Trekking in the Himalayas is always a magical thing. When people go alone or in a small group, sometimes they are lonely but when you join a group, it is a different feeling. Many people like to share journeys, share food, laugh, and struggle together, and this makes memories forever. Group joining trek gives you new friends, support, safety and even fun. In Nepal, Tibet and the Nepal-Tibet border area, there are many trek routes that are perfect for group trekking. We talk here about the Saribung Pass Trek and the Makalu Sherpani Col Trek because these two treks are more adventurous, more scenic, and a little difficult.
Group Joining Trek—Why Better Than Alone
When you think trekking alone may be quiet and free, joining a group trek has many advantages. First is safety. Himalayan weather changes fast; landslides, snowstorms, river crossings, and high-altitude sickness are all dangerous there. When you are in a group guide and porters support you, and other people help you always. Second is fun. Morning tea, evening dinner, stories, and jokes make the day pass easily. Third is motivation. Hard climb, tired body, low oxygen—if you see another person struggle but continue, you are also motivated. Fourth is social learning. Different people, cultures, experience and advice you get when you are in a group.
Group joining trek also gives a cost benefit. When you share a guide, porter, or helicopter transfer, sometimes a group discount is available. Hotels, lodges, and food are sometimes cheaper in groups because local companies give group prices. For new trekkers or first-timers, a high-altitude group trek is perfect because you learn fast, know the pace, know survival tips and enjoy it together.
Saribung Pass Trek—Hidden Gem of Nepal
Saribung Pass Trek is not famous like Everest Base Camp or Annapurna Circuit, but this trek is very beautiful, very quiet, and very adventurous. This trek starts from the Manang side or the Mustang side. Usually people start from Manang after the Annapurna Circuit and go toward the Thorong La route but turn to the Saribung route.
The highest point of this trek is Saribung Pass, around 5500 meters. This pass is very challenging because of the long snow slope, wind, cold temperature, and sometimes rockfall. Only moderate to experienced trekkers join this route. The beauty of the Saribung Pass Trek is the remote area. No big lodge, no crowd, only local people, yak herders and high mountain scenery.
During the trek you pass many beautiful villages like Braga, Upper Manang, Yak Kharka, and Tilicho Lakeside and then approach Saribung Pass. Nature here is very pure, and the mountain view is amazing. Annapurna, Nilgiri, Gangapurna, and Tilicho peaks are all visible. Also flora and fauna are unique. Rare birds, wild yaks, and Himalayan blue sheep are sometimes seen.
Trekking day starts early because pass climbs need good sunlight. Morning tea at 5 AM, head climb, then reach the pass in the afternoon. From the top view, the 360-degree Himalayan panorama is very incredible. Downhill is sometimes dangerous because the snow slope is slippery. A guide is very important here.
Makalu Sherpani Col Trek – Extreme Adventure
Makalu Sherpani Col Trek is for high adventure seekers. Makalu is the 5th highest mountain in the world at 8481 meters. Trek route Sherpani Col is difficult and long and requires fitness, experience, and sometimes technical skill. This trek starts from the Tumlingtar or Salleri side and goes toward the Makalu Base area. Group treks are very popular here because of the difficult sections, weather and altitude.
Sherpani Col is about 6000 meters high. Passes need snow climbing gear, crampons, and ropes sometimes. Only experienced guides and groups can manage safely. This trek is less crowded than Everest or Annapurna, so you feel wilderness and raw mountain experience. The local Sherpa culture is very strong here. You meet Sherpa villages, monasteries, mani walls, chorten and prayer flags everywhere.
During the trek you pass remote villages like Khandbari, Chyamak, Khote, Num, and Dobhan and then approach Makalu Base. The landscape changes from dense forest to alpine meadow to snow field. Many river crossings, bamboo forests, and landslide areas make the trek adventurous. Group support is very important. Porters carry luggage, guides plan daily treks, and cooks make hot food and everyone shares experiences.
At Sherpani Col top you see the Makalu, Baruntse, Chamlang, Everest, and Lhotse peaks in the distance. Sunrise and sunset here are magical; the color of the mountain changes from red-orange to white. Photographer paradise. Only a few trekkers reach here in a year because of the difficulty and remoteness.
Combining Group Trek, Saribung Pass and Makalu Sherpani Col
The best adventure is when you combine. Many trekking companies organize combined trips. First join a group, meet a team, know the pace, and warm up with a small hike or short trek. Then start the Saribung Pass Trek. Challenge yourself, cross the 5500 meter pass, and feel the raw Himalayas. After a few days of rest and acclimatization, you start the Makalu Sherpani Col Trek.
