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Tingri to Everest Base Camp Trek

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  • Jyatha, Thamel, Kathmandu, Nepal

Overview

Everest Base Camp refers generally to two base camps on opposite sides of Mount Everest: South Base Camp is in Nepal at an altitude of 5,364 metres (17,598ft), while North Base Camp is in Tibet at 5,150 metres (16,900ft). North Base Camp is used when climbing via the northeast ridge.

The Tingri to Everest Base Camp Trek is in a region with a high elevation, and the altitudes range between 4400m and 5300m. However, this trip will offer tourists a mix of solitude, wildlife sighting, and physical challenges. Although rare, travelers may even be fortunate to have a chance to catch sight of Tibetan brown bears or gazelles.

The adrenalin-packed trekking in Himalayan Region in Tibet will make your lifetime experience.


Trip highlights

  • Visit Basum Primary School, located at the world’s highest altitude at an evelation of 4700 meters at Tingri County
  • World’s highest monastery in Rongbuk lies against the backdrop of Mt. Everest or Mt. Qomolangma which is the Chinese name
  • Trek century’s old nomadic terrain, fortified villages, lush alpine valleys, roving settlements, barley fields and a sequence of glaciated mountain passes
  • Follow the historic expedition route from Old Tingri to Rongbuk crossing over the Langma La Pass (5150m-6900 feet)
  • Explore the Rongbuk glacier below the massive north-face of Mt. Everest
  • View of 5 highest mountain peaks
  • Everest Base Camp: Mount Everest’s Tibetan side is a kilometer-wide U-shaped valley area
  • Tibetan Buddhist culture and way of life

Detailed Itinerary

Day 01: Arrival in Lhasa (3660m.)

Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa from Kathmandu, Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, Xian or any nearby hub. Airplane will land at Lhasa Gonggar Airport (96km from the main city). If the weather is clear there are wonderful views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Makalu, Kanchenjunga and other peaks en route. Upon arrival, you will be received by our Tibetan guide at the airport. Then transfer to Lhasa. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest. Drink plenty of fluids and let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude.

Day 02: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3660m.)

This day you visit Potala Palace, Sera Monastery and Norbulinka. One of the highlights is the visit to the symbol of Tibet; the Potala Palace set high on Red Hill, the winter home of the Dalai Lama until 1959. The most sacred temple in Lhasa is the Lokhang, where people come from all over Tibet to visit and pray in this spiritual heart of the country. It was used as a military kitchen during the Cultural Revolution but has now been beautifully restored, with many priceless thangkas and statues adorning the chapels, and magnificent gilded roofs.

In the afternoon visit Sera monastery, which was created in 1419, has always been an important Buddhist seminary. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. Another great treasure is the Norbulingka – the old summer palace of the Dalai Lama.

Day 03: Sightseeing in Lhasa (3660m.)

This day you are programmed to visit Drepung Monastery, Jorkhang Temple and Barkhor Street. This day you are programmed to visit Drepung monastery, one of the great monasteries of the Gelukpa (yellow hat) sect, just outside Lhasa. There is time to explore Lhasa on your own, perhaps visiting the Tibetan Medical College or the Ramoche temple (one of the oldest religious buildings in Tibet).

In the evening you visit Jorkhang temple, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where innumerable pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Surrounding the Jorkhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor Market place which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. Around the Barkhor there are numerous stalls selling all sorts of handicrafts: brightly colored boots and fur-lined hats, silver and turquoise jewelry, rosaries, prayer flags and charms, as well as beautiful Tibetan carpets and all manner of ordinary household ware.

Day 04: Drive from Lhasa - Gyantse (3950m.)

In the morning, drive from Lhasa to Gyantse .On the way, drive over the Gampala pass (4790m), and you will have a glimpse of Yamdrok-tso (4400m) .The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount Nyenchen Khangsar, (7191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa .

Later, we will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside; At Manak Dam Lake, you can hang pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass; then, we will arrive in Gyantse, historically Tibet's third largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse). In Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and enjoy the Far view of Gyangtse Fortress.

Day 05: Drive from Gyantse - Shigatse (3900m.)

