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  Tibet-Everest Basecamp Trek
  The Northface Approach of Mount Everest
Image of Tibet-Everest Basecamp Trek
Route
Lhasa-Gyantse-Shigatse-Tingri-Lamna La-Rongbuk Monastery-Tingri-Zhangmu-Kathmandu

The Everest Base camp trek through Tibet is quite different than the trek on the side as its possible to have unobstructed views of the immense height of Mount Everest, the highest peak on earth.  A good portion of the summit is even visible from several points along the Kathmandu - Lhasa highway, in particular from the Tingri plains.

The trip begins with a spectacular flight to Lhasa where we will explore the monasteries and palaces of the Dalai Lama while we get properly acclimated. Then we will embark on the scenic drive along the Tibet-Nepal southern Friendship Highway
that takes us over several high passes, offering stunning views of the Himalayas and Tibetan plateau. The drive along the bank of holy Yamdrok Tso Lake, often proves to be one of the most significant journeys in a person’s lifetime.    

We will visit the monasteries of Gyantse, Shigatse and Sakya, and towns on the way to Tingri; learn different schools of Tibetan Buddhism; and understand Tibetan culture and tradition. We will begin the trek of a lifetime from the plains of Tingri through Ra Chu valley to the region used by herders and their livestock, and eventually cross Nam La (5,250m). The pass offers spectacular views of Cho Oyu, Mount Everest and many other majestic peaks. The trail then descends to an isolated Dzombuk valley and further to Rombuk Monastery. The views of Mount Everest from Rongbuk are simply awesome, and—if one chooses—it’s possible to go further to the base camp of Mount Everest by taking a leisurely one hour walk or going by pony cart.  From the base camp, we take ride back to the friendship highway and continue drive towards with overnight halts in Tingri and Zhangmu. 
 

 At Kathmandu Valley, you will explore the cultural and architectural wonders of three cities-Kathmandu, Bhaktapur and Patan-the principalities of medieval . Visit the Durbar Squares with former palaces, Hindu Temples and Buddhist Monasteries and stupas. Walk through the narrow streets of traditional markets and interact with the friendly Nepali people.

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    Itinerary
 

Day 01: Flight to Lhasa (Alt 3,595m/12,193ft) (B)
Arrival in Gonkar Airport of Lhasa. You are met and greeted by our representative and drive to Lhasa City (60miles, 2 ½ hrs). Check in hotel and take rest for the acclimatization. Accommodation in Tibetan managed Dhod Gu Hotel.

Day 02: At Lhasa (B)
Full day sightseeing of Lhasa, visiting Potala Palace of Dalai Lama, Sera Monastery-the last of the three Yellow Sect monasteries to be built in Lhasa and the tour concludes in Norbulinka- the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Accommodation in Tibetan managed Dhod Gu Hotel.

Day 03: At Lhasa (B)
Today, you will visit Drepung Monastery-the largest, richest and the most powerful of the three major Yellow Sect monasteries of Tibet, the ancient Jorkhang Temple in the old Tibetan quarter of Lhasa and the Barkhor Street that forms the pilgrim circuit around the Jorkhang Temple. Accommodation in Tibetan managed Dhod Gu Hotel.

Day 04: Lhasa-Gyantse (13467ft, 176miles, 6 ½ hrs). (B)
Drive to Gyantse-the least Chinese influenced city along the highway. The journey involves crossing of two high passes Kamba La (15,700 ft) and Karo La (16,500ft) and the follows the bank of Yamdrok Tso Lake for more than 40 miles. Check in hotel and take rest for the day. Accommodation in Gyantse Hotel, the only best hotel of Gyantse.

Day 05: Gyantse-Shigatse (12,785ft, 57miles, 2 ½ hrs) (B)
Visit the highlights of Gyantse such as Pelkor Chode Monastery and Kumbum Stupa. From the stupa, take rickshaw ride back to the parking and drive back to the hotel. Collect your luggage and set out for Shigatse. Check in hotel and after refreshment, visit the famous Tashilunbo Monastery-the principal seat of Panchen Lama-the second most venerated religious leader of Tibet. Accommodation in Shigatse Hotel or Manasarovara Hotel.

