The highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest (8,850m) also called ‘Sagarmatha’ in the Nepali language, meaning the tallest, lies in Nepal. The Tibetans have called it called ‘Chomolangma,’ which means Goddess Mother of the snows, for ages. Mount Everest separates Nepal from the Autonomous Region of Tibet, so for Everest expeditions there are two Everest Base Camps. The North Everest base camp lies in Tibetan side which is easily accessible with a vehicle apart from after heavy snowfalls in the winter.
When Mount Everest was recognized as the highest mountain in the world and interest in peak climbing grew in the contemporary history, Nepal and Tibet were in feudal kingdoms closed to the outside world. The first attempt at climbing Mount Everest was carried out from the North side that falls in Tibet in 1921. Since then adventure seekers and enthusiasts have perpetually pitied themselves against this majestic mountain but only for a few has the human perseverance won the day. And even among those, only a select few attempt and succeed to ascent Mount Everest from the North Side. Many attempts were made primarily from the North side from Tibet and the South side from Nepal to successfully climb Everest with many deadly casualties until the first successful ascent made in 1953 from the South side from Nepal. Considered to be the more technical and difficult climb, the North face was closed for a while from 1950 to all western expeditions when Tibet became the Autonomous Region of China. Though open for Everest expeditions again, the North Side still is an imposing sight for those who attempt to climb Everest. The Everest base camp in the gravel plain below the Rongbuk Glacier features the massive North side of Mount Everest, an easy deterrent for the indecisive and the ultimate challenge for the others.
North Everest base camp lies south of the friendship highway from Tingri and can be visited as a main trip or a side trip while going overland to Lhasa or vice versa. While visiting Tibet one must visit Everest Base Camp as the view is stunning and you will also get chance to pay homage to Rongbuk Monastery, the oldest monastery in Tibet.
There are various ways to travel to Tibet like we can fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa which is the best way. Other ways is drive. Or We can visit Lhasa by train or flight from main land China and further continue to Nepal.
Itinerary for Lhasa to Kathmandu Tour via Everest Base Camp is as follows:
Day 01: Kathmandu Arrival 1350m
Arrival in Kathmandu International Airport (TIA). Our (Visit to Tibet Travels and Tours) official representative will be waiting with your name plate and please see the Visit to Tibet board and we will meet and transfer you to hotel. Check in to hotel. In the evening we will collect your Original passport and you need to fill up the form for Embassy of China in Nepal.
Day 02: Sightseeing/ guided tour in Kathmandu
Half day sightseeing in Kathmandu. We will prepare Tibet Visa/ Permit on this day and hand over your original passport and Tibet permit/ group visa to you. We will brief you about the tour and check your gear and advice you accordingly.
Day 03: Fly Kathmandu to Lhasa (3660m)
We will transfer you to Kathmandu airport to fly to Gongar Airport in Lhasa by Air China, the flight duration is 1 hour 10 minutes. The flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa is scenic and beautiful as flight goes over the Himalayan peaks we can view the world highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) and third highest mountain know as Kanchanjunga can be viewed which boarders Nepal and India is spectular and many other snow capped mountain which lies in Nepal and boarders Tibet. It is amazing and astonishing flight. It makes you feel that nature is god. We got to preserve the nature. Please be a part of it and don’t miss it. On your arrival to airport in Lhasa our representative will be waiting for you to transfer to Lhasa which is around 65 km. You will have full day rest to acclimatize in high altitude. Tonight we will sleep and rest at Lhasa city in 3660m elevation.
Day 04 Sightseeing / guided tour in Lhasa.
Sightseeing in Lhasa (3660 m): We visit Sera Monastery which is white-washed walls and golden roof top. Later we will visit Norbulinka Monastery which is the summer Palace of the Dalai Lama. Then we will visit Jokhang Temple which is sacred site for Buddhist people. Today last but not the least we will visit Barkhor Market where we can do shopping for souvenir. Overnight at Lhasa.
Day 05 Sightseeing in Lhasa (3660m):
Today we climb stair case of Mar Po Ri Hill to visit to Potala Palace, which Lhasa city is renowned for. It is also the best view point to see Lhasa city. This monument is preserved under UNESCO world heritage site which was build in 17th Century. The interior space of Potala Palace is approximately 1,30,000 square meters where private quarter of the Dalai Lama is also located. Then we go to for the tour to visit Drepung Monastery. It was build on 14th Century where more than 10,000 monks used to reside once upon a time. Buddhist people have great respect on this monastery. Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 06 Drive to Gyantse (4332m) -265 km:
Today we follow driving on the renowned Highway that is in between Lhasa to Kathmandu. It is called Friendship Highway. While driving on this Highway we come across ups and downs. We pass Khumba La (4796m) and by crossing Lake Yamdrok-Tso. After crossing Lake Yamdrok Tso far away from the road is Samding Monastery. The view to the Lake is turquoise which is deep bule in color. After driving for a while on our left is Mt. Jangsang (6326m) and comes the great pass of the day Kora- La ( Pass) 5012m from here on your right hand side we can see and come across Mt. Nojin Kangtsang (7193m). The view of snow capped Mountains is Majestic. On left side we come across Ralung and Lechu monastery. Today’s final pass of today is simu La (4335m) before we reach Gyantse. This town where we are haulting night is beautiful Tibetan village.
