Ice Col Trekking (Sherpeni Col)
A truly adventurous expedition to a remote and wild region of the Great Himalayas, with full logistic support - this is a journey that seeks a different route, a fresh perspective, a challenge.
Our route traverses a spectacular, seldom visited region of Nepal and crosses three High Mountain passes. Only on the very final section does it meet the popular southern approach to Everest Base Camp at Chhukung. The rare views, some of which will be ours alone, are quite the most breathtaking in the whole Himalayan range: sublime vistas in which are amplified the power of three of the world’s five highest mountains: Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Everest.
Here too is offered the satisfaction of absorbing at first hand the culture and folklore of tribal hill and mountain peoples and the flora and fauna of remote Eastern Nepal and the dates selected should ensure some of the best weather and panoramic views
From Kathmandu, the majestic backbone of the Himalayan glides our wingtips as we head east for Tumlingtar. Beyond here our trekking route follows a great are, rising north onto the ridges of Num and sweeping slowly westwards into the uninhabited heartland of the world's most spectacular mountains and passes.
On the map, you can follow our journey as it emerges out of tranquil pastures and ascends the hidden Arun River valley. Climbing and descending gradually, taking us from villages at 457m to the Khongma Pass at 3,090m, this trail gives us the best possible form of acclimatization. Beyond Num there are no villages. The track climbs all the way to Neghe Kharka, crossing the Barun Khola flowing from Makalu. The route to Sherpani Col (6,135m) involves a sustained period at altitude with some steep slopes, but rewards with powerful views of Makalu (8,463m) to the north and the aptly named Island Peak (6,160m) to the west. This is the realm of the glaciers, surrounded by the unforgettable presence of the world's mightiest mountains; and brooding above the towering bulk of Everest itself.
The trail heads towards the setting sun, mounting West Col and crossing the wide Hongu glacier. In a long day it climbs easily to the Amphu Labtsha pass, descends to skirt under Amphu peak (5,335m) and, with the elegant cones of Island Peak dead ahead, serves to gain the wide Imja glacier and relax on its westerly descent to the village of Chhukhung.
This first Sherpa habitation, nestled at 4,730m above the junction of five
major glacial valleys, is a typical low walled grey stone village, colored
with traditional Sherpa smiles. Tumbling into the Khumbu valley, heartland
of the Sherpa people, and past the relative metropolis of Dingboche, we make
for Pheriche (4,252m). The village is perched above the Dudh Kosi, or river
of milk, which drains the western flanks of Mt. Everest, and is guarded by
the dramatic twin shoulders of Ama Dablam (6,856m).
Below, the Khumbu Icefall trumbles out of the Western Cwm and, swallowing up
another four glaciers, slowly grinds its way toward the Ganges. Our route
picks its way through the moraine, to the last huts of Lobuche and, with our
prior level of acclimatization, we should probably take the altitude in our
stride.
The run home is a very pleasurable re-entry to the calm valleys and
rhododendron forests. We call at Thyangboche monastery and visit Namche
Bazar as we flow onward down the valley to our aircraft at Lukla. The flight
home to Kathmandu surpasses the flight out. It is as if mountains march
westward beside us until waves of gentle terraced hills raise up to guide us
back into the modern world.
- Itinerary
- Cost Info
- Departure
Ice Col Trekking Itinerary
DAY 01: ARRIVE KATHMANDU AND TRANSFER TO HOTEL.
DAY 02: FULL DAY GUIDED SIGHTSEEING INSIDE THE KATHMANDU VALLEY.
Join the welcome dinner with live Nepalese cultural program hosted by Makalu adventures.
DAY 03: KATHMANDU-TUMLINGTAR - KHADBARI - 1,040 m - 4-hrs walk.
Fly to Tumlingtar which is an hour flight. Here your trekking crew will meet you and a bit of briefing about the trail, then start walking up to Khadbari (1,040 m). Have lunch break in the shade of Kabra Trees. We walk north towards Khandbari, then begin walking on a plateau for around 45 minutes after the trails climbing gradually to Khandbari. We camp above the village.
DAY 04: KHADBARI - CHICHILA – 1,830 m - 5/6 hrs walk
After breakfast walk through many small picturesque villages most of the time the walk is uphill and you will be walking through bamboo groves and a rhododendron forest. Our camp is at Chichela a small settlement of Gurungs at 1,830m.
DAY 05: CHICHILA-NUM – 1,490 m - 5 hrs walk
Today we start walking with views of snow capped peaks in the distance. Fantastic views of Makalu and its surrounding peak. Walk on a striaght path, with little ups and downs, through forest to have lunch at about 2 hrs and then start descending to reach Num. Camp.
DAY 06: NUM-SEDUA – 1,460 m - 5/6 hrs walk
The trail today descends steeply from Num through the Cornfield of Lumbang. The country is particularly rocky; tiny terraces planted with corn and barley, then we have tough steep climb to Sedua. Camp
DAY 07: SEDUA-TASHI GAON – 2,070 M - 5 hrs walk
The trail crosses meadows and several streams, then climbs to the Sherpa village of Tashi Gaon, the last permanent settlement in the valley. Camp
DAY 08: TASHI GAON - KAUMA – 3,470 m - 6 hrs walk
A very hard day of the trek as the trail goes up real steep. We walk through the sparse forests along the ridge over a hillock and descend a bit to Kauma at 3,470 m. Camp
DAY 09: KAUMA
Today is a rest day as well as acclimatization day.
