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We had a wonderful time in Tibet. We have learned a lot about this unique destination because of the wonderful guide Degyi who is so knowledge and always available towards our tours. We stayed at the Shangri-La Hotel Lhasa, and we would never imagine a Tibet travel could be so nice and amazing without the help of Degyi.
Also, thanks a lot to our Tibetan driver Mr.Wongdun for his safe driving and a good sense of service along the way.
We shall return Tibet in the near future!
P.B. and A. A - Europe
Tibet Travel
June 2018 (Private Tibet Journey from Kathmandu)
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 Tour Name: The Kangshung Face of Mt.EverestTour Code: M69D323 Duration: 20 Days & 19 Nights Destination: Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Shegar,Kharta, trek to the Kangshung Face of Everest, Rongbuk, Dram/Zhangmui, Kathmandu Features: The east face of Mt. Everest - Kangshung is the least visited area around Everest. The journey starts from Kharta Valley, passing through pristine, untouched valleys and lovely lakes. Kangshung is regarded as one of the most beautiful place in the Tibetan Himalayas as it is set amidst close gorgeous mountains, including three of the earth's five highest peaks: Everest 8848 m, Lhotse 8501 m, and Makalu 8463 m. The Kharta and the Kama Valley are characterized by magnificent alpine scenery and rich flora green and lush than any other parts of the barren Tibet. One of the most beautiful treks on earth! Departure Date: You Choose! Tour Price: From $ P.P |
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Trip Summary
Detailed Itinerary
Dates & Prices
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Tour Dates |
Destinations |
Tours & Services |
Meals |
Accommodation |
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Day01 |
Lhasa |
Arrive in Lhasa, be met and transferred to hotel. Free at own leisure for altitude acclimation. | N/A | Lhasa Kyichu Hotel |
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Day02 |
Lhasa |
Visit Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple and walk on the holy Barkhor Circuit. | B, L | Lhasa Kyichu Hotel |
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Day03 |
Lhasa |
Visit Drepung Monastery, Norbulingka Park and see monk debating at Sera Monastery. | B, L | Lhasa Kyichu Hotel |
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Day04 |
Lhasa - Shigatse |
Drive to Shigatse. On the way visit Yamdrok Lake, and Pelkor Chode Monastery and Kumbum Chorten in Gyantse. | B, L | Shigatse Manasarovar Hotel |
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Day05 |
Shigatse - Shegar |
Morning visit Tashilunpo Monastery in Shigatse, drive to Shegar and explore Sakya Monastery en route. | B, L, D | Mt.Everest Hotel |
| Day06 |
Shegar - Kharta |
Driven to Kharta. | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
| Day07 |
Kharta - Dhamphu |
Trek to Dhamphu. | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
| Day08 |
Dhamphu - Shao La |
Trek below Shao La Pass. | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
| Day09 |
Shao La - Jokshim |
Trek to Jokshim. | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
| Day10 |
Jokshim - Thangsum |
Walk to Thangsum | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
| Day11 |
Thangsum - Pathang |
Walk to Pathang. | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
| Day12 |
Pathang - Pethang Ringmo |
Trek to Pethang Ringmo. | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
| Day13 |
Pethang Ringmo |
Trek to Kangshung BC., and back Pethang Ringmo. | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
| Day14 |
Pethang Ringmo - Shungrim |
Walk to Shungrim. | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
| Day15 |
Shungrim - Lundrubling |
Trek back to Lundrubling village. | B, L, D | Camping Tent |
| Day16 |
Lundrubling - Rongbuk |
Walk back Kharta and driven to Rongbuk. | B, L, D | Camp or lodge |
| Day17 |
Rongbuk - Zhangmu |
Explore the Base Camp of Mt.Everest, transferred to Zhangmu. | B, L, D | Local Hotel |
| Day18 |
Zhangmu - Kathmandu |
Cross the border to Kathmandu, Nepal. | B, L | Local Hotel |
| Day19 |
Kathmandu |
A day guided tour in Kathmandu. | B, L | Local Hotel |
| Day20 |
Kathmandu |
Transfer to airport for departure flight. End of the journey. | B | N/A |
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Day01 Arrival Lhasa You will be greeted and received by your Tibetan guide and driver with Hadda (snow white silk ribbon for Tibetan to greet distingue guests). Transferred to your hotel in the city and free at own leisure to acclimatize to the altitude. | ||
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Day02 Lhasa (B, L)
Today you will have a full day guided tour in Lhasa. You will first of all visit Potala Palace, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. Then you will admire Jokhang Temple, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. Walk on the holy Barkhor Circuit and do some shopping if desired.
