Everest Base Camp Trekking

There is no place on earth quite like the Everest Region in Tibet, and trekking to its Base Camp (from the north side) combined with authentic cultural experiences is lifelong dream for many people. Situated at an altitude of 5,208 metres (17,090 ft), the North Base Camp is used when climbing via the northeast ridge and offers a medium to challenging 3-4 days of trekking. One of the best options is to start at Everest Base Camp and pass through Rombuk Monastery and Raiju (Ra-chu) Valley and finish at Tingri. The trekking season in the Everest region extends from May to October but the high elevation (4400m-5300m) will be your biggest challenge. For this reason, acclimatization and gradual increase in altitude are key; ponies to carry your packs and/or to ride are essential; and experienced and knowledgeable guides mandatory. There are few options of local lodging so personal camping gear is required.

You will fly to Lhasa from Chengdu (or Katmandu) to Lhasa, and explore the wonders of Lhasa while acclimatizing. Highlight experiences include a visit to the Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Square, Potala Palace, and Sera Monastery to learn about Tibetan architecture, history, and culture. On your way to the Everest Base Camp, you can also visit some of the Tibet’s most popular destinations including Shigatse, Gyantse, Palkhor Choide Chorten, Sakya Monastery and Tingri. In addition, we will take time to introduce you to our family and friends; play with children; walk in barley fields and hear family oral history under bright stars (or by firelight).

Summary: Situated at an altitude of 5,208 metres (17,090 ft), the North Base Camp is used when climbing via the northeast ridge and offers a medium to challenging 3-4 days of trekking. One of the best options is to start at Old Dingri and finished at Everest Base Camp and pass through Raiju (Ra-chu) Valley and Rombuk Monastery and finish at Everest Base Camp. The trekking season in the Everest region extends from May to October but the high elevation (4400m-5300m) will be your biggest challenge. Please click here to inquire about this trip.

Itinerary

Days 1-4: After a short flight over the Himalayan Mountains, we’ll arrive in Lhasa, enjoy a welcome reception, and rest. While acclimatizing in Lhasa, we’ll explore the city by walking around the Barkhor Square and mingling with Tibetan pilgrims. We will visit the sacred Potala Palace, Jokang Temple, and Sera Monastery to learn about Tibetan architecture, history, and culture.

Days 5-7: Shigatse/Gyantse/Sakya: As it has been Tibetan tradition, we will pay homage and make an offering at Jokhang Template to prevent obstacles along our journey, and then depart for Shigatse. We will stay in a Tibetan hotel and visit the famous Tashilhunpho Monastery, seed of the Penchen Lama; Gyantse, a small agricultural town at 13,050 ft above sea level, famous for its wool carpets and the Palkhor Choide Chorten; and The Palkhor Monastery, built in 1427, notable for its superb Kumbum (10,000 images) Stupa, which, according to Buddhist tradition, has 108 chapels to explore. As we drive further west, we will visit Sakya Monastery, the seed of the Sakya lineage of Tibetan Buddhism and birthplace of great Tibetan scholars.

Days 8-11: We will start our trekking at old Tingri and hike about 5-7 hours each day, with elevations ranging from 4400m-5300m, through the Raiju (Ra-chu) Valley finishing at Everest Base Camp (5,208 metres or 17,090 ft). On sunny clear days, you will experience the most astonishing view of Mt. Everest and stars so bright it’s as if you can touch them at night. If you have trouble breathing or would like to take it easy oxygen will be available. Our staff will prepare your meals, setup tents and guide ponies to carry your pack (or you if necessary).

Day 12-14: After we finish the trekking from Everest Base Camp, you have the option of traveling into Nepal or returning to Chengdu via Lhasa. If you choose to go into Nepal, we will drop you off in Dam, Nepal-Tibet border town by the Friendship Bridge and help you arrange transportation to Nepal (not part of our trip). If you decide to go drive back to Lhasa, it may take 2 straight days and you can rest and shop in Lhasa before flying back to Chengdu.