Itinerary

Flight to Kathmandu. You should arrange your flight in order to arrive in Kathmandu on 17 April. You will be met by our representative in Nepal who will welcome you in the traditional Buddhist way by Pancha Kanyas (5 virgin ladies with flower garlands and Tika). Followed by transfer to your hotel by private vehicle.

Kathmandu (4,429 ft)
2 days of leisure in Kathmandu which is the largest city in the country, a fascinating mixture of ancient and modern; you will experience building sites and traffic rushing headlong into the 21st century then just by turning down a small side street you will be transported into the middle ages; beautiful hidden temples an abundance of flowers and tiny workshops.

A Monastery in Kathmandu Pashupatinath Temple Kathmandu

Day 2

Kathmandu

Visit the Boudhanath Stupa the largest stupa in Nepal and the holiest Tibetan Buddhist temple outside Tibet. It is the center of Tibetan culture in Kathmandu and rich in Buddhist symbolism.

Other City Tours to be organized

Day 3

Fly Kathmandu to Lhasa (11,680 ft) and transfer to Hotel

Airport at Lhasa View of Everest from Plane Flight route showing Everest

You will be flying above Mt. Everest if the weather conditions are good you just might catch your first sight of your ultimate goal.

Day 4

Lhasa

The name Lhasa means sacred place. Lhasa is often described as The Roof of the World situated as it is at over 11,000 ft above sea level. It is the centre of Tibetan politics, economy and religious activities.

This two stay stop in Lhasa is very important for acclimatization

We visit two monasteries that were built by the Gelugpa the most widespread of the schools of Tibetan tradition, sometimes referred to as the Yellow Hat School

DREPUNG MONASTERY (built in 1416)

Drepung Monastery at the foot of Mount Gambo Utse, considered the most important monastery in Tibetan Buddhism, is one of The Three Great Monasteries (the other two are Ganden Monastery and The Sera Temple) covering 299,007 sq yards.

Drepung Monastery

SERA TEMPLE (1419)

Sera in Tibetan means Wild Rose Garden and in ancient times opulent wild rose woods grew round the monastery. Though not as grand as Drepung; surrounded as it is by many small temples it has a serene atmosphere and a rich collection of cultural relics. It was originally built to house the sandalwood Arhats presented to the disciples by the Emperor Chengzu.

NORBULINGKA

Norbulingka which means 'Treasure Park' in Tibetan is listed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site. It is a fascinating mixture of the architectural style of inland China while still embodying the religious features of the Tibetan people.

Part of the Sera Temple Norbulingka

Day 5

Lhasa

POTALA PALACE

The first sight of the Potala Palace, included in UNESCO's World Heritage list, is awe-inspiring. The original palace built in 641 was destroyed by lightening and war damage in the 17^th century. It was rebuilt and extended and now covers a space of 90,000 sq. meters. It was the religious and political centre of old Tibet and winter residence of Dalai Lamas.

Potala Palace from Roof of Jokhang Potala Palace

JOKHANG TEMPLE

The Jokhang, or House of our Lord', was built on the site of a lake and is considered the holiest site in Tibet. Originally built in the mid 7^th century the building that exists today is the result of reconstruction in the 17^th century. Because the temple is not controlled by any particular sect of Tibetan Buddhism it attracts all the sects. The temple is included, with the Potala Palace, as a World Cultural Heritage Site.

BARKHOR MARKET

Barkhor Street is the oldest street in Tibet and gives a feel of the original city. In spite of being such a busy shopping area you can still sense the religious atmosphere as you watch the pilgrims make their way to the Jokhang Temple.

Jokhang Temple Barkhor Street and Market

Day 6

Drive to Shigatse stay in a Hotel overnight. We will be travelling in 4-wheel drive Suzuki Land cruisers

Shigatse (12,480 ft.

Chigatse, also named Xigatse, means 'the fertile land'. Covering an area of over 1496 square miles, this frontier city is the second largest in Tibet. It sits in the plain at the confluence of the Yarlong Tsangpo and Nyangchu Rivers, where Tibet's most fertile land is to be found. With some thirteen ethnic groups including Tibetan, Hui and Man, Shigatse is a typical living area for minority nationalities. The population of Shigatse City is 98,700 about 97% of which are Tibetan. Shigatse has a history going back more than 600 years and it is this ancient holy city that is the traditional seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the spiritual leaders in Tibet. The city is also the cultural, economic and political center of Tibet.

Our drive today is not very long so there will be time to explore the city.

Nearly there Shigatse

Day 7

Drive to Shegar

We continue along the Friendship Highway; the scenery typical of Tibet a barren yet spectacular landscape. Beyond the small town of Lhatse we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gyamtso La (17,125 ft). From here we descend to the plains, passing along lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders.

Shegar (13,920 ft) is the headquarters of the Everest Nature Reserve. It has the typical mix of old and new experienced throughout this journey.

We will stay 2 nights in Shegar an important stop to rest and acclimatize

Day 8

Shegar

The ruins of the Shegar Dzong and Shegar Chode Monastery are perched on the hill above the town. The site is also known as the Crystal Fort.

The Fort was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution. Shegar was once the capital of the Tingri Region. If you decide to explore the ruins it makes a good day trip. There are abandoned buildings scattered at regular intervals on the way up but the remains of the fort itself stand at the very top where there are beautiful views of the fertile valley below and you may be rewarded, on a clear day, with your first sight of Mount Everest.

In 1921 George Mallory's Everest reconnaissance expedition stayed here. He returned again in 1924 to test, on the slopes leading to the fort. Sandy Irvine's oxygen apparatus which had been modified for their summit bid.

