Advance Everest Base Camp Tibet Tour

Detail Itinerary

• Day 01 :Arrival in Lhasa (3,650 m/11,972ft) We come to Lhasa either through a direct flight from Nepal or via mainland China. If we choose to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa, we will be on an hour long Trans Himalayan flight, which is considered to be one of the most beautiful air routes in the world, that takes us over Mt. Everest (8848m), Kanchenjunga (8536m) and other Himalayan peaks. It also provides enchanting views of some of the highest glaciers in the Himalayan region.
  
  If we are going to Lhasa via mainland China, we may fly from any major city or take the world´s highest train route to Lhasa. A representative from Himalayan Glacier will pick us up either from the airport or the train station for about an hour’s drive to our designated hotel in Lhasa. Once in our hotel room, it is advised to take plenty of rest for the remainder of the day to minimize altitude sickness. Overnight in Lhasa.
• Day 02 :Sightseeing in Lhasa: Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace and Tibet Museum: 5 6 hours We begin sightseeing in Lhasa after breakfast. Today is the day we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka palaces. Built in the 17th century, Potala Palace provides amazing views of the entire city and houses private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and houses what is considered to be the largest man made garden in Tibet. We further visit Tibet Museum, the official museum of Tibet, which has a permanent collection of around 1000 artifacts related to the cultural history of Tibet. Overnight in Lhasa.
• Day 03 :A day excursion to Namtso Lake: 8 hours After breakfast, we drive for 4 hours to visit the Namtso Lake (4,718 m/15,479 ft), located about 240km to the northwest of Lhasa. Today, we witness the grandeur of the world’s highest salt water lake of its size and also acclimatize to the high altitude. The word ‘Namtso’ literally means ‘the heavenly lake’ and with its deep blue water and the fact that it is surrounded by the amazing Himalayan ranges, we realize that the name given to the lake is indeed a perfect match. After spending quality time at the lake, we drive back to Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.
• Day 04 :Sightseeing in Lhasa: Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar: 5 6 hours After breakfast we visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar. Drepung Monastery, which was built in the 14th century, is believed to have sheltered around 10,000 monks in the past but as of now there has been quite a declination resulting in only a few hundred. The history, culture, and religious beliefs of the Tibetan people are strongly concentrated and centered in this marvelous monastery. Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery of white washed walls and golden roofs. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. We further stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open air stalls, shops and crowd of pilgrims, it is the nerve centre of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.
• Day 05 :Lhasa to Shigatse (3,900m/12,795 ft): 367km, 8 9 hours After breakfast, we embark on a pleasant drive to Shigatse, the second biggest city in Tibet via Gyantse. We drive past Khamba La (4,794m) pass and savor the enthralling views of Yomdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake), one of the Holy Lakes in Tibet and Mt. Nazin Kang Sa (7,252m). Further to the west, we come across another pass, Karo La (5,045m) and take in amazing views of the majestic glaciers. Upon reaching Gyantse, we visit the Khumbum Stupa, Phalkot Monastery and Gyantse Dzong (Fortress), which is one of the best preserved dzongs in Tibet. From Gyantse, we continue to Shigatse enjoying a captivating mountain landscape along the way. Overnight in Shigatse.
• Day 06 :Shigatse to Sakya (4,100m/13,451ft): 150km, 3 4 hours After breakfast, we visit the most popular landmark of Shigatse, the Tashilhunpo Monastery, which holds both historical and cultural importance for being founded by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama in 1447. Today, we also cross the two high passes, the Gyula and Gyatso La beyond the beautiful town of Lhatse. Then, we descend to the plains, passing lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders and reach Sakya in the evening. Here, we visit the Sakya Monastery, which is the ancestral temple of Sakyapa sect of Tibetan Buddhism.
• Day 07 :Sakya to Rongbuk (5,000m/16,400ft): 205km, 3 4 hours After breakfast, we depart Sakya for Rongbuk, a valley only around 8 km away from the Everest Base Camp. On the way there, we are rewarded with uninterrupted views of Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), and other peaks over 8000 meters including Makalu (8,481m/27,825ft), Lhotse (8,516 m/27,940 ft) and Cho Oyu (8,201m/26,906 ft). Upon reaching Rongbuk, we visit the magnificent Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery on earth. Overnight in Rongbuk.
