Tibet Everest Makalu Trekking - 21 Days
9 days trekking to Northeast site of Everest-Makalu. From green Arun valley into ice regions. Visit monastery Rongbuk and Everest Base Camp.Trek at the foot of Cho Oyu and Shishapangma. Cultural highlights: Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse. With clear view appear the north side of Makalu and Homolonzo as well as the east and north side of the Mount Everest for seizing close. Here inspire not only the snow summits, but also the vegetation unusually sumptuous for Tibet: gentian, azaleas and edelweiss transform the rhododendron, ever after season, into multicolored bloom carpets. We will pass by the beautiful Yamdrok Lake and cross over the Karo La (5.010 m) (La=Pass) and Simi La before we reach Gyantse and Shigatse, where we visit the famous monasteries of Palkor Tschoede and Tashilunpo separately.
On the way we have many chances to have panoramic views of lots of splendor mountain passes, for instance, the Pang La (5.200 m) the starting point of our large trekking at the east side of the Makalu and Everest. By the green forest and pasture of Kharta valley we walk along the clear highland lakes and up to the Shao La (4.970 m) and Langma La (5,270 m), the latter being the highest point of our trekking. The north side of the Makalu as well as the east and north sides of the Himalayas will appear near and clearly before us during our journey. What makes you astonished is not only the grand snow-capped peaks, but also the luxuriant vegetations, which transform the land into a multicolored carpet of flowers. We drive by 4-wheeled vehicles to the Rongbuk Monastery, where we start the breath-taking trekking along the steep north side of the Everest. A whole day will be spent for sightseeing and investigation around the Everest base camp. We carry out further trekking at the foot of the Cho Oyu and Shishapangma. Finally we pass by Tingri and Kathmandu via Zhangmu.
Itinerary
Day 01: Arive in Kathmandu: Arrive Lhasa airport picking up, have a good rest in the afternoon. Overnight at Lhasa.
Day 02: Lhasa sightseeing: Visit Potola Palace, Johkang temple, and Barkor Market. Overnight at Lhasa.
Day 03: Lhasa sightseeing: Visit Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, overnight at Lhasa.
Day 04: Lhasa/ Gyantse/ Shigatse: In the morning drive to Gyantse along the Kyichu River. On the Kamba La (4.796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake of Yamdrok Yumtso (4441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. On one of the peninsulas of the spear-shaped lake lies the holy Mt. Donang Sangwari (5,340m), and the snow peaks of Nojin Gangzang (7,191m) and Jangzang Lhomo rise in the distance. The lake and the Yarlungtsangpo River (3570) are separated by a mountain and the shortest distance between them is only 6 kilometers. The 800m-high difference contributes a rich water resource to this region. Many Tibetans believe that the life of Tibet will no longer continue when the lake dries up. Pass by the 5.010 m high Karo La and the Simi La to Gyantse (approx. 3.900 m). In the afternoon visit Pelkor Chode Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the15th century and situated in the northwestern edge of Gyantse. This typical Tibetan Buddhist monastery is the only one large building complex in Tibet that old monastery and stupas are completely preserved and characterized as a monument. It is recorded14,000 kilograms of copper was used to make the 8-meter-high sitting statue of Sakyamuni Buddha housed in the grand hall of the temple. The 8-storey stupa is 42m high and 62m in diameters contains a total of 76 chapels with wonderful murals revered by art scholars around the world. In the afternoon drive about 90 kilometers to Shigatse, (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang. Overnight at Hotel
Day 05: Shigatse/ Shegar : In the morning visit Tashilunpo monastery of Gelug Sect, the seat of the Panchen Lama built in 1447 and one of the six grand monasteries in Tibet. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China, and a tomb of the 4th Panchen Lama containing masses of jewels and gold. In Tibet Buddhism, Panchen Lama is just the reincarnation of Maitreya Buddha. Today 600 monks live in the monastery. After the visit drive along the south route to enjoy wonderful landscapes on the way. In the south the snowy magnificent Himalayas rise, in the north line up the summits of the Trans Himalaya. Afterwards drive on the Arniko Highway to Shegar. On the way get across the Tsuo La (4.500 m) and the Lhakpa La (5.220 m). If it is clear, the snow-covered summits of Everest and Lhotse appear. Overnight dorm bed.
