EAST AND NORTH FACES OF EVEREST TREK

KHANGSUNG VALLEY 21 days

 

Introduction
Even though this trek requires some stamina it is definitely worth doing. You will find
some of the grandest Himalayan sceneries on this spectacular walk, which takes you
along steep-sided valleys and glacial lakes. In the summer the magnificent grassland
flowers are in bloom in the remote Kangshung valley, which is also dubbed the Valley of
Flowers.

The highest point on this trek is the Langma La Pass [5,320 metres], which offers
outstanding views on a clear day. Towards the South we see Makalu, which dwarfs all
the other peaks from this angle, including Everest. From here you can marvel at the big
trio in the far west of the Kangshung valley - Lhotse Shar, Lhotse and Mount Everest.
The valleys and ridges below the snowline are richly covered with grass and thick
vegetation nurtured by the monsoon rain that manages to sneak behind these
mountains.

On our way to Lhasa our Tibet trekking tour takes us to Everest Base Camp, where you
will experience the sheer grandeur of Everest's north face – you have to see it to believe
it!!

Before we fly back to Kathmandu we spend a couple of days in Lhasa, the heart and
soul of Tibet and object of devout pilgrimage. The medieval push and shove of crowds,
the street performers, the stalls hawking everything from prayer -flags to jewel-
encrusted yak skulls, and the devout tapping their foreheads to the ground at every step
is an exotic brew that few newcomers can resist.

 
Outlined Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive Lhasa (3660 m)
Day 2: Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 3: Sightseeing in Lhasa
Day 4: Free day in Lhasa for acclimatization
Day 5: Drive to Gyantse (3950m)
Day 6: Sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3900m)
Day 7: Sightseeing & drive to Shegar (4050m) 244km.
Day 8: Drive to Kharta (3690m)
Day 9: Rest day in Kharta for further acclimatization
Day 10: Trek to Lhundrubling (3990m)
Day 11: Cross Shao La (4970 m) & trek to Kaamo Tsangpo valley
Day 12: Trek to Khangsung valley (4300 m)
Day 13: Trek to Pethang Ringmo (4960m)
Day 14: Pethang Ringmo to Hoppo [4800 meters]
Day 15: Trek to Kangshung base camp [5090 meters]
Day 16: Trek to Base of Langma La (4800m)
Day 17: Cross Langma La [5390m] & trek to Lundrubling (3990m)
Day 18: Trek to Kharta (3690m)
Day 19: Drive to Rongbuk (5000m), trek to Everest North face base camp (5150m)
Day 20: Drive to Nyalam
Day 21: Drive to Kathmandu
 

Day 1: Arrive Lhasa (3660 m)

You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities,
you will be driven to Lhasa (3650 meters). It takes around 45 minutes to reach the old
city. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and take it easy. Drink
plenty of fluids and let your body get used to Lhasa’s high altitude. Note: There is no
fixed program arranged for today.

Day 2 Sightseeing in Lhasa

After breakfast, you will be briefed on the day’s program. An experienced guide will take
you on a tour to Sera Monastery, Norbulingka and the Barkhor Square. At the famous
Sera Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism.
You pay a visit to Norbulingka, the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama. Completed in
1956, the handsome building is ornately decorated with Tibetan carvings and paintings.
Jokhang Temple provides yet another glimpse of the rich Tibetan cultural heritage. You
will also get the chance to stroll around the busy Barkhor Square, the nerve centre of
Lhasa. After the day’s tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Lhasa

After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala
Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you
are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see Tibetan art at its
best. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful
statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day
you will visit the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery where you can observe
nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day’s tour is
over, you are escorted back to your hotel for a well- earned rest. Note: Only limited
visitors are allowed inside Potala Palace every day. So the order of sightseeing places
will be decided upon by your guide.

Day 4: Free day in Lhasa for acclimatization

A final day in Lhasa for acclimatization. This day is for you to spend it as you wish.
Explore and soak in the sights and sounds of the old city, revisit a favorite monastery,
go for souvenir hunting in the busy local market at Barkhor Square, or simply sit in a
café and watch pilgrims as they circumambulate the Jokhang Temple. There is also the
option of an additional tour to places such as the Tibetan Medical Centre, Ganden
Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery. But this additional tour will incur an extra cost.

Day 5: Drive to Gyantse (3950m)

Driving along the Friendship Highway, you drive past Khamba La, at 4794 meter with a
brief halt to savor majestic views of Yamdrok-tso Lake and Nazin Kang Sa, standing at
7252m. On turning westwards, you come across another pass, Karo La at 5045m. From
the road you can see huge glaciers tumbling down. After driving 261 km, beautifully
landscaped Tibetan villages comes into view, as you enter the town of Gyantse.

Day 6: Sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3900m)

Gyantse prides on Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Gyantse Dzong, a 14th century
historical fort, overlooks the entire Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley.
Kumbum has a large gold-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan
Buddhist murals. After you enjoy exploring Gyantse, taking a 90 km drive, you will arrive
at Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet that lies at an altitude of 3900 meter.
Tashilhunpo Monastery, being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet is the
major attraction of Shigatse.

Day 7 Sightseeing & drive to Shegar (4050m) 244km.

Today you will traverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscape
driving past the small towns of Lhatse and Gyamtso La pass at 5220m. As the route
opens into plains, many monasteries and camps of nomadic herders become visible en
route to Shegar, where you will meet your trekking crew (cook and trek guide from
Nepal).

Day 8 - Drive to Kharta (3690m)

Ten kilometres past the town of Shegar, diverting from the main highway we move
south towards the Everest region. From the top of Pang La (5150m) we get excellent
views of the Everest and the surrounding countryside. From the pass we descend to the
village of Phadhruchi, where the jeep track divides - the track to the west heading to the
Rongbuk Valley , the one to the east leading to the (Phung Chu) Arun Valley and the
village of Kharta, which are the administrative headquarters of the region.

