Everest2

Fly Kathmandu - Lhasa,

Drive Lhasa - Kathmandu, via Everest

With an average altitude in excess of 3500m, Tibet can truly be described as the roof of the world. Lying to the north of the great Himalayan range which separates it from its neighbours India, Nepal and Bhutan, much of the country is high-altitude desert. With its spectacular mountain scenery and rich Buddhist culture, Tibet is a remarkable place to visit.

On this trip, we will follow the Friendship Highway through some of the most amazing landscape on Earth. We'll pass small Tibetan settlements, nomadic herdsmen wandering across the wide arid plains and awe-inspiring mountain peaks. Equally as fascinating is the wealth of cultural interest and we will have plenty of opportunity to explore this side of Tibet, both in Lhasa and the other towns we pass through on our journey to Kathmandu.

We spend 2 nights in Lhasa, staying right in the centre of the old city. This will allow both plenty of time for acclimatisation and easy access to the city's main attractions - the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. Leaving Lhasa in our Toyota Landcruiser 4 wheel drive, we'll travel through this amazing country, staying in the best traditional hotels Tibet has to offer. In the towns of Gyantse and Shigatse we explore further monasteries and fully immerse ourselves in the Buddhist culture.

Without doubt, a highlight of this trip is the visit to Everest Base Camp, and the trek to camp 3 in 6340 meters, where the sheer grandeur of Everest's north face you have to see to believe. This trek takes you as close to the summit of Everest as any nonclimber can go. This adventure, which we call the highest trek in the world, is an incredible journey to camp 3 [6340m] and the base of the north col via the east Rongbuk glacier. Nowhere else on this planet can you hike on trial to such a high elevation without the need for crampons, ice axes, or mountaineering skills.

ITINERARY: (Advance base camp – May 200?)

May 01: Kathmandu:

Arrive Kathmandu meet/assist and transfer to Hotel. O/N Hotel Manaslu(03 star).

May 02: Kathmandu/River Rafting:

After early breakfast at hotel, drive 90 km. to Trisuli River, Raft at River for 2/3 hours. Lunch will serve at river beach and drive back 90 km. to Kathmandu. O/N hotel Manaslu.

May 03: Kathmandu/Lhasa:

After early breakfast drive to international airport and Fly Kathmandu [1400m] - Lhasa [3660m]. Drive 90 Km to Lhasa. O/N hotel Shambala or similar.

May 04: Lhasa.

Sightseeing tour of Potala, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama; Drepung, the biggest monastic university of Tibet & Nechung Monastery, temple of the State oracle of Tibet. O/N hotel.

May 05: Lhasa

Sightseeing tour of Jokhang, the central cathedral of Tibet, Barkhor, the bustling Lhasa market encircling the Jokhang Temple, Tibetan Medical Center & Norbulinka Palace. O/N hotel.

May 06: Drive Lhasa - Gyantse [3950m] 261 km

Today we start our overland journey towards Kathmandu. Travelling by jeep along the Friendship Highway we cross the Khamba La [4794m] from which there is stunning views across the waters of Yamdrok-tso Lake to the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa [7252m]. We continue westwards over another high pass the Karo La [5045m] where we are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down to within a few hundred metres of the road. After passing through beautiful valleys and colourful Tibetan villages we arrive in the town of Gyantse. Our overnight accommodation is at the Gyantse Hotel.

May 07: Sightseeing & drive Gyantse - Shigatse [3900m] 90km

Before leaving Gyantse we have time this morning to visit the Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a fort dating from the 14th century from which there are amazing views of both Gyantse itself and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa and its many small chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals.

We then continue on to Shigatse, a short drive of only 90kms, arriving in time for lunch. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and after exploring the local market we will make a detailed visit to the Tashilhunpo Monastery. This monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. Our overnight accommodation will be at either Shigatse Hotel or Shandong Mansion.

May 08: Sightseeing & drive Shigatse - Shegar [New Tingri: 4050m] 244km

Today we continue along the Friendship Highway, marvelling once more at the barren yet spectacular landscape of Tibet. Beyond the small town of Lhatse we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gyamtso La [5220m]. From here we descend to the plains, passing lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders, en route to Shegar and our overnight accommodation at Hotel Quomolongma.