DAY 10: KAUMA - MUMBUK – 3,570 m - 5 hrs walk
We again start today with a steep climb then through less steeply rhododendron forests to the top of the ridge. You will have superb views of Chamlang (7,290 m) Peak 6 (6,739 m) and Peak 7 (6,105 m). Then we will have a final descent through a forest of firs and rhododendrons to Mumbuk. Camp
DAY 11: MUMBUK-NHE KHARKA – 3,000 m - 6 hrs walk
Today the trail descends steep gully with a stream for about 500m. The trail is ill defined, rocky and sloppy mud in places as it leads up the glacial valley. From here you can have a good views of Peak 6. Nhe Kharka is located on a large open grassy plain at an elevation of 3000 m. from here you will have great mountain views. Camp
DAY 12: NHE KHARKA - SHERSON – 4,615 m - 7 hrs walk
The trail today turns westward and leaves the rhododendron forests for alpine tundra. There are excellent views of Pyramid Peak (7,168 m), Peak 4 (6,720 m) etc. Sherson is at 4,615 m a bit dangerous day as the altitude gains more than 1,500 m but we don't have a choice because we do not have any suitable camp between Nhe Kharka and Sherson.
DAY 13: SHERSON - MAKALU BASE CAMP 5,000 m - 4/5 hrs walk
Today is a gradual climb to a minor pass about 100 m . From here you will have a magnificent south face views of Makalu also you will be able to see the complete panorama of Everest and Lhotse. Camp
DAY 14: EXPLORE MAKALU BASE CAMP
DAY 15: TREK TO HILLARY BASE CAMP
DAY 16: TREK TO HIGH CAMP
DAY 17: EXPLORATION/REST DAY
DAY 18: TREK TO SHERPANI COL, BARUNTSE BASE CAMP
DAY 19: TREK TO WEST COL
DAY 20: TREK TO PANCHE POKHARI
DAY 21: TREK TO PANCHE POKHARI, AMPHU LAPCHA CROSS
DAY 22: TREK TO CHUKUNG - (4,730m) (6 hrs)
Chhukhung (4,730 m.), lies directly under an incredible rock wall that links Nuptse with Lhotse. From here you will also have magnificent views of Amadablam (6856 m.), probably the most photographed mountain in Nepal.
DAY 23: TREK TO DENGBOCHE - 4,380m (5 hrs)
Follow the main Khumbu Valley down to site of the Himalayan Rescue Association's Trekkers' Aid Post and continue to Dingboche. Camp Overnight.
DAY 24: TREK TO TENGBOCHE - (3,860m) (4 hrs).
The trail continues through meadows where yaks graze. In the distance you can glimpse the summit of Everest, girt by the impressive rock walls of Lhotse and Nuptse. Start by passing by a spring, and then continue slightly takes you to Tengboche, the cultural heart of Everest. Camp Overnight.
DAY 25: TREK TO NAMCHE BAZAR (3,440m) (4 hrs).
The trail descends to the right flank of the Dudh Kosi and then leads to the large Sherpa settlement and then ascends to the Namche Bazar.
DAY 26: REST AT NAMCHE BAZAR
A complete rest day at Namche to explore its attractions.
DAY 27: TREK TO PHAKDING (2,610m) – (4 hrs)
Down along the gorge of the Dudh Kosi to the village of Phakding. Camp Overnight.
DAY 28: TREK TO LUKLA (2,840m) – (1 ½ hrs)
Continue ascend to the small mountain airstrip at Lukla to catch your return flight to Kathmandu. Weather permitting your trekking crew might prepare a farewell treat for you. You would be expected to join in the singing and the dancing! Overnight Camp.
DAY 29: FLY TO KATHMANDU. FREE DAY… SHOPPING & ETC.
DAY 30: FINAL DEPARTURE.
Trip Cost : USD 2950 Per Person
Included Services:
- All ground transfers by private vehicle as per our itinerary.
- Thamel Eco Resort Hotel in Kathmandu (including breakfast, and all tax)
- Welcome Dinner with Live Nepalese Cultural Program hosted by Makalu Adventures.
- Guided sightseeing around world heritage sites of KTM. (Includes all applicable entrance fees.)
- All domestic airfares (Kathmandu - Taplejung - Kathmandu).
- Organized Camping Trek arrangement, including all high quality German Salewa / UK Super Quasar, F10 Spindrift camping equipments and tents such as Two Men Tent, Kitchen Tent, Dinning Tent, Toilet Tent, Tables, Chairs, Mattresses, Hot Water Bags, Pillows, Inner Sheet and etc.
- Three times hot meals a day while trekking, which will be prepared by our very professional kitchen crew.
- National Park / Conservation Area Permit Fees / Special Trekking Permit Fees.
- Guide, porters and their daily wages, insurance with all necessary lodging - fooding arrangements.
- High altitude crew (experienced sherpa / guide / porters) with their daily wages, insurance and all arrangements.
Excluded Services:
- All International Airfares / Airport Taxes.
- Expenses of personal nature such as bar bill, laundry bill, telephone bill, tips and etc.
- Personal medical and travel insurance.
- Helicopter Rescue & Evacuation - If needed.
03 April 2018
17April 2018
10 May 2018
07 Oct 2018
17 Oct 2018
10 Nov 2018