Day 06: Shegar/ Kharta: Start early in the morning. On the Pang La (5.200 m) enjoy the fantastic landscape; stop at Peruche to have lunch; and finally reach Kharta (3.750 m) by the Phung Chu (Arun River), which is near the Nepalese border and works as the starting point of the trekking (5-6 hours). Camping
Day 07: Trekking : In the morning make preparations for the pack yaks and porters. Start trekking with caravan in the early afternoon along the valley, which stretches up gently. In the wild the typical Tibetan vegetations are here and there, looking luxuriant owing to the summer monsoon from India. On the other side of the valley appears a monastery in a small village. After about half past one hour reach a small village, standing at one of the branch ways to the Shao La. Stop to have lunch at Kumba Kang La (4,045 m). And then go on trekking upward about one hour to reach the campground (4,280 m), a small pasture by the valley brook and dotted with dense azalea shrubs. Camping
Day 08: Trekking : Continue to trek. It is just 10 minutes to cross over a stone-timber bridge from the campground. Walk along the river and pass through some ramps and flat lands as well as some block rocks. Pass by several small glacier lakes and reach the big Shurim Tso Lake (4.550 m) about half past two hours later. Someone who is fine enough can take a walk to Shao Tso Lake, not far away. Camping
Day 09: rekking : In the morning walk to the other end of the lake and then begin to walk up along the somewhat steeply winding road. Get across the Shao La (4,970 m), where look down and have a good remote view of the large Shao Tso. Afterwards begin to walk down along the green hill ridge, which is called Metog Tsalching (flower garden) by local people. Keep on walking down, partialy on rubble road. The damp in the air makes the vegetations quite dense along the way. At the end of the descent (4.170 m) follow the river course out of the valley. Many small brooks join the river in the valley. Bewitching landscapes and beautiful wild flowers compensate for the trekking hardship now and then in the damp valley. Finally reach Joksom, a meadow at the edge of a forest, where the campground lies. (pure trekking time: about 5 hours, 3.970/4.010 m). Camping
Day 10: Trekking : In the morning walk up along the beautiful zigzag path behind the campground to Nadong La, which is 150 meters higher straightly than the Kama Chu valley at its foot. Pass by the Mikpik (4,315m) and keep on walking to Tsona (black lake, 4.295 m) along the meadow slope. After lunch at Tsono, the elevation of the ways changes between 4,600 and 4,240m at intervals. In the second valley lies a beautiful and much larger lake, which should be supplied by a river. Cross through the low ford possibly barefoot when pass by several small lakes. Afterwards walk up to a peak and the wonderful panoramic views of the Chomolungma, Lhotse, Pethangtse, Makalu and Chomolonzo reveal before us if the weather is fine. Set up camp by the beautiful Rakbar Chu. (pure trekking time: about 6-7 hours). Camping
Day 11: Trekking: In the morning cross a timber bridge over the Rakbar Chu and then reach Pethang Lhamo (4.285 m) about half and one hour later. Have lunch at the Tsech Tso Lake (4.440 m), which hide itself in a valley. Some parts of the road are quite steep today. In the afternoon reach campground. (pure trekking time: about 4 hours). Camping
Day 12: Trekking : In the morning walk about two hours along the Rakbar Chu and then walk up along the steep rock slope to Shao La. After trekking another one hour on the grassland covered by agueweed in blossom and ankle-deep azaleas, the grandiose Rakbar Glacier appears before us. On the left of the glacier, azaleas and cypress grow toughly on the ice cap and great mess of stones. Keep on walking on the smooth highland dotted with some small lakes. At last reach Shurim Tso Lake (4,990 m) at the foot of the Langma La and set up camp there. (pure trekking time: 5 1/2 to 7 1/2 hours). Camping
Day 13: Trekking: Today ascend to the Langma La (5.270 m)! The winding way is frequented by devout pilgrimages and so well maintained. At the bends of the road stand some big or small heaps of mani stones. It is somewhat hard to reach the pass if it was covered with ice. Though the winding path downward is long and steep, it is very safe to walk on it. