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Descending the West Col towards Baruntse BC in the Honku Valley - Makalu & Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col, Nepal
Descending the West Col towards Baruntse BC in the Honku Valley  | Jasmine Star
Heading towards the West Col on Stage 2 of the GHT - Makalu & Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col, Nepal
Heading towards the West Col on Stage 2 of the GHT  | Jasmine Star
Amphu Labtsa icefall - Makalu & Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col, Nepal
Amphu Labtsa icefall  | Soren Kruse Ledet
On the Amphu Labtsa, Nepal. - Makalu & Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col, Nepal
On the Amphu Labtsa, Nepal.  | Soren Kruse Ledet
Views of Makalu from the Sherpani Col - Makalu & Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col, Nepal
Views of Makalu from the Sherpani Col  | Robin Boustead
Trekking through a snowy valley during Stage 2 of the Great Himalaya Trail - Makalu & Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col, Nepal
Trekking through a snowy valley during Stage 2 of the Great Himalaya Trail  | Jasmine Star
Top of Gokyo Ri - Makalu & Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col, Nepal
Top of Gokyo Ri  | Kylie Turner

Makalu & Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col

A challenging traverse across the Sherpani Col, West Col and Amphu Labtsa

Nepal
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 3 reviews

34 Days from

$8590 USD

Trip Code: EVM
View dates to Book
Essential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Duration
  • 34 Days
Activities
  • 30 day trek
Style
  • Classic Adventures  
Accommodation
  • 3 nights hotel
  • 2 nights lodge
  • 28 nights camping
Meals

Valued at USD$1500

  • 30 Dinners
  • 30 Lunches
  • 33 Breakfasts
Flights

Valued at USD$306

Difficulty Grading  
9 / 10

Intermediate Mountaineering Expedition

Technical Grading  

Intermediate

Carbon Footprint  

38kg of CO2-e PP per day

Trip highlights

  • Join one of the most challenging and rewarding treks in Nepal, crossing the Sherpani Col (6180m), West Col (6190m) and Amphu Labsta (5845m)
  • Marvel at superb views of Makalu & Everest combined with two high pass crossings at Cho La and Renjo La
  • Learn the art of alpine travel from our experienced local mountaineering guides
  • Revel at the magic of the Khumbu region through authentic Sherpa and Rai villages
  • Challenge yourself across rugged terrain and into areas that very few have trekked before
  • Enjoy our supported camping based trek including three hearty meals per day prepared by our cooks

Overview

The approach to Makalu Base Camp has been compared to the Yosemite Valley, on a grand scale! To reach some of the most amazing mountain scenery in the Himalaya, you first have to cross the challenging Kongma Danda covered in cloud forest draped in hanging orchids. There are few villages along the approach to the fifth highest peak in the world, Mt Makalu (8485m), the summit of which stands 3km above Base Camp. The mountaineering route over the glaciated Sherpani Col (6180m), West Col (6190m) and Amphu Labsta (5845m) to the Everest region involves the highest and hardest passes in the entire Himalaya, however the rewards of such an undertaking are more than worthwhile! During this trek there will be sections where the trail is very rugged or ill-defined. Space in some camp sites will also be very limited. It may be necessary to make changes to the itinerary at any time due to unforeseen circumstances such as adverse weather, snow or trail conditions, river water levels, or group movement. Your trip leader will advise any changes should this occur. A flexible, open minded attitude is a must on this exciting adventure.

Itinerary

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You will be met by a representative of World Expeditions and transferred to the Radisson hotel. Remainder of the afternoon at leisure. A pre-trek briefing will be given around 4.30-5pm where arrangements will be made for the distribution of your kit bag, sleeping bag and down/fibrefill jacket. This evening we will head out for dinner, this is a great opportunity to get acquainted with your fellow group members. Overnight: Radisson Hotel

Meals: Nil

Today you have a full day to explore Kathmandu’s bustling streets and significant landmarks. You may wish to start by exploring the city’s two most important World Heritage Listed spiritual sites: Pashupatinath, Nepal’s most sacred Hindu temple and an important cremation site; and Boudhanath, the largest Buddhist stupa in Nepal and the most sacred Tibetan Buddhist shrine outside of Tibet. Alternatively you could wander through the markets and shops of the busy Thamel precinct or explore some more of the city’s significant sites such as Swayambhunath (Monkey Temple) or the World Heritage Listed plazas of Patan, Bhaktapur or Durbar Square.

