Everest Advance Base Camp Trek - 22 Days

This trip encompasses an adventurous trek to the Everest Advance Base Camp, coupled with an exploratory journey across the Tibetan highlands.

This tour has been designed for the traveler with the wanderlust, someone who is forever in the lookout for fresh challenges and high adventure. Tibet, with an average altitude in excess of 3500 meters, is the highest plateau in the world. Lying to the north of the great Himalayan range, Tibet is more or less an untamed land of nomads (drokpas), monasteries and high altitude desert that seem to stretch endlessly.

In Lhasa you get ample time to acclimatize and to absorb the exoticism of Tibetan cultural heritage. As you are guided around the most significant and ancient monasteries of Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse, an expert Tibetan guide will instruct you on the intricacies and mysticism of Tibetan Buddhism. Driving down the Friendship highway, you pass through small Tibetan settlements, where you see nomadic herdsmen wandering across the wide arid plains, amidst a backdrop of awe-inspiring mountain peaks.

The special highlight of this trip is the trek to the Everest Advance Base Camp. Your trek begins from Rongbuk. En route you traverse past the Rongbuk Glacier and ascend a succession of hills and ridges. As you climb up amidst spectacular mountain views, you get to test your endurance and stamina. Once you reach Camp III at 6400 meters, you know you have accomplished a major feat. Savor your special moment in the shadow of the world's highest peak, Everest (Chomolungma for the Tibetans), while taking in the breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains.

As you are driven from Zhangmu and across the Friendship Bridge, there's a refreshing change in scenery. The green and verdant hills of Nepal greet your sight. Your trip comes to an end once you arrive in Kathmandu.

TRIP FACTS
Trip length: Nepal 4 – 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.

HIGHLIGHTS

• An incredible adventure trek along surreally sculpted Rongbuk Glacier to Camp III at 6340 meter, the advance base camp for the North Col route up Mount Everest
• The world’s highest trek that takes you as close to the summit of Everest as any non-climber can go without using any technical climbing gears and without mountaineering skill.
• Awesome glimpse of the striated rock summit of Mt. Everest.
• Excellent view of entire Mount Everest from Rongbuk
• Breath-taking display of picturesque mosaic of Tibetan settlements, nomadic herdsmen, ancient monasteries, High Mountain passes, wide arid plains and awe-inspiring mountain views.
• 4 amazing nights in Lhasa visiting Potala Palace, Norbulingka monastery, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Markets, Drepung monastery and Tashilumpu in Shigatse.
• High chances to witness many Everest climbers fighting their way to the summit.

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: Kathmandu sightseeing: Swayambhunath, Bouddhanath, Pashupatinath temple and Patan Durbar square. Evening will be briefing for tours to Tibet.
Day 03: Flight to Lhasa, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel (3650m.)
Day 04-05: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3660m.)
Day 06: Free in Lhasa (3660m.)
Day 07: Drive Lhasa – Gyantse (3950m.)
Day 08: Drive to Shigatse (3900m.)
Day 09: Sightseeing & drive to Shegar (4050m.)
Day 10: Drive Shegar – Rongbuk (5000m.)
Day 11-12: At Everest Base Camp (5200m.)
Day 13: Trek to Camp 1 (5460m.)
Day 14: Trek to Interim Camp (5760m.)
Day 15: Rest day at Interim Camp (5760m.)
Day 16: Trek to Camp 2 (5970m)
Day 17: Trek to Everest Advance BC (Camp 3, 6400m.) & return to Camp 2
Day 18: Return to Base Camp.
Day 19: Drive Base Camp to Nyalam (215km).
Day 20: Drive Nyalam (3750m.) to Kathmandu transfer to Hotel.
Day 21: Kathmandu Free.
Day 22: 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.
• 4 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

Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu airport, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel.

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

Day 03: Flight to Gonggar airport, meet our staff then transfer to Hotel at Lhasa (3650m.)
We can arrange your arrival in Lhasa from anywhere. You can either join the trip from Kathmandu and fly to Lhasa or arrive at Lhasa from Chengdu, Beijing, and Shanghai, Xian or any nearby hub. You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities, you will be driven to Lhasa (3650 meters). It takes around an hour to reach the old city. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and take it easy. Drink plenty of fluids and let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude.
Note: There is no program arranged for today.

Day 04: Sightseeing in Lhasa.
After breakfast, you will be briefed on the day’s program. An experienced guide will take you on a tour to Sera Monastery, Norbulingka and the Barkhor Square. At the famous Sera Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. You pay a visit to Norbulingka, the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama. Completed in 1956, the handsome building is ornately decorated with Tibetan carvings and paintings. Jokhang temple provides yet another glimpse of the rich Tibetan cultural heritage. You will also get the chance to stroll around the busy Barkhor Square, the nerve centre of Lhasa. After the day’s tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel.

Day 05: Sightseeing in Lhasa.
After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day you will visit the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day’s tour is over, you are escorted back to your hotel for a well- earned rest.

Day 06: Free day in Lhasa for acclimatization
A final day in Lhasa for acclimatization. This day is for you to spend it as you wish. Explore and soak in the sights and sounds of the old city, revisit a favorite monastery, go for souvenir hunting in the busy local market at Barkhor Square, or simply sit in a café and watch pilgrims as they circumambulate the Jokhang.There is also the option of an additional tour to places such as the Tibetan Medical Centre, Ganden Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery. But this additional tour will incur an extra cost.