Drive to Shigase, visit Tashilampo Monastery in Shigatse. Tashilumpo Monastery is the seat of successive Panchen Lamas, also one of the six Gelug monasteries. Founded by the First Dalai Lama in 1447, its name means "all fortune and happiness gathered here" or "heap of glory" in Tibetan. Covering an area of nearly 150,000 square meters, the monastery has more than 57 halls and 3600 rooms. Among them, the Coqen Hall can hold 2000 people chanting at the same time. Featuring an interesting sprawling amalgam of traditional Tibetan monastic style, those halls, chapels and other structures are connected by precipitous steps and narrow cobblestone alleys. The interplay between the golden roofs and the white, red and black exterior walls creates a striking composition.

Day 06: Drive from Shigatse to Tingri (4390m.)

We will start our day little earlier today to have more time at Sakya monastery. We will drive on friendship road. From Tibetan town of Lhatse, we will take a detour to Sakya monastery. The monastery is the main principle monastery of the Sakyapa school of Tibetan Buddhism. The monastery looks like a medieval fort. This architecture and painting of the Sakya monastery are completely different from any other attraction you will visit on this tour. There are lots of things you can see in the monastery that is why we leave from Shigatse earlier. After the Sakya Monastery, we will continue driving to Tingri and we will stop for the night before going up to Everest base camp.

Day 07: Trek from Tingri 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 stay at Lung Thang tonight.

Day 08: Trek from Lungthang to Lamna La (5,150m.)

Today you start trekking as you are heading up into the mountain towards the top of the Langma La (5,150m). It is a hard day trekking with a lot of uphill walking, but it is even more rewarding as the views of the Himalayas gets better the higher you go. Tonight you will camp near the top of Langma La.

Day 09: Trek from Lamna La to Zommug (4790m.)

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.

Day 10: Trek from Zommung to Rongbuk Monastery (4,980m.)

To the south of Zommug is the famed Rongbuk Monastery reached by either a spectacular high route or a more natural low path. Once a flourishing retreat center, it was built by Dzatrul Ngawang Tenzin Norbu in the early 1900s. The majestic Everest stands towering high above it in full glare.

Day 11: Trek from Rongbuk to Everest Base Camp (5200m.)

It is a 9km 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 12: Drive to Kerung (2450m.)

You will drive past the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar. After driving for 246km, you find yourself in Kerung at 2450m meter. This is your last point in Tibet.

Day 13: Cross Nepal-China border, Drive to Kathmandu (1400m.)

Today, you will part with your Tibetan guide and driver and cross Nepal-China border. Then after, you will meet your Nepali representative who will escort you to Kathmandu. It will take about 7/8 hours to reach Kathmandu (175km).

  • Trip facts

  • Trip duration : 13 days
  • Grade : Moderate
  • Activity : Sightseeing Tour & Trekking in Tibet
  • Starts in : Lhasa
  • End in : Kerung
  • Max Altitude : 5200m
  • Location Covered: Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Tingri, Rongbuk, Everest Base Camp
  • Best Season: Spring / Autumn

Cost Includes

  • Airport pick-up and drop off services by private A/C vehicle
  • Flight tickets from Kathmandu to Lhasa
  • Transfer back to Kathmandu by private vehicle
  • Sightseeing tour in Tibet
  • Monasteries entry fees
  • Accommodation in 3 star hotels with breakfast on twin sharing basis in Lhasa & Tsedang
  • Guesthouse/Tented camp accommodations during the trek
  • All meals during the trek
  • English speaking Tibetan Guide
  • All ground transportation throughout the Tibet trek/tour by private vehicle
  • Travel Permits
  • China/Tibet visa
  • All trekking equipments
  • Yak & Yak Men required during trek

Cost Excludes

  • Travel Insurance
  • Tips, drinks and expense due to unforeseen circumstance
  • Service other than mentioned above
  • Meals and hotel accommodation in Kathmandu


Extension Tours

Paragliding
Jungle Safari
Pokhara Tour
Rafting

Necessary Information

1. Arrival in Lhasa

Tibet is connected by railway line from Chengdu, Beijing, Xian, Xining and Shanghai. Air China and Sichuan Airlines operate regular flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa. This flight offers spectacular views of Mt. Everest, Makalu and many other Himalayan giants. We will organize your pick up once you reach Lhasa and drive you to your hotel.