Day03 Lhasa (B, L)
Visit Drepung Monastery the sacred land of Gelug Sect, which was established in 1416AD and the second, third and fourth Dalai Lama once resided in. After that you will be transferred to Norbulingka Park, the former Summer Palace of the Dalai Lamas. Additionally you will be transferred to visit Sera Monastery, which was created in AD1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. Here in Sera, you have chance to see the grand occasion of the Buddhist monk debating at one big courtyard. Lunch served at a good local restaurant and dinner will be arranged at your hotel.
Day04 Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Gyantse - Shigatse (B, L)
In the morning drive to Gyantse along the Kyichu River. On the Kamba La (4.796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake Yamdrok Yumtso (4441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. The Yamdok Yumtso, one of the three largest lakes of Tibet, lies about a hundred kilometers' distance to the southwest of Lhasa, is within Langkamu county, with an area of 638 square kilometers and a coastal line of 250 kilometers. The deepest point is 60 meters. To the interior of the lake ten or so hilly islands stand independently one from the other which give homes to flocks of wild ducks. A lot of colorful ducks and geese are swimming on the surface of the lake. There is also plenty of natural fodder for the fish in the lake. The lake has a fish reserve of about 300 million kilograms. That is why it is called "the Fish Store of Tibet". The coast of the lake is an ideal pasture. All these make an intoxicating quite picture. Then drive further over the 5,010 m high Karo La and the Simi La to Gyantse (approx. 3.950 m). on arrival, you visit Pelkor Chode Monastery and the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) close by. Built in the15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse, Pelkor Monastery is the only one large building complex in Tibet that old monastery and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument. It is recorded 14,000 kilograms of copper was used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameters contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world. Kumbum Stupa opens 8 doors, which are decorated with relief sculptures of lively flying dragons, running lions and walking elephants. It is a master-piece of the joint efforts of the Nepalese, Tibetan and Chinese. Later in the afternoon we arrive in Shigatse (3880m)
Day05 Shigahigatse - Sakya monastery - Shegar (B, L, D) 
In the morning visit Tashilunpo monastery of Gelug Sect, the seat of the Panchen Lama built in 1447. The monastery is the biggest Gelugpa monastery in the Tsang regions of Tibet, sprawls on the slope of Mt. Niser, south-west of Shigatse. Tashilhunpo is associated with the Gelugpa order and is one of the six great Gelugpa institutions along with Drepung, Sera and Ganden in Lhasa and Kumbum and Labrang in Amdo. It is probably the largest functioning monastic institution in contemporary Tibet and is an impressive place to explore. Then you will drive out the city to Sakya County for a tour to the Sakya Monastery (4.280 m), the centre of the Sakyapa Sect (White Earth Order). The construction of the monastery was started in 1073 by Kung GungQuijiepuo with the order from basba. The southern founded in 1268 by a famous abbot of Sakya named Pagpa who once had ruled the whole of Tibet under the Yuan Dynasty's supervision. So it is of typical Yuan Dynasty style resembling powder or cinnabar. It has over 10,000 volumes of Tibetan books on astronomy, medicine, calligraphy, and history. Owing to its valuable and voluminous amount of Buddhist sutras and cultural remains, the Sakya Monastery is often considered as the "Dunhuang the Second". Then drive to Shegar.
