Makalu Three High Passes Trek

Duration: 26 Day / 25 Nights   |   Based on 2 Reviews
  • Destination: Nepal
  • Trip Difficulty: Strenuous
  • Style: Trekking
  • Transportation: Tourist Bus, Car & Airplane
  • Meals: BLD (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)
  • Accommodation: Hotel, Lodge &Tent
  • Group Size: 1-20
  • Max Altitude: 6180m

Highlights of Makalu Three High Passes Trek

  • Exploration of the snowy peaks and wonderful landscapes including socio-cultural aspects of Makalu and Everest Region
  • Crossing the three technical passes: Sherpani Col Pass (6,180m), West Col Pass (6,190m) and Amphu Lapsta Pass (5,850m) with the help of rope and handlines
  • Knowledge about Arun Valley, Barun Glacier and Makalu Barun National Park having diverse flora and fauna
  • Magnificent sunrise view from Makalu Base Camp
  • The 360-degree panoramic view of the snowy peaks of the Khumbu region including the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest from Kala Patthar
  • Scenic Kathmandu Tumlingtar flight and Lukla Kathmandu flight

Makalu Three High Passes trek is a quite challenging ‘off the beaten path’ journey through the eastern Nepal Himalayan region. Sherpani Col (6,180m), West Col (6,190m) and Amphu Lapsta Pass (5,850m) are the three challenging high passes in Makalu region. Makalu region trekking consists of the least walked adventurous trekking trail in Nepal leading you through complete desolate and peaceful surroundings.

Sherpani Col, West Col and Amphu Lapsta Pass trek is the most challenging high-pass trek between Everest and Makalu region. Known as Makalu High Pass trek, it leads you through the part of the Great Himalayan Trails with a thrilling experience. One of the most adventurous trekking trails in Nepal, Sherpani Col trek enriches your high Himalayan experience during Nepal trekking. The majestic view of the eight-thousanders like Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Makalu are the precious reward of Makalu Three Pass trek.

Makalu Three Passes trek rewards you with the breathtakingly beautiful peaks and landscapes of the Everest region and Makalu region. Makalu Barun National Park which surrounds Makalu region has variety of species of animals and plants for your exploration. The sudden glimpses of snow leopards and red pandas during Arun valley trek will really please you the most. The dense forests of rhododendron, pine, oak and fir are equally magnificent sight you have.

As Makalu Three High Passes trek comprises quite challenging passes, you need the previous knowledge about trekking in the high Himalayan region. Proper training and acclimatization in the Himalayan region is also important factor you must have to complete this challenging trek. You must hire the professional trekking guide and helpful porters during Makalu Three Pass trekking for your safety purpose. You have to ascend and descend these about 6,000m high passes of Makalu region with the help of a rope.

After 45 minutes’ scenic flight from Kathmandu, Makalu High Pass trek starts from Tumlingtar, a town expanded on a large plateau. Then, Makalu Three Passes trekking trail crosses many Rai, Chhetri, Tamang and Sherpa villages exposing their unique culture and tradition. Makalu Base Camp trek difficulty is comparatively less than Makalu region trekking with high passes: Sherpani, West and Amphu Lapsta.

After crossing the third challenging AmphuLapsta Pass, your trekking trail enters into Everest region from Chhukung village. From Chhukung, you can either end the trekking descending to Namche Bazaar, Lukla and flying Kathmandu or do Everest Base Camp trek. Makalu Everest Base Camp trek can be customized in a consultation with Orbit Alpine Adventure for your convenience. Makalu Three High Passes trek itinerary can be modified as per your vacation, budget, health condition and choice after all.

Makalu High Pass trek is both teahouse trekking and camping trekking as you can find teahouses until Makalu Base Camp. From Makalu Base Camp to Chhukung, you must do camping trekking as the trail goes past uninhabited areas in the rough countryside. Orbit Alpine Adventure designs Makalu High Pass Everest region trekking itinerary at the most reasonable cost for your lifelong memories.

FAQs:

1. How difficult is Makalu Three High Passes trek?

Makalu Three High Passes trek is the blend of easy and strenuous trekking routes. The trekking up to Makalu Base Camp and from Chukung is comparatively easy as there are no high passes. Crossing Sherpani Col Pass (6,180m), West Col Pass (6,190m) and Amphu Lapsta Pass (5,850m) is quite difficult as they are technical ones. You have to cross these Makalu high passes with the help of rope and handlines, so, it is challenging.

