Everest Advance Base Camp trek - Tibet

The highest trek in the world

This is a trip of highlights, from Lhasa (4 nights) and the eighth wonder Potala Palace to the drive along the Friendship highway to trekking up to the 6380m ABC (sometimes called Camp 3), rubbing noses with Everest. Nowhere else on this planet can you hike on trails to such altitude without the need for crampons, ice axe or mountaineering skills.

Inspiring landscapes and jaw-dropping mountain views combined with its rich Buddhist history and culture, make visiting Tibet a truly unforgettable experience.

Outline itinerary

We are running a North Col Expedition and can run an Everest ABC trek with this.

Warning

This is the world's highest trek; we go to extreme altitude. You must be fit and tough, we camp in difficult conditions. Even being fit, there is still a chance of altitude sickness affecting you meaning that you may have to return to Everest Base camp and wait until the other trekkers return. We highly recommend the use of the acclimatizing drug Diamox, which can be bought cheaply in Kathmandu. We will discuss its use carefully with you.

Nepal Everest BC trek or Tibet Everest ABC?

These Everest treks are dramatically different in character - which his best for you?

The Nepal Everest trek is rightly known as one of the classic treks in the world, always in the trekker's top ten. It is a better first timers trek, a good introduction to what trekking really is. The walking days are not particularly long, and we have plenty of rests while hiking and also rest days so it is a nice balanced trek. The walking is on good trails, at first through forest and village areas, then in the huge wonderful alpine valleys surrounded by mountains. We stay in the cozy tea houses the region is famed for, and trek with a western leader and a team of porters to carry our gear. You just carry your needs for the day. As an example in a 24 day trip there are 19 days trekking (including rest-acclimatization days). The highest point you sleep at is approximately 5150m/17,000ft, and you hike to about 5600m/18,400ft.

A Tibet Everest ABC trek is definitely more hardcore, suitable for altitude-experienced trekkers who want to extend themselves.

The Tibet Everest ABC trek is traveling for the first part, beginning with a flight to Lhasa to spend time in this historic city, then on to the second biggest city in Tibet, Shigatse. Continuing in Landcruisers we drive to Rongbuk at 4900m/16,000ft - yep, drive - and spend a few days acclimatizing here and at base camp. Then the real trekking begins, a total of 6 days trekking on a 22 day trip, starting from 5150m/17,000ft, hiking and sleeping as high as 6340m/21,000ft! It is a rough, stony and windy area surrounded by amazing mountains and ice fins you can literally touch, and the hiking is all over very rough ground, mostly loose rock on ice. You really do get very high and get a real sense of what the Everest expeditions are all about, but you do also on the Nepal side as both of our treks visit Everest base camp on the Nepal side...

On the balance we suggest that the Nepal trek is far more suitable for a first time visitor to the Himalaya.

Our trekkers say

The trek was totally fantastic – everything I had hoped for and more. It was tough, mainly because I had a nasty bout of gastro early on, then was affected by the altitude somewhat. However, I wouldn’t have changed a thing about the trek, it was really well organised and run and the guys did a fabulous job of everything.

It was just so exciting to see Tibet – what an amazing country, the people were great fun and everything ran so smoothly. Seeing Everest and coming up to ABC was a dream come true – although God knows what you guys thought of me sitting in the corner trying not to vomit.

I can definitely commend both you and the Explore Himalaya team on a really well-run and friendly trip – something I would definitely recommend to others. Thinking about my next trip to the Himalaya!

Belinda Boswell, Everest ABC 2005

Detailed itinerary

We begin with a full day in Kathmandu then fly to Lhasa, stay 3 full days then drive to Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp, trek up to Everest ABC, which is sometimes called Camp 3 at 6340m then trek out and drive onto Kathmandu.

Day 1 - arrive Kathmandu

Arrive in Kathmandu. You’ll be met at the airport by a representative from Explore Himalaya (our local agent) so look out for a sign with your name on it. If, for some strange reason, the Explore Himalaya staff aren't there, either contact us or take a taxi to the hotel in Thamel.

You have the rest of the day free to explore Thamel. Thamel is a mass of energy and chaos with a myriad banners, signs, pumping music shops, bakeries, internet cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels and eccentrically clad backpackers. Normally we meet at Sam's bar over a drink before dinner.