Day 9 Rest day in Kharta for further acclimatization

You can utilize this day for thorough acclimatization. This will prepare you mentally and
physically for the real trekking adventure that lies ahead .

Day 10 Trek to Lhundrubling (3990m)

As you head away from Kharta Valley, you will find a bridge over Lang Chu. On
crossing this bridge the trail progresses towards north bank of crystal-clear Kharta Chu
westward. Traversing past barley fields, you follow the upper trail that ascends to Shao
La. Few kilometers ahead, the trail opens to Lundrubling.

Day 11 Cross Shao La (4970 m) & trek to Kaamo Tsangpo valley

Starting early, you head along the trail past Shao La Pass at 4,970m, amid stunning
views of Mount Everest [8,848m], Makalu [8,475m] and Lhotse [8,501m]. The trail
steeply descends along picturesque yak pastures, through forests of rhododendron and
dwarf birch, leading to the Kaamo Tsangpo Valley (4000m).

Day 12 Trek to Khangsung valley (4300 m)

The trail then skirts away from Kaamo Tsangpo Valley, passing through conifer forest
and ascends steeply to 300-400 meter altitude. Herein, you can savor majestic views of
Arun valley and Nepal. Along the trail, you can view the alpine ridges. Yak herders from
Kharta village choose these ridges as their summer camps. The trail then ascends,
crossing pristine emerald green lakes. En route you can view the Kangshung Face of
Everest.

Day 13 Trek to Pethang Ringmo (4960m)

If you think you can deal with moraines and landslides, then you can begin trekking right
away along the trail to this lake for 40 minutes. A sacred cave most popularly renowned
as a meditation place of Padmasambhava, the lotus-born Buddha, lies at the end of the
lake. This cave has prayer rooms and shelters pilgrims. A few kilometers ahead you will
approach a bend, known as Orga. Beyond the Kangshung Glacier and at this spot, Mt
Everest [8848 m] is clearly visible. You then traverse to the right, from where you
ascend to a 150m ridge that overlooks the Karma river and glacier. 3 hours of trekking
will take you to Kangshung Face base camp at 5000 m. After few rock-strewn descents,
you will enter the picturesque alpine camp of Pethang Ringmo at 4,550m beneath the
impressive peak of Chomo Lonzo [7,790m] and Makalu. Several stone huts can be
seen lying scattered which are commonly used by yak herders as summer camps. You
may even trek westwards along the glacier to a 5950m ridge. You need to trek along
another 5 km to reach the Mt Everest.

Day 14 Pethang Ringmo to Hoppo [4800 meters]

While heading away from Pethang Ringmo towards Hoppo, the trail crosses lush
verdant meadows and then follows several ascents. Thereafter, Kangshung Face of
Everest comes into view, along with the towering Chomo Lonzo with its glistening
glaciers. Few hours of more trekking brings you to Hoppo at 4800m.

Day 15 Trek to Kangshung base camp [5090 meters]

Kangshung Base Camp lies few kilometers away from Hoppo at an elevation of 5050m.
En route you ascend grassy ridges along the magnificent Kangshung Glacier. Along the
way you get to view the north-east ridge of Everest.

Day 16 Trek to Base of Langma La (4800m)

On this day you trek along the trail that leads to a valley from Pathang Ringmo, and
then skirts northwards to Langma La pass. Savoring the majestic sights of the
Himalayan range, you walk past yak pastures. After traversing for hours, you arrive at
Shurimo [4,800m] located at the base of Langma La.

Day 17 Cross Langma La [5390m] & trek to Lundrubling (3990m)

It is advisable to make an early start while ascending to Langma La. After trekking
amidst mesmerizing views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu for a couple of hours, you will
descend steeply from Langma La pass to the valley. On entering the valley, you may
encounter yak herders from Kharta at their camps. You will find several Tibetan
traditional villages in the vicinity. Along the trail, you will pass the confluence of the
Kharta Valley. You also get the view of Kanchenjunga massif nestled above the ridges
beyond Kharta on the Nepal- Sikkim border. Further ahead, the trail advances towards
village of Lundrubling.

Day 18 Trek to Kharta (3690m)

You trek along the trail turning away from Lundrubling towards Kharta for about 3 hrs
and board the waiting 4WD Land cruiser to drive back to Tashidzong.

Day 19 Drive to Rongbuk (5000m), trek to Everest North face base camp (5150m)
Less than an hour after leaving Tashidzong, you re-enter the Chomolungma Nature
Preserve and change landcruisers. A local landcruiser/bus takes you to Rongbuk
Monastery and from here you trek 9 km to the Everest Base Camp.If you want to skip
the trek you can rent a horse-cart. The base camp itself is dry and barren, but this is
compensated by the magnificent views of the Everest. It is truly an awe-inspiring place,
with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above. A truck
carrying tent and food supplies will follow you to the base camp.

Day 20 Drive to Nyalam

After watching the sunrise in the morning, you will trek back to Rongbuk and board land
cruisers to drive past Tingri across Lalung La pass at 5124m and Shung La pass at
5200m. Savoring the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho
Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar you will finally arrive at Nyalam.

Day 21 Drive to Kathmandu

From Nyalam, you drive to the border town of Zhangmu. From Zhangmu, it’s a short
drive to the Friendship Bridge which spans the Bhote Kosi River and marks the Chinese
- Nepalese border. Here you will part with your Tibetan guide and driver and walk to the
Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari, where you will be met by our Nepalese staff.
After completing the re-entry formalities, you will be driven to Kathmandu which,
depending on road and weather conditions, shall take about 5-6 hours.

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