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| 18 | |
Trek |
DAYS |
Everest Advance Base Camp Trek is the most majestic and picturesque walk
in the Himalaya culminating to the base of the world’s highest mountain, Mt.
Everest. Everest Advance Base Camp trek falls in the bucket list of most
fervent trekkers because it is an adorable walk with grand views of great
Himalayan giants. In the Himalayan ambiance we sense the natural and cultural
charm of colorful rhododendron forests, cultural Sherpa villages, ancient
monasteries, roaring rivers, prayer flags swathed suspension bridges, gigantic
glaciers, and enormous ice falls.
Our Everest Advance Base Camp Trek program begins by traveling from Lhasa
to Lao Tingri. After spending a few days in the cultural and religious center
of Tibet, you will depart Lhasa for the Himalaya region. The expedition crosses
the Tibetan highlands and ventures into the Advance Base Camp of Mount Everest
(North side) via trekking which is 6400m high above sea level. it is also the
world’s highest Tibet trekking route that takes you as close to the summit of
Everest as any non-climber can reach, with basic technical climbing gears and
mountaineering skill. The trekking takes 3 days for Rongbuk monastery and the
34km trekking route will starts from Everest Base Camp (5200m) and trekkers
move upwards along undulating moraine hills beside the Rongbuk Glacier, then
reach the Intermediate Camp(5700m) and keep heading upwards by passing the East
Rongbuk Glacier till the final destination---Advanced Base Camp (6400m), located
alongside the East Rongbuk Glacier.
Note: All
the time and distance etc. shown below are approximate and indicative only, if
there is inconsistency, it will depend on the weather, local road conditions
and other actual situations. Besides, the duration might be revised according
to your physical level.
ARRIVAL LHASA
Welcome to the roof of the world! You will be picked up by local tour guide at the airport hall or train station, then be escorted to your hotel in Lhasa city in a private vehicle.
After arrival at your hotel, the rest of the day is free for you to explore the local area and acclimatize yourself to this high altitude city at the top of the world.
Tips of today: 1. Go for some walking to acclimate the high altitude but avoid strenuous activity after arrival; 2. You’d better not have bath; 3. Drink more water, and have some fruit; 4. Have a good rest.
Accommodation Yak Hotel or similar
LHASA
Today we will visit Poatala palace and Jokhang. Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). Both of them are the local points of pilgrims from entire Tibetan world, multitudinous pilgrims are circumambulating and prostrating in their strong faith.
Continue your tour to Jokhang Temple, which is within walking distance from Potala Palace. It is considered the spiritual center of Tibet. You will see many pilgrims worship within or nearby the temple. Enter the first floor of the temple and absorb the religious atmosphere, you will see pilgrims are donating butter oil to keep the lights burning for the Buddha. While learning about more Buddhas and Lamas than you can possibly remember you will gain a feeling for the vast history of Tibetan Buddhism. You might also hear red-robed Lamas praying. Walk up to the roof of the temple, take some pictures of the gold roof and enjoy the beautiful sunshine of Lhasa while observing pilgrims praying in front of the temple.
Finally, join locals in a traditional pilgrimage route by taking a relaxing walk in a large circular path around Jokhang Temple at Barkor Street. The street is filled with pilgrims taking part in religious activities and street venders selling a wide variety of traditional Tibetan goods and religious items. If you like you can also ask your tour guide take you to visit a Thangka workshop to marvel at the fabulous Thangka art work. There are cafes along the street as well. You can relax and enjoy the life in Lhasa in a lazy afternoon.
Tips: As you climb up to the Potala Palace, you might experience slight shortness of breath due to the exertion. Take your time and rest when needed. Please try not to disturb pilgrims; you can take pictures from a distance.
Accommodation Yak Hotel or similar
Meals B
LHASA
After breakfast, you are driven to visit the Norbulingka Park, the former summer palace of Dalai Lama. Explore the beautiful gardens and experience one of the most holy sites in Tibetan Buddhism while soaking up the rich history. Next, come to Drepung Monastery, which was once the largest Tibetan Buddhist monastery housing 10,000 monks in its heyday. Learn about the lives of Tibetan monks.
Your tour ends at Sera Monastery, where you will get the chance to experience “Buddhism Scriptures Debating”. These debates are unique to Sera and are quite famous. Enjoy the debates!
Tips: Today, you will be driven to the outskirt of Lhasa City. The drive is not long, all within half hour. The road condition is good. A little walking or climbing is involved. Please pack plenty of water with you. Don't forget about your sun glasses and sun-cream.
Accommodation Yak Hotel or similar
Meals B
LHASA TO GYANTSE VIA YAMDROK TSO AND THE KAROLA PASS
Today we start our overland journey towards Gyantse. We will 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 colorful
Tibetan villages we arrive in the town of Gyantse.