Meals: B

An early start for breakfast before transferring to the airport for the short 35 minute flight to Tumlingtar. We fly above mountain ranges before reaching Tumlingtar which sits on a wide plateau in the Arun Valley. We meet our transportation and drive to Num where we will make our first overnight camp.

Meals: B,L,D

The trail descends steeply from the western end of the Nun ridge through the cornfields of Lumbang. Below Lumbang the trail becomes very steep as it drops on slippery rocks through jungle to a suspension bridge over the Arun Kosi at 620m. From the bridge the trail climbs steeply to a primitive teashop at 820m, then through rice, corn and buckwheat fields. The landscape here is picturesque with tiny terraces planted with corn and barley. Finally we make a long climb to Seduwa.

Meals: B,L,D

Climbing along the ridge from Seduwa we pass the National Park Forest Nursery project and then climb gently northward through rice fields to Manigaon on the next ridge. There are several streams to cross that may or may not have bridges. From Manigaon the trail turns west and makes a gradual climb high above the Kasuwa Khola to a mani wall at 1890m. It’s an easy walk through terraced fields and forested areas to Hindrungma village and on to Ropesa, where we may find monks sitting beside the trail collecting donations for the small gompa nearby. Our route crosses meadows and several streams before reaching the Tashigaon school and eventually the village proper. This is the last permanent settlement in the valley. We make the long climb on a stone staircase to thee corn fields at the top of town at 2100 metres where we make camp for the night.

Meals: B,L,D

We may take two days to reach Kongma Danda from Tashigoan as there significant elevation gain on steep terrain. We begin by climbing over a ridge past a herders’ hut before the trail briefly levels and continues to the shepherds’ hut at Chipla, perched on a ridge at 2,520 m / 8,268 ft. From here the route steepens, zigzagging through forest on sustained switchbacks to reach Unshisha, a small meadow at 3,180 m / 10,433 ft. Gaining the ridge once more, we continue through increasingly sparse forest before a short final descent brings us to Kongma Danda. There are no permanent structures here and campsites are spread across sloping ground, often muddy after rain. This exposed camp marks our first true step into high alpine terrain and plays an important role in the acclimatisation process. Accommodation: Wilderness camping

Meals: B,L,D

Steep switchbacks take us to the top of the ridge at 3840m where there is a stone chorten adorned with prayer flags. This is a superb viewpoint with Makalu in the distance. Following along the ridge line through rhododendrons we ascend a stone staircase, and few false summits along the trail, before gaining a side ridge. This is Ghungru La (also known as Tutu La; 4050m). Descending to a lake we then climb steeply up a shallow gully to our major pass crossing - Shipton La. The pass was named when Eric Shipton and Sir Edmund Hillary used this route enroute to Dharan after their 1952 Everest reconnaissance. Descending from the La we pass two lakes at 4020m, and climb through large boulders to Keke La (4170m). On the other side of the pass the route enters a valley filled with rhododendron forests. In Spring the valley floor is a carpet of brilliant wild flowers. We camp tonight at Dobato. The following day sees us descend steeply to the valley floor where we cross the Barun river before starting our gradual ascent to Yangla Kharka (3557m).

Meals: B,L,D

It is a short trekking day to Langmale Kharka to aid acclimatisation,we take in the impressive mountain scenery found in this area.Great rock walls tower above as we make our way through the enormous U-shaped valley. Snowy peaks are the stunning backdrop to this valley often referred to as the Yosemite of the Himalaya, and it is a magnificent place to spend a well deserved rest day.

