous expedition in Nepal. Yesterday, we provided you with a briefing about the Makalu to Everest Traverse via the Sherpani Col Trek.
Today, you will complete all of the necessary paperwork to receive your trekking permits. Our guide will explain the safety standards and provide you with valuable advice on trekking at high altitudes and acclimatization.
You can also spend your time in Thamel to buy any last-minute equipment and gear that will make your trip more pleasant. Today, relax and sleep well because an adventure awaits you.
On this third day of the Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek, you will rise early for a 45-minute flight to Tumlingtar, which lies at an elevation of 518 meters. In the morning, we will come to pick you up and drive to the airport as per our scheduled flight. You can enjoy aerial sights of majestic peaks like Kanchenjunga, Makalu, and Everest.
The trip from Tumlingtar to Num Village would be a jeep ride. On this 4- to 5-hour drive, you will pass through the charming hill settlements, terraced fields, and dense forests.
Your trekking journey in the Makalu region of Nepal begins today. Our first trekking adventure, part of the Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek package, will take us to Seduwa Village. We will begin the stretch toward the downhill path that leads to the lush forests and the Arun River.
Similarly, we will also cross a hanging bridge and then stop for a brief time to have lunch and replenish our energy for the remainder of today’s trek. We will now make our way up to the woodland trails to reach Seduwa Village, which is surrounded by beautiful terraced farmlands.
On the fifth day of the 23-day Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek itinerary, we'll travel from Seduwa Village to Tashi Gaon, after a fantastic first meal. We will walk along the gentle trails to reach the Murimi Danda, passing through some of the region’s old villages. We will then trek across the winding route through a dense jungle to Narbu Gaon.
From here, we shall descend down stone steps to reach the Tashi Gaon. After walking for four to five hours from Seduwa, we will arrive at Tashi Gaon, a Sherpa village, where we will spend the night before continuing our adventure on an exciting Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek.
Today marks one of the challenging yet rewarding aspects of this 23-day journey in the mountains of Nepal. We will gain elevation as we pass through the various beautiful landscapes along the route. As you reach much higher, the mountain scenery will unfold right before your very eyes.
As we reach the midway point of today’s Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek overnight stop, we will take a break at Dhara to have a delicious lunch. Then, we will continue our final stretch, navigating the steep ascent to reach the Khongma Danda, sitting at 3470 meters, where you can see the extensive panorama of Chamlang, Makalu, Peak 6, and other nearby Himalayas.
The seventh day of the 23-day Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek itinerary marks the first acclimatization day in the Khongma Danda, allowing our bodies to cope with the increasing altitude of the trek. To make this day more fruitful and alleviate our bodies from altitude sickness, we will go on a short hike.
Close viewpoints from Khongma Danda will offer you views of the spectacular Himalayas with Makalu, Baruntse, and Chamlang in the frame. On the way to Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek, side trips are an excellent means to spend your time and get used to the charm of the area.
This day you will be crossing for the first time the mountain passes on this journey, namely Shipton La Pass at 4257 meters and Keke La Pass at 4150 meters. We will go up further through very steep slopes and rocky crests, enjoying the gorgeous rhododendron forests on this Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek adventure.
We will first cross the Shipton Pass, which was named after the famous climber Eric Shipton, where you can soak in the vistas of Chamlang, Baruntse, and Makalu peaks.
On this day, the 23-day Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek itinerary, we will depart from Dobate after a hearty breakfast and walk toward Yangla Kharka. The first hour of the hike will take us through the jungle and down a very steep, downhill path to the river, followed by a rough and uneven, eroded trail.
After walking for several hours, we will arrive in Femtang, a small stop for trekkers to unwind at a single lodge. Then, from here, we will walk another one and a half hours to reach Yangla Kharka, a wide grassland where you can see many teahouses on the opposite side of the Barun Khola River.
We will depart from Yangla Kharka after having a hearty breakfast and walk higher in the mountains on this 23-day Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek itinerary. The route gradually climbs through open meadows, passing through the grazing lands for sheep and yaks. Then, we will reach Nehe Kharka, marked by colorful prayer flags.
Along the way, we will trek past the lovely cascades and the Riphuk and Jhat Kharka herder’s camp. Within five to six hours of trekking, we will eventually reach Langmale Kharka, situated at an altitude of 4,410 meters above sea level.
The eleventh day of this 23-day Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek itinerary is one of the most exciting, as we arrive at Mount Makalu's base camp, the world's fifth-highest peak. We'll follow the trail across varied rocky terrain, sometimes ice or snow, and moraines, leaving the Langmale Kharka behind.
After hiking for 4 to 5 hours, we will finally reach the Makalu Base Camp, situated at 4870 meters above sea level. From here, you can see the panoramic vistas of Makalu Barun Valley, towering glaciers, dramatic ridges, and Mount Makalu itself, which has a distinctive pyramid shape.
Today, we will head to Swiss Camp from Makalu Base Camp after a substantial breakfast in the camp prepared by your guide. The route will take us to a high-altitude zone with rocky, glaciated terrain and moraine paths. Along the way, you can relish in the incredible views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and other surrounding mountains on clear days.
