Everest Advance Base Camp Trek - 21 Days

Everest advance base camp trek from Tibet side is definitely more hardcore, suitable for altitude-experienced trekkers who want to extend themselves. The Tibet Everest advence base camp trek is traveling for the first part, beginning with a flight to Lhasa to spend time in this historical city, then on to the second biggest city in Tibet, Shigatse. Our continue Land Cruisers drive to Rongbuk at 4900m.  and spend a few days acclimatizing here and at base camp. Then the real trekking begins, a total of 6 days trekking on a, starting from 5150m. Hiking and sleeping as high as 6340m. It is a rough, stony and windy area surrounded by amazing mountains and ice fins you can literally touch, and the hiking is all over very rough ground, mostly loose rock on ice. You really do get very high and get a real sense of what the Everest expeditions are all about. On the balance we suggest that the Nepal trek is far more suitable for a first time visitor to the Himalaya. During the trip you will have superb views of North Col Everest views as well as Lakpa Ri peak and other mountains including the Lhasa tours.

TRIP FACTS
Trip length: Nepal 3 – Tibet 17 Days
Grade: Challenging plus Mountaineering
Starts in: Kathmandu – Lhasa
Ends in: Zhangmu – Kathmandu
Group size: Maximum 12
Accommodation: Guest house and camping
Transportation: 4WD Land cruiser with support truck
Maximum altitude: 6400m.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing: Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath temple & Patan Durbar square. Evening will be briefing for tours to Tibet.
Day 03: Fly Lhasa, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel 3660m.
Day 04: Lhasa sightseeing 3660m.
Day 05: In Lhasa 3660m.
Day 06: In Lhasa 3660m.
Day 07: Drive Shigatse 3900m. - 250km.
Day 08: Drive Shegar 4350m. -244km.
Day 09: Acclimatization day hike, Shegar 4350m.
Day 10: Drive Rongbuk 5000m. - 68km.
Day 11: Trek Everest Base Camp 5150m.
Day 12: Everest Base Camp 5150m.
Day 13: Trek Camp 1 5460m. / Everest Base Camp
Day 14: Trek to Interim Camp 5760m.
Day 15: Rest Interim Camp 5760m.
Day 16: Trek to Camp 25970m.
Day 17: Trek to Advance Base Camp 6400m.
Day 18: Trek down to Base Camp.
Day 19: Drive to Nyalam 3750m. and transfer to Hotel.
Day 20: Drive to Zhangmu and Kathmandu then transfer to Hotel.
Day 21: Last minute, transfer to airport for onward journey.

TRIP DEPARTURE DATES:
Tibet Tour & Trek Cost:       USD Per Person.

Tour Cost Includes:

• All land transportation by Car, Land Cruiser, Van, Hiace mini Bus (Airport/Hotel/Airport & expedition pick up & drop).
• One full day 4/5 hours sightseeing with professional English speaking tour guide & temple entry fees and 3-4 hrs.
• 3 Night’s Hotel accommodation in Kathmandu at Bed and breakfast basis.
• All transportation in Tibet by 4 WD Land Cruiser and support truck for the entire trip.
• Fully catered camping trek supported by Nepalese (Sherpa) crew & English speaking Chinese or, Tibetan guide while on tour & trekking except Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse and Shegar.
• Required Yak & Yak drivers during trek.
• Private transportation from Tibet border (Kodari – Zhangmu) – Kathmandu.
• Tibet visa, travel permit and all applicable taxes and entrance fees.
• Air ticket: Kathmandu – Lhasa.
• PAC bag (Portable Altitude Chamber) & first aid medical Kit.
• All official taxes and service charge.

Tour Cost Doesn’t Include:

• Personal transportation except above programs.
• Major meals lunch and dinner during your stay in Kathmandu – Nepal & Tibet.
• Personal clothing, tour and trekking equipments as well as sleeping bags. (required)
• Personal Nature expenses. (Extra expenses incurred due to unforeseen circumstances such as sickness, accidents, road blockage, and other occurrences beyond our control.)
• Emergency evacuation (If incase).
• Drinks except tea and coffee.
• Airfare: to & from your country.
• Nepal entry, re-entry visa fees & international airport departure taxes. ((It is suggested you apply for a multiple entry visa for Nepal initially saving you the Nepal re-entry fee).
• Personal travel insurance. (Liability for insurance against sickness, accidents, loss of baggage, loss of life etc.)
• Tips for support crews.

Mode of transport we provide while on Tibet for tours and trekking.

• 2 Person = 1 Land Cruiser.
• 3 – 4 Person = 1 Land Cruiser and 1 support Land Cruiser or mini truck.
• 5 – 8 Person 2 = Land Cruiser and 1 support truck.
• 13 – 15 Person = 4 Land Cruiser and 1 support truck.
• 16 – 20 Person = Above 5 Land Cruiser and 1 support truck.
• 20 Person = Above 5 land cruiser and 2 support truck.