Day06 Shegar - Kharta (B, L, D) 
From Shegar the road turns south and crosses the 17,000-foot/5,182m Pang La. If the weather is good, this is one of the finest mountain vistas on earth. Spread out in front of us is the long crest of the Himalaya, from Makalu (27,817 ft.) to Everest (29,128 ft.) and Lhotse (27,916 ft.), to Gyachung Kang (25,980 ft.), to Cho Oyu (26,714 ft.), and to the west, Shisha Pangma (26,286 ft.). The road snakes down to the Zakar River Valley and branches off to the southwest to the Rongbuk Valley, and then southeast to the village of Kharta. We head through alpine desert country, past some stunning sharp peaks, to the village headquarters at Kharta. There we finalize our arrangements for yaks and yak drivers, and then drive a short way up the Kharta Valley to our riverside camp. The altitude here is a mere 12,500 feet/3,810m. The air is moister than it has been on the high plateau, as warm air is being sucked upward through the nearby valleys that lead into Nepal. One of those valleys is that of the Arun River, one of Nepal's great watercourses. Camping for the night
Day07 Trek to Dhamphu (B, L, D)
You leave Kharta on a willow-lined path that winds gently through terraced barley fields to the ancient-looking settlement of Chhothang and then via a cart track and a desert plateau of scrub and boulders to the edge of the Kharta Tsangpo Valley. Here the track descends to the north bank of the river, which is fed by the glacial melt waters flowing from Kharta Changri (7,056m/23,149ft) and Khartaphu (7,230m/23,720ft). The river helps sustain thickets of wild roses in the nearby desert, and brilliant red and black-capped river chats dart above the water, hunting for insects. As the path heads upstream, the valley walls open up revealing distant views of forested ridges. The Langma La is at the head of a large tributary that enters from the left (south). About an hour after leaving Kharta you cross to the south bank over a small bridge. Shortly afterwards the path crosses a trail to Kharta Yulbaa, the main village in the region, but you carry on alongside the river into a gently sloping basin of terraced fields. A small fortress-like settlement guards the entrance to this region, with the unpainted rock walls of the houses adding to the sense of fortifications. About two hours after crossing the bridge, and just above a small hamlet adjacent to the jeep road, a path goes off on the left and ascends gradually across the hillside. The jeep road continues westwards and heads over a projecting ridge to Lundrubling and past the descent route from the Langma La, whilst the ascending path heads into the nearest valley en route for the Shao La. You take this ascending path, and shortly you will come to an area of large rocks where you can have your lunch. You continue on the rising path for about an hour and enter the narrow valley (named Donboxong on the Chinese map), with Dambuk Chu river flowing through it, leading to the Shao La, where a good camping area at Dhamphu will be found at 4235m/13,895ft, just before the path crosses the valley stream by a small rock bridge. On the slopes above the camp there are lots of marmots. Camping for the night
Day08 Trek below Shao La Pass (B, L, D)
Today is only a few hours trekking to put us in the best position for crossing the Shao La, and to help acclimatize. We follow the sparkling stream up on a mostly rocky trail. After passing a widening of the stream, up and along from the next rise is a beautiful lake, which we camp near. Again today you are likely to feel the altitude so it is worth taking drugs. From camp, or nearby at the lake, we will be treated to views of Makalu to the south and Jomo Lonzo, the north peak of Makalu, to the west. Exploring around, there is a second large lake and several smaller ones. Camping for the night
Day09 Trek to Jokshim (B, L, D)
We start early as this is a fairly tough day's trekking. At the end of the lake begin climbing, looking back there are several more turquoise lakes, the biggest in a matching rock circ. The top of the pass is marked with prayer flags and an inspiring view, including Everest (8848m, #1), Makalu (8475m, #5) and Lhotse (8501m, #4). Soon after the descent begins the trail forks, take the right past a rough pond, wait for your guide if unsure, and soon the trail becomes slightly bigger, dropping in lush pastures, all the while with spectacular peaks visible. Descending further we swing around right to a curious sheer-sided valley, the terrain soon making sense; bounder erratics dumped by glacial retreats pepper the landscape. Passing thru rhododendron shrubs at the base of the valley there is a rocky sparkling stream and pretty meadows then juniper forest. Our idyllic camp, Jokshim or Joksham, is just above the Kaamo Tsangpo Valley and by the stream at the base of the ascent of the next day. Camping for the night
Day10 Walk to Thangsum (B, L, D)
We climb steeply out of Joksham thru Juniper, Birch and Rhododendron forests with Usnea lichen hanging low from the trees, typical of Nepali cloud forests and some of the most interesting in the Himalaya. Climbing into alpine tundra there are views down to the Karma Tsangpo and the Arun River into Nepal, and not far upstream is a glacier coming from Makalu. Look to the right for views of Everest and Lhotse. Traversing and climbing further we reach a doksa, or seasonal herding settlement. Here take a traversing trail out to more doksas and to either Tso Nak, the black lake, or Shalung Tso (we're not sure which) and then Lhotse Shar, all the while with views of awesome rock faces on the opposite side of the valley. The rubble in the main valley is the Kangshung Glacier, and the Kangdoshung Glacier spills out from the bottom end. From the north, coming from the Karma Gangri peak is the massive, glaciated tributary valley of the Rabka Chu. The junction of these valleys form the Karma Tsangpo (river). We camp at the third doksa, called Thangsum. This is a short day and you are welcome to explore around in the afternoon. Camping for the night
Day11 Walk to Pathang (B, L, D)
Crossing out of Thangsum thru more meadows soon we come to Chahataphu, where the trail to the Langma La branches off. The panorama is truly awe-inspiring. From here we can see our camping area at Pathang, but first we have to drop steeply through dwarf rhododendron and scrub juniper to the river and gently ascend again. The main valley is the Kangshung Valley glacier, which we follow for a few days. Close to the camp at a small trail junction an obvious trail heads north (right) to the Tsechu Tsho, a holy lake with a Guru Rimpoche cave temple, a beyul, or hidden sanctuary; it's less than an hour away to the lake. The views are well worth the short climb, and the energetic could even circumambulate the lake (clockwise), which takes around two hours; be warned the first section has no real trail. Camping for the night
Day12 Trek to Pethang Ringmo (B, L, D)
The small trail soon begins to climb steeply along the Kangshung Valley glacier rim, seeming never to end as it avoids the glacier pushing in below. There are several tight sections; in 2005 Jamie's group lost the kitchen equipment down the hill, most was retrieved, two years earlier two personal barrels fell, lost to the river. After the climb the views open up the valley with the huge Lhotse and Chomolungma wall dominating the head of the valley. The faces of Chomo Lonzo (7790m) are just as awesome, being much closer. Although the steepest section is over, the trail still ascends above one doksa, Woaka or Oka, and continues up the ablation valley eventually reaching the nomad tents on the large meadows of lush grass, Pethang Ringmo, where we normally camp. What a panorama, accentuated by white ice floes fall from the peaks into the Kangshung Valley Glacier. This was the Base Camp for George Mallory and the 1921 Everest Reconnaissance Team. Camping for the night
Day13 Pethang Ringmo (B, L, D)
This morning trek to Karbus - Kangshung BC 5090m. It is well worth staying higher at the base camp. It is about three hours away and at 5290m, so a high place to camp and likely you will feel the altitude. It is an absolutely stunning location, ringed by mountains and with an awesome view of the Kangshung face, and Lhotse, and by exploring only a little further you can see the steep amphitheatre falling from Lhotse. North of camp, on a ridge overlooking the Khangshung Valley, are two greeny-gray lakes, and in between a spur that rises to at least 5800m, probably higher, just a walk up. In the afternoon return Pethang Ringmo. Camping for the night
Day14 Trek to Shungrim (B, L, D)
Returning, the views are always surprisingly different. After the scrub we cross the river for the one hour climb back up to the Rabka Chu Meadow Camp where we separate at the intersection of the Sha-U La trail. At Chahataphu, we traverse and climb out of the valley looping around a few small ridges with spectacular views opening up on the opposite side of a glaciated valley. After a couple of hours we head into the main valley that leads to the pass, camping by a lake. Looking back are impressive views of many peaks (not that we saw them) and just above us are more lakes. This is the last camp before the pass, at a doksa 20 minutes past Tso Melogma. Camping for the night
Day15 Trek to Lundrubling village (B, L, D) 
