Makalu to Everest traverse over 3 cols (East Col 6146m, West Col 6143m and Amphu Labsta 5848m)

Introduction

The Makalu to Everest trek is one of the toughest and most technical treks in Nepal. You cross 3 high altitude and technical passes. In return, the rewards are views of another world. The Khumbu and Makalu mountains are almost touchable. And this adventure will be remembered for the rest of your life.

This high altitude adventure starts with a flight to the remote airstrip of Tumlingtar. From this airstrip, you will hike to the trail to Makalu Base Camp. After Base Camp, the climbing adventure starts with the East Col, followed by the West Col. And finally, after crossing the Amphu Labsta, you enter the easy trails of Everest, where you can take some rest.

Makalu to Everest Overview

The adventurous Makalu to Everest trek begins with a flight to Tumlingtar at an altitude of 400 meters in a remote region of Nepal. In ten days, you will hike to Makalu Base Camp at the high point of 4755 meters. Starting, you’ll trek through the lush green subtropical Arun Valley. Through dense rhododendron and pine forest, you climb up to the alpine meadows, which are close to the Barun Glacier. As you ascend, fantastic panoramas offer themselves with every increasing height. You cross the two passes, Shipton La and Keke La.

In between lies the picturesque lake of Kalo Pokhari. Through the Barun Valley, you climb up to the base camp at 4755 meters. Remarkably, this base camp lies directly at the foot of the striking rock and ice wall of the beautiful Makalu (8463m). From a viewpoint above base camp, you can enjoy a superb panorama of some of the world’s highest mountains. Before you, Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Baruntse rise in a spectacular display of rock and ice.

Leaving Makalu Base Camp behind, you’ll follow the moraine trail towards the East Col. The days crossing East Col and West Col are the toughest days of this traverse. At East Col, we take our time for abseiling. From this small ridge, you can already see West Col in the distance. Baruntse Mountain is right next to you, and you can also see Chamlang Mountain. The white Baruntse glacier lies between East Col and West Col. You truly are now in the middle of the high Himalaya with high snowcapped peaks and glaciers all surrounding you.

Beyond the col, we will rope up to cross the glacier. Crossing the West Col is a second tough climb. There’s time for a well-deserved break at Panch Pokhari. Towards the Amphu Labsta, it is again hopping over stones and moraines because there is no obvious trail. From here, you’ll have a good view of Mount Everest (8848m), Lhotse (8516m), Island Peak (6189m), and countless other high peaks all around you.

After the pass, you enter the Imja Tse valley (Island Peak area), and here you will find good hiking trails and teahouses with more trekkers and climbers. Now, compared to the past days, the trail to Lukla is a pleasant stroll passing the monastery of Tengboche and the Sherpa capital Namche Bazaar. Finally, from Lukla, you will fly back to Kathmandu.