May 09: Drive Shegar - Rongbuk [5000m] 68km

Shortly after leaving Shegar, we turn off the Friendship Highway and head south over the Pang La [5150m] towards the main Himalayan range. The view from the top is incredible with uninterrupted views stretching from Makalu to Shishapangma. Below the pass, Everest initially is hidden from view, but as we turn the corner into the Rongbuk Valley it reappears, more impressive than ever. We stay overnight at the Gompa Guest House.

May 10: Rest day at Base Camp

We spend a day here in Base camp to acclimatise, this is a good a day to read a book, just how often do you get a chance to sit and read in 5000 meters and with the stunning view of Everest's north faze.

May 11: Rest day at Base Camp

We spend another day in Base camp to acclimatise, it is very important that we take our time and gets very well acclimatised before we go to the ABC. Today we will explore the surroundings of the Rongbuk Everest base camp, just to get started working a little.

May 12: Trek from Everest Base Camp to Camp 1 [5460m]

The Rongbuk Glacier is an impressive frozen ocean of ice waves; the views of the glacier and the Himalayan peaks are some of the most dramatic in Tibet. Along the east side of the glacier is the trail that expeditions use to begin their climbs of Everest and this is the trail we are taking. Camp 1 [5460m] is set in a barren world of moraine hills under beautifully sculpted yellow-orange granite cliffs. The next camp is too far to reach in a single day, so to help us acclimatise we spend the remainder of the afternoon exploring the gravely snout of the east Rongbuk Glacier.

May 13: Trek to interim camp [5760m]

The trail to the Interim Camp climbs and descents over the gravel hills, always staying above the west edge of the ice. Interim camp [5760m] is a good place to spend a night acclimatizing before advancing to Camp 2. Nearby, the first ice seracs [ice pinnacles] rise like white sails from the dark debris-laden surface of the glacier we will go and take a good look at these.

May 14: Rest day at interim camp

We spend a day here in the intermediate camp, resting to further acclimatise. We will of course explore the surroundings on small excursions. However this is another good chance to finish that book.

May 15: Trek to Camp 2 [5970m]

About two hours above the Interim camp the central ridgeline leads in to a confused of ice at the confluence with the Changtse glacier. Camp 2 [5970m] is only ten minutes from here, it is set in a beautiful location; glaciers large and small spills into the valley from every direction and the appropriately named Serac Highway continues to extend its unusual gravel arm trough the centre of the of the ice formations.

May 16: Trek to Camp 3 [6340m] and return to Camp 2

Depending on how our party fells, a decision must be made between moving tents up to camp 3 or visiting it as a day hike and spending a second night at camp 2. Unless the group is particular interested in sleeping in Camp 3, we return to camp 2 today, this gives us a better chance to enjoy the walk back base camp tomorrow.

Camp 3, the advanced base camp for the North Col route up Mount Everest, is situated within a group of flattened gravel mounds beside the glacier. The pinnacles, the frightening group of rock palisades that kept the Northeast Ridge unclimbed for so long, are just another 1½ km. Further up from camp 3. Most amazing of all is the ridge extending above the Pinnacles to the southwest: the striated rock summit of Everest. The top of this mountain appears phenomenally close; it is little more than 2400 meter higher than camp 3. This is the closest non-climbers can get the top of Everest. With a pair of binoculars, you are almost there…

May 17: Return to Base Camp

The return to Base Camp is a long down hill journey, but we complete it in one day, if we start out from Camp 2 it is much more enjoyable than from camp 3, we will have a chance to get our eyes of the end of our boots.

May 18: Drive Base Camp - Nyalam 215km

Today we rejoin the Friendship Highway and drive to Tingri, leaving Tingri, we cross another two high passes, the Lalung La [5124m] and the Shung La [5200m]. Once more we are rewarded with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar. Now we begin our descent from the arid Tibetan Plateau to Nyalam just 30 km before the Nepalese border. After Tibet, it appears an incredibly lush and green town.

May 19: Drive Nyalam - Kathmandu [1400m] 153km , Drive 116 Kms to Kathmandu.