Day 07: Drive Lhasa - Gyantse (3950m.)
Today we start our overland journey towards Kathmandu. Traveling along the Friendship Highway we cross the Khamba La (4794m.) from which there are stunning views across the waters of Yamdrok-tso (lake) to the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa (7252m.). We continue westwards over another high pass, the Karo La (5045m.), where we are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down, within a few hundred meters of the road. After passing through beautiful valleys and colourful Tibetan villages we arrive in the town of Gyantse. Our overnight accommodation is at the Gyantse Hotel.

Day 08: Sightseeing & Drive Gyantse - Shigatse (3900m.)
Before leaving Gyantse we visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum, prides of Gyantse. Gyantse Dzong, a 14th century historical fort, overlooks a mesmerizing view of entire Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has large gold-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals.

After you enjoy exploring Gyantse, taking a 90 km drive, you will arrive at Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet that lies at an altitude of 3900 meter. You can first explore the local market and then make a detailed visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery, being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet is the major attraction of Shigatse. Our overnight accommodation will be either at Shigatse Hotel or Shandong Mansion.

Day 09: Sightseeing & Drive Shigatse - Shegar (New Tingri: 4050m.)
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 along lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders, en route to Shegar.

Day 10: Drive Shegar - Rongbuk (5000m.)
Shortly after leaving Shegar, turning away from the Friendship Highway, we head south over the Pang La (5150m) towards the main Himalayan range. The sight from the top is incredible with uninterrupted views stretching from Makalu to Shishapangma. Below the pass, initially Everest is hidden from view, but as we turn to the corner into the Rongbuk Valley it reappears, more impressive than ever. We stay overnight at the Gompa Guest House.

Day 11-12: At Base Camp
Two days at base camp to acclimatize and explore around.

Day 13: Trek from Everest Base Camp to Camp 1 (5460m.)
Trekking the surreally sculpted Rongbuk Glacier you walk away from Everest Base Camp to Camp I for two and half hours or more. Camp I lies amidst moraine hills under picturesque yellow-orange granite cliffs. In the beginning the trekking route skirts the east side of the Rongbuk Glacier and opens into a flat area at 5270m. On the Southwest, Pumori at 7145 m nestled next to Kala Pattar comes into picture. After arriving at Camp I, you may wish to explore snout of the East Rongbuk Glacier lying just 20 minutes away from the camp.

Day 14: Trek to Interim Camp (5760m.)
The trail overlooks glacier-topped mountain as it roll from gravel mounds, mud plain to rocky moraine. Lying directly across from Far East Rongbuk glacier, Interim Camp can prove very beneficial for further acclimatization and supper vantage point prior to trekking up to Camp II.

Day 15: Rest day at Interim Camp (5760m.)
A rest day for preparation to climb higher up or you may wish to explore around.

Day 16: Trek to Camp II (5970m.)
It is about three and half hours or more to ascend from Interim Camp to Camp II. You will approach Camp II at 5970 meter as you near the south side of the glacier at the eastern end of the Changtse Glacier junction lying below huge cliff. Along the trail to Camp II you get to capture huge seracs rising up to 50 feet above the surface of the glacier and endless array of mountain scenery.

Day 17: Trek to Camp III (6340m.) and return to Camp II
As you march towards Camp III, you trek along moraine following the glacier to the right around the eastern flank of Changtse. Further ahead, you ascend a succession of hills as the glacier softens into smooth snowy ice fields carpeting the approaching ridges. En route you may spot several tent sites and discarded oxygen bottles. 1480 meter straight up from Camp III lies the Pinnacles challenging trekkers to explore its mystiques.

Its complexity has kept the northeast Ridge unclimbed for a long time. North Col lies at 7066 meter in the West connecting Everest’s Northeast Ridge and Changste. Through binocular you can see spectacular sight of striated rock summit of Everest extending above the Pinnacles to the southeast little more than 8000 feet (2400m.) higher than Camp III.  Beyond Camp III there are gravel hills beside the glacier and you may trek along this trail for one hour provided that you are fully acclimatized. Finally, you conclude your trek by journeying back to Camp II from Camp III for 2 hours or you can stay the night at Everest Advance Base camp.   

Day 18: Return to Base Camp
From Camp II you continue trekking back to Base Camp, a long day trek down to comfortable lower altitude.

Day 19: Drive Base Camp to Nyalam (215 km.)
You have to take a 215 km drive from Base Camp to Nyalam along Friendship Highway traversing past Pang La pass. On the way, you can halt at Tingri for lunch. Further away amidst the stunning view of Everest, Cho Oyu and other mountain peaks, you accelerate past Lalung La pass at 5124m and Shung La pass at 5200m. The trail further commands far-reaching views of enchanting Shishapangma, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar, as you leave behind arid Tibetan Plateau. The route then progresses towards the pristine and fortified town of Nyalam, where you can find a suitable accommodation at a hotel.

Day 20: Drive Nyalam (3750m) to Kathmandu
Heading away from Nyalam, drive for one hour to the lush and verdant vegetation of Zhangmu at 2300 meter. Few kilometers drive follows Friendship Bridge along Bhote Koshi River to Immigration Control in Kodari where you part with your Tibetan guide and handle the re-entry formalities to return to Kathmandu. After a 5 hours drive of 123 km, you finally arrive in Kathmandu.

Day 21: Kathmandu Free.

Day 22: Last minute, transfer to airport for onward journey.

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