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Trek |
DAYS |
The Everest Kangshung Face trek is one of the finest camping trip in Tibet as it leads across remote tiny pristine valleys along the way which are dotted with beautiful lakes, alpine gazing pastures and flowered meadows, with excellent camping area and stunning views of Makalu, Lhotse, Kangchenjunga and Everest Kangshung face. The Kharta valley trekking from Kharta into the beautiful Karma Valley to the Everest Kangshung Face is one of the most unusual and interesting approaches to Mount Everest following a more remote and different route.
In our trip to Kangshung Kharta valley trek, we fly to Tibet, a sacred land of myths and mysteries. We spend some day’s acclimatizing and exploring the sights and sounds of Buddhist Kingdom locked away in its mountains vastness.
Continuing our trip to Everest Kangshung we drive via Gyantse and Shigatse to the start of our Tibet trek at Kharta valley, a small village on the Arun River close up against the great barrier of the Himalayas. We cross the Shao La (4700m) into the forested Karma Valley and trek to the base camp at Pethang Ringmo. From a high ridge point above the Pethang camp we have stunning views of the Kangshung Face of Everest.
We trek via different return route to Kharta valley crossing the Langma La (5330m), with the stunning Himalayan profile of Makalu, Kanchenjunga and Everest. The valleys and ridges below the snowline are richly covered with grass and thick vegetation. On completing the Kharta Valley trek we drive to Rombuk vallry for views of the north face of Everest.
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 the 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 the similar
Meals B
LHASA
After breakfast, you are driven to visit theNorbulingka 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 toDrepung 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 atSera 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 the 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 colourful Tibetan villages we arrive in the town of Gyantse. Our overnight accommodation is at the Gyantse Hotel.
Accommodation Gyantse Hotel
Meals B
GYANTSE TO SHIGATSE
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 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 highsurrounding walls.
Accommodation Mansarowar Hotel
Meals B
SHIGATSE TO SHEGAR ENROUTE VISIT THE SAKYA MONASTERY
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 monastery which is famed as the 'Second Dunhuang' due to its colossal collection of numerous Tibetan Buddhist scriptures, murals and Thangkas.
Accommodation Baiher Hotel
Meals B
SHEGAR DRIVE TO KHARTA VALLEY PASSING THE PANGLA PASS
Drive five hours to Kharta, enjoying beautiful views from the Pang La (17000) towards Makalu, Lhotse, Everest and Shisapangma (if weather is clear). Drive down the Dzakaa Chu and then the Phung Chu valley toward Kharta. We'll make camp past the boarding school on the banks of the Kharta Tsangpo River, the headwaters of Nepal's Arun River.
Accommodation Camping
Meals BLD
KHARTA TREK TO YULBA
Hike up the Kharta Tsangpo valley past several villages. The trail to the Lhangma pass leaves the Kharta valley and climbs steadily up a side valley to the south. We'll camp at the beginning of this climb on a ledge overlooking the valley and its villages (at approximately 13000ft).
Accommodation Camping
Distance 5km
Meals BLD
Time 3hrs
LHANGMA TREK TO JOKSAM
From the top of the pass we descend for about an hour and then plunge steeply to the valley below. At once the scene changes from barren rock slopes to lush rhododendrons, birch, and willow trees. Continue one hour down this valley to camp at Joksum, following a stream through thick fir and juniper forests.
Accommodation Camping
Distance 8km
Meals BLD
Time 6hrs
YULBA TREK TO LHANGMA PASS
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.
Accommodation Camping
Distance 9km
Meals BLD
Time 6hrs
JOKSAM TREK TO PETHANG RINGMO
Today 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.
Accommodation Camping
Distance 6km
Meals BLD
Time 5hrs
12 PETHANG RINMO TREK TO HOPPO
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.
Accommodation Camping
Distance 7km
Meals BLD
Time 6hrs
HOPPO ONE DAY EXCURSION KANGSHUNG FACE AND MAKALU BASE 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.
Accommodation Camping
Meals BLD
HOPPO TREK TO LANGMA LA
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. Weather permitting, the views from here toward Makalu, Lhotse, and Everest are stunning. It is an amazing experience to camp at the base of such a large pass.
Accommodation Camping
Distance 7km
Meals BLD
Time 5hrs
LANGMA LA TREK TO LHUNDRUP LING
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 in the wondrous village of Lundrub Ling.
Accommodation Camping
Distance 12km
Meals BLD
Time 8hrs
LHUNDRUP LING TO KHARTA VALLEY
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.
Accommodation Camping
Meals BLD
KHARTA TO RONGBUK
On our drive to Rongbuk we pass through the village of Phadhruchi. We will stay at Rongbuk monastery Guesthouse, only 15 kilometers from the Everest base camp. Rongbuk monastery has been restored to its past beauty after widespread destruction.
Accommodation Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse
Meals B
RONGBUK TO SHIGATSE
Explore Everest base camp. 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. This night is spent in Mansarowar Hotel Shigatse.
Accommodation Mansarowar Hotel
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.