Day 9

Drive to Everest Base Camp (16.640 ft). Where we will spend 5 nights

As you drive south crossing over the Pang La you will get your first good view of Everest, Shishapangma and Kakalu in the distance.

We stop on the way to see the wonderful

RONGBUK MONASTERY

The Rongbuk Monastery the highest monastery on earth (16,728 feet) was built in 1899. It is situated halfway up the mile wide 20 mile long valley a mere 200 meters below Base Camp. The Monastery was destroyed during the Cultural Revolution but is gradually being restored. Everyone who has the desire to see or conquer the world's highest peak via the North Face must pass. It is the sacred gateway to Mount Everest with the most spectacular views in the world.

Rongbuk Monastery with wonderful views of Mount Everest

As you leave the monastery behind the land becomes more barren, nature takes over; from now on the elements, rock, sky, ice and wind will rule your life. Everest dominates. Your first night under canvas.

Mount Everest Qomolongma "Goddess Mother of the World."

Mount Everest North Face

Day 10

Everest Base Camp (16.640 ft). Night 2

You start your day by being spoilt with a wake-up drink followed by a bowl of hot water to wash and a really substantial breakfast. It is very important to eat and drink well at altitude and with a good lunch, afternoon snacks, dinner (a fine selection of fresh vegetables and fruit) ending with a night drink you will have no excuse not to.

This first whole day at Base Camp is amazing, the magnificence of Everest the wonder of being at such a special place and meeting people who are planning to go further.

You may want to explore either on your own or accompanied by staff. Lots of hill scrambling, a walk to Rongbuk to the Monastery.

Day 11

Everest Base Camp (16.640 ft). Night 3

It is Important to use this time to acclimatize, with gentle hiking and exploring round the camp, even to catch up on some reading. You may feel more comfortable today and able to make adventurous trips exploring the areas round the camp. The Camp is on the Rongbuk Glacier with stunning views of the highest mountain in the world, the sheer north face towering above you.

Day 12

Everest Base Camp (16.640 ft). Night 4

As yesterday, explore, acclimatize and soak up the atmosphere, each day gives you extra strength for the next stage of this amazing journey.

Day 13

Everest Base Camp (16.640 ft). Night 5

By now you will be ready to go further afield perhaps to the centre of the Rongbuk Glacier with ever more breathtaking views; your guides will be happy to suggest more adventurous excursions.

Day 14

Everest Base Camp to 2^nd Interim Camp (19.840 ft).

Your trek will take between 6 and 7 hours. The hours will differ from person to person depending on their physical capacity. Once you get this high the scenery is wild and the elements; rocks, sky, ice and wind rule. Glaciers large and small spill into the valley from every direction creating stunningly beautiful ice formations.

This camp is situated near a moraine lake (glacially filled lake) and the camp is sometimes called the Chantse Base Camp.

Before ascending further from Base Camp there will be a Puja ceremony performed by a Lama (monk) for success and safety.

Day 15

Everest 2^nd Interim Camp to Advanced Base Camp (20,480 ft)

The trek today will average between 5 - 6 hours. You may well find it hard to concentrate because there is so much to see; the North Col Camp, Camp 2, the peaks of Lhakpa Ri, Makalu and of course Everest.

You made it - Advanced Base Camp and the reason for the journey. As you look up the top of this iconic mountain will appear phenomenally close and you risk the obsession that grips so many who reach this far....NEXT TIME THE SUMMIT?

Day 16

Advanced Base Camp (20,480 ft)

This is the day you have worked towards. You will be able to explore and soak up the atmosphere with Mount Everest dominating the camp. This is the closest non-climbers can get to the top of Everest.

NOTE

There is an option to join the trek to the North Col. This extends your trip by 5 days. Cost and further details available on application.

Day 17

Advanced Base Camp (20,480 ft) to Base Camp (16,640 ft)

You have to tear yourself away from the mountain and this journey down to Base Camp is quite long and tiring around 6 - 7 hours but as ever wild and beautiful.

Day 18

Everest Base Camp (16,640 ft)

The last day and night at the camp more exploring and sorting out of your kit. Lots to reflect upon and discuss and some feelings of envy perhaps for those who are getting ready to Summit. You next time perhaps!

Day 19

Drive Everest Base Camp to Nyalam (12,303 ft)

Leaving the National Park

This spectacular drive joins the Friendship Highway crossing 2 high passes; the Lalung La (16,811 ft) and the Shung La (17,060 ft) with magnificent views of the surrounding peaks of Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar.

Shungla Pass Shishapangma Drive to Nyalam last stop in Tibet

Our destination of Nyalam is just 18 miles from the Nepalese border and dramatically suddenly everything is lush and green. Nyalam is a small town that has been a significant trading centre between Nepal and Tibet for thousands of years.

Day 20

Exit Tibet drive to Kathmandu (4429 ft) transfer to hotel

After breakfast we drive few miles further to the Friendship Bridge (mark of Nepal-China border) over the Bhote Koshi River, and walk to the Nepal border to complete the immigration formalities our staff will be waiting at the border for the 5 hour drive to Kathmandu through the beautiful Nepalese countryside

Friendship Bridge

Day 21

Kathmandu

A day of leisure to explore the places you missed on the way out.

Street Fruit Market Kathmandu Temple in Kathmandu Tibetan Woman

Day 22

Transfer to Airport for international departure

You will be met by our representative at the hotel for transfer to the airport and seen off with the Khada ceremony (a white scarf which embodies purity and good fortune is presented to you a practice among Tibetan people to express their best wishes. You receive the khada with both hands. You then proceed to international departure.