Itinerary

• Day 01: Fly to Lhasa and transfer to Lhasa city
• Day 02-03: Two Full day sightseeing in Lhasa (visit Potala Palace , Norbulinka, Drepung & Sera monasteries, Jokhang Temple)
• Day 04: Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse
• Day 05: Drive from Gyantse to Shigatse
• Day 06: Drive from Shigatse to Shegar
• Day 07: Drive from Shegar to Kharta Valley .
• Day 08-15: Trek begins from Kharta valley over Shao La pass (4790m) & up the Kangshung valley to East Base Camp of Mt. Everest (5000m)
• Day 16: Explore Everest Base Camp
• Day 17: Back to Shegar
• Day 18: Drive Shegar to Zhangmu
• Day 19: Drive to Kathmandu

Detail Itinerary

Day 1: Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m)

You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After we complete immigration formalities it will take a 1.5-hour drive along 93 km roads leading to Lhasa lying at an altitude of 3650 meters. It’s advisable to rest and take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa’s altitude. And yes, drink a lot of water. Overnight in the capital city of Lhasa

Day 2: Sightseeing in Lhasa

Foremost, your tour begins with a visit to SERA MONASTERY. An experienced tour guide also working as an interpreter escorts you to this preserved monastery of white-washed walls and golden roofs. Equally adventurous and exciting tempo builds up while touring NORBULINGKA, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama. JOKHANG TEMPLE is another important sacred site which unravels more deep seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Lhasa

Like the previous day, you experience invaluable insights during your visits to POTALA PALACE and DREPUNG MONASTERY. This 17th century POTALA PALACE offers an awesome view of entire city and also has private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Ancient history has it that Drepung Monastery which was built in 14th century used to shelter around 10,000 monks but as now there has been quite a declination resulting in only few hundreds. Tibetans’ respect and belief are immensely knotted with this monastery.

Day 4: Drive from Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m), 261 km

Following 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 proud at 7252m. On turning westwards, you come across another Karo La pass at 5045m. If you glance at the road, you can see huge glaciers tumbling down into the road. After hours of driving for 261 km, beautifully landscaped Tibetan villages become visible as you enter the town of Gyantse.

Day 5: Sightseeing and drive from Gyantse to Shigatse (3900m), 90km

Gyantse prides on GYANTSE DZONG and KUMBUM. Gyantse Dzong is a historical fort built in the 14th century and overlooks a mesmerizing view of entire Gyantse and surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. Kumbum has large gold-domed stupa and houses several chapels and Tibetan Buddhist murals. After you enjoy exploring Gyantse, you will take a 90 km drive to Shigatse. Having driven to an altitude of 3900 meter, you find yourself at Shigatse, second largest city of Tibet. TASHILHUNPO MONASTERY being one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet is a major attraction of Shigatse.

Day 6: Sightseeing and drive from Shigatse to Xegar (4050m), 244km

Today you will transverse along the Friendship Highway amidst picturesque landscapes driving past 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 Xegar where you will meet your trekking crew (cook and trek guide from Nepal). We get friendly and prepare for a great trip

Day 7: Drive from Xegar to Kharta (3690m)

Ten kilometers after the town of Xegar we divert from the main highway and drive south towards the Everest region. From the top of Pang La (5150 metres) we gain views of Everest and the lie of the surrounding country. 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 – the administrative headquarters of the region. Your camping support team will pitch tent just on bank of glacier and cook tasty three course meals.

Day 8: Trek from Kharta 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. Transversing past barley fields, you have to follow the upper trail that ascends to Shao La. Few kilometers ahead the trail opens into Lundrubling where you can camp for the night.

Day 9: Cross Shao La (4970m) and trek to Kaamo Tsangpo valley

Starting early, you have to head along the trail past Shao La Pass at 4,970 metres amid stunning views of Mount Everest [8,848 metres], Makalu [8,475 metres] and Lhotse [8,501 metres]. The trail steeply descends along picturesque yak pastures leading to the Kaamo Tsangpo Valley (4000m). It gets more sinuous as it cross forests of rhododendrons, dwarf, birch and groves.

Day 10: Trek from Kaamo Tsangpo valley to Khangsung valley (4300m)

The trail skirts away from Kaamo Tsangpo Valley through conifer forest and ascends steeply to 300 to 400 meter altitude. Herein, you can savor majestic view of Arun valley and Nepal. Alpine ridges can be viewed along the trail. Yak herders from Kharta village choose these ridges as their summer camps. The trail then ascends crossing emerald green lakes. Along the route, you can view the Kangshung Face of Everest. Camping at lush meadows of Khangsung valley provides an exceptional experience.