Meals: B,L,D

Makalu Base Camp affords stunning views of its south face, with the south buttress of Makalu offering views of Baruntse (7220m), Everest and Lhotse. The Hillary and French base camps are far up the glacier, past Barun Pokhari, and these are now the traditional base camps used by climbing parties to Makalu. An optional walk from BC is a spectacular climb up grassy slopes to the top of the ridge. At the 5250m mark there is an outstanding view of Everest, Lhotse and Lhotse Shar as well as both the south-east and north ridges of Everest, along with the Kangshung Face and the South Col. Makalu looms above the ridge to the north.

Meals: B,L,D

The second half of trek to Swiss BC is tricky and involves boulder hopping as we follow the Barun Glacier directly beneath Makalu enormous west face. Swiss Base Camp is situated amongst the moraine in a sandy spot directly opposite the mighty West Pillar on Makalu. Very few campsites a this close to one of these 8000m giants. We have a full day set aside to rest and acclimatise and will aim to reach a vantage point above camp with a (weather permitting) great view of Everest and the fabled Kangshung Face.

Meals: B,L,D

We have allowed 2 days to position ourselves for the crossing of the Sherpani & West Cols. Depending on our group movement and progress we may need to be flexible on our approach. As we near the Sherpani Col base camp the trail is much less defined and with more boulder hopping, and now that we are climbing high cloud may obscure the trail. We camp high at the snout of the glacier at 5688m with the Sherpani Col 3 hours above us. If conditions are favourable and the group are moving at a good pace we may attempt to make the crossing of both Cols in a day, but in all likelihood we’ll be camping at Baruntse C1 on the West Col @ 6100m on the first night and descending the Col to the Honku valley the next day. Although these are the most demanding days of our trek, we are deep in the Himalaya and the massive scale of the mountains around us are an awesome sight to behold. There will be sections of roped up travel and abseiling, and our Sherpa guides and mountaineering leader will manage the coming days as snow and weather conditions dictate.

Meals: B,L,D

After our crossings are completed we descend into the Honku valley nearby five large glacial lakes which sprawl out before us. They are known as Panch Pokhari (five lakes). The Amphu Labsta pass is situated immediately at the head of the valley to our right and is basically the low point on the ridge between the Honku and the Imja valleys. For this day or so we are in the Honku. A new vista of peaks span out before us including Ama Dablam to the distant west, and many unnamed peaks. Amphu Labsta Base Camp is set close to the rocks that lead up to the pass. On these stages we ask that members be flexible and co-operative. Camps will be set where conditions allow, and your leader will keep you advised as to each days plan.

Meals: B,L,D

An alpine start for our pass crossing. Ferrying across all our loads together with all party members, crew, porters and members takes time. The approach to the pass from the Honku is deceptive. Facing east and southward there is much more sun and little snow, just a collection of rocks that gradually lead up to the gap we travel through. On the north facing side we find steep slopes of snow that we must take care to descend by fixed ropes to the snow basins below and subsequent moraine and alpine valley beyond. The views from this 5845m pass crossing to the peaks of Khumbu are unmatched. Any spare moment whilst we are climbing and descending will allow us to appreciate the spectacle of the peaks of the region.

Meals: B,L,D

Day 23 brings us to Dingboche and our comfortable private permanent campsite. Over the past week we have made crossings of some of the most challenging terrain found in the Himalaya. From our camp we have excellent views of Nuptse, Lhotse, Chukung Peak and Imja Tse (6189m) are had from both in the valley or from the ridge above the camp. Massive glaciers drape beneath cliffs that soar up to 3,500 metres in this dramatic valley. The following day we proceed to Dzongla, another spectacularly situated camp, on our way to our next pass, the Cho La.