Day 06: Shigatse-Tingri (4300m/14,104ft, 232km/145miles, 6-7 hrs) (B)
Drive to Tingri. The journey involves crossing of two high passes Yulung La (16,236 ft) and Gyatso La (17,122 ft). Check in hotel and take rest for the day. Accommodation in the best available guesthouse.

Day 07: Trek to Lungthang (4,510m) (B/L/D)

The first day of our Himalaya trekking tour takes us across the Tingri plain as we make our way south towards Cho Oyu. In the village of Chholung there is a small Gompa we can visit. Not far from Chholung we arrive at our campsite in Lungthang - the last village in this part of the Tingri plains. It is a bleak region surrounded by barren flats, yet the people manage to harvest barley. Most villagers here are also herders.

Day 08 Trek to Lamna La (5,150m/16, 892ft) (B/L/D)
Today we really start trekking as we are heading up into the mountain towards the top of the Langma La [5,150m]. It is a hard day’s trekking with a lot of uphill walking, but it is even more rewarding as the views of the Himalayas gets better the higher we go. Tonight we camp near the top of Langma La .

Day 09 Trek to Zommung (4,790m/15,711ft) (B/L/D).
We start the day with a steep decent from Langma la, towards our destination for the day Zommug. The Vegetation here is considerably lusher, than on the Dingri side of the pass, capable of supporting hundreds of yaks and a few herders' families. As we get closer we can see the whitewashed walls of Zommug village, the highest permanent settlement in the Everest region. Zommug is set high above the valley in a moonscape of barren hills with views of Mount Everest and Gyachung Kang. Because crops cannot survive at this elevation, all of the families residing here rely upon animal husbandry.

Day 10 Trek to Romgbuk Monastery.(4,980m/16,334ft) (B/L/D)
To the south of Zommug is the famed Dza Rongbuk Monastery reached by either a spectacular high route or an easier low path. Once a flourishing retreat center, it is built by Dzatrul Ngawang Tenzin Norbu in early 1901-02. The majestic Everest stands towering high above in full glare.

Day 11 To Everest Base Camp (5,200m/17,056ft) (B/L/D)
Everest Base Camp and the Rongbuk Glacier are approximately 1 ½ hrs above the monastery. The route passes retreat caves, the ruins of the nunnery of Sherab Chholing and the fast flowing Dzaka Chu. Just before the terminus of the Rongbuk Glacier is Everest Base Camp. Across a creek, is the ocean of ice that composes the Rongbuk Glacier, with views of the Himalayan range that are among the most spectacular ever.

Day 12 Drive to Tingri (B)
Today we leave the Rongbuk valley and say goodbye to the impressive view it has offered us. We drive over the Pang La [5,150m] and re-join the Friendship Highway and continue to Tingri. Overnight guesthouse.

Day 13 Drive to Zhangmu (2,300m/7544ft, 185km/116miles, 5-6 hrs) (B)
Continue driving along the high Tibet Nepal Friendship Highway towards Zhangmu. You will conquer the high twin passes, Lablung La ( 5,124m/16, 806ft) and Tong La ( 5,120m/16,794ft). From the top of Tong La, you will enjoy the views of Mount Cho Oyu, Everest and Sishapangma. Then, the road drops dramatically towards Nyalam, the last Tibetan town of this journey. Time permitting, visit Milarepa Cave where Guru Padmasambhava, who introduced Buddhism in Tibet meditated in the 11th century. Follow the road along the river to Zhangmu-the Chinese frontier town. Accommodation in Zhangmu Hotel.

Day 14 Zhangmu-Kathmandu (1,300m/4,264ft, 121km/76miles, 4-5 hrs) (B)
Complete Chinese customs and immigration formalities at Zhangmu and drive further 5 miles down to the Friendship Bridge where you switch the guide and vehicle. From here, on smooth road condition, it takes about 3 ½ hrs to reach Kathmandu.

