Everest Base Camp (16 days)
Everest Base Camp (16 days)
This fascinating trip combines both Buddhist and Tibetan culture with relaxed trekking to Everest Base Camp, following the route used by the expeditions of Mallory, Shipton and Tilman in 1922.
Fitness grading: Trekking/Int
Climate: See Climate for likely weather conditions
Duration: 16 days
Price 1-7 people: POA
Price 8 or more : POA
Deposit: £300
Dates: Please contact us for dates
To book your place on this trip please choose the ‘BOOK NOW’ option below and complete your booking form before paying your deposit.
Additional Information
This fascinating and exciting trip combines both Buddhist and Tibetan culture with trekking to Everest Base Camp. You'll benefit from having two days to explore the enchanting city of Kathmandu at both the start and end of this adventure holiday, which also allows time for the Tibet visa process to complete on arrival. There are palaces, temples and monasteries or if preferred, numerous small shops to wander around and barter for local merchandise. Whatever your preference, it is an experience in itself, just spending time amongst the Nepalese people.
After Kathmandu you fly to Lhasa, which is like entering another world. Visiting the famous Potala palace, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, with over 1,000 rooms and where the Dalai Lamas have lived since the palace was built in the 17th Century, will be one of the highlights of the trip. Other visits include the Jokhang temple, which dates back to the 7th Century AD, considered the most holy in all of Tibet and the statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, brought to Lhasa in 1300. You'll also see monasteries, examples of Buddhist art and the Dalai Lama's summer palace. After Lhasa, the trek to Everest Base Camp begins.
In 1922 the first British Mt. Everest expedition explored the Rongbuk glacier and discovered a passage to Everest's North Col. Our trek follows the route used by the expeditions of Mallory, Shipton and Tilman. The group will travel past small agricultural settlements with nomadic yak and sheepherders, cross the Lamna La pass into Zakka Chu Valley and see the Rongbuk monastery at 16,300 feet. Two nights are spent here to acclimatise and to explore the Rongbuk glacier as well as visit Everest Base Camp at 16,900 feet.
This is followed by a drive down the Rongbuk Valley across Pang La and Tang La passes to the village of Nyalam and on the way you'll see views of Mount Shishapangma (26,279 feet). You'll also visit the cave of Milarepa, one of Tibet's most famous saints before crossing the Friendship Bridge into Nepal.
What’s included:
Accommodation and food on the trek
Hotel/Airport transfers in Kathmandu Airport tax (currently not charged)
Internal flights
Guides, Porters and local helpers
Sherpa / porter insurance
Trekking permit
National Park fees and permits
What’s not included:
International flights (estimated at £450 – £550)
Visa fees - £30
Airport tax
Insurance
Kathmandu hotel and breakfast
Other meals in Kathmandu
Additional visits
Alcoholic and bottled drinks
Optional Guides and Porter bonuses
Click to see Detailed Itinerary
Day 1: Depart home country
Day 2: Arrive KTM
Day 3: Kathmandu complete visa process
Day 4: Flight to Lhasa (3650m)
Arrival at Lhasa airport and transfer to Lhasa.(3650m) Gang gyen Hotel You will be warmly welcomed by your Tibetan guide and driver who will accompany you to the holy city of Lhasa. You will see Bharmaputra, known as Yarlung Tsangpo in Tibetan a giant stone carved Buddha with more than a thousand years history.
Day 5 and 6: Sightseeing tour in Lhasa, Potala Palace, Jokang temple, Bharkor Bazar, Drepung and Sera monasteries
Same Hotel. This is acclimatization time.
Day 7: Drive from Lhasa to Gyangtse.(3950m) Dzongri Hotel
You will start your journey at around 9am and then drive towards Gyangtse through 3 big mountain passes, Kampa La, Karo La, Simila respectively. Karola is the highest pass among them which is over 5000m with the most beautiful glaciers and stunning Yamdrok lake with its coral color. You will have lunch in the Nakartse country which is just between the Yamdrok lake and Karola glaciers.
Day 8: Drive from Gyangtse to Shigatse. (3900m) Holy land Hotel
You will start your journey at around 9am then drive towards Palchoe monastery. Visit Palchoe monastery and Kubum Pagoda stupa. After the sightseeing you will have your lunch and then continue your journey to Shigatse by passing some of the biggest farming land in Tibet where people grow barley, wheat and different kinds of vegetables. In the afternoon you will visit Tashi Lhunpo monastery and the old market of Shigatse.
Day 9: Drive from Shigatse to new Dingri known as Shegar. (4050m) Pebar hotel
You will start your journey at around 8.30am and drive through two big mountain passes, Tsola 4500m / Gyatso la 5220m, see some beautiful villages and the first view of Mount Everest from the foot of Gyatso la pass.
Day 10: Drive from Shegar to Rongbuk monastery. ( 5000m) Camp
You will start your journey at 9am and drive through Pangla pass 5000m from which you will have a fantastic view of Mount Everest, Lhotse and Makalu respectively which are over 8000m. After lunch in Rongbuk monastery, you can visit this fascinating place, it is the world's highest monastery. When the sun sets, you will have a fantastic view of Everest. Trek to Everest Base camp and return to Rongbuk to sleep.
Day 11: Two hours trek from Rongbuk to Everest Base camp.(5200m) Camp
Return to Everest base camp, to photograph the mountain and spend time at this altitude. On the way you can visit the famous cave of Mila Repa. Rest and acclimatize in preparation for the next day.
Day 12: Trek to second Base camp, 6200m. Camp
Trek from the campsite to second base camp, about 5 hours, time to take photos and enjoy the view of Everest and the trail the Everest climbers can take. Return to the camp site.
Day 13: Rongbuk monastery to Tingri
Today you will drive to Tingri. The views along the way are stunning and once in Tingri you will be see the border of Himalayan peaks including great views of Everest and Cho Oyu.
Day 14: Tingri to Dram (2300m)
The town of Dram is an interesting mix of cultures. Tibetan, Nepali and Han. Time here before leaving Tibet is interesting with numerous shops of goods from India, Nepal, Tibet and China.
Day 15: Drive from Dram to the Nepal Tibet border and into Kathmandu. Hotel
Day 16: Depart Kathmandu
PRICE INCLUDES: Accommodation Bed and breakfast for all hotel stays and full board when camping All entry fees – sight seeing and monasteries All necessary Tibet entry and road permits 1 Local Tibetan English speaking guide Transportation by Toyota land cruiser Everest conservation fee for group members, guide, cook and vehicle, Everest base camp conservation fee Base camp Trekking permits All camping equipment except sleeping bags Cook Snacks and juice during the trek Oxygen incase needed.
SERVICE EXCLUDES: International flights Tibet flight to Lhasa Nepal visa fee ($40) Tibet visa fee Lunch and dinner at all hotels Guide and driver tips Personal insurance