Meals: B,L,D

The views today are magnificent as we leave the Everest watershed and enter that of Cho Oyu, the sixth highest mountain in the world. The crossing involves a steep scramble up rock boulders and then a walk across the gently ascending, snow-covered glacier that caps the pass, the views of the route ahead, and of the glacier itself, are breathtaking. We descend steep boulder strewn slopes to the Gokyo valley below. This is a valley of turquoise lakes and great glaciers. For the first part of the descent there are discernible paths that zigzag down the mountainside – slippery in snow! The ground then levels out and the path all but disappears as we hop across a field of boulders. Finally we climb a gentle slope to the top, from where it’s all downhill, following a narrow river valley all the way to its base at Dragnag, a small Sherpa settlement nestled beneath great rock walls, just a stone’s throw from the Ngozumba Glacier. Continuing on we reach Gokyo in the late afternoon.

Meals: B,L,D

The steady and unrelenting ascent of Gokyo Ri will take around two hours. You will be elated when you reach the summit with its spectacular view. Probably the most comprehensive view of 8,000 metre peaks in Nepal, many people consider it to be Nepal’s best. Surrounding us are Cho Oyu (8153m), (a mountain that defeated a British Expedition of climbers, including Hillary, in their lead-up to their successful assault of Everest), Gyangchung Kang (7922m), Lhotse (8501m), Makalu (8475m), Cholatse (6440m), Taweche (6542m), Kantega (6685m), Thamserku (6808m), Lobuche (6145m) and Mt Everest (8848m). Hundreds of other unnamed peaks fill the scene, whilst below us the Ngozumba Glacier, the largest in Nepal, stretches through the valley. The striking colour of the lakes below completes the picture. The only way to get a better view of the entire Everest region would be to climb an 8,000 metre peak! Although further from Everest than Kala Pattar, the traditional viewing point, here we see more of the mountain and enjoy a more relaxed environment to view the peak.

Meals: B,L,D

We trek around Gokyo Lake to set up our wilderness camp below the Renjo La pass ready for our crossing tomorrow.

Meals: B,L,D

The crossing of the Renjo La Pass will be exciting and relatively straight forward. The landscape is progressively that of the Tibetan Valleys beyond the border. There is a chance we will meet Tibetan Traders descending from the Nangpa La pass that leads through the Himalayas from Tibet with their caravans of woolly yaks laden with goods. Overnight camp at Taranga.

Meals: B,L,D

We turn south and down valley towards Lukla for our return to Kathmandu. There are Sherpa villages to be explored as we descend the gorge. We will spend the night at the pretty village of Thame with its spectacular monastery.

Meals: B,L,D

We are now trekking towards the busy main trail through the Khumbu Valley to Namche. On arrival in Namche there will no doubt be earnest celebration of a challenging but satisfying expedition, the likes of which has been enjoyed by very few people. Sagarmatha National Park Headquarters offers a very interesting display of photographs, memorabilia and information on the park, and the hill above is a wonderful vantage point for the spectacular view up the Imja Khola Valley towards Everest. The change from the narrow lowland valleys to the broad glacial ones is immediately obvious. The steep-sided glacial valley before us gradually winds towards the base of Everest, broken only by the moraines left by retreating glaciers. Its more gradual rate of climb is a blessing for those trekking higher. Towering to over 4000 metres above the valley floor, spectacular peaks seem to engulf us. Around us are Taweche (6542m), Thamserku (6808m), Kantega (6685m), Ama Dablam (6856m), Nuptse (7896m) and Lhotse (8511m). The greatest of all, Mt Everest (8848m), rises at the head of the valley. Accommodation: Eco Lodge

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving Namche we continue down through the forest to the valley floor to follow the Dudh Kosi downhill and out of the national park to our fixed camp at the small settlement of Monjo. The following day we pass through a variety of settlements and forests before a gentle climb to Lukla. We savour our final mountain sunsets of the trek as we complete this challenging and exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a good time to have a small party for all the team, especially the porters who will return to their villages from here. There is usually lots of music, dancing and singing and if we are lucky, one of the superb cakes that our Nepali chefs are renowned for.

