There are two major ways to start the Expedition, first one is flying directly to the beautiful & traditional city, Lhasa, and the second option is to drive from KTM via Zangmu/Nyalam, Tingri & base camp (5,200m). A visit to Lhasa, the overland journey across the Tibetan Plateau, the trek in the footsteps of Mallory and a climb with awesome views of Mt.Everest are the ingredients of a very special expedition. It will also give a life-long impression of Tibet and its people and insight and deep respect for the achievements of the early Everest pioneers. After reaching the base camp, you have to spend a few days for acclimatization. In order to start your real climbing toward the summit, you should start your expedition ahead towards two middle camps, with the preparation of loading yaks and expedition crews.
Then you have to take a night’s rest in each middle camp. Continuing ahead to this track you reach at the Advance Base camp, which is situated at the height of 6,400m. From ABC, after a couple of days rest, acclimatize at ABC and Sherpas can fix up the ropes towards to North Col. The route is initially straight forward trail up moraine to the East Rongbuk which leads to the fixed ropes and it takes 6-7 hours to reach at the North Col from ABC.NorthCol, which is also called camp, I of Mt Everest expedition is a large area from where we can see the fantastic views of North Ridge of Mt Everest, Mt Cho Oyu, and other mountains. Once we complete climbing to the North Col, we descent to the ABC and to Base Camp and make way return to border and KTM.
We will establish our base camp at ~5200m at a big ground above Rongbuk before making our way to high camps and Advance Base Camp. Once our acclimatization in and around base camp will be completed, then we'll start our summit bit establishing two middle camps in between BC & ABC, i.e. Camp 1 at altitude of 5,460m, Changtse Base Camp at (6,008m) and our trek continues for Advance Base Camp, where we do our preparations and acclimatization “go higher and sleep at lower”. Once we are ready then we go for the summit attempt and same day descent all the way to ABC, which takes about 10 – 12 hours. Climbing up to the summit of NorthCol is not technically difficult, but general knowledge to play with the climbing gears is helpful and a high level of fitness is required.
After final preparations in Kathmandu, we will fly to Lhasa then, we spend about 2 nights in Lhasa doing some sight seen tours and acclimatization. From Lhasa, we will take a drive by land cruiser or by bus for Base Camp, spending about 3 nights along the way with some acclimatization trip and this will give us additional opportunity to explore the land of Tibet and visiting ancient cities of Tibet i.e. Gyantse (3990m), Shigatse (3,860m) and Shegar (4050m) etc. On our return trip to Kathmandu, we drive base camp to Kyerong in a long day drive and stay in a guest house, and next day we cross the China/Nepal border and drive for KTM.
DETAILS ITINERARY
Day 1
Arrive in Kathmandu, Transfer to Hotel& Briefing
After you arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu, you will have to go through custom formalities. You will be greeted by our representative who will be anxiously waiting for you with a placard displaying your name in his hand. You will be transferred to the 3-Star category hotel in a private vehicle. Once you get refreshed, you will get briefing regarding the itinerary and you will also be introduced with your crewmembers and other trekkers who are going to join you on the trip. At the same time we collect Passport from every one and process for the Chinese Visa. Enjoy welcome dinner in the evening where you can taste authentic Nepali dinner. Stay overnight in a hotel.
Day 2-3
Kathmandu Tour, Equipment Check & Last minute preparation
In the morning after breakfast, we will organize half day sightseeing tour during which you will be taken on memorable UNESCO Heritage Tour. Tour begins with visit to Nepal’s holiest Pashupatinath Temple Complex and takes us through Nepal’s largest Bouddhanath Stupa and 2500 years old Swoyambhunath Stupa. We will return to hotel in the afternoon and time for shopping of any missing items, equipment checking and getting ready for the trip.
Day 4
Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m), O/N hotel
You will be picked up from the hotel and transferred to Tribhuvan International Airport. Remember to carry your Tibet Permit and Visit Visa papers. Almost 70 minutes of flight over Everest and other mountains will take you to Lhasa Gonggar Airport. You will take a ride in 4WD vehicle to cover 60km distance along Friendship Highway to Lhasa City. Stay overnight in a hotel in Lhasa.
Day 5
Sightseeing in Lhasa (3,660m)
Lhasa is located on the northern edge of Kyi Chu River. Lhasa is the spiritual centre of Tibet. We will visit Potala Palace, Ramoche Monastery andNorbulingka Palace. Potala Palace is the home of Dalai Lama which was built in 637 AD. Norbulinkha is the summer palace of Dalai Lama which has been identified as the UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sera Monastery andJokhang Monastery are other places of interest in Lhasa.