Timer permitting, visit Swayambhunath Stupa-the 2000 years old legendary Buddhist shrine, also popular by the name of Monkey Temple. 

Day 15 Kathmandu Valley Sightseeing (B)
Explore the temples, stupas and Durbar Squares of Kathmandu Valley. Visit Pashupatinath-the holiest Hindu Temple, Boudhanath-the largest Buddhist shrine of Nepal and medieval principalities-Bhaktapur and Patan. Overnight hotel in Kathmandu.

Day 16 Depature (B)
Transfer to the airport for flight to your next destination or extend your trip to Chitwan National Park ( 2 nights/3 days), Pokhara Valley (2 nights/3 days) etc.

 
 
 
   Travel Note

Accommodation in Tibet
Lhasa has a few Chinese managed 4 star hotels on the top end but we pick mid range Tibetan managed properties located in the Barkhor Area. We use Thangka Hotel, Dhood Gu, Tibet Gorkha Hotel and Yak Hotel which are 3 star standard properties with private bath. In Tsedang, we use Yulong Holiday or Snow Pigeon Hotel of 3 star standards. At Gyantse and Shigatse, we take the hotels of the top end, which are also 3 star properties. Rest of the places in central Tibet, we have mostly primitive guesthouses with share toilet. Toilets are Tibetan style squats and you have to bring your own toilet papers. The guesthouses usually do not provide showers and do charge extra if they have any. For trekking, we provide complete camping gears that include 2 persons sleeping tents, kitchen tent, dinning tent, toilet tent, camping chairs and tables, mattresses and kitchen utensils. On request, we can also provide sleeping bags but usually we recommend bringing your own.

Meals: Our tour features breakfast only when you are in the cities. Breakfast can be western or Chinese or Tibetan style.  There are choices of restaurants in the cities serving western, Chinese, Indian and Nepali dishes. You can expect to spend US$ 7 -8 per meal in regular restaurants. Meals in the hotels can be priced higher. During trekking, there will be a special cook and some helps (depending on group size) to prepare 3 tasty, plentiful and nutritious meals daily with a variety of local and Western dishes. To start the day, breakfast consists of a choice of porridge, muesli and cereal followed by omelet, fried or scrambled eggs with chapattis or bread. Lunch is generally a selection of salad, cooked vegetable dishes, pasta and traditional breads. After a long day on the trail, dinner is a hearty 3-course meal - soup, followed by a variety of vegetable, meat, rice and pasta dishes and completed with a simple dessert.
Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are also provided at all meals. We use as much fresh produce as possible and our cooks and kitchen crew maintain exceptional standards of cleanliness and food preparation hygiene. Special dietary requirements can always be catered for.
Besides, its advisable to bring on your own some dry fruits, energy bars, chocolates, supplement vitamins etc to eat on the way.

Guide and Crews
Right upon arrival at Lhasa airport, you will be met by your guide who will accompany you throughout the trip. We pick knowledgeable, friendly and flexible guides who are also recommended by our former clients. The guide, beside working as an interpreter and giving a valuable insight into the Tibetan way of life, he helps you check in hotel, co-ordinates with drivers and other crews and deals with local bureaucracies as and when required. Your guide carries all necessary vouchers and documents required in connection of your trip. On trekking trips, besides guides there will be a special cook and additional helps depending on group size and animal drivers. The crews are responsible for setting up and breaking down camps. We do use pack animals (Yaks or ponies) to transport the gears and supplies during trekking. The drivers and animal drivers do not speak English but you will be impressed by their sense of hospitality and service.

Transportation in Tibet
There is rehabilitation works going on in Tibetan roads. So, at times, it can become quite rough and impassable for many vehicles, so for this reason we use Land cruiser 4WDs (Toyota 4500). These vehicles are extremely reliable and will make the journey as comfortable as possible. As for the trekking trips, depending on the duration of the trip, we might require to hire additional vehicle, usually a truck to transport gears and supplies to the trail head and again bring them back from the finish point. As road condition is not so good, we might come across flat tires or other mechanical issues but the driver will fix it while you are engaged in capturing the scenes. Usually, we drive 6 hours in average, stopping along the way for photography or places of special interest and also stop for tea and snacks and lunch and arriving in the destination usually by 4 or 5 pm.