Meals: B,L,D

This morning we fly to Kathmandu, a thrilling flight over forests, fields and villages, with the Himalaya in the background. Depending on flight schedules, we may need to fly to Ramechap and drive to Kathmandu, depending on road conditions this may take around 4-5 hours. On arrival, we transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure. Accommodation: Radisson Hotel

Meals: B

After breakfast, trip arrangements conclude unless further services have been booked. For those departing Nepal today, a scheduled transfer is provided to Tribhuvan International Airport for onward flights.

Meals: B

Map

Elevation

The map and elevation chart are for illustrative purposes only and meant to provide general guidelines.

Ready to start your adventure?

1 scheduled departure between 9 Oct 2027 and 9 Oct 2027.

  • Departs 9 Oct 2027 – ends 11 Nov 2027 (34 days)
View dates to Book

What's included?

Included

  • Return domestic flights Kathmandu–Tumlingtar and Lukla–Kathmandu (valued at US$306)
  • All meals during the trek and climb: 33 breakfasts, 30 lunches and 30 dinners (valued at US$1,350)
  • Use of a World Expeditions trek pack including a quality sleeping bag, sleeping bag liner, and down or fibre-fill jacket (valued at US$500)
  • Climbing pack including ice axe, crampons, harness and helmet
  • All park entrance fees and trekking permits
  • Sightseeing and site entry fees in Kathmandu
  • Accommodation at the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu
  • Accommodation in fully serviced wilderness campsites during the trek
  • Airport transfers if arriving on Day 1 and Day 34, or with pre/post-tour accommodation booked through World Expeditions
  • Extra baggage allowance on domestic flights (total 20kg)
  • World Expeditions mountaineering leader
  • Expert bilingual local guide
  • Safety equipment including portable Altitude Chamber, group medical kit, satellite phone and emergency oxygen cylinder
  • Daily supply of safe treated drinking water to reduce single-use plastic waste
  • Ethical porter support including fair wages, insurance, proper equipment and responsible load limits
  • Souvenir World Expeditions kit bag

Not included

  • International flights
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa fees
  • Travel insurance (compulsory)
  • Meals not listed as included
  • Personal expenses such as phone calls and laundry
  • Bottled water, aerated and alcoholic drinks
  • Tips and gratuities
  • Any items not listed as included

Reviews (3)

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Overall excellent challenging trek. Our climbing Sherpas & Nepalese porters were outstanding. Led by a very strong & experience Alpine guide Soren.

Warren|NSW, Australia
10 Oct 2025
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A most memorable trip. As tough as it was at times, looking back it was full of great memories & bonding.

The team were magnificent, they certainly played a major role in myself being able to complete the journey.

Many thanks for the high standards of care & I thoroughly recommend World Expeditions to anyone looking for adventures.

Stephen|VIC, Australia
7 Oct 2025
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Kate|NSW, Australia
13 Oct 2025

Responsible Travel

Breathtaking views as we trek down towards Thame | Monika Molenda
Restoring Learning in Thame Project
 
Restoring access to digital education through the installation of a computer lab and smart classroom technology, helping rebuild learning opportunities for students affected by climate-related disasters.
 
In Nepal's Solukhumbu region, the remote mountain village of Thame is recovering from a devastating Glacial Lake Outburst Flood (GLOF) that destroyed homes, infrastructure, and critical community services — including the local school and its computer lab. With students displaced and relocated to temporary learning facilities, access to quality education has been severely disrupted, particularly in digital learning.
 
The Rebuilding Digital Education in Thame project aims to address this gap by equipping the newly relocated Thame Basic School with a computer lab, smart boards, and essential digital infrastructure. This will enable students and teachers to access modern, technology-enabled education in one of the most remote regions in the world.
 