Day 11: Trek from Khangsung valley to Pethang Ringmo (4960m)

The Sacred Lake lies to the north from your camp. If you think you can deal with moraines and landslides, then you can right away begin trekking 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, rests at the end of the lake. This cave has prayer rooms and shelters pilgrims. Few kilometers ahead you will approach a bend; known as Orga, beyond the Kangshung Glacier and at this spot Mt Everest [8848 m] becomes distinctly visible. Then you have to transverse to the right ascending to a 150 m 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 picturesque alpine camp of Pethang Ringmo at 4,550 meters beneath the impressive peak of Chomo Lonzo [7,790 meters] 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 5950 m ridge. You need to trek along another 5 km to reach up to Mt Everest

Day 12: Trek from Pethang Ringmo to Hoppo (4800m)

While heading away from Pethang Ringmo towards Hoppo, the trail crosses lush verdant meadows and then follows several ascents. Thereafter, Kangshung Face of Everest zooms into picture showcasing towering Chomo Lonzo with its glistening glaciers. Few hours of more trekking bring you close to Hoppo at 4800 meters. Hoppo lies surrounded by rich yak pastures. It makes a perfect campsite.

Day 13: Trek from Hoppo to Kangshung base camp (5090m)

Kangshung Base Camp lies few kilometers away from Hoppo at an elevation of 5050 meters. En route, you ascend grass-strewn ridges along magnificent Kangshung Glacier. While journeying along this trail, you will not only get enlightened on the topological features of the surrounding places but will also bond with the nature on spiritual level. Along the way you get plenty of opportunity to witness North East Ridge of Everest

Day 14: Trek from Kangshung Base Camp 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 Himalayan range, you walk past yak pastures. Shortly after hours of adventurous and fun-filled transverse, you will spot an ideal campsite at Shurimo [4,800 metres] located at the base of Langma La.

Day 15: Cross Langma La (5390m) and trek to Lundrubling (3990m)

It is advisable to make an early start while ascending to Langma La for about two hours. We Transverse amidst mesmerizing vistas of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu, 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. Several pristine villages are beautifully landscaped in the vicinity. Along the trail, you will meet up with the confluence of the Kharta Valley. You can also view Kanchenjunga massif nestled above the ridges beyond Kharta on the Nepal – Sikkim border. Further ahead, the trail advances towards village of Lundrubling where you will set your overnight camp.

Day 16: Trek from Lundrubling to Kharta (3690m)

We 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. It’s a scenic drive as we drive back to our next destination.

Day 17: Drive from Kharta to Rongbuk (5000m), trek to Everest North face base camp (5150m)

Less than an hour after leaving Tashidzong you reenter the Chomolungma Nature Preserve and have to change Landcruisers for reasons the authorities cannot satisfactorily explain. So a local Landcruiser/bus takes us up to Rongbuk Monastery and from here we trek the 9 km to Everest Base Camp (horse carts are also an option). The base camp itself is dry and barren, but the views of Everest more than compensate for this. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above you. A truck carrying tent, food supplies will follow you to the base camp

Day 18: Drive from Rongbuk to Kerung (3780m)

After catching the early sunrise in the morning we will trek back to Rongbuk to board land cruisers to drive past Tingri across Lalung La pass at (5124m) and Shung La pass at 5200m. As we cruise along the way, we relish the enchanting views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar. You will finally arrive at Kerung after a highly scenic drive through a lovely highway.

Day 19: Drive from Kerung to Kathmandu

From Kerung, we 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 where we will part with our Tibetan guide and driver and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari where we will be met by our Nepalese staff. After completing the re-entry formalities we continue the drive to Kathmandu which, depending on road and weather conditions, should take about 5-6 hours. It’s been a wonderful holiday after all and we down here at  Nepal Planet Treks will hope you will return home with lifetime memories of a great holiday in the true spirit of a lasting friendship of love, peace and joy.

Include/Exclude

• Airport transfers
• Twin sharing accommodations in tourist standard hotels including breakfast
• Travel permits and visa fee
• Monastery entrance fee
• Meals 3 times a day during the trek
• Accommodation in 2 men tent and porters during the trekking period
• Transportation by Land cruiser and supporting truck.

