Advanced Everest Base Camp Trek in Tibet

 Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa

We arrive in 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 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 2: Sightseeing in Lhasa 

Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace and Tibet Traditional Hospital

After breakfast, we begin sightseeing in Lhasa. 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 the Tibet Traditional Hospital which is the center for the treatment, training, research and production of Tibetan medicine. Overnight in Lhasa.

 

Day 3: Sightseeing in Lhasa

Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Bazaar

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 a serious decline 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 center of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.

 

Day 4: Drive from Lhasa to Shigatse via Gyantse

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 5: Drive from Shigatse to Lao Tingri – Langkor Monastery

We start our day with a drive from Shigatse to Lao Tingri. On the way, we visit Langkor Monastery, which is a small and beautiful monastery nestled in the heart of Lao Tingri Valley. Upon reaching Lao Tingri, we check into our hotel and rest for the day to acclimatize to the high altitude. Overnight in Lao Tingri.

 

Day 06: We will begin our trek to the Cho Oyu Base Camp.

This is a beautiful walk where we will be walking in front of the Cho Oyu snow mountains, which stands at 8188 meters. It is the sixth tallest mountain in the world and is famous for mountaineers. Getting to the base camp of this marvelous mountain is one of the most memorable adventure campings. We will enjoy the beautiful sunset views of Mt. Cho Oyu and the Nangpa La Pass. The accommodation for the day will be camping and meals will be Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Hiking: 5 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 5,100m/16,733ft

Lodging Level: Camping (Camping)

Single Supplementary

 

Day 07: After breakfast with majestic views of Mt. Cho Oyu and Nangpa La from our campsite, we will start our trek from the base camp to the southeast of Lungjang valley and walk towards the upper part of the Lungjang village. During the walk, we may encounter some wild animals, including blue sheep, foxes, and wolves. At the foot of Lamna La, there is a beautiful nomad camp where we can share life experiences with Tibetan nomads. They graze their flocks of sheep, yaks and other live stocks. The accommodation for the day will be camping and meals will be Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Hiking: 4-5 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 4,750m/15,585ft

Lodging Level: Camping (Camping)

Single Supplementary

 

Day 08:

We will start our trek by ascending a steep trail climbing towards the Lamna La Pass (5250m) while enjoying the astounding views of Mt. Cho Oyu, Lungjang valley, and the Nangpa La Pass with other snow-capped mountains around. Around 3 hours of uphill walk will take us to the top of the Lamna La from where we will descend into a marshy side valley that leads us to Dzakarchu river. Since it is a steeply downhill walk, it will take around 2 hours to get to the Dzakarchu river. We will continue our trek in the Dzakarchu valley from where the first views of Mt. Everest will start to show up, eventually getting closer and closer in our eyes, bringing a sense of pride in being close to the world’s highest mountain without having any obstacles from high altitude. We will then reach the Rongbuk monastery, where we can rest our aching feet and enjoy the beautiful sunset views of Mt. Everest in the evening. The accommodation for the day will be a guest house at Rongbuk Monastery Guest House, and meals will be Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Hiking: 6-7 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 5,150m/16,897ft

Lodging Level: Guest House (Rongbuk Monastery Guest House)

Single Supplementary

 

Day 09:

Today, we will trek to 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 itself. 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 can also enjoy the amazing Himalayan vista with the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest, soaring above us. The accommodation for the day will be a hotel/tea house, and meals will be Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.

Hiking: 4-5 hrs

Maximum Altitude: 5,250m/17,225ft

Lodging Level: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Single Supplementary

 

Day 10:

We will spend one full day at Everest Base Camp. This would not only be a memorable experience in itself, but it will also help greatly in acclimatization. We can climb and explore beautiful hills nearby and enjoy the company of high Himalayan peaks. The accommodation for the day will be a hotel/tea house, and meals will be Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.