Note:

1. We need a name list of each member 60 days before the trip confirmation for flight reservation.
2. Clear passport photocopy and a passport size photo of each member which should reach us 30 days before client's arrival in Kathmandu at info@culturaltreks.com ((jpeg or gif reduced to max. 25Kb per photo).
3. If you wish to join tours or trekking in Kathmandu you have to arrive as per the given programs and if you wish join in Lhasa can also possible.
4. If you are traveling in Nepal before going to Tibet, then you must apply for your Chinese visa in Kathmandu. We can get it within 2 days with your original passport.

DETAILED ITINERARY

We begin with a full day in Kathmandu then fly to Lhasa, stay 3 full days then drive to Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp, trek up to Everest ABC, which is sometimes called Camp 3 at 6340m then trek out and drive onto Kathmandu.

Day 01:  Arrival in Kathmandu
Arrive in Kathmandu. You’ll be met at the airport by a representative from Cultural Treks (our local agent) so look out for a sign with your name on it. If, for some strange reason, The Cultural Treks staffs aren’t there, either contact us or take a taxi to the Hotel in Thamel.

You have the rest of the day free to exploration of Thamel. Thamel is a mass of energy and chaos with a myriad banners, signs, pumping music shops, bakeries, internet cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels and eccentrically clad backpackers. Normally we meet at Sam's bar over a drink before dinner.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing: Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath temple and Patan Durbar square. Evening will be briefing for tours to Tibet.

Day 03: Fly from Kathmandu (1350m.) to Gonggar airport, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel in Lhasa (3660m.)

We check in early for the for the hour long flight to Tibet. This spectacular flight, on a China Airlines Boeing takes us right across the main Himalayan range and provides us with magnificent mountain views. After landing at Gonggar Airport and meeting our Tibetan guide, it is 45 minutes more to Lhasa via the new tunnel. It's advisable to rest or take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa's altitude.

Day 04: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3660m.)
Today will be spent visiting several of Lhasa's many monasteries in the company of a guide-interpreter. The order is decided by the guide. If anyone is particularly feeling the altitude then you might rest and relax or explore this morning and the tours will take place in the next two days. We have plenty of time in Lhasa. We visit Sera Monastery, one of the best preserved monasteries in Tibet. Within its white-washed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. Norbulingka is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, a quiet place of gardens and a pleasant house with impressive murals of Tibetan history and beliefs.

The Jokhang (temple) is the most sacred shrine in Tibet and on public days there is a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. This is the real Tibet as it was and is usually a highlight of the trip. Surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkor - a maze of narrow cobbled streets which is the central market of Lhasa and since our hotel is close to this you can wander around any time.

Day 05: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3660m.)
This morning we visit the Potala Palace which dominates the city of Lhasa. A spectacular building, it contains the private quarters of the Dalai Lama as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century.

A visit to the Drepung Monastery this afternoon will complete a truly awe-inspiring day. Founded in the 14th century, this monastery was once the largest in the world with a population of around 10,000 monks. These days that figure is down to several hundred, but there is still much here of interest as it was left relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution.

Day 06: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3660m.)
A final day in Lhasa for acclimatization. This is a day at leisure in which we are free to explore further, revisit a favourite monastery or simply sit in a café overlooking the Barkor and watch the pilgrims as they circumambulate the Jokhang, stopping regularly to peruse the merchandise at the stalls lining the route.

There is also the option of an additional tour to places such as the Tibetan Medical Centre, Ganden Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery, these trips cost extra, talk with us before the trip or with your guide during your tour.

Day 07: Drive Shigatse (3900m.) - 250 km
We drive to Shigatse, arriving in time for a late lunch. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and Tashilunpo Monastary is the seat of the Panchen Lama, often considered the second most important Rinpoche after the Dalai Lama. Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls.

Day 08: Drive Shegar (4350m.) - 244km
Today we continue along the Friendship Highway, marveling once more at the barren yet spectacular landscape of Tibet. Beyond the small town of Lhatse we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gyamtso La, 5220m. From here we descend to the plains, passing lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders, en route to Shegar and our overnight accommodation at Hotel Quomolongma (the Everest Hotel). During the 1921 expedition a madman attacked their camp stoves here.

Day 09: Visit around Shegar (4350m.)
We have gained altitude quickly since leaving Lhasa and so this is a break to acclimatize. The town of New Tingri. New Shegar is around 8 km walk and at the end of the town is a beautiful functioning Gompa and a ruined fort above. Exploring around there is the perfect acclimatization trip. Remember to pack windproof clothing and your camera. You can buy water and snacks in New Tingri.