We will scramble up following the Barun Glacier and passing through the icefalls and crevasses. The final stretch would be toward Swiss Camp, as we will walk across the rocky glacier terrain.
Today, we'll spend one more day at Swiss Camp to adjust our bodies to the reduced oxygen levels before heading to the higher altitudes of the Makalu area mountains. On this exciting day of the Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek Package, you will wake up to a spectacular sunrise over the mountains, which you can watch from your tent.
After breakfast, we will go to neighboring ridges for panoramic views of the surrounding snow-covered summits, which include Lhotse, Everest, Makalu, and other big mountains.
The fourteenth day marks one of the most challenging days of the trekking expedition, as we will embark on a high-elevation climb that takes approximately 5 to 6 hours to arrive at the East Col Base Camp from Swiss Camp. We will begin today’s Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek adventure after a hearty breakfast in the camp.
We will follow the route that climbs over the Barun Glacier. We may need to use fixed ropes, ice axes, and crampons to climb the icy sections and unstable moraine.
Today, we will get up early to continue our trek, as we will need to walk for around 9 to 10 hours to reach the Honku Basin, which entails traversing two high passes. We will use fixed ropes to ascend the rough rock ridges and icy slopes as we navigate the rise from East Col Base Camp to the East Col pass. After East Col, the path drops into the glacial valley before facing the next challenge: reaching West Col at 6,143 meters.
To traverse this pass, we will use our expert ropework skills to carefully navigate the ice and rough terrain. At the top, you'll be rewarded with views of Honku Valley and Amphu Labtsa Pass.
On this day, the 16th of the 23-day Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek excursion, the route will be shorter than in previous days, but it will still be a tough challenge. We will hike across the remote Honku Valley, surrounded by gigantic mountains.
We will walk past the trails over rocky moraines and icy paths. As we approach the Amphu Labtsa La Pass, the terrain gets more vertical and technical, with the camp perched on an icy plateau with views of the surrounding peaks and the Amphu Labtsa Pass, which we will cross the next day.
The seventeenth day is the moment that puts most strain and difficulty in technical terms on the whole journey. We will begin the day with a steep climb from the Amphu Labtsa High Camp, following the moraines full of ice-covered rocks and inclines. The path gets even narrower, with the ridges being exposed.
As we approach the pass, we will use a fixed rope to pass the 45 to 50° ice walls. At the top, you can appreciate the sweeping views of Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, and other surrounding landscapes.
Today is a well-earned day of relaxation and acclimatization at Chhukung Village following several days of strenuous trekking on the Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek. This beautiful Sherpa village is surrounded by the towering peaks, which are very mesmerizing to witness.
You can also go on a short trek to Chhukung Ri Viewpoint to see the fantastic, awe-inspiring panoramas of snow-clad peaks, including Everest, Island Peak, Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and many more. From tomorrow, our return journey begins to Lukla, the ending point of the trek, to wrap up the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek Package.
On this day of the 23-day Makalu to Everest traverse via Sherpani Col trek itinerary, you’ll hike from Chukkung (4,700 m) to Dingboche (4,260 m) in about 3 to 4 hours. You will pass through the Imja Khola River, offering majestic vistas of Ama Dablam, Lhotse, Island Peak, and Nuptse. Trekkers pass through rocky ridges, glacial moraines, yak pastures, and alpine meadows, experiencing the jaw-dropping ancient landscapes of the Khumbu.
At the same time, Dingboche is a charming local community Sherpa village with stone-walled fields. The village may seem small, but it offers comfortable teahouses, bakeries, and sunset views during the spring and autumn seasons.
As you descend from Dingboche to Namche Bazaar, the pace feels easier and more relaxed, covering approximately 20 km. The Great Himalayan Trail trek passes Pangboche (3985 m), where trekkers can visit the timeless monastery, believed to have been founded in the 17th century, and also one of the oldest in the Khumbu region. You can also enjoy views of Ama Dablam, Thamserku, and Kangtega.
Adventurers may observe monks doing rituals at the famed Tengboche monastic center, which has a good view of Everest and Lhotse. After passing through the Dudh Koshi at Phunki Tenga, the trail winds through a dense pine forest with vibrant rhododendrons to Kyangjuma and finally to Namche Bazaar.
The Makalu Three Col Pass trek, which travels from Namche Bazaar (3440 m) to Lukla (2830 m) and usually takes 6 to 7 hours to finish, welcomes hikers on the last day with a sense of bittersweetness. The steps slow down as the journey draws to a close, and you’ll notice the familiar locations you’ve previously passed. Afterwards, you will go through Sherpa settlements, iconic forests, and colorful Buddhist prayers.
Cultural flags and a hanging bridge. Every stride feels like a flower, providing both a nostalgic and satisfying experience.
Today, we will give a goodbye kiss to the Himalayas and take an early morning flight to Kathmandu city from Lukla. The last snaps of the mountains from the airplane can be really gorgeous when you come to the town by plane.
We will be there to pick you up after you arrive at the airport and then take you to your hotel, where you can freshen up and relax. Now, in the afternoon, you can roam the busy streets of Thamel, visit the local cafes or restaurants, and buy something that would remind you of Nepal after coming back to your home.
