Tibet - Everst Base Camp

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Everest Base Camp Private Tour

NOTE: To enter Tibet from Kathmandu, you must be a group of 4 or more people. Join others from around the world in a small group to visit Everest Base Camp on our Kailash, Guge Kingdom Tour.

Tibet Overland with Everest Base Camp
The classic route across the roof of the world.
Trip Grade: Moderate; Trip Style: Guest House
Best time to go: April - November

From the tiny monastery at Rhongphu the view of Qomolangma (Mt Everest) is absolutely magnificent as it stands alone at the head of the valley - a walk or drive to Base Camp brings you even closer.

Kathmandu - Lhasa (Alt 3658m ) - Day 1
The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is spectacular. From Gongkar airport it is about 1 hour drive to Lhasa, first along the Yarlung Tsangpo then into the Kyi Chu Valley.

Lhasa (3,446 m.) - Day 2 - 3
With a relaxed pace to allow for the effects of altitude, explore this fantastic city on the roof of the world. The spiritual heart of Tibet is the Jokhang Temple and every morning is full of life as pilgrims bring offerings of butter and barley flour. The Potala Palace rises above the city and, more than any other sight, symbolizes the history and culture of Tibet. Nearby are the huge monastic universities of Drepung and Sera Ð still active institutions.

Free day in Lhasa - Day 4
An easy walk to Phunki for three hours and on the way, one can see blue sheep, musk deer and different Himalayan animals and birds. Ascend for another 3 hours to Tengboche. Tengboche offers a beautiful glance of Mt. Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Cholatse, Thamserku and Amadablam.

Gyantse (8 hrs drive/3950m) - Day 5
A long, yet scenic day's drive across the Khamba La and Kora La (passes), along the shores of Lake Yamdrok Tso to Gyantse. Once an important trading town, Gyantse retains a feel of Old Tibet.

Shigatse ( 3 hrs drive/3900m ) - Day 6
In the morning visit Gyantse's monastery Ð Pelkor Choede Ð and the justifiably famous Kumbum, within the same complex. There may also be time to visit the dzong (fort) that towers above the town.

In the afternoon we drive along the valley to Shigatse.

Sakya (6 hrs drive/4050m) - Day 7
Morning: Tashilhunpo is the seat of the Panchen Lama, second only in importance to the Dalai Lama. Its numerous halls contain a 21.6-meter wooden statue of Maitreya, the future Buddha and elaborate, jewel encrusted reliquary chorten. The afternoon is free to explore the old market, or perhaps visit the carpet factory where hand-woven carpets are made to traditional designs. Drive via Sakya to Xegar. Sakya was the seat of political power in central Tibet from the 10th to mid 14th century. The fortified monastery is still head of one of the most important schools of Tibetan Buddhism. .

Rhongphu (5 hrs drive/5000m) - Day 8
Turn off the Friendship Highway for a stunning drive through Qomolangma National Park to reach the tiny Rhongphu Gompa at 5000m. The view from here is utterly spectacular!

Lao Tingri (4 hrs drive/4390m) - Day 9
Trek or drive the 7kms to Everest Base Camp (5200m) before heading to Lao Tingri via a rough, yet scenic track crossing small rivers and passes. Everest Base Camp is the ultimate camp for the mountaineer. It is surrounded by all the beautiful snowy mountains for a life time memory.

Kathmandu (6 hrs drive/2300m) - Day 10
Another high pass gives a last, spectacular view of the Himalaya before we leave the Tibetan Plateau, descending to Zhangmu on the China-Nepal border. Completing border formalities the drive back to Kathmandu continues down the Bote Khosi valley.

Please note that the published itinerary is a statement of intent and to be used as a guide only. The guide in charge of your trip will alter the schedule if conditions necessitate and any/all such alterations are at the discretion of Royal Mt. Trekking and your guide.

Accommodation in Kathmandu, Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse is available on a twin share basis with either shared or private facilities.

Transport in Kathmandu is by private vehicle. Transport in Tibet is by private 4WD landcruiser.

Food Breakfast only is included. In Kathmandu restaurants of every style and price-range abound. In Lhasa there is also quite a variety, although not as extensive as Kathmandu. Elsewhere in Tibet the variety is much more limited.

Guides and Drivers You will be met at Gongkar airport on arrival and accompanied in Tibet by an English-speaking guide. All guides in Tibet and licensed and controlled by the Tibetan Tourist Board and vary enormously in fluency and knowledge. We recommend that you take a guidebook with you to supplement the information provided by your guide. For this trip we suggest you consider "The Tibet Guide" by Stephen Batchelor (Wisdom Books), "Tibet" (Odyssey Guides) or Lonely Planet Tibet.

Our landcruiser drivers have made the trip many times, speak varying amounts of English and will always know the best places to stop for photos.

Visas and Permits Single entry visas for Nepal are available on arrival at Kathmandu airport and all land borders. The visa is valid for 60 days and costs USD30. One photo is required. The visa may then be extended up to 90 days.

It is only possible to enter China from Nepal with a visa issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu. In order to apply for your visa you must provide us with a photocopy of the front page of your passport 21 days prior to your trip. The visa will be issued once you arrive in Kathmandu it takes one full day. The Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu issues visas on Monday, Wednesday and Friday mornings only so you must plan your itinerary to allow for this.

Travel Permits are required for Tibet. we will apply for your permit on your behalf.

Flights Air China operates between Lhasa and Kathmandu on Tuesdays and Saturdays and flights fill quickly. Whilst your ticket will not be issued before your travel permit, seats may be booked well in advance. Your full name, nationality and passport number are necessary to make the booking.

Preparing For Your Journey: You will be given additional information to assist you once you have booked your trip with us.

Price: Please request

Includes:

airport transfers
all land transport
accomodations, dble occ
daily breakfast
accompanying professional guide
airport transfers
Tibet permit

Does Not Include

airport departure taxes
Nepalvisa & re-entry visa
China visa fee
meals
tips
insurance and Emergency evacuation
personal expenses such as laundry, phone, etc

Note:
Spirit of India/Spirit of Asia Travel/Original World Inc is not responsible for extra costs due to landslides, road blockage and other such weather related problems.

Go to Everest Private Tours

Private Everest Trip with Trekking

Back to Tibet Main Page

(888) 367-6147 - Intl (415) 381-5861
P.O. Box 446 Mill Valley, CA 94941