We collect your passports ready for processing the Chinese visa tomorrow.

Day 2 - Kathmandu

Today we’ll explore the sights of Kathmandu and the valley (opens in a new window) with a good local guide. Many trekkers are already familiar with Kathmandu so we match the sightseeing itinerary to what people haven't seen before. In the late afternoon we can sort out any equipment that you need.

Day 3 - fly Kathmandu 1350m to Lhasa 3660m

We check in early for the for the hour long flight to Tibet. This spectacular flight, on a China Airlines Boeing takes us right across the main Himalayan range and provides us with magnificent mountain views. After landing at Gonggar Airport and meeting our Tibetan guide, it is 45 minutes more to Lhasa via the new tunnel. It's advisable to rest or take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa's altitude.

Day 4 - in Lhasa 3660m

Today will be spent visiting several of Lhasa's many monasteries in the company of a guide-interpreter. The order is decided by the guide. If anyone is particularly feeling the altitude then you might rest and relax or explore this morning and the tours will take place in the next two days. We have plenty of time in Lhasa.

We visit Sera Monastery, one of the best preserved monasteries in Tibet. Within it's white-washed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study.

Norbulingka is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, a quiet place of gardens and a pleasant house with impressive murals of Tibetan history and beliefs.

The Jokhang (temple) is the most sacred shrine in Tibet and on public days there is a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. This is the real Tibet as it was and is usually a highlight of the trip. Surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkor - a maze of narrow cobbled streets which is the central market of Lhasa and since our hotel is close to this you can wander around any time.

Day 5 - in Lhasa (3660m)

This morning we visit the Potala Palace which dominates the city of Lhasa. A spectacular building, it contains the private quarters of the Dalai Lama as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century.

A visit to the Drepung Monastery this afternoon will complete a truly awe-inspiring day. Founded in the 14th century, this monastery was once the largest in the world with a population of around 10,000 monks. These days that figure is down to several hundred, but there is still much here of interest as it was left relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution.

Day 6 - in Lhasa 3660m

A final day in Lhasa for acclimatization. This is a day at leisure in which we are free to explore further, revisit a favourite monastery or simply sit in a café overlooking the Barkor and watch the pilgrims as they circumambulate the Jokhang, stopping regularly to peruse the merchandise at the stalls lining the route.

There is also the option of an additional tour to places such as the Tibetan Medical Centre, Ganden Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery, these trips cost extra, talk with us before the trip or with your guide during your tour.

Day 7 - drive Shigatse 3900m ~250 km

We drive to Shigatse, arriving in time for a late lunch. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and Tashilunpo Monastary is the seat of the Panchen Lama, often considered the second most important Rinpoche after the Dalai Lama. Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls.

Day 8 - drive Shegar 4350m ~244km

Today we continue along the Friendship Highway, marvelling once more at the barren yet spectacular landscape of Tibet. Beyond the small town of Lhatse we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gyamtso La, 5220m. From here we descend to the plains, passing lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders, en route to Shegar and our overnight accommodation at Hotel Quomolongma (the Everest Hotel).

During the 1921 expedition a madman attacked their camp stoves here.

Day 9 - Shegar 4350m

We have gained altitude quickly since leaving Lhasa and so this is a break to acclimatize. The town of New Tingri. New Shegar is around 8 km walk and at the end of the town is a beautiful functioning gompa and a ruined fort above. Exploring around there is the perfect acclimatization trip. Remember to pack windproof clothing and your camera. You can buy water and snacks in New Tingri.

Day 10 - drive Rongbuk 5000m 68km

Shortly after leaving Shegar, we turn off the Friendship Highway and head south over the Pang La 5150m towards the main Himalayan range. The view from the top is incredible with uninterrupted views stretching from Makalu to Shishapangma. Below the pass, Everest initially is hidden from view, but as we turn the corner into the Rongbuk Valley it reappears, more impressive than ever. A little out of Tashidzong we have to change vehicles. We stay overnight at the Gompa Guest House or camp if it is very busy.

