TINGRI TO EVEREST BASE CAMP

Yet another unforgettable trekking experience in the high mountains of Tibet....

In this trek you traverse along the centuries old nomadic territories, fortified villages, alpine valleys, nomadic settlements, barley fields and succession of glaciated mountain passes. South Tibet unveils its rugged beauty in all its glory as you proceed from Tingri to the Everest base Camp at 5200 meters. But before you head off high into the wilderness of the Tibetan highlands, you shall be expertly guided to the exquisite sights around Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse.

A seemingly infinite series of broad ridge-top paths and alpine meadows leads to Lamna La pass at 5,150 meters overlooking splendid panorama. Yon can explore rarely-visited areas amid glacier-carved environment. As you near Rongbuk at 5000 meter, the trek gets more adventurous.

The mere thought of Everest Base Camp nestled just a few kilometers away at Rongbuk is enough to heighten any trekker's adventurous spirit. You are sure to get mesmerized by the surreally sculpted Rongbuk glaciers, on our way up to the Everest Base Camp.

 TRIP FACTS

• Trip length: 15 Days
• Grade: Moderate to fairly challenging trek - Grade Explanation
• Starts in: Lhasa
• Ends in: Kathmandu 
• Group size: Maximum 12 
• Accommodation: Hotel, lodge and campig 
• Transportation: 4WD Land cruiser with support truck 
• Maximum altitude: 5150m

HIGHLIGHTS

* Excellent trek across breathtaking succession of passes amidst unspoiled alpine environment.
* Breath-taking display of picturesque mosaic of Tibetan settlements, nomadic herdsmen, ancient monasteries, high mountain passes, wide arid plains and awe-inspiring mountain views. 
* 3 amazing days (i.e 4 nights) in Lhasa visiting Potala Palace, Norbulingkha monastery, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Markets, Drepung monastery. 
* One each night in Shigatse & Gyantse visiting monasteries, forts and exploring burgeoning Tibetan towns. 
* Adventurous 4WD ride across the ‘roof of the world’. 
* Hotels / lodges with Tibetan character wherever possible. 
* Complete hassle free Chinese (Tibet) travel documentation. 
* Spectacular flight to Lhasa passing right over Mount Everest and many of the highest peaks in the world (if you join the trip in Kathmandu)

 OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 1 Arrive Lhasa (3660 m)
Day 2 Sightseeing in Lhasa 
Day 3 Sightseeing in Lhasa 
Day 4 Free day in Lhasa for acclimatization 
Day 5 Drive to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km 
Day 6 Sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3900m) 90km 
Day 7 Sightseeing & drive to Tingri (4390m) 304 km
Day 8 Day free for acclimatization 
Day 9 Trek to Lung Thang [4510m] 
Day 10 Trek to Lamna La [5150 m] 
Day 11 Trek to Zommug 
Day 12 Trek to Rongbuk (5000m) 
Day 13 Trek to Everest base camp (5150m)
Day 14 Trek back to Rongbuk and drive to Nyalam (215 km) 
Day 15 Drive Nyalam (3750m) to Kathmandu

Ardent trekkers and adventurers from all over the world regard Tibet as an ultimate adventure travel destination for its unlimited Tibet trekking options. Undeniably, Tibet trekking adventures offer most insightful, enriching and fascinating experience as you walk up a broad valley of barley, rich yak pastures, picturesque flower-carpeted valleys, deep gorges, rugged high altitude deserts, successions of glacier-topped mountains and highly glaciated mountain passes.

Treks in Tibet not only introduce you to its Himalayan peaks, monasteries and culture but also equally educates you on its distinctive flora and fauna, and chances to interact with Tibetan Nomads is another incomparable enjoyment of trekking in Tibet. Wherever you chose to trek in Tibet you are certain to witness rich & exotic species like Himalayan black bear, giant Tibetan brown bear, snow leopards and so many other exotic species which you have never seen before.

Explore Himalaya, in coordination with Tibet Adventures, Lhasa based office provides fully supported trekking programs in Tibet. Tibet traveling permit, transportation, coordination with Chinese Government offices and check posts will be carried our by Local Tibetan guide from our Lhasa office, and meals, trekking supports will be provided by Sherpa crew from our Nepal office. Some of regular Tibet trekking programs are listed below, which are available on group joining or private basis. If, however, any of our dates are unsuitable for you, we can arrange a private trek for you or circulate your convenient dates and find others to join you (this method has worked several times). Moreover, we can also customize any Tibet trekking trip to suit your exact requirements and dates. In short, we will make every effort to get you on the trip you want, when you want.