Day 10: Drive Rongbuk (5000m.) -  68km
Shortly after leaving Shegar, we turn off the Friendship Highway and head south over the Pang La 5150m towards the main Himalayan range. The view from the top is incredible with uninterrupted views stretching from Makalu to Shishapangma. Below the pass, Everest initially is hidden from view, but as we turn the corner into the Rongbuk Valley it reappears, more impressive than ever. A little out of Tashidzong we have to change vehicles. We stay overnight at the Gompa Guest House or camp if it is very busy.

Day 11: Trek Everest Base Camp (5150m.)
It is only 8kms from Rongbuk to Everest BC but we are high, expect to feel the altitude. We camp at the Everest expedition base camp. This is a short day; really it is one of many acclimatization days. How often do you get a chance to sit and read at 5000 meters with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above us.

Day 12: Everest Base Camp (5150m.)
We spend one (or perhaps two) days here to acclimatize, giving you have the chance to explore around the area.

Day 13:  Trek to Camp 1 (5460m.)
We begin in a dusty ablation valley with views of Pumori, Lingtren and even Nuptse then branch off up the East Rongbuk valley. Camp 1 is set in a barren world of moraine hills under beautifully sculpted yellow-orange granite cliffs. All our trekking days are short, allowing for proper acclimatization. It may be that we stay this night at Everest BC and instead trek directly to Interim tomorrow.
Day 14: Trek to Interim Camp (5760m.)
The trail to the Interim Camp climbs and descents over the gravel hills, always staying above the west edge of the ice. Interim camp is a good place to spend a night acclimatizing before trekking to Camp 2. Nearby, the first ice seracs [ice pinnacles] rise like white sails from the dark debris-laden surface of the glacier we will go and take a good look at these.

Day 15:  Interim Camp (5760m.)
We spend a day here in the intermediate camp, resting to further acclimatize. We will of course explore the surroundings on small excursions. However this is another good chance to finish that book.

Day 16: Trek to Camp 2 (5970m.)
The Rongbuk Glacier is an impressive frozen ocean of ice waves; the views of the glacier and the Himalayan peaks are some of the most dramatic in Tibet. Along the middle moraine of the glacier is the trail that expeditions use to begin their climbs of Everest and this is the trail we are taking. About two hours above the Interim camp the central ridgeline leads in to a confused of ice at the confluence with the Changtse glacier. Camp 2 [5970m] is only ten minutes from here, set in a beautiful location; glaciers large and small spills into the valley from every direction and the appropriately named Serac Highway continues to extend its unusual gravel arm trough the centre of the of the ice formations.

Day 17: Trek to ABC (6340m.)
Each person has the choice of making a day trip to ABC and sleeping at Camp 2, or of spending the night at Camp 3, now more commonly called ABC. Beware though, the altitude is extreme.

Camp 3, the advance base camp for the North Col route up Everest, is situated within a group of flattened gravel mounds beside the glacier. The pinnacles, the frightening group of rock palisades that kept the Northeast Ridge unclimbed for so long, are just another 1500 meters up from camp 3. Most amazing of all is the ridge extending above the Pinnacles to the southwest: the striated rock summit of Everest. The top of this mountain appears phenomenally close; it is little more than 2400 meters higher than camp 3. This is the closest non-climbers can get to the top of Everest. With a pair of binoculars, you are almost there...

Day 18: Trek down to Base Camp
This is a long day's trekking down to Base Camp but to much lower, more comfortable altitudes.

Day 19: Drive Nyalam (3750m.)
We normally take the shortcut to Tingri where we have lunch. Beyond Tingri are more views of Everest, Cho Oyu and other giants. Then we cross two high passes, the Lalung La (5124m.) and the Shung La (5200m.). Once more we are rewarded with magnificent views, this time Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar, and to the right of the road is Shishapangma. Over the last pass we begin the long descent leaving the arid Tibetan Plateau to Nyalam just 30km before the Nepalese border. After Tibet, it appears an incredibly lush and green town. We stay at a simple hotel.

Day 20: Nyalam – Kathmandu by drive then transfer to Hotel.
It is around one hours drive to the border post at Zhangmu where we pass thru Immigration. A few Kilo meters further is the Friendship Bridge which spans the Bhote Kosi River and marks the Chinese - Nepalese border. We say goodbye to our Tibetan guide and driver and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari where we will be met by our Nepalese staff. After completing the re-entry formalities we continue the drive to Kathmandu which, depending on road and weather conditions, should take about 5 hours. It's time to get cleaned up at the hotel, which has abundant hot water.

Day 21: Last minute, transfer to airport for onward journey.
We take you to the airport for your flight home. We hope you had a fantastic trip, the journey of a lifetime.

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