Cost does not include:

• Air tickets and airport taxes
• Lunch and dinner except trekking period
• Travel / medical insurance and emergency rescue
• Tips and personal expenses
• Photography charges
• Any cost arising from Landslides, road blockage hiring extra porters, extra transport cost
• Nepal re-entry visa fee

Equipment List

When embarking on the Tibet-Kharta Valley Trek, it’s important to pack the right equipment to ensure your safety, comfort, and enjoyment during the journey. Here’s a comprehensive equipment list to consider:

Clothing:
Hiking boots: Sturdy and waterproof, with ankle support
Lightweight hiking shoes or sandals: For wearing in campsites
Hiking socks: Several pairs of moisture-wicking and comfortable socks
Base layers: Thermal tops and bottoms for insulation
T-shirts: Breathable and moisture-wicking
Long-sleeved shirts: Lightweight and sun-protective
Fleece jacket or sweater: Provides warmth in colder temperatures
Insulated jacket: Down or synthetic insulation for chilly weather
Waterproof and breathable jacket: Protects against rain and wind
Waterproof and breathable pants: Keeps you dry during wet conditions
Hiking shorts or convertible pants: For warmer days
Sun hat: Wide-brimmed to shield from the sun
Warm hat: Wool or fleece for colder days
Gloves: Lightweight gloves for moderate temperatures and warm gloves/mittens for colder conditions
Equipment:
Backpack: Large enough to carry all your gear (around 60-80 liters)
Sleeping bag: Rated for cold temperatures (-10°C to -15°C)
Sleeping pad: Provides insulation and cushioning for a good night’s sleep
Trekking poles: Help with stability and reduce strain on your knees
Headlamp: Essential for hands-free lighting in the dark
Water bottles or hydration bladder: Carry at least 2 liters of water capacity
Water purification tablets or filter: Ensure access to clean drinking water
Sunglasses: Polarized with UV protection
Sunscreen: High SPF for sun protection at high altitudes
Lip balm: With SPF to prevent chapping
Personal first aid kit: Including medications, bandages, blister treatment, etc.
Insect repellent: Protection against mosquitoes and other insects
Duffel bag or dry bag: For organizing and protecting your gear during transportation
Plastic bags: Ziplock bags for waterproofing and organizing smaller items
Other Essentials:
Trekking maps and guidebooks
Compass or GPS device
Multi-tool or knife
Whistle: For emergencies and communication
Cash and identification documents
Camera and spare batteries
Portable charger or power bank
Travel adapter: If necessary for charging devices
Toiletries: Toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, etc.
Quick-dry towel
Lightweight camp shoes or sandals
Trekking snacks: Energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, etc.
Trekking poles: Help with stability and reduce strain on your knees
Plastic bags: Ziplock bags for waterproofing and organizing smaller items
Remember to check the weather forecast and consult with local guides or experienced trekkers for specific gear recommendations based on the time of year you plan to undertake the trek. Additionally, make sure to pack and dress in layers to adapt to changing weather conditions and the varying altitudes along the route.

When it comes to health insurance for the Tibet-Kharta Valley Trek, it is essential to have comprehensive coverage that includes emergency medical expenses, medical evacuation, and repatriation. While I can provide some general guidance, it’s important to consult with insurance providers directly to ensure you have the most up-to-date and accurate information.

Here are a few points to consider:

Research insurance providers: Look for insurance companies that offer international travel or adventure travel insurance. Consider well-known providers that have experience covering trekking or mountaineering expeditions.

Coverage for high-altitude trekking: Verify that the insurance policy specifically covers high-altitude trekking. Many standard travel insurance policies may have altitude restrictions or exclude high-altitude activities, so it’s important to check if the policy you’re considering includes coverage for altitudes encountered during the Tibet-Kharta Valley Trek.

Emergency medical coverage: Ensure that the policy provides coverage for emergency medical expenses, including hospitalization, doctor visits, medication, and emergency evacuation if required. Medical treatment in remote areas or at high altitudes can be costly, so having adequate coverage is crucial.

Medical evacuation and repatriation: Check if the insurance covers medical evacuation by helicopter or other means in case of a severe medical emergency. Additionally, it’s essential to have coverage for repatriation, which includes the cost of transporting you back to your home country in case of a serious illness or injury.

Pre-existing conditions: If you have any pre-existing medical conditions, make sure to disclose them to the insurance provider and confirm if they are covered. Some policies may have limitations or exclusions for pre-existing conditions.

Adventure sports coverage: The Tibet-Kharta Valley Trek involves challenging terrain and physical activity. Confirm that the insurance policy covers adventure sports or hazardous activities to ensure you are adequately protected.

Policy exclusions and limitations: Carefully review the policy documents to understand any exclusions, limitations, deductibles, or maximum coverage amounts. Pay attention to clauses related to altitude sickness or injuries resulting from high-altitude activities.

Remember that each insurance policy may have different terms and conditions, so read the policy details carefully and ask the insurance provider for clarification if needed. It’s recommended to compare multiple insurance options and choose the one that best suits your needs and provides sufficient coverage for the Tibet-Kharta Valley Trek.

0 Reviews on Tibet – Kharta Valley Trek 2023/2024 View All