From Nyalam we drive the last 30 kilometres to the Friendship Bridge, which spans the Bhote Koshi River and marks the Chinese - Nepalese border. We say goodbye to our Tibetan guide and driver and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari where our Nepalese staff will meet us. After completing the re-entry formalities we continue the drive to Kathmandu, which, depending on road and weather conditions, should take about 5 hours.

May 20: Free till departure, departure transfer to airport to connect onward flight.

The Cost:

05-10 pax:

USD 2500.00 per person on sharing basis.

The cost includes:

Nepal Portion:

·All arrival/departure transfers as per the itinerary using non AC Pvt vehicles,

03 nights accommodation at Hotel Manaslu on BB basis.

01 day rafting at Trisuli river with Lunch, transportation using non AC pvt vehicle (Kathmandu/River

Rafting/Kathmandu).

Tibet Portion:

Jeep

Luggage truck

Monastery entrances fees

Everest entrances fees for vehicles and passangers

Permits

Camping equipments for Everest treks

Meals for Everest treks

Hotel in Shambala or similar in Lhasa Gyantse Hotel or similar in Gyantse, Shigatse Monasarvor

Hotel/Tingri/Rongbuk/Nyalam Hotel on BB basis.

Pick up from Nylam (nepal/Tibet border) to Kathmandu by coach/coaster.

Airfare Kathmandu/Lhasa (Subject to change).

Tibet visa fee (subject to change).

The cost Excludes:

Nepal Portion:

Nepal visa fees

Airport taxes and excess baggage charges.

Lunch/Dinner

Beverage and expenses of personal nature.

Personal insurance etc.

Tips to porter, guide, driver etc.

Tibet Portion:

Lunch/Dinner in Lhasa,

Photography charges at monasteries/palaces/sites

Nepal re-entry Visa (multiple entry visas are available);

Extras cost for up-grading rooms at hotels if/when applicable;

Any cost arising from political disturbances, strikes, cancellation of flights, deviation in program, delays due to

landslides/ road blockage, or otherwise (pax has to borne the same at the spot).

Personal Insurance.

In order to book the trip we need the following details well in advance:

Full name as it appears in the passport.

Passport no

Date of birth

Nationality

Date of issue of the passport

Date of expiry of the passport

Occupation

Further the client should be aware of the following:

Tibet remains one of the most interesting, remote and undeveloped part of the world, situated at an average elevation of 5000 (16,000ft) above sea level. Its facilities for tourists are only now approaching a reasonable standard.

A trip to Tibet is not for the faint hearted, the traveling can be hard, adventurous and often unpredictable. Due to Tibet's high altitude travelers with a history of heart, lung or anemia problems should consult a doctor before even thinking about a visit.

Visitors should also understand before taking this trip that Tibet was only opened to tourism 19 years ago. The infrastructure of the tourist industry is still very basic in this remote country. Please do not expect the standards you are accustomed to in the West. However, every efforts will be made under the circumstance to ensure a smooth and pleasant trip.

CLOTHING ACCESSORIES

From Oct - March warm clothes are required to flight the frosty cold. From April - September light clothes to shun the scorching heat. However a jacket and a sweater are advised throughout the year as the weather nay unexpectedly change at any time. The recommended item are: A domestic first aid kit, toilet and tissue papers flashlight, sleeping bag, comfortable walking shoes, dust masks, utility knife, sun, hat, sun glasses, suntan lotion, and a limited number of clothes.

CUSTOM

There is no prohibition on still and video cameras, tape recorders as long as they're registered with a custom official, printed matters considered unsuitable by the Chinese government are prohibited. Customs regulations forbid the export of art objects created prior to 1959 or souvenirs in amounts deemed to be excessive.

FOOD & DRINK

Tibet has only a handful of towers and Tibetan cuisine is not exactly the most varied in the world. It is handy to carry, anything that can be brewed with hot, water instant coffee, drinking chocolate, tea (bags) soup cubes, powered milk, other food items worth considering are instant noodles, vegemite, nuts and raisins, chocolate, dry foods and biscuit.

Tibet/Everest Advanced Base Camp May 200?

VAK World