With support from the World Expeditions Foundation, this project will fund the installation of computers, smart boards, printers, and classroom infrastructure to support both students and teachers. The outcome? Improved digital literacy, more engaging and interactive teaching, and equitable access to education for a community rebuilding after disaster.
 
The project is led by Himalayan Trust Nepal, a long-standing organisation working closely with local communities, schools, and government partners to deliver sustainable education and development outcomes across the Khumbu region.
 
Support our work
Our Commitment to Porters in Nepal
 
Porters are central to every trek we run in Nepal, and we are committed to their safety, wellbeing, and fair treatment.
 
We ensure fair pay, enforce strict load limits (max 30kg), and provide proper clothing, equipment, meals, and safe accommodation.
 
Porters have equal access to medical care, insurance, and emergency support as our travellers.
 
You can trek knowing your journey supports responsible and ethical practices.
Help us keep the places that inspire us clean by taking part in our 10 Pieces litter initiative | Lachlan Gardiner
Cleaning Up Wilderness Trails
 
Our 10 Pieces initiative is a simple, voluntary way to give back while you trek.
 
Travellers are encouraged to collect 10 pieces of litter each day along the trail, helping protect these fragile environments.
 
You'll find more details in your client portal once you book, and your tour leader will introduce the initiative at your first group meeting in Kathmandu.

Extra trip info

Meals are fully included on our Nepal treks so you stay properly fuelled for the journey. Trekking, particularly at altitude, burns a huge number of calories each day, and we believe good food is essential to maintaining energy and enjoyment on the trail.

On a typical two-week tea-house trek, buying meals along the way can cost well over US$800 per person. Some companies appear cheaper by not including meals. By including all meals, you actually save both money and time while also knowing every day’s food is taken care of by your own trek cook.

Your groups trekking cook and kitchen crew will prepare fresh, hearty meals with careful attention to hygiene and nutrition, and there is always plenty available - seconds are always welcome. At our Eco-Comfort Camps, many meals also feature vegetables grown in the camp gardens, bringing fresh produce to some of the most remote trekking routes in the Himalaya.

We can cater for most dietary requirements - talk to our team to learn more.

Use of essential equipment is included in your trip cost | Tim Charody

If you don’t trek regularly, investing in specialised gear for a single adventure can be expensive. Quality equipment designed for high altitude and cold conditions is essential, yet we see many trekkers in Nepal with gear that might look suitable, but will not be effective in many Himalayan conditions.

To save you hassle, and money, we provide the use of a World Expeditions Trek Pack including a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre-fill jacket and a cosy fleece sleeping bag liner. At our Eco-Comfort Camps we even supply an extra blanket. You receive your Trek Pack at the start of your trip, use it throughout your trek, and can pack it into your World Expeditions souvenir kit bag when travelling on the trail.

Just as importantly, it supports your safety and comfort. Staying warm at night and getting proper rest (along with good food) are critical to maintaining energy and enjoying your trek in the Himalaya.

Flight to Lukla | Lachlan Gardiner

Flights to Lukla are included on our Everest region treks and are arranged by our team so the group travels together. We work with the most reliable airlines operating this route, selecting those with the strongest safety records.

Demand for Lukla flights is extremely high during peak trekking seasons and seats can sell out quickly. Booking early allows us to secure the flights and services required for your trek, and your ticket includes an extra 5kg baggage allowance for a total of 20kg.

Flights now operate via Ramechhap rather than Kathmandu, where accommodation is limited and the airport area becomes very busy during trekking season. To make the experience smoother, we stay at our private airport camp just a five minute walk from the terminal, allowing a relaxed drive the day before and avoiding the 1am start many trekkers face when travelling from Kathmandu to reach the early morning flights.

Guaranteeing A Great Nepal Trip

Pioneering World Firsts
Quality equipment
Quality accommodations
Innovative itineraries
Custom built, reliable transport
Our all inclusive approach

Multi Award Winning Adventures

Responsible Travel

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