This challenging yet rewarding trek will lead you through miles of steep
valleys, high passes, and gorgeous glacial lakes. Trekkers will be shown some of
the most spectacular Himalayan scenery anywhere on earth. Snow-covered mountain
peaks will be coupled with astounding flowering valleys in the warmer seasons.
The highlight of the trip for many is the remote Kangshung valley, often
referred to as the valley of flower.
Lingam La, at a height of 5320 meters, is the highest point we will encounter
on this amazing trek. The view from this point on a clear day is unparalleled in
its beauty. Dozens of vast snow covered peaks including Makalu, Lhotse Shar,
Lhotse and Mount Everest can be seen to the south. Below the snowline of these
massive peaks lie valleys and ridges bountifully covered with various grasses
and thick vegetation.
As many of you have dreamed about for years we will visit the Everest base
camp on our way back to Lhasa. The Sight of Everests North Face from below is
something which will change your life forever.
After trekking for many days we will conclude the trip with a couple of days
relaxing and basking in the glory of Lhasa. This ancient city has been the holy
center and a site of passionate pilgrimages for hundreds of years. The streets
are filled with performers, wondrous markets, and beautiful monasteries. Our
visit to Lhasa will allow you to truly experience the Tibetan culture. Come join
us now!
ITINERARY
Day 01 Drive to the Border, cross border and further drive to Nyalam
Day 02 Rest day at Nyalam for acclimatization
Day 03 Drive to Kharta [10 hours]
Day 04 Rest day in Kharta for further acclimatization
Day 05 Trek to Lundrubling
Day 06 Cross Shao La [4970 m] & trek to Kaamo tsangpo valley
Day 07 Trek to Khangsung valley
Day 08 Trek to Pethang Ringmo
Day 09 Pethang Ringmo to Hoppo
Day 10 Trek to Kangshung base camp & return to Hoppo
Day 11 Trek to Base of Langma La
Day 12 Cross Langma La [5330M] & trek to Lundrubling
Day 13 Trek to Kharta
Day 14 Drive to Rongbuk
Day 15 Explore Everest base camp & drive to Lhatse
Day 16 Drive to Gyantse
Day 17 Sightseeing & drive to Lhasa
Day 18 Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 19 Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 20 Fly to Kathmandu
DAY 1 - DRIVE TO THE BORDER AND ON TO NYALAM
Our group will assemble in Kathmandu in the morning and drive through gorgeous
Nepalese countryside for nearly 123 km. Upon reaching Kodari the group will
complete visa procedures and border formalities with the help of our guides. On
the way to Nyalam we will drive through numerous passes and valleys using a
system of steep switchbacks. We will even drive through a mossy gully containing
wondrous cascading waterfalls.
DAY 2 - REST DAY AT NYALAM FOR ACCLIMATIZATION
This day will be spent resting and acclimatizing before we travel even
higher. If desired there is a temple nearby named Nyalam Pelgye Ling, once used
by the eleventh- and twelfth-century poet-lama Milarepa.
DAY 3 - DRIVE TO KHARTA
Our third day begins with a spectacular drive to Lalung La. The entire
North side of the Himalayan range can be seen from here on a clear day! After
this we will continue driving across the Tibetan plateau, through a series of
ancient Tibetan villages. Upon reaching the Tingri plains Cho Oyu and Mt.
Everest come into view for the first time. Around midday we will begin heading
south towards the Everest region. Along the way we will take a short break on
the Pang La pass, where we discover views of Everest and much of the surrounding
countryside. Descending from the pass we will drive through the village of
Phadhruchi before finally reaching our destination of Kharta.
DAY 4 - REST DAY IN KHARTA FOR FURTHER ACCLIMATIZATION
This fourth day will once again allow for resting and further
acclimatization before beginning our trek. It is advised that participants spend
at least part of the day exploring in and around Kharta to get their legs ready
for the start of trekking.
Day 5 Trekking to Lundrubling
To begin our trekking adventure we will walk along the banks of the
Kharta river. The beautiful yet well defined trails provide us with views of
widespread barley fields below. Numerous settlements inhabit these barley
fields. After a few kilometers the trail splits. We will follow the upper trail
which leads to the Shao La. The challenge of the hike will all be worth it in
the end as you are surrounded by wondrous views of valleys below and snow capped
peaks to the east. If you appreciate mountain scenery you will be thrilled by
this trip. Overnight camp will be made in the welcoming village of Lundrubling.
Day 6 Trek to Kaamo Tsangpo Valley
Finally Everest will come into view as we climb the Shao La pass! What a
sight it is to see these massive Himalayan peaks. The traditional Tibetan
scenery of Yak pastures and meandering valleys can be appreciated along the way.
On our way to Joksam camp we pass through impressive birch groves and dwarf
rhododendrons. This camp is surrounded by pine and fir forests and is one of the
most beautiful we will see.
Day 7 Trek to Khangsung Valley
Leaving the valley we will ascend through a wondrous conifer forest
ridgeline. Our climb will once again be rewarded with unparalleled views
stretching all the way to Nepal. A string of alpine lakes and Yak herder
communities will be passed as well. The day will end with clear views of the
Kangshung face of Mt. Everest. Prepare for amazement! It will be easy to sleep
in one of the surrounding meadows after such an amazing day of trekking.
