Compared to other treks, Kangshung Face trek is less known to the people, however, Kangshung is one of the most attractive places located on the east face of Everest. You’ll be introduced to magnifying beauty of mountain views, icy mass of Everest, which looms over the high land of Tibet, holy lakes, the sacred “Kharta Tsechu” – the long life water spring and the Kama Valley. The astounding alpine scenery and fabulous flora of Kharta and the Karma Valley make it extra attractive. The entire region from Kharta to the Karma Valley that extends to Arjun Valley (on Nepal’s side) is known as “Be-yul Khembalung” or the Hidden Valley which is a part of the blessed land of Guru Rinpoche. The glory of these valleys is supplemented with world’s three highest peaks: Everest (8848 m), Lhotse (8501 m), and Makalu (8463 m). The journey is completed with Lhasa tour, the ancient city of Tibet that consist of several monasteries, gompas, monuments and other Buddhist cultural heritage sites.
TRIP DETAILS
Day 01: Arrival
Upon arrival to Kathmandu Airport, our representative will drop you to Hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 02: Visit to Kathmandu Valley
After having early morning breakfast at the hotel, we move for sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. The sightseeing includes the most popular historic places in Kathmandu such as Kathmandu Durbar Square, Swayambhunath, Boudhhanath, and Pashupatinath. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 03: Kathmandu/Lhasa (3660m)
Having our breakfast early morning, we catch international flight to Lhasa and upon arriving here, you will be transferred to the Hotel. Lhasa comprises of narrow streets and white washed houses where windows are framed in black trapezoids. The new Lhasa was built around the base of the Potala and is now characterized by straight, broad streets, Chinese style department stores and government houses. Lhasa is a friendly city and you will find Tibetans with smile. Overnight at hotel.
Day 04: Lhasa Tour
In the morning, we visit Potala Palace, an architectural wonder with gold roofs high above the town, more than 300 meters above the valley. From here, the valley can be observed from directions all around. The present Potala was built in 1645 – 1693 in the Fifth Dalai Lama’s reign. It was the center of religious and political power of Dalai Lamas. There are more than 1000 rooms which were the living quarters of Dalai Lama and also the magnificent golden tombs when they died. With more than hundreds of chapels and shrines, halls and corridors, thousands of gilded statues, it is the Tibet’s pantheon of Buddhas, Boddisattvas, saints and demons and still remains as a beloved shrine.
In the afternoon, we visit Norbulingkha and Jokhang Monasteries. Norbulingkha is known as the Jewel park containing palaces of 13th and 14th Dalai Lamas while Jokhang is the spiritual center of Tibet and its oldest part dates back to 7th century. Overnight at hotel.
Day 05: Lhasa Tour continued
We start by visiting Drepung Monastery lying 8km west of Lhasa. It was founded in 1416 AD by disciple of Tsongkhapa and had over 10000 monks governed 700 subsidiary monasteries. The monastery itself was divided into four Tantrick Colleges, where they specialized in different branches of knowledge. At present, around 400 monks and novices live here.
In the afternoon, we visit Sera Monastery, Sera meaning “Merciful Hail” lying on the northern edge of Lhasa. Sera also had three colleges but the chanting halls and chapels seem dark and demonic. Today, the monastery has 300 monks. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 06: Lhasa Tour continued.
Early morning we visit Ganden Monastery situated 70 km east of Lhasa at 4300 m in a bowl like amphitheater from where dramatic view of Lhasa River valley can be captured to the fullest. It was founded in 1409 AD by Tsongkhapa.
In the evening, we take a visit at Tebetan Medicine Hospital. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 07: Drive Lhasa/Gyantse (3950m)
We drive along the Tsangpo River to Gyantse, which was once the Tibet’s most important trade city route, India-Nepal-Lhasa. We will have the pleasure to witness the town dominated by rocky ridge topped by a ruined fortress. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 08: Drive Gyantse to Shigatse (3900m)
With our short drive to Shigatse, we then visit Tashilunpo Monastery, meaning “Heap of Glory”, which was the seat of Panchen Lamas. The monastery lies at the foot of Dolmari or “Tara’s Mountain” and was founded in 1447 AD by Gendum Drubpa, who was a disciple of Tsongkhapa. The Tashilunpo includes the Jamba Chenmo (Maitreya Hall) that has 86 feet Maitreya Buddha, Kudung (the stupa of 4th Panchen Lama), Tsegchen Dukhang (Great Assembaly Hall), Ngape Dratshang (Tantric College) and Tshenyi Dratshang (the debating college).