Day 07 Sightseeing & drive to Shigatse (3990m) -92km:
Today is the short drive, we visit and bypass many monasteries. Kumbum gives us the homage of 1,00,00 images of Buddhist god and goddess. Gyantse Dzong, a fourteenth century built fort adds an exciting view of entire town Gyantse. Also tour to neighboring Nyang Chu Valley of Shigate is worth visiting. Kubum (a 100,000 images in Tibetan), a huge gold domed Stupa (chorten) 35 meters high is built with several chapel houses. Tibetan Buddhist wall painting is the center of attraction in this Monastery. Before Our journey ahead to Shigatse (the second largest city of Tibet) we come across Shalu Monastery and many Tibetan and Indian style architecture. We stop over night at Sigantse. It is easy and short drive of 90 km today.
Day 08 Drive to Shegar (4150m/13612ft), visit Natang and Sakya Monastery en route-274km:
We drive over the sands with a beautiful landscape. W come across Gyamstso- La (Pass). On our drive we visit villages with nomads and important monasteries (Shakya Monastery). We pay homage to monastery. In the library of Shakya the great we find the largest book written in the golden letters
Day 09 Drive to Rongbuk (5050m/16564ft)
To reach Rongbuk from Old Tingri is about 85 km. Today we cross pass called Pang La (5122m). The oldest monastery, Rongbuk lies near the Everest Base camp in Tibet. This monastery is dedicated to Nyingmapa Buddhism. There are meditation huts for monks and Yogis (hermit). We will have rest and Overnight at Rongbuk Monastery.
Day 10: Explore Everest base Camp/ Overnight in Rongbuk.
Early moring we will go to see the sun rise view over the Mount Everest. The base Camp on Tibet side is also called North Everest Base Camp. Today we explore Everest Base Camp (5250m/17,220 ft) and surroundings. While going for expedition, the vehicle can reach Everest Base camp. While we are going for tour we can hike to Everest Base Camp and hire horse or use the local vehicle. From the base camp and nearby stunning view of Sagarmatha (Everest), Shishapangama, Maklu and other surrounding snow capped peaks lure us to go nearer and nearer. It makes you feel that nature is utmost beloved. At Everest Base Camp on north we see Mani Walls. The prayer flags hung horizontally and vertically, the sacred syllable of mantra which symbolizes the peace and tranquility all over the world. It is believed that wind would blow the scared mantra all over world and peace would prevail in this universe.
Day 11 Drive to Zhangmu (2300m/7, 544ft)-245 km:
Today we return back to Tingri and again join the Friendship Highway. We will continue driving towards Zhangmu heading west from Tingri. When the weather is clear again we get to see shangrilla of snow capped peaks from Tingri where we stop to take picture. We cross the two passes Lalung La (5052m) and Tong La (5120m). The holy mountains like Gauri Shankar, Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse will make us bow our head and close our fits. We also can visit the cave where Milerepa meditated once upon a time. We come across other town called Nyalam which is called Kuti. It is one of the traditional trading town between Nepal and Tibet. Zhangmu is more fertile land where we see more greenery. Overnight at Zhangmu.
Day 12 Drive to Kathmandu (1350m/4428ft)-123km:
Today we have to come across boarder formalities at Zangmu in Tibet and Tibet-Nepal boarder Kodari. Finally we cross the Friendship bridge and enter into Nepal. We say good bye to Tibetan guide and driver who accompany all the way from Lhasa to Kodari boarder. We change the vehicle according to group size we provide you comfortable transportation. On right flows Bhote Koshi river. It has high current and rafting can be done for adventure seekers. We cross Sunkoshi and Indrawati Rivers and come to Kathmandu. From Kodari to Kathmandu the highway is called Araniko Highway. It refers to great architecture who had contribution to build pagoda style temple in Nepal and Tibet. The drive from Zangmu to Kathmandu is usually 4-5 hours. Overnight at Kathmandu the capital of Nepal. / farewell dinner with cultural dance.
Note: : 11Nights and 12 Days Nepal-Tibet Tour can be done throughout the year (except heavy snow fall towards North everest base camp or Tibet government closures). Itinerary of Everest Base Camp towards the north face.We can plan other tours and treks in Nepal as per your need.