About our Trekking Trips in Tibet
Our all trekking trips in Tibet are fully catered by our qualified and experienced crew from Tibet. Depending on group size, we may also hire professional Nepali Sherpa Crews who are well renowned for organizing trekking trips. We hire English speaking Tibetan Guide for all our trips but on large expeditions, there will also be a Nepali Leader who will be responsible to control the trekking arrangement part.
A typical trekking day begins with a hot cup of tea or coffee served at your tent early morning. You are provided a bowl of hot water for washing. You will pack up your stuff and appear in the breakfast table by 7 or 7.30am. We leave the campsite usually from 8 to 8.30 am for days trekking. Your luggage is carried by porter or pack animal and all you need to carry is a small daypack containing a water bottle, camera, sun cream, hat, rain-jacket and a warm jumper, just in case. The afternoon's walk is generally shorter and we arrive at camp in time for a nice cup of tea. The remainder of the afternoon can be spent exploring the nearby villages, doing a bit of washing or simply relaxing with a good book or give hands to the kitchen crews to add your taste. Dinner is usually served between 6 and 7pm and after dinner, the evening is often spent playing cards or talking with the crews. If it’s a large group, the crews might take initiative in singing and dancing before turning into the tent for a well-earned sleep.

Health Issues
There are no mandatory vaccination required to travel to Tibet but you may consider vaccination against rabies and Hep A. Travelers with cardiac-pulmonary issues or any other medical conditions are recommended to consult their physician before you sign up a trip to Tibet. The main health consideration in Tibet is altitude related illness or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and sleeplessness, but these should lessen within a few days. A supply of bottled oxygen is carried in the vehicle at all times should it be required. We also carry a Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) on all our Tibet treks. We also carry basic first aid kit, but it’s good to bring your own as well. Hotels in Lhasa are equipped with oxygen. Doctors will also be available on call. 
Based on our experience, less than 1% percent of our clients got altitude sickness but that was nothing serious. In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which generally does not happen; you shall be driven by a land cruiser to nearest Nepal border or flown out of Lhasa. It’s recommended that you should bear a valid travel insurance covering emergency medical transportation.
You should start some physical exercises like jogging, swimming, cycling, hiking and aerobics about several weeks ahead of the trip that keeps you fit and lessens the chance of getting altitude sickness. You should have a good sleep the night before you fly to Lhasa and take complete rest on the first day. Its also advisable to drink 3-4 litres of water daily and consume liquid food.

Best Time to Trek in Tibet
While trekking trips can be undertaken from April through late October, May, June, September and early October are the best period. High Himalayas blocks the monsoon cloud and Tibet is generally dry but still there is some chance of rain during July and August. Trekkers must be prepared for the extremes in climate, even in the middle of the summer. Weather can change very quickly and unexpectedly. Night temperatures at 4500m (14,760ft) and above can fall below freezing even in July and August and its very much windy on high passes.

Clothing
During the day a light shirt or jumper and lightweight pants will be suitable, but a warm fleece or down jacket is recommended for the evenings. Below is the general clothing and equipment list for trekking in Tibet.

* Down jacket or warm fleece top
* Thermal underwear (top and bottom)
* Cotton shirts (short and long sleeved)
* Warm and cotton trousers
* Sun polarized sunglasses
* Beanie or warm woollen hat and gloves
* Scarf (to keep out dust as well as cold)
* Sandals (flip-flops)
* Towel
* Sleeping bag (for camping/trekking)
* Rain jacket
* Strong sun cream and lip protector
* Moisturizer
* Water bottle
* Camera (and plenty of film and spare batteries)

Getting into Tibet
You can enter Tibet from major Chinese mainland cities as well as from Kathmandu of Nepal. Flights from Bangkok, Hong Kong and from many Chinese cities connect at Chengdu. You can also travel overland from Kathmandu, Nepal. 