We will also observe the 9 storey high thangka walls on the ground. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 09: Drive to Shegar (4050m)
We visit Shegar Chode Monastery, a small Gelugpa institution on the foot of the mountain. If you are able to climb upto the wall, Mount Everest far away can also be seen at a distance. We meet the Sherpa crew here. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 10: Drive to Kharta (3009m)
We drive along the main highway to Everest region. We are able to observe Everest views from Pant La and we move past the most beautiful valleys and reach Kharta. Overnight at lodge or camp.
?Day 11: Rest day at Kharta
We take rest and prepare for our trekking that starts from the next day.
Day 12: Trek to Lundrubling
From this day, we start our trekking to Lundrubling by crossing a bridge and well-defined trail afterwards. The trail then continues to Langma La and we follow the ascent towards the valley leading to Shao La. We then reach village of Lundrubling. Overnight at camp.
Day 13: Cross Shao La (4970m) & trek to Kaamo Tsango Valley
We are to ascend the Shao La and gain views of Everest, Makalu and Lhotse mountains, all eight thousanders. We pass through the yak pastures and trail down through birch groves and rhododendrons and reach Joksam. It lies just above the Kaamo Tsangpo valley. Overnight at camp.
Day 14/15: Trek to Kangshung Valley
We ascend through the conifer forest to the ridgeline above the Kama valley and then observe the Arun gorge. We also pass through many beautiful lakes and uninterrupted views of the Kangshung Face of Everest. Overnight at camp.
Day 16: Trek to Pethang Ringmo
We descend to the camp Pethang Ringmo capturing impressive peak of Chomo Lonzo. Overnight at camp.
Day 17: Exploration day at Pethang Ringmo
This is the place where Kangshung glacier bends to the right and the last point till where yaks can carry up the loads. Pethang Ringmo meadow are delightful and we can hike to the high ridge for spectacular vantage point. Two beautiful glacial lakes appear so beautiful from here between the rocky slopes. Overnight at camp.
Day 18: Pethang Ringmo to Hoppo
The trail now heads towards slope rounding the hillside of Kangshung face and impressive glaciers at Chomo Lonzo. We camp at Hoppo.
Day 19: Trek to Kangshung Face base camp & return to Hoppo
We ascend through the grassy ridges to the snout of Kangshung glacier. From the vantage point, we can capture very impressive north face ridge of Mount Everest. Overnight at Hoppo.
Day 20: Trek to Base of Langma La
From Pethang Ringmo, we head towards Langma La by crossing yak pastures and gaining the views of Mount Makalu. Overnight at camp.
Day 21: Cross Langma La (5330m) & trek to Lundrubling
We climb to the summit of the pass 5330m and take steep descent to the valley floor. We observe the Kharta valley and view massif Kanchenjunga and arrive at Lundrubling. Overnight at camp.
Day 22: Trek to Kharta
We retrace our way back to Kharta and prepare to drive to Robgbuk the next day. Overnight at camp.
Day 23: Drive to Rongbuk
From Kharta, we drive back to Rongbuk via the village of Phadhruchi and observe Rongbuk Monastery, which was reconstructed after the excesses of the Cultural Revolution in the 1960. We are with unrivalled views of the Everest’s north face. Overnight at camp.
Day 24: Explore Everest Base Camp
We explore the Everest Base Camp today 5200m with illuminating views around us. You are sure to be awestruck by the scenarios from here. Overnight at camp.
Day 25: Drive to Tingri
In the morning we explore the Everest Base Camp and rejoin the Friendship Highway to reach Tingri. Overnight at camp or lodge.
Day 26: Drive to Nyalam
Leaving Tingri, we cross two major passes, Lalung La (5124m) and the Shung La (5200m). Throughout our way to Nyalam, we are mesmerized by the appealing glimpses of Shisapnagma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar. Overnight at lodge or camp.
Day 27: Drive to Kodari and Kathmandu
We descent through the arid Tibetan Plateau to Zhangmu and drive to the Friendship Bridge, which spans the Bhote Kosi River. Then, we step in Kodari and after completing the formalities, we drive our way back to Kathmandu as our trip ends here. Upon reaching Kathmandu, you will be transferred to your hotel. Overnight at Hotel.
(Note: The above itinerary is a just a guideline. Our Tibet Agent reserves the right to change the itineraries as required. Itineraries are subject to change to suit the local conditions and other factors. At times the flights may either be delayed or even cancelled for a day or more, mostly because of bad weather. At such condition, we recommend our guests to have one extra day in Kathmandu post trek.)
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