Accommodation Gyantse Hotel
Meals B
GYANTSE TO SAKYA
Before leaving Gyantse we have time this morning to visit the Gyantse
Dzong and Pelkor. 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 Pelkor 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 glimpse visit to the Tashilhunpo
Monastery. Then take a 3hrs drive to Sakya, check in the hotel and have a rest.
Accommodation Sakya Hotel
Meals B
SAKYA TO LAO TINGRI
In the morning, you will visit Sakya Monastery, which is one of the four
main Buddhist schools in Tibet. It was from here that the whole of Tibet was
governed during the period of Sakya hegemony and even now there are buildings
of historic importance to be seen here. You can see the largest book in the
world in Sakya's great library written in gold. After exploring Sakya
Monastery, we will drive to Lao Tingri. Along the way, you will cross several
high passes offering great views of the plains and snow-capped mountains.
Accommodation Kangar hotel
Meals B
LAO TINGRI TREK TO LUN CHANG VILLAGE
Our trekking begins from Old Tingri all the way to the Tingri plain. The
Trekking route will along the R-Chu stream and pass part of the Ra-chu Valley,
we will see the beautiful valley scenery with extensive meadows and packs of
sheep and goats. The rest of the day we can visit a small gompa in Chholun. Tonight
will be spent in a comfortable campsite in Lun Chang. This bleak region is home
only to herders and barley harvesters.
Accommodation Camping
Distance 12km
Meals BLD
Time 6hrs hiking
LUN CHANG VILLAGE TREK TO NAM LA PASS
From Lungchang, you will ascend to the small village of
Drokpa at the base of the Nam La Pass. The challenging trekking really starts
today as we go up into the mountains. Much uphill walking will be done as we
climb towards the top of Nam la pass. And we would camp above the top of this
pass.
Accommodation Camping
Distance 21km
Meals BLD
Time 8hrs hiking
NAM LA PASS TREK TO RONGBUK
In the morning we descend steeply into lush vegetation. The trek will
allow us to meet the indigenous yak herders and their families. And we will
wind our way to the destination of Rongbuk.
Accommodation Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse
Distance 27km
Meals BLD
Time 10hrs hiking
RONGBUK TREK TO EBC
Walking forward from Rongbuk Monastery, you will see the famous Rongbuk
Glacier, which is the largest among all the hundreds of glaciers formed around
the Mt. Everest. The three glaciers north of the Mt. Everest flow south and
congregate at a river traversing the foot of the monastery. This is called
'Rongbuk River', and the water there is extremely cold. Then trek 8km to EBC
and enjoying the barren yet awe-inspiring surroundings of the Everest Base Camp.
Accommodation Camping
Distance 8km
Meals BLD
Time 4hrs hiking
EBC TREK TO FIRST CAMP
This day we will trek from Everest base camp to Camp 1. Trek through the
Rongpuk Glacier along the way to C1. C1 lies amidst hills under stunningly
beautiful and flamboyant granite cliffs. We will take a trail that rises to the
east side of this ice cap and heads toward the peak of Mt. Everest. The trek is
fairly short, but the high altitude may still be hard for many so relax today
and enjoy exploring this amazing area.
Accommodation Camping
Distance 6km
Meals BLD
Time 4hrs hiking
FIRST CAMP TREK TO SECOND CAMP
This day we will trek from first camp to second camp through gravel
mounds, mud plain to rocky moraine. You will approach Camp 2 at 5700m as you
near the south side of the glacier at the eastern end of the Changtse Glacier
junction lying below huge cliff. From the camp 2 you can capture sceneries of
the huge serac rising to 50 feet and more off the surfaces of the glacier along
with the ranges of white and shiny mountains like you’ve never seen before.
Accommodation Camping
Distance 3km
Meals BLD
Time 4hrs hiking;
SECOND CAMP TREK ADVANCE BASE CAMP
It is completely up to you today! You will have to move along moraine
following the glacier to the right around the eastern flanks of Changtse. About
1480m straight up from ABC lies the Pinnacles, always challenging the
adventurous trekkers to explore its charisma. The northeast ridge has kept
itself away from most of the climbers because of its intricacy. North Col lies
at 7066 meter in the West connecting Everest’s Northeast Ridge and Changste.
From here, with a help of a binocular you can see the real Everest standing
about 800 feet i.e. 2400m higher than ABC. What a sight it is to finally arrive
at nearly the highest point in the world!
Accommodation Camping
Distance 4km
Meals BLD
Time 5hrs hiking
ADVANCE TREK TO SECOND CAMP
Return back to the second camp which will take you
around 3 hours climbing of downhill. Here at Camp 2 you will call it a day and
rest for the night.