2. Can I do this Makalu high pass trek?

Of course, you can do Makalu High Pass trek if you are physically fit and mentally strong. Following the instructions of the professional guide, you can successfully complete this trek.

3. What are the rewards of doing this trek?

Obviously, the rewards of Makalu High Passes trek are the snowcapped peaks of Everest region and Makalu region. The socio-cultural aspects of Rai, Limbu, Sherpa and other ethnic communities are attractions of this trek to Makalu region. The sunrise and sunset view from Makalu Base Camp is the major attraction of this trek. Diverse Flora and fauna of Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area entertain you the most. Spending nights in the tented camps in the complete wilderness is the most fascinating experiences of Makalu High Pass trek. The 360-degree panoramic view of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest and other snowy peaks is equally lovely output of this trek. The sense of accomplishment after crossing the technical high passes of Makalu region is the lifelong experiences you can ever have.

4. Do I need a professional climbing guide and porter to experience this trekking?

Because Makalu Three High Passes trek is the journey through off the beaten path, you need a professional climbing guide and porter. A truly skillful guide will assist you best to cross the technical passes: Sherpani Col, West Col and Amphu Lapsta. The porter brings your camping equipment for the camping trekking from Day 12 (Swiss Base Camp) until you reach Chhukung.

5. Is this a camping trekking or a teahouse trekking?

Actually, this is a mixture of camping trekking and teahouse trekking. You can find teahouses in until you cross Makalu Base Camp and reach Chhukung. From Day 12 to until you reach Chhukung, there are no teahouses en route, so camping trekking is a must. You can find a double pack experience while Makalu High Pass trek which becomes your lifetime experience and memory.

6. How can I find the agency which organizes Makalu Three High Passes trek?

In the crowd of the agencies to organize Makalu Three High Passes trek, Orbit Alpine Adventure is the best for this purpose. You can contact Orbit Alpine Adventure for the customized Makalu Three High Passes trek itinerary and package at the most reasonable cost.You can use online booking services on the website; make a phone calls and emails enlisted on the official website.

7. What are the gears I need to manage for this trekking?

The gears you need for this trekking are camping equipment and climbing tools for the safety purpose. For the detailed info about Makalu High Pass trekking gears, you can consult with Orbit Alpine Adventure.

8. Do I need previous climbing experience to do Makalu Three High Passes trek?

In fact, you can finish Makalu Three High Passes trek by following the instructions given by your guide. While crossing the three technical high passes, the previous climbing experience will be really helpful but not compulsory.

9. Do I need insurance for this trek?

Insurance is very much important while trekking through the Nepalese high Himalayas because it supports you in case of health problems. In case of rescue from the trekking region, insurance can be really helpful.

10. What is the possibility of altitude sickness during Makalu High Pass trek?

There is possibility of altitude sickness during Makalu High Pass trek as you have to cross the high passes above 5,700m. To prevent yourself from altitude sickness, there are two days for acclimatization. Acclimatization day at Makalu Base Camp and Sherpani Col Base Camp will support you to adjust in high altitude. You can bring some medicines to protect yourself from altitude sickness as well we arrange some of them from our company too.

Day to Day Itinerary

OPEN ALL DAYS Outline Itinerary

On your arrival day, the representative of Orbit Alpine Adventure comes to the Kathmandu Airport for reception. S/he takes you to the hotel booked for your accommodation.

  • Meals: Well come Dinner
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

Today, the guide directs you around the UNESCO World Heritage Sites having religious, cultural and historical importance around the Kathmandu valley. You may like to visit Swayambhunath Stupa (Monkey Temple), Kathmandu Durbar Square, Pashupatinath Temple and Bouddhanath Stupa for sightseeing. Kathmandu day tour gives you a wonderful sight of the art and architecture of these sites. The guide will give you the important messages about Makalu Three High Passes trek in the evening at the hotel.

  • Meals: Breakfast
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

Now, it’s time you take a flight to Tumlingtar, also the gateway to Makalu region trekking from the Kathmandu Airport. The in-flight scenery of the snowcapped mountains and wonderful landscapes of Everest region and Makaluregion is breathtaking. From Tumlingtar, a private bus or jeep leaves you up to Num from where your real trekking to Makalu region begins. On the way to Num, you drive past Himalayan forests, charming Rai villages and Chilchila village all the way welcoming you!

