Fixed Departure Tour - 18 Days
Places to Visit: KATHMANDU - LHASA - GYANTSE - SHIGATSE - SHEGAR
- RONGBUK EVEREST BASE CAMP - INTERIM CAMP - NYALAM - KATHMANDU
DAY 01 FLY KATHMANDU [1400M]/LHASA [3660M]
After
flying a long time to Nepal I am sure you dread another day of flying. However,
this remarkable flight last only an hour while crossing the Himalayan range.
As you may expect the striking mountain views surround you the entire time.
Once you arrive at Gonggar airport, an easy two hour drive will take you to
your final destination of the traditional Dhood Gu Hotel. The remainder of the
day can be spent relaxing and exploring some of the many sights in Lhasa.
DAY 02 IN LHASA
Haven't you always dreamed of visiting the ancient Tibetan monasteries? Our
knowledgeable English speaking guide will show you everything there is to see
in some of these renowned sights. First off we will explore the beautifully
preserved Sera Monastery. Many of the pictures you see of Tibet are of these
buildings with their white washed walls and golden roofs. To this day several
hundred monks live and study in this architecture. The afternoon will be spent
exploring the Jokhang temple and Norbulingka.The Norbunglinka is another astounding
piece of architecture and was once the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. Jokhang
Temple will provide you one of your first sights of devout Tibetans, as hundreds
visit this sacred shrine each day. The central market of Lhasa, the Barkor,
surrounds the Jokhang Temple. In these cobbled streets you can experience more
Tibetan culture and even purchase some amazing crafts.
DAY 03 IN LHASA
To explore some of the ancient quarters of the Dalai Lama we will visit Potala
Palace in the morning. Be prepared for astonishment as this grand palace has
been around since before the 17th century. To add even more history and culture
we will also visit DrepungMonastery. Once home to over 10,000 monks, the Drepung
Monastery is still a beautiful sight to see. Miraculously it was one of the
few sights to escape the Cultural Revolution without widespread damage.
DAY 04 IN LHASA
Today is a day for you to relax, properly acclimatize, and further explore Lhasa.
The choices range from enjoying a meal in one of the excellent restaurants to
exploring more monasteries or browsing in the towns markets. Take it easy and
have a great day!
DAY 05 DRIVE LHASA/GYANTSE
In the morning we will depart from Lhasa and travel in Land cruisers along the
Friendship highway. Numerous passes, such as Khambo La and Kharo La, provide
wondrous views of the Himalayan range. A colossal glacier rises nearly straight
up from the road as we pas Kharo La. The drive is no daunting task as we pass
through many more beautiful Tibetan valleys and quiet villages along the way.
Our final destination is the first class Gyantse hotel.
DAY 06 DRIVE GYANTSE [3950M]/SHIGATSE [3900M] 90KM
We will be given the opportunity of experiencing more wondrous Tibetan culture
as we see the Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Expansive views of the valley can be
seen from the ancient Dzong fort. The Kumbum is much more than a stupa, as it
is surrounded by numerous Tibetan murals and small chapel houses. Even if you
are no art connoisseur you will be amazed by these ancient murals and architectureWe
continue on with a short drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.
Not a minute is wasted as we have a full afternoon of exploring the local markets
and monasteries. It is very intriguing to see how ancient Tibetan culture compares
to the modern day culture we will experience. There are endless amounts of sights,
both modern and ancient, to see around this city.
DAY 07 DRIVE SHIGATSE/SHEGAR [NEW TINGRI]
Once more we will drive along the Friendship Highway and immerse ourselves in
the wondrous views of the Tibetan plateau. Along the way we will cross our highest
pass of the journey, Gyamtso La, as well as numerous nomadic herders. The night
will be spent in the comfortable Hotel Quomolongma
DAY 08 DRIVE SHEGAR [4050M]/RONGBUK
We will leave Shegar in the morning and cross the Pang La pass. The view from
the top is truly awe-inspiring as nearly the entire Himalayas are laid out before
you. This may be your first real glimpse of Everest.
DAY 09 RONGBUK EVEREST BC
Our ninth day will be spent enjoying the barren yet awe-inspiring surroundings
of the Everest Base Camp. It is a life changing experience to stare up into
the world's largest mountain. We will slowly begin to acclimatize.
DAY 10 RONGBUK EVEREST BC
To be safe, another day must be spent properly acclimatizing in Rongbuk. You
can relax during the day and explore the area even further.
DAY 11 TREK FROM EVEREST BASE CAMP TO CAMP 1 [5460M]
Our first challenging trek will be made to Base Camp 1. Along the way we can
explore the Rongbuk Glacier and surrounding areas. The views around this massive
glacier are some of the best in the world. We will take a trail that rises to
the east side of this ice cap and heads toward the peak of Mt. Everest. The
hike is fairly short, but the high altitude may still be hard for many so relax
today and enjoy exploring this amazing area.
DAY 12 TREK TO INTERIM CAMP [5760M]
Our trekking trail today will meander over gravel hills to the west of the glacier.
Another scenic day awaits us as we spend the night at the interim camp. Ice
pinnacles surround us in all directions. What an amazing experience!
DAY 13 REST DAY IN INTERIM CAMP
Today is another day to rest and properly acclimatize. We are now at extremely
high altitudes, and must take all necessary safety precautions! Small excursions
can be taken today and wonderful pictures abound.
DAY 14 TREK TO CAMP 2 [5970M]
Today we ascend even farther into the intricate maze of ice as we meet up with
the Changste glacier. It is such an incredible experience to be hiking on the
world's highest mountain! Today our camp is even more beautiful than past sites.
We are surrounded on all sides by varying glaciers and hanging ice. The Serac
Highway protrudes a gravel point into the center of these amazing ice formations
DAY 15 TREK TO ABC [6340M] AND RETURN TO CAMP 2
It is completely up to you today whether you want to spend the night at Base
camp 3 or simply hike there during the day and return to Base Camp 2. The walk
will be much more enjoyable tomorrow if we stay at the second base camp. However,
if you wish we can spend the night at an even higher altitude and impressive
location. Camp 3 lies in the center of flattened gravel mounds next to the glacier.
Today we can observe many of the challenging pinnacles, ridges, and even the
rock summit of Everest. Camp 3 is only 2400 meters from the top. What a sight
it is to finally arrive at nearly the highest point in the world!
DAY 16 RETURN TO BASE CAMP
Today is a long day as we cruise downhill back towards the first base camp.
Wonderful sights abound as we leave this amazing peak.
DAY 17 DRIVE RONGBUK/NYALAM
On our second to last day we will rejoin the Friendship Highway and experience
another amazing drive through Tibet. Once again we will cross two high passes
with magnificent Himalayan views. Towards the end of the day we will descend
from the Tibetan plateau and arrive in Nyalam. It is a huge relief for many
to arrive back in this lush town with showers and beds.
DAY 18 DRIVE NYALAM/KATHMANDU
Today is a sad day for most as we end our journey. In the morning we will cross
the Friendship Bridge and head back into Nepal. We must bid a fond farewell
to our Tibetan guide and go through all the necessary border paperwork. Our
Nepalese staff will meet you on the other side and take you your last five hours
into Kathmandu.
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