Everest Advanced Base Camp Trek Tibet: Kathmandu to Lhasa to Mt Everest

Q: Is there a risk of altitude sickness?

This is one of the most often asked questions - how will I cope with the altitude. To be honest, this is an unknown factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, acclimatize correctly, don't ascend too quickly and drink plenty of water.

Everest Advanced Base Camp

Everest Advanced Base Camp Trek, takes one up the North Face of Everest, to camp III. Heading out over the Tibetan Plateau, with an average altitude in excess of 3500m, Tibet is often described as the roof of the world. On this trip, we will follow the Friendship Highway through some of the most beautiful and picturesque landscapes on Earth.We'll pass small Tibetan settlements, nomadic herdsmen wandering across the wide arid plains and awe-inspiring mountain peaks. Equally as fascinating is the wealth of cultural interest and we will have plenty of opportunity to explore this side of Tibet, both in Lhasa and the other towns we pass through on our journey to Kathmandu. We spend 3 nights in Lhasa, staying right in the centre of the old city. This will allow both plenty of time for acclimatisation and easy access to the city's main attractions - the Potala Palace and the Jokhang Temple. Leaving Lhasa in our Toyota Land Cruiser 4 wheel drive, we'll travel through this amazing country. In the towns of Gyantse and Shigatse we explore monasteries and fully immerse ourselves in the Buddhist culture. Without doubt, a highlight of this trip is the visit to Everest Base Camp, and the trek to camp 3 at 6340m., where the sheer grandeur of Everest's north face has to be seen to be believed. This trek takes you as close to the summit of Everest as any non-mountain climber can go, all the way to Camp 3 and the base of the North Col via the East Rongbuk Glacier.

ADVANCED EVEREST BASE CAMP OVERVIEW

Day-1: Kathmandu

Day-2: Kathmandu

Day-3: Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m)

Day-4: Lhasa

Day-5: Lhasa

Day-6: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m)

Day-7: Gyantse (3950m) to Shigatse (3900m)

Day-8: Shigatse to Shegar (4050m)

Day-9: Shegar to Rongbuk (5000m)

Day-10: Rongbuk to Everest Base

Day-11: Everest Base

Day-12: Everest Base to Camp 1

Day-13: Everest Intermediate Camp

Day-14: Rest at Intermediate

Day-15: Everest Camp 2

Day-16: Everest Advanced Base Camp (6340m) and return to camp 2 Camp 3

Day-17: Return to Everest Base

Day-18: Drive Rongbuk - Nyalam

Day-19: Drive Nyalam - Kathmandu

Day-20: Departure

Day-1: Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu and transfer to Hotel

Day-2: Kathmandu

Explore the Kathmandu Valley and visit some of the world heritage sites.

Day-3. Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m)

Transfer to the airport for the hour-long flight across the main Himalayan range. Afternoon at rest to acclimatise to Lhasa's high altitude.

Day-4: Lhasa

We will visit Lhasa's many monasteries and sites, such as the Sera Monastery, and the Norbulingka, the summer palace of the Dalai Lama.

Day-5: Lhasa

We visit the Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery founded in the 14th century, and once the largest in the world, with a population of around 10,000 monks. The afternoon, is a time to relax or further explore the area.

Day-6: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m)

Travelling by jeep along the Friendship Highway we cross the Khamba La (4794m) and continue westwards over another high pass the Karo La (5045m) with incredible glacial views. We spend the night in a Hotel at Gyantse. (261km)

Day-7: Gyantse to Shigatse (3900m)

After an early morning tour of some of the Gyantse Dzong (14th Century fort) and the Kumbum, a large stupa, we head off on a short 90km drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. In the afternoon we will explore the area, local monasteries and market. Overnight at the Hotel. (90km)

Day-8: Shigatse to Shegar (4050m)

We continue along the Friendship Highway, marvelling once more at the barren yet spectacular landscape of Tibet. Beyond the town of Lhatse we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gyamtso La (5220m). From here we descend to the plains en route to Shegar and overnight at Hotel Quomolongma.(244km)

Day-9: Shegar to Rongbuk (5000m)

On our travels, we are rewarded with uninterrupted views stretching from Makalu to Shishapangma, with clear views of Everest as we turn into the Rongbuk Valley. Overnight Guest House.(68km)

Day-10: Rongbuk to Everest Base

We spend a night to acclimatise after the 8km trek to Base Camp. Overnight in tents.

Day-11: Everest Base

We will explore the surroundings of the Rongbuk Everest base on short treks and spend time acclimatising. Overnight in tents.

