11 days Tibet Everest Base Camp trekking tour
Itinerary
Everest Base Camp trek is the second popular trekking route in Tibet. And most of the time you will walk on a plateau over 4300m, you will even cross over one pass Nam-la 5300m, so this trekking route is a really difficult high-elevation. However, because of the high-altitude, it offers a splendour views of north face of Everest and other snow mountain peaks around. The Everest Base Camp Trek tour can be done from April to late October. Our tour involves a few day sightseeing at Lhasa at first and some detour off the Friendship Hwy to Old Tingri to acclimatize.
Upon arrival at Lhasa airport or train station, to be met and transferred to your hotel in Lhasa. Then have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude. Overnight at Lhasa.
Today is you will visit Jokhang temple and Potala Palace. Jokhang temple is the most sacred shrine in Tibet which was built in the 7th century and located at the heart of old town in Lhasa, the circuit around it called Barkhor street, which is a good place to purchase souvenirs. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the focal points of pilgrims from the Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith. Overnight at Lhasa.
Today you will be arranged to visit Drepung, Sera monasteries. Both monasteries are Gelugpa (yellow hat) sect monastic colleges. Drepung monastery was the seat of the Government prior to Potala, it was once the world largest monastery in the history with 7,700 monks hailed from different monasteries all over Tibet. Sera monastery is famous for its Buddhism philosophical debate practice, the clapping sound and aggressive expression of the monks are well worth to see.
Morning drive up to Kampala pass [4,794m], you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso and spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar in the distance, the turquoise coloured Lake Yamdrok Yutso is one of the three holy lakes in Tibet, the unforgettable vista of pincer-shaped turquoise water of the lake and amazing spectacle of Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar glacier from Karo la pass is wonders of the day. Then along the Friendship southern Hwy drive to Gyantse, visit the famous stupa - Gyantse Kumbum, the most stunning architectural wonder in Tibet. Late afternoon drive to Shigatse. Overnight at Shigatse.
Morning visit Tashilunpo Monastery and the spectacular tombs of Panchen Lamas in Shigatse, then drive by Friendship Hwy to Old Tingri via Lhatse and Shegar. The guide will do preparations for the trek - hire horse carriage. You may have a good view of Cho Oyu. Overnight at Old Tingri ( Local Guest house, dorm bed).
The trek begins in Old Tingri and you pass through Rachu and Lungjang as your head south towards Everest in the distance. The opened valley of Rachu river goes narrower and gradually it ascent for a gain in elevation. A water-powered barley mill is passed along the way. Camping at Danak.
As you continue trekking up to the valley, Everest disappears behind the mountains and as the trail turns to the southeast and begins to climb to the pass, when you climb down the snowmelt river from Mt. Everest and Mt. Cho Oyu running in the valley, the campsite is just at the foot of the mountain. Camping at Chogorong.
Today continuous along the river within the valley and cross the river by a tiny & wooden bridge at the Junction of rivers from Everest and Cho Oyu, you will meet the car road to the Everst Base camp after the bridge. Continue along the main road towards south, tracing the road will lead you to your destination and the mighty peak of Everest gradually appears infront of you, the typical Rongbuk Monastery consist both monks and nuns in it, the humble stupa at the monastery is the one that can be seen on most post cards and posters of the Mt.Everest. Overnight at Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse.
Today enjoy the aureate peak of Everest sunrise, then trek another 500 meters to the base camp of Mt. Everest - E.B.C. Afterwards, drive back to Shigatse. Overnight at Shigatse.
Drive back Lhasa via northern friendship Hwy, this part is driving along the main body of Brahmaputra river and various landscapes and sceneries are worthwhile to stop at some point. Sometimes speed limitation is sensitive in this part. Afternoon has a good rest at Lhasa. Overnight at Lhasa.
Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, end of the trip.