Maximum Altitude: 5,250m/17,225ft

Lodging Level: Hotel/Tea House (Hotel/Teahouse)

Single Supplementary

 

Day 11: Everest Base Camp to Japanese Camp

Commencing from Everest Base Camp, our journey begins by trekking alongside the impressive Rongbuk Glacier, resembling a frozen ocean of ice waves. After traversing gravel terrain, we proceed along the lateral moraine of the glacier, skirting its eastern side. Following an hour’s walk, we ascend the left path leading steeply to the Japanese Camp, nestled beneath a massive yellow rock. Here, we are treated to breathtaking views of the Pumori Himalaya. Accommodation for the night will be at the Japanese Camp.

*Hiking: * 3-4 hrs *Travel Distance: * 12 km  

*Maximum Altitude: * 5,460m/17,914ft  

*Lodging Level: * Hotel/Tea House  

*Meals: * Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 11: Japanese Camp to Interim Camp

Our trek continues towards the Interim Camp, situated at the end of a nearby glacier. En route, we are surrounded by towering ice pinnacles and treated to panoramic views of the East Rongbuk Glacier, Pumori (7,161m/ 23,494ft), and Nuptse (7,861m/25,791ft). Despite the high altitude, the trek is relatively straightforward. Overnight stay at the Interim Camp.

*Hiking: * 4-5 hrs *Travel Distance: * 7 km  

*Maximum Altitude: * 5,800m/19,030ft  

*Lodging Level: * Hotel/Tea House  

*Meals: * Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 13: *Trek to Changtse Base Camp*

Today, we depart from the Japanese Base Camp and head towards Changtse Base Camp, offering unparalleled views of Mount Everest. This short trek aids in acclimatization.

*Hiking: * 3-4 hrs *Travel Distance: * 5 km  

*Maximum Altitude: * 5,950m/19,522ft  

*Lodging Level: * Hotel/Tea House  

*Meals: *Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 14: Trek to Everest Advanced Base Camp and back to Changtse Base Camp

Continuing along the east side of the Rongbuk Glacier, we approach Everest and Lhakpa Ri (7,045m). The journey leads us to the Everest Advanced Base Camp, offering a close view of the Everest summit. Subsequently, we descend to Changtse Base Camp for the night.

*Hiking: * 7-8 hrs  

*Maximum Altitude: * 6,340m/20,802ft  

*Lodging Level: * Hotel/Tea House  

*Meals: * Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

 

Day 15: *Return to EBC and drive to Tingri*

The return trek to Base Camp is downhill, allowing for a gradual descent to avoid altitude-related issues. En route, we savor the picturesque mountain landscapes of Tibet before driving to Tingri for an overnight stay.

*Hiking: * 5-6 hrs

*Driving: * 2 hrs  

*Maximum Altitude: * 4,348m/14,266ft  

*Lodging Level: * Guest House  

*Meals: * Breakfast and Lunch

 

Day 16: Drive from Lotingri to Kerung

We will commence our journey to Kerung after breakfast. Kerung is a small town located in Nepal, bordering Tibet. Upon arrival in Kerung, we will freshen up and take the opportunity to rest. The short drive today will allow ample time for relaxation. Overnight stay in Kerung.

Driving time: 4-5 hours

Maximum Altitude: 2,800m/9,187ft

Lodging Level: Guest House

Single Supplement: Meals provided: Breakfast.

 

Day 17

Kerung to Kathmandu by drive

Today, we will depart from Tibet and drive to the capital city of Nepal, Kathmandu. Our journey will begin after an early morning breakfast. Along the way, we will observe and appreciate the changes in landscape, culture, and people. Upon reaching Kathmandu, we will freshen up. A farewell dinner will be hosted by Himalayan Glacier to commemorate the successful completion of our mountain journey. Overnight stay in Kathmandu.

Maximum Altitude: 1,350m/4,429ft

Lodging Level: Hotel (Yatri Suites and Spa)

Single Supplement: Meals provided: Breakfast and Dinner

 

Day 18: Final Departure

Our 18-day Everest Advanced Base Camp Trek from Tibet concludes today. A representative from Himalayan Glacier will pick us up from our hotel and transfer us to the airport approximately 3 hours before the scheduled flight.

Single Supplement: Meals provided: Breakfast.