Day-12: Everest Base to Camp 1

We trek alongside the Rongbuk Glacier, an impressive frozen ocean of ice waves. Camp 1 (5460m) is set amongst barren moraine hills and we spend the afternoon acclimatising and doing short treks in the area. (5460m)

Day-13: Everest Intermediate Camp

We trek on the west rim of the glacier as we head to intermediate camp at 5760m. We will also look at the nearby ice seracs which rise like white sails from a debris-laden glacier surface.(5760m)

Day-14: Rest at Intermediate

We spend time acclimatising.

Day-15: Everest Camp 2

We trek towards the confluence with the Changtse glacier, above which we will find Camp 2 at 5970, set amidst glaciers in the appropriately named Serac Highway. (5970m)

Day-16: Everest Advanced Base Camp (6340m) and return to camp 2

Camp 3 is the advanced base camp for the North Col route up Mount Everest. The top of Everest appears phenomenally close now and is as little as some 2400 meter higher than camp 3. Retrace our steps from Advanced Base to Camp 2.

Day-17: Return to Everest Base

The return to Base is obviously a longer down hill journey from Advanced Base than Camp 2. The decision taken on Day-17 will determine the distance to be covered.

Day-18: Drive Rongbuk - Nyalam

After arriving back at Rongbuk, we begin our drive towards Tingri, cross another two high passes, and begin our descent from the Tibetan Plateau to Nyalam just 30 km before the Nepalese border. (215km)

Day-19: Drive Nyalam - Kathmandu

We arrive at the Chinese - Nepalese border, say goodbye to our Tibetan team, pass through customs and join up with our Nepalese staff. We then head back into Kathmandu, a trip which takes about 5 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. (153km) (1400m)

Day-20: Transfer to airport. Final departure.

End of services

Everest Variations

Everest via Gokyo Lakes 24 Days	Khanshung Everest Face 20 Days
Day-1: Arrive Kathmandu Day-2: Guided Sightseeing in Kathmandu Day-3: Flight: Kathmandu (1,310m) - Lukla (2,840m). Trek to Phakding (2,610m) Day-4: Trek Phakding to Namche (3,440m) (5-6 hrs). Day-5: Rest day at Namche Day-6: Namche (3,440m) - Thame (3,800m). (4 hours). Day-7: Thame (3,800m) - Khumjung (3,790m). (4 hours). Day-8: Khumjung (3,790m) - Dole (4,200m). (4 hours) Day-9: Dole (4,200m) - Machhermo (4,410m). (3-4 hours) Day-10: Rest day for acclimatization or optional hikes. Day-11: Machhermo (4,410m)- Gokyo (Second Lake at 4,750m). (7 hours) Day-12: Gokyo (4,750m) - Free Day. Day-13: Trek to Chyugima Pass (5,169m). Day-14: Cross Cho La (5,420m). Trek to Dzongla (4,730m). Day-15: Trek to Lobuche (4,930m) Day-16: Lobuche (4,930m) - Gorakshep (5,140m). (5 hours) Day-17: Gorakshep (5,140m) - Kala Patthar (5,545m)- Lobuche (4,930m) Day-18: Lobuche (4,930m)- Tengboche (3,860m). ( 6 hours) Day-19: Trek to Namche (3,440m) (4 hrs). Day-20: Trek Namche to Phakding (2,610m). (3-4 hours). Day-21: Phakding to Lukla (2,840m) (3 hrs). Day-22: Flight: Lukla (2,840m) - Kathmandu (1,310m). Hotel Overnight. Day-23: Free day Day-24: Transfer to airport. Final departure.	Day-1: Kathmandu Day-2: Kathmandu Day-3: Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m) Day-4: Lhasa Day-5: Lhasa Day-6: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m) Day-7: Gyantse (3950m) to Shigatse (3900m) Day-8: Shigatse to Shegar (4050m) Day-9: Shegar to Rongbuk (5000m) Day-10: Rongbuk to Everest Base Day-11: Everest Base Day-12: Everest Base to Camp 1 Day-13: Everest Intermediate Camp Day-14: Rest at Intermediate Day-15: Everest Camp 2 Day-16: Everest Advanced Base Camp (6340m) and return to camp 2 Camp 3 Day-17: Return to Everest Base Day-18: Drive Rongbuk - Nyalam Day-19: Drive Nyalam - Kathmandu Day-20: Departure

Everest via Gokyo Lakes 24 Days

Khanshung Everest Face 20 Days

Day-1: Arrive Kathmandu

Day-2: Guided Sightseeing in Kathmandu

Day-3: Flight: Kathmandu (1,310m) - Lukla (2,840m). Trek to Phakding (2,610m)

Day-4: Trek Phakding to Namche (3,440m) (5-6 hrs).

Day-5: Rest day at Namche

Day-6: Namche (3,440m) - Thame (3,800m). (4 hours).