Accommodation Camping
Distance 4km
Meals BLD
Time 2hrs hiking
SECOND CAMP TREK TO RONGBUK
Today you will trek to the comfortable lower altitude to the Base Camp.
It’s a day long downhill trek.
Accommodation Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse
Meals BLD
RONGBUK TO SHIGATSE
Make your way back to Lhasa, and stay one night at Shiagtse.
Accommodation Manasarovar hotel or similar
Meals B
SHIGATSE - LHASE
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.
Accommodation Yak Hotel or similar
Meals B
LHASA- HOME
After breakfast, drive to Lhasa Gongga Airport, see
off.
Meals B
Additional details
1. Before you pay deposit to book the tour, we haven’t made any reservation yet. The train, flight tickets and the hotel may different from the itinerary listed.
2. The visiting order of the scenic spots in the itinerary may change according to the traffic condition and other unforeseen things.
3. Tourist insurance is a must before going, please provide us the confirmation of insurance company when sign up.
The price includes
1. Entrance Fees: to scenic spots as listed in the itinerary
2. All the activities fee mentioned in the itinerary: Hutong rickshaw in Beijing; Sichuan Opera show in Chengdu;
3. Private Transfers: Transfers between airports, hotels and scenic spots while sightseeing during the trip by private air conditioned vehicle with a driver.
4. Meals: All meals as indicated in the itinerary (B-breakfast, L-lunch, D-dinner), include Peking duck dinner in Beijing; Hot pot dinner in Chengdu.
5. Guide: As outlined in the itinerary an English-speaking guide and driver will be provided in each city, who will remain with you throughout your time in that city. A new guide and a new driver will meet you at each city on your tour, to provide you with the best local knowledge available
6. Hotel: hotel fees are based on two people sharing one room with king-size bed. All hotels as listed in the above itinerary serve daily western or Chinese breakfast
9. Arrangements: the tour cost includes planning, handling, operational and communication charges
10. Travel Agency Liability insurance
The price does not include
1. International airfare or train tickets to enter or leave China
2. China entry visa fees
3. Excess baggage charges
4. The medicine for the sickness or accident while on the way
5. Personal expenses: expenses of a purely personal nature such as laundry, drinks, fax, telephone calls, optional activities, sightseeing or meals which are not included in the tour itinerary
6. Meals: any meals which are not specified in the tour itinerary
7. Single room supplement
8. Please notice that the price will be much higher during the festival of Labors’ Day, National Day, spring festival
9. Tips to tour guide and driver (recommended USD10-15/guest/day).
10. Tourist accident insurance. NB - you are strongly suggested to buy travel and health insurance before you start out from your home country.
Payment conditions
To confirm your reservation, you must pay a deposit of 30% of the total amount due via the payment link that your local agent will share. The balance is due 30 days prior to departure. The quoted exchange rate is valid for the next 7 days – if the deposit is not paid within this time, the quote will be re-calculated.
Terms and conditions for cancelation
i. Cancellation of the Tour by CAT (local agent):
CAT reserve the right to cancel the postpone tour at any time up to the date final payment is due under the following condition: in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. And in this case, all money paid by the participants will be refunded. If the tour is postponed, CAT will offer all those who have signed up the opportunity to have the same tour for a later time, but the price may be changed according to the season. We will notify you of any change, and give you a reasonable period
of time to make your decision. Consumers may, but are under no obligation to, take the tour under these new terms. After final payment has been made, we may cancel the tour only if, in our opinion, health and/or safety factors related to conditions in China would make the tour inadvisable. Since cancellation in this case involves factors which may arise suddenly and are entirely outside our control, including but not limited to natural disasters, civil unrest and epidemic disease, we cannot guarantee a full refund in this case. This is because payment will already have been made to finalize the arrangements and reservation.
ii. Cancellation of the Tour by Consumer:
Any cancellation must be made by sending an email to the local agent. The cancellation fee varies according to how many days prior to departure the cancellation is made:
· More than 30 days prior to departure: 5% of the total holiday cost
· Between 30 and 22 days prior to departure : 25% of the total holiday cost
· Between 21 and 8 days prior to departure : 50% of the total holiday cost
· Between 7 and 3 days prior to departure : 75% of the total holiday cost
· Less than 3 days prior to departure and after the departure date: 100% of the total holiday cost
All cancellations must be in writing and will be effective upon receipt by CAT. No refund will be made to those participants who break the journey regardless of the portions of the package unused. If, owing to serious illness or injury, the participant withdraws from the tour, a refund will be subject to the consent of the local travel agent.
No refund will be made to those participants who have failed to secure valid travel documents such as passport or visas.