2. Visa & Entry Procedure

Via Kathmandu

For Tibet, we organize a group visa, and in order to do this we will need a copy of your passport at least 30 days prior to the commencement of your trip. Tourism regulations in Tibet are subject to change without prior notice. As per current regulation Chinese Embassy issues visa from Monday to Friday (9am – 11am) in Kathmandu, and it takes 4 days for visa processing. We will need your original passport 1 day before the visa processing day.

Via Mainland China

Those entering Tibet from mainland China (Beijing, Shanghai, Chengdu, Xian, Guilin etc) have to get Chinese visa from their country (please ask us for the best way of doing it).

3. Group Size

We bring together a small group of like-minded people. During the trip, not only do they gain a memorable and insightful travel experience but also get an invaluable opportunity to interact with each other. On our fixed scheduled departures, group comprises of maximum 12 & minimum 2 persons. You are likely to join a group from different countries. Average age ranges from early 20s to mid 50s. For private trips, no minimum and maximum number apply.

If you would like to travel independently or with your friends, families and colleagues you are invited to choose any of our trips at your convenient time frame for any number of people (min 1 to max 100 at a time).

4. Accommodation

In Lhasa, accommodation will be at 3 star hotel. Elsewhere along the route, accommodation will be at the available hotels. If you would like to book a single room, please do inform us. A supplement charge will incur in that case.

We shall try our best to provide the best accommodation available but please do keep in mind that you are taking an adventure tour, and sometimes the arrangement may be basic. Traveling in Tibet is a fantastic experience but sometimes you have to put up with a bit of discomfort. To enjoy this trip you need to have an adventurous spirit and the ability to adapt to minor discomforts.

Tented camps supported and catered by Nepali Sherpa crews shall be provided during the trek.

5. Guide & Trekking Crew

For your sightseeing tour in the cities, a knowledgeable English speaking guide will accompany you.

On your trek, you will be accompanied by either Nepalese or Tibetan trekking crew. Their aim is to make the trek as hassle-free and enjoyable as possible. They all speak some English and, although it may not be perfect, communication won't be a problem. Under the leadership of the sirdar, the crew consists of several assistants depending on group size who will ensure you don't take the wrong path. There will also be a cook and kitchen crew to keep you well fed with delicious and nutritious meals. To transport all the gear from camp to camp, we use yaks in Tibet.

A typical trekking crew consists of one guide and one cook and the kitchen crew, porters and yaks. The ratio of trekking crew to group members is generally 1:4. At the end of the trek, it is customary to tip the crew as a sign of your appreciation for the work they've done.

6. Food

All breakfasts are included in our package. Your guide will help you find good restaurants with reasonable price. You can try ethnic Tibetan cuisine. Have some momos or gyantok, and wash it down with a cup of salted Tibetan butter tea. Meals will either be in the hotel or at a restaurant of your choice (where available). While on the road, lunch will be at one of the many Chinese tea shops along the way which generally serve a variety of noodle and vegetable dishes and meat where available.  Expect to spend around 25-30 US$ per day for meals.

Apart from when you are staying in hotels, during the trek ,your cook will provide 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 omelette, 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 vegetables, 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 products 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.

7. Transportation

The roads in Tibet can at times become quite rough and impassable for many vehicles; It can at times become quite rough and impassable for many vehicles, so for this reason we use best Land cruiser 4WDs. These vehicles are extremely reliable and will make the journey as comfortable as possible. As for the trekking and climbing there will be a truck for carrying luggage and trek equipments. We’ll drive for several hours, stopping along the way for photographs or places of special interest, before stopping for lunch at around midday. After lunch we continue our journey, generally arriving at our destination by 3 or 4pm.

8. Communication

Communication facilities in Tibet have been improved over the past few years. All the hotels we use in Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse have international IDD phone and fax services. Phone calls can also be made from public booth in bigger towns. Internet cafes are also available at bigger towns, check with your guide for the best cyber cafes in each town.

These days, mobile phones work fine up to the Everest Base Camp. You can also have a roaming facility added to your mobile phone. If you buy a Chinese SIM card at the border, you could stay in touch with your family and friends most of the time. Please ask us for the latest facilities and schemes on Chinese mobile phones.