On the last day of the 23-day Makalu to Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col Trek itinerary, a representative from our team will drive you to the airstrip for your flight home. They will assist you with anything you need at the airport.
We wish you a safe flight and great days ahead.
Most guests fly into Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu. Share your arrival time ahead of travel so a Thamel hotel transfer can be arranged, or make your own way to the meeting hotel.
Pre-trek briefings usually take place in Kathmandu before the Lukla flight or helicopter sector. Allow extra days after the trek in case mountain flights are postponed by weather.
Twin or double rooms in a comfortable Kathmandu hotel cover your first nights and your return from the trail, with breakfast on those city stays when included in the package. Briefings happen at the hotel, and airport collection from Tribhuvan is available when flight times are shared in advance.
Family-run teahouses or lodges line the route with twin beds and a shared dining room. Rooms get simpler and colder as you climb, with shared bathrooms common at higher villages. Hot water, Wi-Fi, and charging are paid at the lodge when offered.
Spring from March to May and autumn from September to November usually bring the clearest views and stable walking conditions on this route. Winter is quieter but colder at altitude, while monsoon months bring cloud and wet trails at lower elevations.
Shoulder weeks need an honest weather call before high passes or dawn viewpoints. Monsoon cloud sits lower on the hills while winter brings ice on steps above village level.
You should be comfortable walking several hours a day on uneven paths with a daypack, including steady uphill sections as you gain height. Hill training and longer weekend walks in the months before travel help your legs and lungs on uphill trail days.
Hill training, stair climbing, and longer weekend hikes in the months before travel help your legs and lungs, even when acclimatisation days are built into the route. Break in boots before you fly and carry a light daypack on practice walks.
Guided trekking with licensed leaders, lodge nights on the trail, meals as described for walking days, and permits for the regions crossed are included when they are part of this trip. Domestic flights, porters, and airport transfers apply only when they are part of this trip.
Domestic flights, road transfers, porter support, and airport transfers apply only when they are part of this trip. Permits for the regions you cross are arranged in Kathmandu or Pokhara when included.
International flights to Nepal, visa fees, compulsory travel insurance, personal trekking clothing, snacks and drinks outside included meals, and tips for crew are not covered. Hot showers, Wi-Fi, and battery charging in lodges are usually paid locally when offered.
Charges for hot showers, Wi-Fi, or battery charging in lodges are paid locally when offered unless your trip notes say otherwise. International flights, visa fees, and personal insurance stay outside the trek package.
Pickup can be arranged from Tribhuvan International Airport or your hotel in Thamel when you share flight times ahead of travel. The pre-trek briefing is usually held at the hotel before the Lukla flight or helicopter sector.
Allow buffer days after the trek in case mountain flights move. Thamel hotels are the usual meet point; drivers need flight numbers to meet you at the international terminal.
The itinerary builds rest days and climb-high, sleep-low hikes where the route requires them. Your crew would rather wait for a safe window than rush marginal weather.
Tell your guide early if symptoms appear so tomorrow's stage can shorten or descent can start before conditions worsen. Trail conditions are checked each morning before the group moves.
Mountain weather can delay or postpone Lukla flights even in peak season, and Ramechhap diversions happen when the airstrip is congested. Weather can shift daily plans, so your guide keeps a steady pace with regular breaks.
Build buffer days after the trek for international connections, and follow crew advice if schedules change or flights shift to Ramechhap. Allow a little extra time after the trek before international flights home in case mountain roads or flights move.
Sagarmatha National Park and Khumbu municipality permits apply in the Everest region. The team arranges paperwork in Kathmandu or Pokhara when you provide passport copies and trek dates.
Keep copies in your daypack for checkpoint stops. Your crew would rather wait for a safe window than rush marginal weather.
Families join when children can manage the daily hours and terrain on this specific route. Pace and daily hours can be adjusted on private departures, though that may extend the calendar.
Ask our Kathmandu team if you are planning with younger walkers. Private departures can shorten daily hours, though that may add a day or two to the calendar.
Comprehensive travel insurance that covers trekking to the highest altitude on your itinerary, medical evacuation, and helicopter rescue when applicable is essential. Many standard policies exclude high altitude by name.
Read the wording before you travel so you can adjust cover if trekking above 5,000 metres is not named. Many standard policies exclude high altitude by name, so read the wording before you fly.
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About the centre
Kathmandu
You'll travel with a Kathmandu-based team that plans treks, peak climbs, helicopter flights, motorbike journeys, and cultural trips across Nepal, Tibet, and Bhutan. Routes range from classic teahouse walks and high passes to luxury lodge itineraries and longer expedition-style climbs, with departures shaped around how you want to pace the mountains.
Licensed guides and office staff train regularly on mountain safety and guest care. Porters are insured, fairly paid, and equipped for the trail, with sensible load limits on lodge routes. We work with remote communities through sustainable tourism, including support for education in village areas, so your booking helps local people as well as your own adventure.
Operated by Himalayan Adventure Treks & Tours, a partner of adventuro.
