Sherpani Col Pass Trek

Makalu Sherpani Col Pass Trek (Ice Col Trek) is a truly adventurous expedition to a remote and wild region of the Great Himalayas, with full logistical support, this is a journey that seeks a new route, a new perspective, and a challenge. 

The Ice Col Trek passes through three High Mountain passes and travels through a spectacular, rarely visited region of Nepal. It only meets the popular southern approach to Everest Base Camp at Chhukung on the very last section. 

The breathtaking views, some of which will be only ours, are some of the most breathtaking in the entire Himalayan range: splendid vistas heightened by the power of three of the world’s five highest mountains: Makalu, Kanchenjunga, and Everest. Because the Makalu Sherpani Col Pass trek is considered one of the most difficult, participants must be physically fit. 

The satisfaction of experiencing firsthand the culture and folklore of tribal hill and mountain peoples, as well as the flora and fauna of remote Eastern Nepal, is also offered, and the dates chosen should ensure some of the best weather and panoramic views. 

As we fly east from Kathmandu to Tumlingtar, the majestic Himalayan backbone glides beneath our wingtips. Beyond this point, our trekking route traverses a large area, rising north onto the Num ridges and gradually sweeping westwards into the uninhabited heartland of the world’s most remarkable mountains and passes. 

You can see our journey as it emerges from the tranquil pastures and ascends the hidden Arun River valley on the map. This trail provides the best possible acclimatisation by gradually climbing and descending from villages at 457m to the Khongma Pass at 3090 meters. There are no villages beyond Num. 

The trail climbs all the way to Neghe Kharka, passing through Makalu and crossing the Barun Khola. The route to Sherpani Col 6135 meters requires a long period of ascent with some steep slopes, but it is rewarded with spectacular views of Mt. Makalu, 8463 meter to the north, and the aptly named Island Peak, 6160 meters to the west. 

This is the land of the glaciers, surrounded by the unmistakable presence of the world’s most powerful mountains and towering above Everest itself. The trail climbs West Col and crosses the wide Hongu glacier in the direction of the setting sun. 

It climbs easily to the Amphu Labtsa pass, descends to skirt under Amphu Peak 5335m, and serves to gain the wide Imja glacier and relax on its westerly descent to the village of Chhukhung, with the elegant cones of Island Peak dead ahead. 

This first Sherpa settlement is a typical low-walled grey stone village with traditional Sherpa smiles, nestled at 4730m above the confluence of five major glacial valleys. We descend into the Khumbu valley, the Sherpa people’s heartland, and pass via Dingboche. 

The village is perched above the Dudh Kosi, which drains Mt. Everest’s western flanks and is guarded by the dramatic twin shoulders of Mt. Ama Dablam, which rises to 6812 metres. The Khumbu Ice-fall tumbles out of the Western Cwm and slowly grinds its way toward the Ganges, swallowing up another four glaciers. 

With our prior level of acclimatisation, we should be able to take the altitude in stride as we make our way through the moraine to the last huts of Lobuche. The return home is a welcome return to the tranquil valleys and rhododendron forests. 

As we travel down the valley to our aircraft in Lukla, we stop at Thyangboche monastery and visit Namche Bazar. The return flight to Kathmandu is longer than the outbound flight. It’s as if mountains are marching west alongside us, guiding us back into the modern world with waves of gentle terraced hills.

Packing for Your Next Adventure: Everything You Need to Know
The key to having a good time in the mountains is to be organized and plan ahead. In addition to all of your training, ensuring that you have the appropriate equipment is an important aspect of preparing for your trip. Choosing the proper equipment will give you an extra comfort and safety boost, so you can be at your best while still enjoying yourself. It’s essential to have the right gear with you to get the most out of your trip. To help you better prepare for the mountain you will be climbing, we have provided a complete packing guide.

TREKKING GEAR LIST

Our training goal is to get you physically and mentally prepared to face the climb with more confidence. The climbing goal will be to perform consistently throughout the adventure. Fitness for mountaineering requires a high overall level of physical conditioning. Both cardiovascular and motor fitness are needed to climb at varying levels of intensity and to navigate challenging terrain, often while carrying a loaded pack and at high altitudes.

Training goals are critically important and allow you to perform better at higher altitudes and enjoy the entire adventure. We suggest that you examine the physical requirements of the climb you are approaching and work on your fitness in different levels. Click here to Learn more about Trip Grades and choose what’s best for you!

Establish a timeline for your training program and focus on specific conditioning for better results. Along with your workouts try and add hikes and climbs in the outdoors whenever possible to get more comfortable with different terrains. Sound fitness gained through a well-guided program is the only best way to ensure a safe and successful adventure.

Mountaineering Fitness and Training
It may also be helpful to break down your training timeline into a number of key phases. These are:

Phase 1 : Base physical fitness
The first phase of getting prepared for your climb is to focus on your base fitness. You should incorporate a fitness routine that focuses on both cardiovascular fitness and motor fitness training. For those who are not used to intense workouts this phase will help you to kickstart your training. Remember that consistency is the first most important factor in achieving any goal. Combine your basic fitness regimes along with running and stair climbing. You are now ready for outdoor adventures.

Phase 2 : Training specific for the climb
Once you have established your base physical fitness, you will need to train specifically for the climb. Depending on the difficulty and intensity of the climb, add advanced workout sessions combined with uphill training. Try and do the same fitness routines with some added loads. Strength training combined with cardiovascular and motor fitness will help with the overall conditioning. This will take your workouts to the next level and help gear up for the mountaineering challenge ahead.

Phase 3 : Outdoor Training
Nothing can replace training in the real outdoors. In the final phase of your training, you should be attempting climbs which are similar to the ones you are approaching. It is great to test your endurance outdoors. This gives you a great edge in preparing for conditions similar to the ones you will encounter during your expedition. It isn’t always possible to find similar terrains close to where you live, but it is best to find a hike as close to the climb as possible. This is the best way to test your climbing gears as well.
Training goals and timeline

Working out for at least 5 days in a week is the best way to get your body physically prepared for the climb ahead. Regular and consistent training always gives the best result and keeps you highly motivated. Make sure that you workout regularly and also give enough time for rest and recovery. Keep it balanced and have a properly planned fitness routine and never overdo exercises to the point of injury. While 2 to 3 months is a good amount of time to train, starting your training earlier allows more time to adjust and prepare.

Click here to learn more about Training for your Upcoming Climb and get ready for the adventure!