9. Best time to do this Trek

Despite the high altitude of the Tibetan Plateau, the daytime temperatures are actually quite mild. Between April and November the average temperature ranges form 15-25 degrees Celsius and the skies are generally clear and blue. From July to August though there can be the odd shower during the day. The nights, however, can be very cold and temperatures can drop below 0 degrees Celsius. 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.

The best time of year for overland tours in Tibet is from April to November and for treks and Mt. Kailash tour from April to the beginning of October.

10. Clothing & Equipment

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. For trekking you will need walking boots, sleeping bags (3 seasons), waterproof jackets and trousers, fleece jackets, warm hat and gloves, sunglasses, water bottle, suns cream and day pack. Comprehensive list of equipments will be provided once you book your trip.

11. Personal Expenses

Besides Chinese Yuan, only US dollars can be accepted in Tibet. Also shops that accept American currency are very limited and you might not be able to get a good deal for an exchange rate. Credit cards can only be used at some hotels. The Bank of China also accepts credit cards. ATM is not widely available. Exchanging your money to Chinese currency will be the best option for you, which can be done at the Bank of China. While changing money at the local money exchange centers, please make sure that you are accompanied by your guide and do consult him as you may easily be duped with counterfeit notes.

Tibet is becoming more expensive every year. There are many shops in Lhasa, Shigatse and Gyantse that sell traditional Tibetan handicrafts. We recommend you to bring extra money to spend on souvenirs.

Tips are appreciated by your support team, after completion of the trip. The amount you give depends on your budget and appreciation of their work. For this you can allocate around 5% of your total tour cost.

12. Health

Vaccination requirements change frequently, so we suggest you consult your doctor at least 2 months prior to your trip. The main health consideration in high altitude is Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS). You may experience some mild symptoms initially, such as headache, lethargy, nausea and difficulty sleeping, but these should lessen within a few days. To avoid Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), people take pills called ‘Diamox’. You can also use these pills after consulting with your doctor. A supply of bottled oxygen is carried in the vehicle at all times. Chinese doctors will also be available at places like Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, and Shegar. Our itinerary will allow your body to acclimatize properly and to handle the low oxygen rate. We have been organizing trips in Tibet since 1998, and only negligible numbers have suffered from severe AMS.

13. Rescue and Evacuation

In case of a serious sickness or a casualty, which we hope will not happen; you shall be transferred to the nearest hospital. Since you are entirely liable for all the expenses incurred in evacuation please make sure that it is covered by your insurance before assigning for it or be prepared to pay on your own after getting back to Kathmandu.

14. Itinerary Changes

One should keep in mind that this is an adventure trip that takes you into one of the remotest corners of the Tibetan plateau, where many unforeseen events may contribute to the need for a change in the itinerary. Depending on the prevailing situation, the itinerary can be modified to some extent after consulting with your guide. However, the date of tour completion should always coincide with the original itinerary.

15. People and Culture

The Tibetans are classified as belonging to the Mongoloid family of people. They are probably descendents of a variety of nomadic tribes who migrated from the north and settled along sedentary cultivation of Tibet’s river valleys.

The Tibetans living within the borders of present day Tibet are easily identified by their distinctive dialects, social customs and dress. The Topas live in the highland regions (Lato and Ngari), the Tsangpas in the West Tibet (Tsang), the Upas live in central Tibet, the Horpas comes from the north (Nagchu/Jangtang), the Kongpowas from the south, the Khampas live in the east, the Amdowa in the northeast, and the Gyarongwa in the extreme east.

Travelers to Tibet inevitably find Tibetans to be friendly and possessing a great sense of humor. It is appreciated when you try and use Tibetan language when communicating with Tibetans. The further from Lhasa you travel, the more often is Tibetan used.

Religion is extremely important to the majority of Tibetans, and travelers should endeavor to respect their customs and beliefs. Always circumambulate Buddhist religious sites or monastery in a clockwise direction, and when in a monastery do not wear a hat, smoke or touch frescoes. In addition, refrain from climbing onto statues, mani stones or other sacred objects. Tibetans are warm and friendly people. Some speak a bit of English and are happy to have a chat with you. Don't photograph people without permission, and be aware that some locations prohibit photography.

Additional Information