The
trek from Kharta to Kangshung, the eastern face of the Everest is one
of the most magnificent in the world. It takes 8 days for a round trip.
The entire region from the Kharta to the Kama Valley, extending to the
Arun Valley in Nepal, is part is of the blessed land of Guru Rinpoche,
known as Belyul Khebalung, or the Hidden Valley. The region has holy
lakes, mountains and the sacred Kharta Thechu, the long life water spring.
Kharta Valley to Kangshung Trek and Tour Itinerary
Day - 01 Kathmandu Drive to Nyalam (Guesthouse)
Morning drive through gorgeous Nepalese countryside for nearly 123 km.
After immigration formalities in border continue drive to Nyalam we
will drive through numerous passes and valleys using a system of steep
switchbacks. We will even drive through a mossy gully containing wondrous
cascading waterfalls.
Day - 02 Rest day at Nyalam for Acclimatization
(Guesthouse)
This day will be spent resting and acclimatizing before we travel even
higher. If desired there is a temple nearby named Nyalam Pelgye Ling,
once used by the eleventh- and twelfth-century poet-lama Milarepa (Saint
– Milarepa- One of Buddhist propagator).
Day - 03 Drive to Kharta (camp)
Our third day begins with a spectacular drive to Lalung La. The entire
North side of the Himalayan range can be seen from here on a clear day!
After this we will continue driving across the Tibetan plateau, through
a series of ancient Tibetan villages. Upon reaching the Tingri plains
Cho Oyu and Mt. Everest come into view for the first time. Around midday
we will begin heading south towards the Everest region. Along the way
we will take a short break on the Pang La pass, where we discover views
of Everest and much of the surrounding countryside. Descending from
the pass we will drive through the village of Phadhruchi before finally
reaching our destination of Kharta.
Day - 04 Rest day in Kharta for further acclimatization
(camp)
This fourth day will once again allow for resting and further acclimatization
before beginning our trek. It is advised that participants spend at
least part of the day exploring in and around Kharta to get their legs
ready for the start of trekking.
Day - 05 Trekking to Lundrubling (Camp)
To begin our trekking adventure we will walk along the banks of the
Kharta river. The beautiful yet well defined trails provide us with
views of widespread barley fields below. Numerous settlements inhabit
these barley fields. After a few kilometers the trail splits. We will
follow the upper trail which leads to the Shao La. The challenge of
the hike will all be worth it in the end as you are surrounded by wondrous
views of valleys below and snow capped peaks to the east. If you appreciate
mountain scenery you will be thrilled by this trip. Overnight camp will
be made in the welcoming village of Lundrubling.
Day - 06 Trek to Kaamo Tsangpo Valley (Camp)
Finally Everest will come into view as we climb the Shao La pass! What
a sight it is to see these massive Himalayan peaks. The traditional
Tibetan scenery of Yak pastures and meandering valleys can be appreciated
along the way. On our way to Joksam camp we pass through impressive
birch groves and dwarf rhododendrons. This camp is surrounded by pine
and fir forests and is one of the most beautiful we will see.
Day - 07 Trek to Khangshung Valley (Camp)
Leaving the valley we will ascend through a wondrous conifer forest
ridgeline. Our climb will once again be rewarded with unparalleled views
stretching all the way to Nepal. A string of alpine lakes and Yak herder
communities will be passed as well. The day will end with clear views
of the Kangshung face of Mt. Everest. Prepare for amazement! It will
be easy to sleep in one of the surrounding meadows after such an amazing
day of trekking.
Day - 08 Trek to Pethang Ringmo (Camp)
Today will be a more relaxed day with less trekking. It will give you
a chance to truly appreciate and soak in the beauty which surrounds
you. Camp will be made in one of the meadows of Pethang Ringmo. Participants
can choose whether to simply bathe in the beauty of our camp or venture
to the sacred lake and cave. It is easy to feel the ancient spirituality
of this area as you explore sacred shelters and prayer rooms found in
the cave. The silence of this area is truly amazing.
Day - 09 Trek to Hoppo (Camp)
Before entering back onto the comfortable shepherd trails we will pass
through beautiful meadows and steep slopes. It is a challenging hike
for both the yaks and us so be prepared. The hiking gets much easier
along the shepherd trail as we are led up another hillside. Once again
Everest and the glaciers of Chomo Lonzo come into view. These wondrous
sites never get tiring. Camp will be made amid yak pastures once again.