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Num
  • Altitude: 1,490m/4,888ft

Along the Arun River valley which is fertile for crops production, the steep trail moves further to Seduwa. Seduwais a small beautiful village at the entrance of Makalu Barun National Park and Conservation Area. We must buy Makalu Barun National Park permit in Seduwa for the free and fair travel through the conservation area. You spend the night at Seduwa in a teahouse by tasting the typical food items in the organic flavor. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Seduwa
  • Altitude: 1,460m/4,790ft
  • Time: 6/7 Hours

Following the path moving further from between the IspuwaKhola and the KasuwaKhola, today’s journey begins. The path drives you along some paddy cultivation lands and some small rustic villages to TashiGaun for the night station. The natural scenery blended with the snowy peaks of Makalu region including Mt. Chamlang and Mt. Baruntse is really wonderful.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Tashi Gaun
  • Altitude: 3,070m/10,073ft
  • Time: 5 Hours

Trek to Khongma Danda passes some meadows where you can find the herds of yaks and sheep relishing their lot. The path goes past some dense forests of rhododendron, oak and pine including many kharkas (meadows) and some stone-paved sections. The sound of the wildlife and the pleasing sight of the vegetation welcome you to cross the path quicker and more interestingly. 

  • Meals: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Khongma Danda
  • Altitude: 3,470m/ 11,385ft
  • Time: 6 Hours

Trek to Mumbak is quite challenging because you have to cross Keke La Pass(4,230m) and Tutu La Pass (4,200m). Tutu La Pass, also called Shipton’s Pass offers you a lovely view of the mesmerizing peaks of Everest region and Makalu region. You can also see two ponds: Sano Pohkhari and ThuloPokhari (‘Pokhari’ means ponds) on the way. The diverse species of wildlife and birds sheltered in lush forests comprising rhododendron, pine, oak and fir make the trail full of life. Finally, you take the night rest at a teahouse in Mumbuk by enjoying the organic local cuisines prepared in the Nepalese flavor.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Mumbuk
  • Altitude: 3,570m/11,713ft
  • Time: 5 Hours

Today’s trekking trail is quite slippery due to the dampness of the area, so, you must careful while moving ahead. Following the trail along the Barun Khola banks, you move ahead by crossing some kharkas in the high land. You should cross Yangri Kharka (a seasonal meadow for cattle grazing) to reach Nehe Kharka for spending tonight. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Nehe Kharka
  • Altitude: 3,000m/9,843ft
  • Time: 6 Hours

Trek to Sherson is one of the memorable days of Makalu Three High Passes trekking journey as today. You will have the first superb glimpses of Mt. Makalu and Barun Glacier en route Sherson. Earlier, the trail goes past a prayer wall which shows the Buddhist culture in Makalu region. Sherson is also called the Makalu Lower Base Camp from where you can see the appealing looks of Mt. Baruntse and Mt. Chamlang. Makalu Lower Base Camp trek offers you the dense rhododendron, barberries and juniper bushes as the height is quite higher.   

  • Meals: Breakfast Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Sherson
  • Altitude: 4,165m/13,665ft
  • Time: 7 Hours

One of the major destinations of Makalu Three High Passes trek is Makalu Base Camp at an altitude of 4,870m. Makalu Base Camp trek leads you through uphill and downhill crossing some small passes among the dense damp jungles. Although the trail is a bit challenging, you can have the spectacular view of Mt. Everest, Mt. Kanchenjunga and Mt. Makalu. You will spend the night at a teahouse feeling the ecstasy around Makalu Base Camp. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Makalu Base Camp
  • Altitude: 4,870m/15,978ft
  • Time: 4/5 Hours

You don’t have to worry about getting up earlier to start the journey further because today is the acclimatization day. As soon as you get up, the sunrise view from Makalu Base Camp is a wonderful experience for lifelong memories. Today, you will realize the significance of off the beaten path trekking to Makalu region while enjoying the splendid vistas. The snowcapped peaks of the Everest region including Mt. Ama Dablam and others in Makalu region smile at your success. You can explore Makalu Base Camp region by doing some side-trips for more entertainment and lifelong memory. 

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Makalu Base Camp
  • Altitude: 4,870m/15,978ft

To reach today’s destination Swiss Base Camp, you have to walk past Hillary Base Camp by enjoying the mountain views. The rugged trail goes along the picturesque Barun Glacier Valley offering the magnificent outlooks of the assets in it. You spend the night in a tented camp among the wilderness of Makalu valley region.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Place: Swiss Base Camp
  • Altitude: 5,150m/16,896ft
  • Time: 5/6 Hours

The trail of Sherpani Col Base Camp trekking is quite tougher but pretty memorable for its scenery. By walking through the winding trail, you cross a small flat area filled with wild grasses and reaches at Sherpani Col Base Camp. You spend the night at the camp of one among the three high passes of Makalu Everest region trekking route.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Place: Shepani Col Base Camp
  • Altitude: 5,700m/18,701ft
  • Time: 6/7 Hours

As you have already reached the elevation above 5,500m, your body may find it quite awkward to continue the journey. Therefore, it is another acclimatization day to restore some energy to ascend further. Likewise, acclimatization day at Sherpani Col Base Camp provides your body with better adjustment with the altitude. Taking short hiking around Sherpani Col Base Camp prevents altitude sickness, which is a common phenomenon during high elevation trekking.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Place: Sherpani Col Base Camp
  • Altitude: 5,700m/18,701ft

It is a bit challenging to reach Baruntse Base Camp by crossing Sherpani Col Pass, a technical pass of Makalu region. The trail penetrates through the glacier showing you swinging prayer flags on top of Sherpani Col Pass hoisted by previous trekkers. With the help of a rope and hand-lines, you can successfully cross Sherpani Col Pass that serves as the best view point. Then the trail descends through Barun Glacier leading you to the Baruntse Base Camp, the rest camp for Mt. Baruntse. You spend the night at a tented camp by relishing the extraordinary view of the Makalu and Everest region.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Place: Baruntse Base Camp
  • Altitude: 6,050m/19,849ft
  • Time: 8/9

Today, the trekking route ascends towards West Col Pass, another challenging point to cross during West Col Pass trek. By leaving Barun Glacier valley, you will enter into Hongu valley hanging on the West Col Pass. Enjoying the outstanding vistas of Hongu valley and snowy peaks of Everest Makalu region, you spend the night at the tents.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Place: Hongu Valley
  • Altitude: 4,900m/16,076ft
  • Time: 4 Hours

The trail of Amphu Lapsta Base Camp trek descends from Hongu valley along the natural landscapes rich in flora and fauna. Walking for about 5 hours along the sloppy trail, you end today’s journey at Amphu Lapsta Base Camp. Take a complete rest at the tented camp to enable yourself to cross the last technical pass of Makalu Three Pass trek. This is the last night you are going to spend in the tented camp because from tomorrow you will get teahouses.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Tent
  • Place: Amphu Lapsta Base Camp
  • Altitude: 5,527m/18,133ft
  • Time: 5 Hours

Today, you will reach Chhukung, one of the stations in Everest region that leads you to Mera Peak vicinity. The trail ascends towards Amphu Lapsta Pass, probably one of the most dangerous pass in Nepalese Himalayas. Actually, you must be careful while walking along this trail as it has icy slopes and covered with snow. You need to carry climbing equipment to successfully cross this technical pass en route Makalu Everest region trekking. The trail, then, moves ahead by leaving the Amphu Lapsta Glacier rewarding you with the pleasing sight of Mera Peak. You spend the night at a teahouse that serves you with the organic food and comfortable bedding for complete rest.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahose
  • Place: Chhukung
  • Altitude: 4,730m
  • Time: 9 Hours

Now, you are going to begin Everest Base Camp trek following the trail that leads you to Dingboche. The trail has a lot more awards to Everest Base Camp trekkers from typical Sherpa villages to majestic snowy peaks. You move ahead by witnessing the appealing scenery of Mt. Ama Dablam along with Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse and Mt. Cho Oyu. You will also have a welcoming vistas of Island Peak erected in the middle of Imja Tse Lake.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Dingboche
  • Altitude: 4,410m/ 14,469ft
  • Time: 3 Hours

Early in the morning, you begin Dingboche Lobuche trek by capturing the blissful smiles of Mt. AmaDablam and Mt. Nuptse. The trail leads you across some pasture lands and seasonal yak sheds above Periche, a secluded but beautiful village. You see the stone-carved memorials to mark the death of the Everest region trekkers including Scott Fischer and Rob Hall. You come across other trekkers ascending/descending to/from Everest Base Camp trek and some Sherpa people riding on horseback.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Lobuche
  • Altitude: 4,910m/16,109ft
  • Time: 5 Hours

Following the winding rocky trail, you will experience GorakShep trek experiencing the enchanting snow-white peaks of Everest region. By leaving your load at GorakShep, immediately measure the trail leading to Kala Patthar, the best Everest view point. From Kala Patthar, you can have the 360-panoramic view of the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest both in sunrise and sunset. You can capture the photographs by keeping the eight-thousanders including Mt. Ama Dablam on your background for lifelong memories. Then, you come down to GorakShep and take a complete rest that energizes your for Everest Base Camp trek.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Gorakshep
  • Altitude: 5,550m/18,209ft
  • Time: 6 Hours