Combining group trekking, Saribung Pass and Makalu Sherpani Col is very logical. You need team support, logistics support, medical backup, porters, cooks and guides. Without a group, this trek is very risky, lonely, and sometimes impossible. You also enjoy cultural experiences. Local villages, people, festivals, Mani walls, Buddhist monasteries, and the yak herders’ lifestyle are all visible. The group makes it fun. Evenings around the fire, sharing stories, watching stars, and celebrating small successes make the journey unforgettable.
Trek Itinerary Suggestion
Day 1 – Join group in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu and meet a group, guide, and porter. Briefing, checking equipment and gear, first small hike to warm up, dinner together.
Day 2-3 – Kathmandu to Tumlingtar/Salleri
Flight or road to the start point of the Makalu trek. Check luggage, acclimatization, and local market visit.
Day 4-7 – Start Makalu Sherpani Col Trek
Climb through forest, bamboo, river, and small villages. First night lodge, second night tea house. Acclimatization, moderate hike, check health.
Day 8-12 – Sherpani Col pass
Cross high altitude, climb snowfields, and glacier areas. Reach Sherpani Col at 6000 meters. Rest and descend toward the Base area.
Day 13-14 – Move toward Manang
Drive or trek toward the Annapurna region; prepare for Saribung Pass.
Day 15-19 – Saribung Pass Trek
Trek through Braga, the Tilicho Lake area. Cross Saribung Pass at 5500 meters. Descend to Yak Kharka, local villages. Evening dinner in a lodge with a group, celebrating the crossing pass.
Day 20-21 – Return to Kathmandu
Drive or fly back. Farewell dinner with the group; share photos, memories, and experiences.
Fitness and Preparation
Both treks need good physical fitness. Daily hike of 6-10 hours, high altitude, steep slope. Before trek do cardio, hill walking, stair climbing, gym, and yoga helps endurance. Mental preparation is also important. Cold, fatigue, altitude sickness, and remote areas make people nervous. Group support helps mentally strong people.
Gear needed: trekking shoes, warm clothes, sleeping bag, trekking pole, crampon for snow, rope for Sherpani Col, first aid kit, water bottle, and snacks. Group guide checks all gear and gives backup if forgotten.
Food is high-altitude energy food. The group trek usually prepares rice, noodles, soup, eggs, and local bread. Hot tea every morning and evening is necessary.
Best Season
October to December and March to May are the best seasons. Weather stable, snow not heavy, mountain visibility excellent. Monsoon is not recommended because of heavy rain, landslides, river floods, and slippery paths. Winter is very cold and dangerous for Saribung and Sherpani Col.
Culture and People
Saribung and Makalu are rich in culture. Tibetan Buddhism is a strong influence. Monasteries everywhere. Mani walls, chortens, and prayer flags everywhere. Yak herders lifestyle is simple, they live in a small stone house, milk yak, trade salt and local produce. Group treks allow interaction with local people. Guides translate, teach you, and explain culture. Local festivals are sometimes visible.
Challenges
High altitude is the main challenge. Altitude sickness, headache, and nausea are possible. The weather is unpredictable. Snow, wind, and rain can stop the trek. Remote area medical help is far. Only a group can manage emergencies better. Physical challenge, long day, heavy backpack, steep slope. Mental challenges, loneliness sometimes, fear, and fatigue. But crossing passes and summiting Sherpani Col make joyful, proud, unforgettable memories.
Why Everyone Should Do Group Trek
Adventure is more fun when shared. The group helps motivate me. Safety increase. Experience deep. Friends forever. Stories after the trek are always shared. Even small achievements feel big in a group. Saribung Pass and Makalu Sherpani Col are impossible alone for many people, but groups make them possible. Adventure, challenge, nature, culture, photography, mental strength, and fitness all in one.
Tips for Trekking
- Always follow the guide.
- Acclimatize slowly, drink water, and avoid alcohol.
- Check gear every day.
- Respect local culture; dress modestly.
- Keep the group together and help each other.
- Take a camera and enjoy the view, sunrise, and sunset.
- Emergency kit always with you.
- Be patient; mountains teach you patience.
Conclusion
Group joining a trek is a magical experience. Saribung Pass Trek gives remote adventure and high mountain challenges. Makalu Sherpani Col Trek gives extreme adventure, snow, ice, and high-altitude experience. Combining all three makes a Himalayan trip unforgettable. Physical, mental, cultural, photography, and social learning all together. People join groups, share journeys, laugh, cry, cross paths, summit col and come back with a proud and big smile. The Himalaya is always calling, the group is ready, and adventure is waiting.
Trekking in the Himalayas is not just a walk; it is a life lesson. Mountains teach patience, respect, courage, and strength. Group treks make it more colorful. Saribung Pass, Makalu Sherpani Col, and Himalaya all together make a dream journey. Anyone who loves adventure, nature, and culture should try this combination. You never forget it; memories stay forever.