The climb to the Langma La takes two hours with further views back of Lhotse Shar, Lhotse and Everest (from left to right), Makalu (which dwarfs the others) and Jomo Lonzo as well as some beautiful lakes closer in too, as well as the impressive peak above the pass. Pethangtse is the bullet shaped peak to the right, or west. From the pass (5390m) there is a series of steep descents. After passing the guitar-shaped lake of Damnye Tsho (a Tibetan guitar is called a damnye), there is one more descent along a rocky moraine, along some cliff-side trails, to a series of doksas, often filled with sheep and goats. Gary McCue calls this settlement 'a medieval-looking collection of stone houses and muddy alleyways'. He also mentions that arak (Tibetan whiskey), chang (Tibetan beer) milk, yogurt and vegetables might be available. Look for blue poppies en route. At the end of the valley the terrain changes, the earth suddenly drier as we reach our camp. Apparently it is possible to see the Kangchenjunga massif rearing above the ridges beyond Kharta on the Nepal-Sikkim Border. Hidden but near our camp is the village of Lundrubling. Camping for the night
Day16 Walk back Kharta, driven to Rongbuk (B, L, D)
Just around the corner from our camp is a wonderful village scene of billowing barley fields and old houses; passing thru the kids often mob you. The road is being extended, so we have less than three hours to trek to Kharta, the main administrative 'shang' in the Everest region. Then you will be transferred to Rongbuk Monastery. 1N at Rongbuk Guesthouse or camping
Day17 Rongbuk - Mt.Everest Base Camp - Dram/Zhangmu (B, L, D)
With an altitude of 5,030 meters it is the highest temple in the world. It was said the Rongbuk Monastery had been built as early as the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama. Mount Everest, meaning "Goddess" in Tibetan is the highest mountain on earth with an altitude of 8, 848.13 meters. Its snow peak sends out silver radiance year after year. Its waist is hidden in the clouds. The optimum weather to visit Mt. Everest is from April to June, a golden period for mountaineers. Each year, a great number of brave robust mountaineers come from all over the world to visit and climb Mt. Everest, hope to fulfill a life-long wish by climbing onto and looking over from the world's highest peak. The Base Camp has become the most popular trekking destination in Tibet and is an increasingly popular itinerary on a Land Cruiser trip to the border. We walk 7 km to the Base Camp and do some sightseeing there. Walking or drive by horse vehicle to Rongbuk where you get picked up and be transferred to your hotel at Dram/Zhangmu.
Day18 Zhangmu - Kathmandu (B, L)
Morning drive to the border control and cross the border pass and enter into Nepal. From Kodari onwards you will have your private Nepalese English speaking guide and private driver who will receive you and escort you to your hotel in Kathmandu. The drive to Kathmandu takes up to 3hrs. Check in your hotel and free the rest of day at Kathmandu.
Day19 Kathmandu (B, L)
This day you will take a guided tour to visit the highlights of Kathmandu that covers Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swoyambhunath Stupa and Patan Durbar Square. The tour is on private basis includes a local lunch. Later in the afternoon you will be transferred back your hotel.
Day20 Depart Kathmandu (B)
Transfer to airport for your departure flight. Journey ends.
Tour costing varies upon group size, travel season and hotel accommodation levels etc. For price details please email us at info@splendidchinatours.com.
Price inclusions:
01). All accommodations based on two persons sharing one room/tent/guesthouse/local lodge (single occupancy is subject to supplement);
02). China internal flights with airport tax or train as stated in the program;
03). Round-trip transfers between airports or railway stations, hotels, and scenic spots in each city by private air-conditioned vehicles with experienced licensed drivers;
04). All admission fees and activity expenses as listed in the itinerary;
05). Daily meals as specified in the itinerary: B denotes breakfast, L denotes lunch, and D denotes dinner (SD signifies special dinner);
06). Services of a seasoned English speaking local trek guide during the walking and for culture visits in the itinerary (other languages can be arranged upon request, supplement may apply);
07). Adequate packing animals such as horses/or yaks and porters for baggages/outdoor gears during the trekking;
08). Professional outdoor sleeping tents with mattress during the trekking (twin shared basis);
09). Kitchen tent, toilet tent and folding table and chairs during the camping days;
10). Three meals a day prepared by professional outdoor cook during the walking;
11). Tibet local travel permits such as Tibet Entry Permit (TTB), Alien's Travel Permit (PSB) and Military Permit etc. when applicable;
12). Travel Agency Liability Insurance during the tour;
13). Governmental taxes and fees.Price excluded:
01). International airfare to/from China/Nepal;
02). Chinese/Nepalese Visa fees;
03). Expenses of personal natural such as laundry, telephone, drinks, mini bar etc;
04). Personal shopping, optional activities and excess baggage charges;
05). Gratuities for local tour guides, drivers and hotel bellboy etc;
06). International travel insurance;
07). Services and activities that are not mentioned in the itinerary.
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