Chinese Visa and Tibet Permits.
Chinese visa and Tibet Permits are not that complicated as they sound to be. If your travel begins in Nepal, we will have to pre-process your visa application but final visa work will be done in Kathmandu upon your arrival only. We will take care of all the visa works. If your travel begins in Bangkok or Honkong or any mainland Chinese cities, all you have to care is obtain Chinese visa on your own from the nearest Chinese embassy or consulate in your come country and provide us a copy of it about a month ahead of your travel. Then, leave rest of things to us.

 

 
 
   Booking and Cancellation

Tour Deposit US$150
Final Payment: Balance payment is due 60 days prior departure. Payment schedule may vary with customized and private trips on case to case basis. If your trip involves internal airfares or train tickets, we may have to purchase the tickets within the deadline given by the airlines and we may request you the cost of the ticket along with tour deposit.

Notice of cancellation and refund request must be received in written form.
Cancellation Fee 90 day prior departure, US$ 30 admin fee, 60-89 days prior departure US$ 250 or 25% of the land cost whichever his higher, 45-59 days prior departure US$ 450 or 50% of the landcost which ever is higher, 30-44 days prior departure US$ 600 or 75% of the landcost whichever is higher. Cancellation received less than 30 days attracts 100% cancellation fee.
Airlines, trains, hotels and government controlled destinations may have their own cancellation and refund policies which will supersede High Asia Tour’s Cancellation Policy to the extent of their difference.

 

 
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Trip Facts
 
Duration:
15 Nights/16 Days
Accommodation:
Hotels, guesthouse and tented camps.
Activities:
 Cultural Touring
 4WD Adventure
 Strenuous Trekking
Trip Grading:
Hard
Trip Type:
Non-Touristic
Group Size:
2-10 pax
Start From:
Lhasa
Finish In:
Kathmandu
Highest Altitude:
5,200m ( 17,056m)
Best Season:
April to October
 
Tour Cost
 
US$ 2599 per person (2-3 pax)
US$ 1899 per person (4 pax)
US$ 390 Single Room Supplment
US$ 316 Kathmandu-Lhasa airfare or US$ 350 Beijing-Lhasa or US$ 220 Chengdu-Lhasa.
 
Optional Activity
 
 Xegar Dzong and Tingri Dzong Hikes,  Milareppa cave visit at Nyalam
 
Trips Highlights
 
 Potala and Norbulingkha Palaces, Drepung and Sera Monasteries, Jorkhang Temple and Barkhor Street in Lhasa.
 Spectacular views of Himalayas from the high passes.
 Beautiful Yamdrok Tso Lake on the way from Lhasa to Gyantse.
 Kumbum Monastery and Pelkor Chode Monastery in Gyatnse
 Shalu Monastery and Tashilunbo Monastery in Shigatse
 Wilderness trek from Tingri to Everest Basecamp.
 Rongbuk Monastery
 
Inclusive
 
 Accommodation on twin sharing as listed in the cities and tented camping during trekking.
 Meals: Breakfast only during hotel/guesthouse stays and and full boad during trekking.
 All transfers and sightseeing by a private.
 Entrance fees in sightseeing places.
 English speaking Guide /Leader
 Tibet Travel Permit
 All camping gears that includes tent, mattresses, sleeping bags.
 Kitchen utensils
 Supporting truck for group size 4 pax or more.
 Cook and Sherpas
 Pack animals
 
Exclusive
 
 International and internal air fare
 Airport Taxes
 Chinese visa fee
 Lunch and dinner except as indicated.
 Drinks, tip and other expenses of personal nature.
 Travel & Health Insurance. ( We strongly recommend you purchase travel insurance which covers, trip cancellation, trip delay, baggage, medical, emergency evacuation etc.)
Medical Immunizations.
 All extra expenses caused due to nature or unforeseen events. Excess baggage charges
 Optional tipping to local staffs, hotels etc.
Items of a personal nature (sodas, alcoholic beverages, laundry, telephone etc
 
 
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