Today is also one among the most strikingly memorable events during your Makalu Three High Passes trekking. You are going to add to the lifetime achievement with Everest Base Camp trekking, which is the most appreciated trekking in Nepal. The wonderful picturesque panorama of Mount Everest and other eight-thousanders surrounded by snowclad peaks are really just awesome! After tasting the delicacy of tallest peaks completely wrapped in silvery blanket, you will trek down to Lobuche for night station

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Lobuche
  • Altitude: 5,364m/17,598ft
  • Time: 6 Hours

The trail that you are going to follow descends to Pangboche, a lovely Sherpa villages with some guesthouses. The stunning mountain view, wonderful landscapes and rustic villages are the prizes of Lobuche Pangboche trekking. In Pangboche, you can visit a 300-year old Pangboche Monastery, one of the oldest monasteries in the Khumbu region.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Pangboche
  • Altitude: 4,150m/13,615ft
  • Time: 5 Hours

Today, the trekking trail descends to Namche Bazaar, the only business hub in the entire Khumbu region having all the modern amenities. Namche Bazaar is completely different and modern from the pastoral villages of Upper Khumbu region. You can celebrate the accomplishment of Makalu Three High Passes trek with your group to make it more striking!

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Namche Bazaar
  • Altitude: 3,440m/11,286ft
  • Time: 7 Hours

Today is the last trekking day of the entire Makalu Three Pass trek 27 days itinerary. You can leisurely walk downhill through the rocky trail leading to Lukla having Tenzing Hillary Airport. You can have some fun here and spend the night with complete rest for tomorrow’s LuklaKathamndu flight.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  • Accommodation: Teahouse
  • Place: Lukla
  • Altitude: 2,840m/9,317ft
  • Time: 7 Hours

Today, Lukla Kathmandu scenic flight carries you to Kathmandu with the astonishing view of the mountain giants of the Everest region. The aerial view of the snowcapped peaks, lush valleys and diverse landscapes will add up to your memories in the Nepalese Himalayas. Then, the guide will take you to the hotel for the night accommodation. You can take rest at the hotel or stroll around for shopping or you can even enjoy the parties.

  • Meals: Breakfast, Well come Dinner
  • Accommodation: Three Star Hotel
  • Place: Kathmandu
  • Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft
  • Time: 35 Minutes

As your Makalu Three High Passes trek package has ended, it’s high time you return to the home country. Thus, the representative of Orbit Alpine Adventure will accompany you up to the Kathmandu Airport for final see off. And if you have more time left to spend in Nepal, our agency supports you to find much more lifetime memories. 

  • Meals: Breakfast

Cost Details

  • Duffel bags and trekking sticks are provided from Orbit Alpine Adventure without any Free airport pick up upon your arrival and departure back to home
  • All local flight ticket and ground private transportation is included
  • Private ground transportation for Kathmandu valley sightseeing
  • Kathmandu city guide provided for kathmandu valley city tour
  • Well English speaking special license holder trekking guide, potter, kitchen staff and donkey for carrying guest luggage, Tent and food items for trekking
  • Three night hotel in Kathmandu three star level with breakfast
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner, and tent accommodation during the trek is included
  • All kind of government permit for the restricted area of Makalu trek is included, also national park fee
  • During the trek if needed we can provide for guest down jacket on hire that needs to be returned after finishing the trek.
  • Cost of guide, potter, donkeys food, salary, tent accommodation along with insurance are provided
  • Guest international flight ticket fair
  • Guest emergency evacuation insurance but we will assist you if need emergency evacuation with your insurance company and give all the details information to your family about the situation
  • All kinds of alcoholic drinks, chocolate and snacks
  • If you have to take any regular medicine that is not included and you need to be sure before leaving for trekking and take it with you from Kathmandu or bring it from home
  • In case of an early arrival in the city from your trek, an extra night of city hotel is not included and there will not be any refund because of your problem of early return back from trekking
  • Extra night at the hotel and if incase of changing flight tickets due to early return or late return to home we will not make any refund of money. All the cost has to be managed by the guest
  • Tips and donations to the hotel, restaurant and trekking area are not included. Guide and potter are expected tips at the end of trekking and it is not fixed but depends on your financial condition and their services during the trekking and tour

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