Day - 10 Trek to Kangshung Base Camp and back to
Hoppo (Camp)
After only a few hours of hiking we will be given the rare opportunity
of staring up at this daunting peak. While cowering under the Kangshung
face it is easy to see why so few climbers have attempted this feat.
The impressive yet less daunting North East ridge can also be seen.
For many this day is a dream come true. We will spend the night back
at our Hoppo camp.
Day - 11 Trek to Langma La (Camp)
The well defined trail leads us down another valley and then diverts
North to Langma La. Gradually and comfortably we pass through a string
of yak pastures on the way to the pass. Makalu can be seen nearly the
entire trip. It is an amazing experience to camp at the base of such
a large pass.
Day - 12 CROSS Langma La and continue on to Lundrubling
(Camp)
We will begin the day with a challenging ascent and descent of the Langma
La pass. Even more views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu surround us.
While en route to the confluence of the Kharta valley we pass through
another string of Yak herders camps. The locals are quite welcoming
and friendly! Towards the end of the day we gain views as far as the
Nepal-Sikkim border, home to the Kangchenjunga massif. Camp is made
once more in the wondrous village of Lundrubling.
Day - 13 Trek to Kharta (Guesthouse)
Our last day of trekking is a somewhat relaxing one as we make our way
to Kharta and take in the local sights and sounds. We suggest participants
take it easy today and get a good rest.
Day - 14 Drive to Rongbuk (Guesthouse)
On our drive to Rongbuk we pass through the village of Phadhruchi. We
will stay either at Rongbuk monastery or guesthouse. only 15 kilometers
from the Everest base camp. Rongbuk monastery has been restored to its
past beauty after widespread destruction. Seeing this impressive monastery
and staying with the backdrop of Everest surrounding them is another
highlight for many!
Day - 15 Explore Everest Base Camp & Drive to
Lhatse (Guesthouse)
What an awe-inspiring day this is! Participants are given the rare opportunity
of seeing both the views of Everest and the start of the ascent for
many. Taking in the sights of the highest mountain in the world is a
memory which will last for years to come.
Sadly, we drive away from the Himalayan range in the afternoon and head
to Lhatse. The last wondrous views are experienced atop Pang La. The
Friendship highway ends our fifteenth day.
Day - 16 Drive to Gyantse
Lonely monasteries and nomadic herds are passed along the friendship
highway. Gyamtso La, the highest pass of our journey, is ascended before
we enter the barren plains. This night is spent in the traditional Hotel
Gyantse.
Day - 17 Sightseeing in Gyantse & drive to Lhasa
In the morning we explore the Gyantse Kumbum stupa and the Palkhor Chode
Monastery. The Kumbum, more than a simple stupa, is surrounded by many
chapels and wondrous Tibetan murals.
On the way to the Yamdrok Tso or Turquoise Lake we will ascend the Karo
La pass. The impressive turquoise lake is still largely undeveloped.
However, this may end soon. Our day is completed with an ascent of the
Khamba La and crossing of the Yarlong Tsangpo river. It is such a relief
to finally enter the wondrous city of Lhasa.
Day - -18-19 Lhasa Sightseeing:
Today we will visit the Jokhang Temple, situated in the heart of Old
Lhasa, it houses Tibet's most precious religious relic, a golden Shakyamuni
Buddha which was brought as a gift by the Chinese Princess Wen Cheng
on the occasion of her wedding to the Tibetan King, Songtsen Gompo.
Surrounding the Jokhang Temple is the bustling Barkhor Market place,
which is the religious and social focus of Lhasa. Later in the day visit
the Potala Palace, this legendary palace built atop a single hill is
synonymous with Tibet by the first foremost king Songtsen Gompa. The
5th Dalai Lama expanded it to its present structure during the 17th
century. This 13 story 1000 room citadel served as the headquarters
of the former "Monastic-state" of Tibet and was home to successive
Dalai Lamas, who from the latter half of the 18th century used it as
their Winter palace. And largest and second largest monasteries Depong
and Sera, university and Buddhist learning center. Overnight stay at
the Hotel.
Day - 20 Fly to Kathmandu
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. An amazing way to end a life-changing journey! Come join
us in this land of religion and history