Mt. Kathmandu - Lhasa and via the classic Mt. Everest Base Camp |
Area:Central Tibet / Days: 15 nights/16 days
Dep Ex. Kathmandu: o5 june
Cost:
For most visitors to Tibet, the classic base camp of Mt. Everest is a popular destination because it can be approached by motor transport. The Mt. Everest base camp on this side of mountain (other side being in Nepal) is situated at 5150 meter on the alluvial plain formed by the Rongbuk river which drain from the Rongbuk and East Rongbuk glaciers. Mt. Everest known as world's highest peak since 1854 is called Chomolungma - the mother goddess of the world in the local Tibetan language. The view of the North face of Chomolunga from the Rongbuk side of base camp is imposing it rises a sheer 2800m meter from the Rongbuk glacier. Although the first successful ascent of Mt. Everest was from the Nepal side in 29 May 1953, it was from the north side that earlier expeditions were undertaken. The monastery of Dza Rongphu /4920m/16150ft which lies just 8 km North of the Rongbuk glacier was once the great center of learning for the Buddhist scholars of this area. The monastery, which is regarded to be highest monastery in the world was destroyed to the ground during the period of China's cultural revolution, has been renovated and serviced by resident Buddhist nuns.
We begin trip with a drive to Kodari - the Nepal / Tibet frontier town on the Nepal side of the borderline an then onto to Zhangmu 2330m/7300ft the Tibet side of the border town. After a night in Zhangmu, we drive through steep winding road to Nyalam 3720m/12200ft. This town known as Kuti among Nepali traders was an important trading center for the Newar traders from Kathmandu before China's takeover of Tibet. In Nyalam, we spend 3 nights and explore the Tshongdu Chu valley leading to Mt. Shisapangma 8046m while getting well acclimatized for our trip to Mt. Everest base camp. After the acclimatization hikes in the Tshongdu Valley, we drive to Thingri 4310m/14150ft, once an important trading center for Sherpa traders from Solukhumbu. As vehicles carrying trekkers are only allowed all the way to Mt. Everest base camp, we camp at the Dza Rongphu monastery. Next day, early in the morning, we hike the 8km long road along the Dzakar Chu (river) to the classic Mt. Everest base camp situated at 5150m. |
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This is the base camp for most expeditions that come to climb Mt. Everest from the Tibet side. The view of the NE face of Mt. The view of Mt. Everest from here with the NE ridge highlighting the left sky- line is dominating and impressive. During the spring climbing season, the base camp is filled with colorful tents giving an impression of an village adorned with flags of different countries fluttering along the Buddhist prayer flags.
After the visit to the base-camp we drive to Shigatse 3860m/12650ft which is Central Tibet's second largest city situated near the confluence of Nyang Chu and the mighty Tsangpo (Brahmaputra river). This sprawling market town of tree lined avenues main attraction is the monastic complex of Tashilhumpo, the seat of the Panchen Lama who was regarded second only to Dalai Lama in Tibet's cultural / political hierarchy. Onward Shigatse, we drive on the newly completed Shigatse - Lhasa highway and spend a full two days visiting the Potala and Norbulinkha palaces, Jokhang and Drepung monasteries and the colorful Barkhor market. We end this trip with a flight over the Eastern Himalaya to arrive in Kathmandu. |
Itinerary
Day 01: Arrive Kathmandu
Day 02: Free day in Kathmandu - visa processing
Day 03: Acclimatization hike to Shivapuri 2800m.
Day 04: Drive Zhangmu to Nyalam
Day 05 / 06 / 07: Acclimatization hike around Nyalam
Day 08: Drive Nyalam to Thngri
Day 09: Drive Thingri - Dza Rongphu monastery
Day 10: Hike to Mt. Everest BC and return to Dza Rongphu
Day 11: Drive Dza Rongphu - Shigatse
Day 12: Drive Shigatse - Lhasa
Day 13: Tour in Lhasa
Day 14: Tour in Lhasa
Day 15: Fly Lhasa - Kathmandu
Day 16: Departure to airport - trip ends
Our trips in Tibet is organized in association with Kailash Adventure - a company run by Tibetan guides. We provide packages with fixed departures as well as special itineraries for friends and family groups. We emphasize in keeping the group size small so that you gain an intimate experience during your visit to this land of magic and mystery.
Note: Due to weather and political reasons in some occasions, trips in Tibet may required to be re-scheduled or even cancelled due to non issuance of visa to enter Tibet
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