Day 11 - trek Everest Base Camp 5150m

It is only 8kms from Rongbuk to Everest BC but we are high, expect to feel the altitude. We camp at the Everest expedition base camp. This is a short day, really it is one of many acclimatization days. How often do you get a chance to sit and read at 5000 metres with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above us.

Day 12 - Everest Base Camp 5150m

We spend one (or perhaps two) days here to acclimatize, giving you have the chance to explore around the area.

Day 13 - trek Camp 1 5460m

We begin in a dusty ablation valley with views of Pumori, Lingtren and even Nuptse then branch off up the East Rongbuk valley. Camp 1 is set in a barren world of moraine hills under beautifully sculpted yellow-orange granite cliffs. All our trekking days are short, allowing for proper acclimatization. It may be that we stay this night at Everest BC and instead trek directly to Interim tomorrow.

Day 14 - trek to Interim Camp 5760m

The trail to the Interim Camp climbs and descents over the gravel hills, always staying above the west edge of the ice. Interim camp is a good place to spend a night acclimatizing before trekking to Camp 2. Nearby, the first ice seracs [ice pinnacles] rise like white sails from the dark debris-laden surface of the glacier we will go and take a good look at these.

Day 15 - Interim Camp 5760m

We spend a day here in the intermediate camp, resting to further acclimatize. We will of course explore the surroundings on small excursions. However this is another good chance to finish that book.

Day 16 - trek to Camp 2 5970m

The Rongbuk Glacier is an impressive frozen ocean of ice waves; the views of the glacier and the Himalayan peaks are some of the most dramatic in Tibet. Along the middle moraine of the glacier is the trail that expeditions use to begin their climbs of Everest and this is the trail we are taking. About two hours above the Interim camp the central ridgeline leads in to a confused of ice at the confluence with the Changtse glacier. Camp 2 [5970m] is only ten minutes from here, set in a beautiful location; glaciers large and small spills into the valley from every direction and the appropriately named Serac Highway continues to extend its unusual gravel arm trough the centre of the of the ice formations.

Day 17 - trek to ABC 6340m

Each person has the choice of making a day trip to ABC and sleeping at Camp 2, or of spending the night at Camp 3, now more commonly called ABC. Beware though, the altitude is extreme.

Camp 3, the advance base camp for the North Col route up Everest, is situated within a group of flattened gravel mounds beside the glacier. The pinnacles, the frightening group of rock palisades that kept the Northeast Ridge unclimbed for so long, are just another 1500 metres up from camp 3. Most amazing of all is the ridge extending above the Pinnacles to the southwest: the striated rock summit of Everest. The top of this mountain appears phenomenally close; it is little more than 2400 metres higher than camp 3. This is the closest non-climbers can get to the top of Everest. With a pair of binoculars, you are almost there...

Day 18 - trek down to Base Camp

This is a  LONG day's trekking down to Base Camp but to much lower, more comfortable altitudes.

Day 19 - drive Nyalam 3750m

We normally take the shortcut to Tingri where we have lunch. Beyond Tingri are more views of Everest, Cho Oyu and other giants. Then we cross two high passes, the Lalung La (5124m) and the Shung La (5200m). Once more we are rewarded with magnificent views, this time Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar, and to the right of the road is Shishapangma. Over the last pass we begin the long descent leaving the arid Tibetan Plateau to Nyalam just 30km before the Nepalese border. After Tibet, it appears an incredibly lush and green town. We stay at a simple hotel.

Day 20 - drive Kathmandu

It is around one hours drive to the border post at Zhangmu where we pass thru Immigration. A few kilometres further is the Friendship Bridge which spans the Bhote Kosi River and marks the Chinese - Nepalese border. We say goodbye to our Tibetan guide and driver and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari where we will be met by our Nepalese staff. After completing the re-entry formalities we continue the drive to Kathmandu which, depending on road and weather conditions, should take about 5 hours. It's time to get cleaned up at the hotel, which has abundant hot water.

Day 21 - depart

Farewell. We take you to the airport for your flight home. We hope you had a fantastic trip, the journey of a lifetime.

You are welcome to arrive earlier / stay longer in Kathmandu and we can assist with hotels, tours, showing you around etc.

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