Day 8 Trek to Pethang Ringmo
Today will be a more relaxed day with less trekking. It will give you a
chance to truly appreciate and soak in the beauty which surrounds you. Camp will
be made in one of the meadows of Pethang Ringmo. Participants can choose whether
to simply bathe in the beauty of our camp or venture to the sacred lake and
cave. It is easy to feel the ancient spirituality of this area as you explore
sacred shelters and prayer rooms found in the cave. The silence of this area is
truly amazing.
Day 9 Trek to Hoppo
Before entering back onto the comfortable shepherd trails we will pass
through beautiful meadows and steep slopes. It is a challenging hike for both
the yaks and us so be prepared. The hiking gets much easier along the shepherd
trail as we are led up another hillside. Once again Everest and the glaciers of
Chomo Lonzo come into view. These wondrous sites never get tiring. Camp will be
made amid yak pastures once again.
Day 10 Trek to Kangshung base camp and back to Hoppo
After only a few hours of hiking we will be given the rare opportunity
of staring up at this daunting peak. While cowering under the Kangshung face it
is easy to see why so few climbers have attempted this feat. The impressive yet
less daunting North East ridge can also be seen. For many this day is a dream
come true. We will spend the night back at our Hoppo camp.
Day 11 Trek to Langma La
The well defined trail leads us down another valley and then diverts North to
Langma La. Gradually and comfortably we pass through a string of yak pastures on
the way to the pass. Makalu can be seen nearly the entire trip. It is an amazing
experience to camp at the base of such a large pass.
Day 12 Cross Langma La and continue on to Lundrubling
We will begin the day with a challenging ascent and descent of the
Langma La pass. Even more views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu surround us.
While en route to the confluence of the Kharta valley we pass through another
string of Yak herders camps. The locals are quite welcoming and friendly!
Towards the end of the day we gain views as far as the Nepal-Sikkim border, home
to the Kangchenjunga massif. Camp is made once more in the wondrous village of
Lundrubling.
Day 13 Trek to Kharta
Our last day of trekking is a somewhat relaxing one as we make our way
to Kharta and take in the local sights and sounds. We suggest participants take
it easy today and get a good rest.
Day 14 Drive to Rongbuk
On our drive to Rongbuk we pass through the village of Phadhruchi. We
will camp near Rongbuk monastery, only 15 kilometers from the Everest base camp.
Rongbuk monastery has been restored to its past beauty after widespread
destruction. Seeing this impressive monastery and camping with the backdrop of
Everest surrounding them is another highlight for many!
Day 15 Explore Everest base camp and drive to Lhatse
What an awe-inspiring day this is! Participants are given the rare
opportunity of seeing both the views of Everest and the start of the ascent for
many. Taking in the sights of the highest mountain in the world is a memory
which will last for years to come.
Sadly, we drive away from the Himalayan range in the afternoon and head to
Lhatse. The last wondrous views are experienced atop Pang La. The Friendship
highway ends our fifteenth day.
Day 16 Drive to Gyantse
Lonely monasteries and nomadic herds are passed along the friendship
highway. Gyamtso La, the highest pass of our journey, is ascended before we
enter the barren plains. This night is spent in the traditional Hotel Gyantse.
Day 17 Sightseeing in Gyantse and drive to Lhatse
In the morning we explore the Gyantse Kumbum and the Pelkore Chode
Monastery. The Kumbum, more than a simple stupa, is surrounded by many chapels
and wondrous Tibetan murals.
On the way to the Yamdrok Tso or Turquoise Lake we will ascend the Karo La pass.
The impressive turquoise lake is still largely undeveloped. However, this may
end soon. Our day is completed with an ascent of the Khamba La and crossing of
the Yarlong Tsangpo river. It is such a relief to finally enter the wondrous
city of Lhasa.
Day 18 Exploring Lhasa
Haven't you always dreamed of visiting the ancient Tibetan monasteries? Our
knowledgeable English speaking guide will show you everything there is to see in
some of these renowned sights. First off we will explore the beautifully
preserved Sera Monastery. Many of the pictures you see of Tibet are of these
buildings with their white washed walls and golden roofs. To this day several
hundred monks live and study in this architecture. The afternoon will be spent
exploring the Jokhang temple and Norbulingka. The Norbunglinka is another
astounding piece of architecture and was once the summer palace of the Dalai
Lama. Jokhang Temple will provide you one of your first sights of devout
Tibetans, as hundreds visit this sacred shrine each day. The central market of
Lhasa, the Barkor, surrounds the Jokhang Temple. In these cobbled streets you
can experience more Tibetan culture and even purchase some amazing crafts.
Day 19 Further Exploration of Lhasa
To explore some of the ancient quarters of the Dalai Lama we will visit Potala
Palace in the morning. Be prepared for astonishment as this grand palace has
been around since before the 17th century. To add even more history and culture
we will also visit Drepung Monastery. Once home to over 10,000 monks, the
Drepung Monastery is still a beautiful sight to see. Miraculously it was one of
the few sights to escape the Cultural revolution without widespread damage.
Day 20 Fly to Kathmandu
This remarkable flight last only an hour while crossing the Himalayan
range. As you may expect the striking mountain views surround you the entire
time. An amazing way to end a life-changing journey! Come join us in this land
of religion and history!
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