Day 1 Arrive Lhasa (3660 m)

We can arrange your arrival in Lhasa from anywhere. You can either join the trip from Kathmandu and fly to Lhasa or arrive Lhasa from Chengdu, Beijing , 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 fixed program arranged for today. 
 

Day 2 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, Jokhang Temple 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 3 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 the best of Tibetan art. 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. 
Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the Potala Palace each day, the guide will decide upon the order of sightseeing places.
 

Day 4 Free 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 the 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 5 Drive to Gyantse (3950m) 261 km 

Traveling by jeep along the Friendship Highway you cross the Khamba La (4794m). The drive offers you stunning views ofYamdrok-tso Lake and the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa (7252m). You continue westwards, over another high pass, theKaro La (5045m), where you are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down, within a few hundred metres of the road. After passing through beautiful valleys and colorful Tibetan villages you arrive in the town of Gyantse.
 

Day 6 Sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3900m) 90km 

you will be taken for a guided tour to Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a 14th century fort, from where you get amazing views of Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa. It has many small chapels which houses an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. We move on to Shigatse, Tibet’s second largest city, which is about 90 km away. 
 

Day 7 Sightseeing & drive to Tingri (4390m) 304 km. 

After breakfast, you will be guided to explore the local market and the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. TashilhunpoMonastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. After a detailed visit of Shigatse, you will drive to Tingri.
 

Day 8 Rest day at Tingri (4390m)

Today is a rest day at Tingri, to ensure proper acclimatization before you head into total wilderness of tough Tibetan highlands. Your camping crew will set up a camp little off the friendship highway. You get excellent views of surrounding mountains from a small hillock near your campsite. 
 

Day 9 Trek to Lung Thang [4510m] 

The trail heads away from Tingri plain towards Cho Oyu. As you near the village of Chholung, a small Gompa is visible. Further on, barren plains open up. Amazingly, even in these barren fields local villagers yield good harvest of barley. Mostly, you will find herders in this territory. You can select a superb campsite at Lung Thang to spend the night. 
 

 Day 10 Trek to Lamna La [5150 m] 

As you ascend to Lamna La pass at 5150m, you may find the trail quite strenuous. But as soon as your eyes bask in the splendor of majestic vistas of surrounding mountain peaks, you will realize that this trek has indeed been very self-rewarding and worthwhile. Camping atop this pass dwarfs other materialistic pleasures. 
 

Day 11 Trek to Zommug 

Further away from Langma la pass, you have to take steep descent through verdant vegetation. En route, you encounter yak herders. The trail continues towards the whitewashed walls and barren fields of Zommug village. Amazing vistas of Mount Everest and Gyachung Kang visually rejuvenates you as you enter Zommug. Since lands being infertile are unable to yield agricultural crops, local villages are largely dependent on animal husbandry for livelihood. At a superb location, you will camp for the night. 
 

Day 12 Trek to Rongbuk (5000m) 

As the morning seeps in, you march towards Rongbuk. Within few hours along Rongbuk Glacier, North Face of Everest becomes visible flaunting its unparalleled beauty. Rongbuk Monastery lies ahead 15 kilometers below Everest Base Camp at an elevation of 4980 m, at the foot of the Rongbuk Glacier.In a way, Rongbuk is regarded as a gateway to Mount Everest. From this outstanding location you get breathtaking views of the magnificent Mount Everest. 
 

Day 13 Trek to Everest Base camp (5150m)

It is a 9 km walk along dirt road to the base of Mt. Everest. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensates for this. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. 
 

Day 14 Drive Base Camp to Nyalam (215 km) 

You 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 views 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 enchant as you leave behind arid Tibetan Plateau. The route then progresses towards pristine and fortified town of Nyalam where you can find a suitable accommodation at a hotel. 
 

Day 15 Drive from Nyalam (3750m) to Kathmandu 

Heading away from Nyalam, you 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. Here you depart with your Tibetan guide and after completing re-entry formalities, you return to Kathmandu. After 5 hours of driving for 123 km, you finally arrive in Kathmandu.