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

Makalu & Everest Traverse via Sherpani Col 50th Anniversary Trekwith Soren Kruse Ledet

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

30 Days from

$ USD

Trip Code: EVE
View dates to BookEssential Information

Extra trip options & supplements

*Prices listed are per person

Hotel only Single supplement
$140 USD
Tent Only Single Supplement
$490 USD
Single Supplement
$630 USD

Duration

  • 30 Days

Activities

  • 30 day trek

Accommodation

  • 2 nights hotel
  • 25 nights wilderness camping
  • 2 nights private eco campsites or eco lodges

Meals

Valued at USD$1300

  • 26 Dinners
  • 26 Lunches
  • 29 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading  

9 / 10

Intermediate Mountaineering Expedition

Technical Grading  

Intermediate

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)
  • Celebrate the 50th Anniversary of World Expeditions' pioneering trips with a banquet dinner in Thyangboche
  • 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 with Soren Kruse Ledet and our experienced climbing sherpas
  • 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

This is undoubtedly one of the most challenging and exhilarating treks anywhere on the planet. You will cross the highest passes in the Himalaya and trek through high alpine landscapes that have to be seen to be believed. You'll get up close to Makalu and Everest and on this truly special trek the feeling of remoteness is very real. 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 this region, and sections of this trip involve roped travel over glaciated and technical terrain. The route over the 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 sure to be worthwhile! We make our way to the heart of the Himalaya, Thyangboche, to celebrate World Expeditions' 50th Anniversary with a banquet dinner hosted by some of the people who helped shape World Expeditions into the pioneering adventure travel company it has become today, including Tim Macartney-Snape and Garry Weare.

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 and a gear check will be carried out. 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. Overnight: Wilderness 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. Overnight: Wilderness Camp

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. Overnight: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

This is a tough day, with an elevation gain of 1400m on a steep trail. Initially climbing over a ridge we pass by a herders’ hut and then the trail levels out and climbs to a shepherds’ hut called Chipla atop another ridge at 2520m. The route now becomes steeper with switchbacks through forest to Unshisha, a tiny meadow at 3180m. Once we gain the ridge we will continue a short distance through sparse forests before making a final descent to Kongma (3560m). There are no buildings and many of the tent sites are on the sloping hillside in this often muddy camp site. Overnight: Wilderness Camp

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). Overnight: Wilderness Camp

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. Overnight: Wilderness Camp

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. Overnight: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

The second half of trek to Swisse BC is tricky and involves boulder hopping as we follow the Barun Glacier directly beneath Makalu enormous west face. Swisse 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. Overnight: Wilderness Camp

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. Overnight: Wilderness Camp

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. Overnight: Wilderness Camp

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. Overnight: Wilderness Camp

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 is a contingency day which could be used anytime throughout the trip for inclement weather or rest as required. Overnight: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

Today we start our descent from the mountains and make our way to Thyangboche monastery and our camp for the next two nights. Here we will join the other trekking groups converging for the celebrations. You will have a full day to explore the village or kick your feet up and take a well earned break with one of the best views in the region. We will have a tour of the famous Monastery and learn of its significance for the surrounding villagers. We will celebrate World Expeditions' 50th Anniversary with a banquet dinner hosted by some of the people who helped shape World Expeditions into the pioneering adventure travel company it has become today, including Tim Macartney-Snape and Garry Weare. Overnight: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

If the weather is clear, the mountain views from Thyangboche monastery as we pass through are outstanding - Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse are at the head of the valley, their line of sight flanked by Taweche on one side and Ama Dablam on the other. Almost directly above us are Kantega and Thamserku. Completing a 360 degree panorama of mountains are Khumblia and Kongde Ri which encircle us from across the valley. It's a pleasant walk down to Monjo, and as we near the village we pass through terraced fields that are home to a brightly colored pheasant, the Danphe Pheasant, the national bird of Nepal. Overnight: Wilderness Camp

Meals: B,L,D

Leaving Monjo we descend through the forest towards the Dudh Kosi, and continue our return journey crossing and re-crossing the river. It will seem like a long time since we passed through the villages on our first days of the trek. Retracing our steps along the valley, 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 exhilarating journey. Our last evening of the trek is a good time to celebrate a successful journy and 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. Overnight: Eco-lodge.

Meals: B,L,D

We start the day with a stunning morning flight over forests and villages to Kathmandu directly or to return via Ramechap. Upon arrival, you be will be transferred back to the Radisson Hotel and have the remainder of the afternoon free. There will be plenty of time to relax or do some last minute shopping/sightseeing. Overnight: Radisson Hotel or similar

Meals: B

After breakfast arrangements cease unless further ones have been made. Those people departing by aircraft will be transferred to the airport and assisted with check-in procedures.

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?

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What’s included?

Included

  • 29 breakfasts, 26 lunches and 26 dinners including a special anniversary banquet and all meals on trek valued at US$1300
  • World Expeditions mountaineering leader
  • fully supported expedition
  • airport transfers if arriving on day 1 and 30 or if you booked pre/post tour accommodation at the Radisson through World Expeditions
  • flight Kathmandu/Tumlingtar & Lukla/Kathmandu valued at US$450
  • accommodation at the Radisson Hotel in Kathmandu
  • the use of a World Expeditions trek pack which includes a quality sleeping bag, down or fibre fill jacket and insulated mat (valued at over US$500)
  • climbing pack including ice axe, crampons, harness and helmet
  • safety equipment including portable altitude chamber, group medical kit, satellite phone and oxygen cylinder for emergency use
  • souvenir World Expeditions kit bag
  • all park entrance fees and trekking permits
  • porters to carry all personal and group equipment and porter's insurance
  • sightseeing and site entry fees in Kathmandu

Not included

  • Lunch & dinner in Kathmandu
  • Bottled water, aerated & alcoholic drinks
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone calls, laundry, etc
  • Tips
  • International flights
  • Airport and departure taxes
  • Visa
  • Travel Insurance

About your guide

Soren Kruse Ledet is a high altitude mountain guide based in the Blue Mountains, Australia. For the past 25 years he has led and participated in more than 60 mountaineering expeditions and challenging treks in Nepal, Bhutan, Pakistan and Tibet. In 2011 Soren reached 27,500 ft during an unassisted ascent of Everest and has successfully summitted Ama Dablam 4 times. He has led expeditions to Cholatse, Baruntse, Teng Kangpoche, Muztagh Ata, Pachermo and Peak Lenin among many others. His easygoing nature and professionalism make him a sought after guide.

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