• Day 08 :Rongbuk to Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft): 2 3 hours Today, we head for the Everest Base Camp, which is also the ultimate highlight of the whole trip. Reaching the base of the world’s highest mountain is an achievement in its own right. We may capture this accomplishment with our camera while keeping ourselves busy with short treks which will help us in acclimatizing to the high altitude. At the base camp, we also enjoy the amazing Himalayan vista with the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, soaring above us. Overnight at Everest Base Camp.
• Day 09 :At Everest Base Camp Today we only spend an hour or two on short treks. A full day at Everest Base Camp would not only be a memorable experience in itself, but will also help greatly in acclimatization. We can climb and explore beautiful hills nearby and enjoy the company of high Himalayan peaks. Overnight at Everest Base Camp.
• Day 10 :Everest Base Camp to Japanese Camp (5,460m/17,913ft): 3 4 hours From Everest Base Camp, we initially trek alongside the Rongbuk Glacier, an impressive frozen ocean of ice waves. Then, after a short run over gravel terrain, we walk along the lateral moraine of the Rongbuk glacier and skirt the Glacier from its east side. After an hour or so, we take the left path that leads steeply to the Japanese Camp. This camp is situated under a huge yellow rock. At this site, we enjoy the view of the Pumori Himalaya. Overnight at Japanese Camp .
• Day 11 :Japanese Camp to Interim Camp (5,800m/19,028): 4 5 hours Today, we leave the Japanese Base Camp to trek for Interim Camp. The Camp lies on the end of a nearby glacier. Along this trek, we enjoy the company of huge ice pinnacles. As we move ahead towards a dusty valley, we are welcomed with magnificent views of the East Rongbuk Glacier and high mountains like Pumori (7,161 m/ 23,494 ft) and Nuptse (7,861m/25,791ft). Although we might feel the high altitude, technically the route is quite easy. Overnight at Interim Camp.
• Day 12 :Trek to Everest Advance Base camp (6,340m/20,800ft): 4 5 hours As we continue to follow the east side of the Rongbuk Glacier, we get closer to the Everest and the Lhakpa Ri (7045m/23114 ft). Walking along the moraine rubble, we arrive at our destination, the Advanced Base Camp of Everest (ABC) which is situated near the Changtse Glacier. From here, the Everest Top appears so close that one might feel tempted to summit the mountain. In fact, the top of Everest is a little more than 2400 meters away from this camp. The Everest Advance Base Camp is also the closest non climbers can get to the top of Mt. Everest. Overnight at Everest Advanced Base Camp.
• Day 13 :Rest Day: Around Everest Advanced Base Camp: 4 – 5 hours We enjoy panoramic views of the Himalayas with its glorious glaciers and peaks around the Everest Advanced Base Camp with short treks around the area for proper acclimatization. Further, we may take plenty of pictures in the area to capture the unrivalled beauty of the Himalayan peaks including the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest. Overnight at Everest Advanced Base Camp.
• Day 14 :Return to Base Camp: 8 9 hours The return to Base Camp is a downhill trek. Today, we aim to get back to the base camp as slowly as possible in order to avoid any kind of high altitude problems. On our way back, we enjoy the beautiful mountain landscape that Tibet so proudly boasts. Overnight at Everest Base Camp.
• Day 15 :Everest Base Camp to Zhangmu (2300/7,544ft): 245 km, 4 5 hours After breakfast we begin our drive to Zhangmu. On the way, we pass through Lotingri/Dingri and cross the Lalung La (5124m/ 16068 ft) and Shung La (5200m/ 17056 ft) passes which offer enchanting views of the Himalayas Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shanker. We then descend gradually from the dry Tibetan Plateau to the verdant and fertile vegetation of Zhangmu on the Nepalese border. Today, we also visit Milarapha Cave and Chamda Hot Spring for a little fun filled afternoon. Overnight in Zhangmu.
• Day 16 :Drive to Kathmandu (1350m/4428ft): 123 km, 4 5 hours A few kilometers drive from Zhangmu to the Friendship Bridge over the Bhote Koshi River brings us to immigration control in Kodari where we are expected to complete some custom formalities. We then depart with our Tibetan guide who will walk with us across the river and introduce us to a Nepalese guide who will take us to Kathmandu. After around 4 hours of driving through deep valleys, we reach Kathmandu. In the evening, we enjoy authentic Nepalese food on our farewell dinner hosted by Himalayan Glacier to celebrate the successful completion of our journey. Overnight in Kathmandu.
• Day 17 :Final Departure Our adventure in the Himalayas comes to an end today! There is nothing to do but trade emails with travel companions and organize photos. If time permits we can engage in some shopping and sightseeing within the Kathmandu valley. A representative from Himalayan Glacier will take us to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.