Day-7: Thame (3,800m) - Khumjung (3,790m). (4 hours).

Day-8: Khumjung (3,790m) - Dole (4,200m). (4 hours)

Day-9: Dole (4,200m) - Machhermo (4,410m). (3-4 hours)

Day-10: Rest day for acclimatization or optional hikes.

Day-11: Machhermo (4,410m)- Gokyo (Second Lake at 4,750m). (7 hours)

Day-12: Gokyo (4,750m) - Free Day.

Day-13: Trek to Chyugima Pass (5,169m).

Day-14: Cross Cho La (5,420m). Trek to Dzongla (4,730m).

Day-15: Trek to Lobuche (4,930m)

Day-16: Lobuche (4,930m) - Gorakshep (5,140m). (5 hours)

Day-17: Gorakshep (5,140m) - Kala Patthar (5,545m)- Lobuche (4,930m)

Day-18: Lobuche (4,930m)- Tengboche (3,860m). ( 6 hours)

Day-19: Trek to Namche (3,440m) (4 hrs).

Day-20: Trek Namche to Phakding (2,610m). (3-4 hours).

Day-21: Phakding to Lukla (2,840m) (3 hrs).

Day-22: Flight: Lukla (2,840m) - Kathmandu (1,310m). Hotel Overnight.

Day-23: Free day

Day-24: Transfer to airport. Final departure.

Day-1: Kathmandu

Day-2: Kathmandu

Day-3: Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m)

Day-4: Lhasa

Day-5: Lhasa

Day-6: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m)

Day-7: Gyantse (3950m) to Shigatse (3900m)

Day-8: Shigatse to Shegar (4050m)

Day-9: Shegar to Rongbuk (5000m)

Day-10: Rongbuk to Everest Base

Day-11: Everest Base

Day-12: Everest Base to Camp 1

Day-13: Everest Intermediate Camp

Day-14: Rest at Intermediate

Day-15: Everest Camp 2

Day-16: Everest Advanced Base Camp (6340m) and return to camp 2 Camp 3

Day-17: Return to Everest Base

Day-18: Drive Rongbuk - Nyalam

Day-19: Drive Nyalam - Kathmandu

Day-20: Departure

Your Questions Answered

When is the best time to do the Advanced Everest Base Trek?

The best season to go on this trek is from August to October and mid-March to mid-April. This is the peak time of the year to go on this trek, and you will find many other trekkers along with you on the journey. With May being summit season it will be very busy and also the time of year when trekkers are restricted.

Is the Advanced Everest Base Trek? difficult?

The actual day to day trekking is not difficult but it is very rocky and also at high altitude. From intermediate camp you need to ascend up the side of an icy ridge where crampons are advised at the best of times. It does not involve technical climbing, but does require physical fitness and stamina and most importantly, mental fitness. A good exercise and training program is essential and your training should include a lot of hill walking. The higher you climb, the harder the trek will become due to the altitude.

Do I have to carry my own gear?

No you only need to carry your day pack as a porter will carry your gear for you.

Can I choose my own departure dates?

Yes you can and we can easily plan your trek on dates that suit you. However given the cost fo the trek it is best to go on a group departure date

Is there a risk of altitude sickness?

This is one of the most often asked questions - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an 'unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, acclimatise correctly, don't ascent too quickly and drink plenty of water.

What is the accommodation like on the trek and before?

The tour part uses hotels throughout until Rongbuk where a guesthouse may be used. The rest of the hike is a camping trip.

What distance does the hike cover?

The hike is about 32km which is short but high altitude trip.

Do I need a Visa to travel to Tibet?

Tibet is new to tourism and as such, you may often encounter things running a little differently to the way they do in the west. Time adherence can be slow and facilities e.g. some restaurants and public toilets seriously "wanting." The roads are also prone to wash ways causing delays or detours and often sections of a road will be closed without prior notice. As such, a good degree of patience is required when travelling to Tibet. We do however, endeavour to make your journey run as smoothly as possible despite these issues. When entering Tibet from Nepal, Chinese Visas cannot be used. As such, the visa for Tibet must be obtained from the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. As visa's are only issued on Mondays, Wednesday's and Thursdays (except if they fall on a Chinese Holiday), tours need to be arranged to suit these visa issue dates, i.e. any one going on a tour departing for Tibet from Nepal, needs to arrive in Kathmandu at least three days before entering Tibet. When you confirm your trip with us, we will organize your Travel Permit for Tibet, Visa Approval Documents and apply to the Chinese embassy to obtain your visa. We will thus require your full passport details, 3 weeks prior to your arrival at Kathmandu. The final documentation will be done on arrival in Nepal. Please note that visa for Tibet obtained elsewhere has still got to be endorsed by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.