Day 6
Drive to Shigatse (3,900m) 280 km
Leaving Lhasa, we will cross Kamba La (4794m) and Karo La (5010m) Pass. The path is scenic and allows view of beautiful Yamadroke-Tso Lake while nreath-taking views of surrounding mountains can be viewed to the south. We will reach Gynatse. Khumbum Stupa and Palkor Monastery are places of interest in Gyantse. We will continue to drive to Shigatse (Xigatse) and reach there in about two hours from Gyantse. We will visit Panchen Lamas’ Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse.
Day 7
Drive to Shegar (4,050m) 244km
Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatselies in the base of Dolmari. This monastery was built in 1477 by Gendun Drukpa and the monastery holds the Maitreya Chapel which holds the largest Brass statue of Buddha. We will drive for 4 hours to reach Shegar. Shegar is close to Everest Base Camp. We will stay overnight at Shegar
Day 8
Rest day at Shegar for acclimatizations
Take a day of rest at Shegar. It will help us in proper acclimatization to the increasing altitude. We can explore Shegar town on this day. Local Monastery and a fort is attraction in Shegar. Stay overnight at Shegar.
Day 9
Drive to to Everest Base Camp (5200m) – 80km
After an early breakfast, we will leave Shegar and head towards Base Camp. We will cross the Pang La pass. Reaching to the top of Pang La is an exciting activity. We will enjoy the view of vast Tibetan plateau and Everest Mountain from the summit before continuing our journey to Base Camp where we will stay overnight.
Day 10-15
Acclimatisation and Preparations at Base Camp
Acclimatization is necessary at this altitude to avoid altitude sickness. We will explore around base camp. We will practice using climbing gears and scout the route towards half way to Camp intermediate camp. We do acclimatization hiking around the base camp as much as possible to adjust with the higher altitudes. This is the time period that Sherpas team set up the intermediate camp (5800m) as well as the Advance Base Camp (6400m). Once these camps will be set up then we move toward the higher camps. More over the expedition blessing ceremony will be also happened at base camp during this time period.
Day 16
Trek to Intermediate Camp 1 (5,800m)
After fully acclimatized at Base Camp, now we move toward Intermediate Camp (5800m), it will take us about 6/7 hours to reach at Intermediate Camp on our 1st trip. we will follow the trail that continues along Rongbuk Glacier. After some time, the trail escalates up through the eastern edge of the glacier and we will follow the gradually climbing trail with mostly the rocky terrain.
Day 17
Trek to Advanced Base Camp - ABC (6400m)
We will leave Intermediate Camp and move towards Advanced Base Camp which is located at 6,400 m. We can get close-up view of Everest and Lhakpa Ri Mountain from the Advance Base Camp. The trail continues through ice seracs. This requires a bit technical climbing skill.
Day 18-19
Acclimatisation and final preparation for summit attempt
We will prepare ourselves to climb Lhakpa Ri Mountain. We will practice using climbing gears and scout the route towards Lhakpa Ri. We can return to lower altitude for acclimatization. The Guide will share Lhakpa Ri climbing strategy with team. He will also provide you with necessary instructions and teach you what to do and how should you call for help if in case of emergency.
Day 20
Climb close to North Col and return to ABC
The North Col Camp is a 2,200m climb from Adavnced Base Camp. Leaving the Camp, we will move towards East Rongbuk Glacier. We need to use crampons and fixed ropes on this day. Climb from Advanced Base Camp to North Col constantly gains altitude. We will cross the steep section of 60 degrees with help of fixed rope and ascender. Ladders will be used to cross deep crevasses. We will reach close to North Col in almost 7hours.
Day 21
Ascend to North Col (7066m)
We need to climb almost 2200m elevation to reach to the North Col camp. Leaving our Camp, we will follow the East Rongbuk Glacier.We will cross the steep section of 60 degrees slope with help of fixed rope and ascender. Ladders will be used to cross deep crevasses. We will reach North Col. The views from the top of North Colis simply exhilarating.
Day 22
Return to Base Camp
We will follow the returning trail all the way to Base Camp.
Day 23
Drive to Keyrong
Leaving Base Camp, we take long drive to Keyrong via Tingri and stay at the Guest House.
Day 24
Drive to KTM, transfer to hotel, rest, shower
From Keyrong or Subru, we drive to KTM (8 hrs) and check hotel etc.
Day 25
Free day in Kathmandu
Spend the day as you like. You can go for shopping in Thamel where you can buy souvenir items. We can also arrange for guided sightseeing tour. Alternatively, you can arrange your photo albums and jot down memories in your journal.
Day 26
Depart for Int’l flight to home
You will be transferred to the Airport as per your schedule flight for international departure. Safe journey. We hope to see you soon.
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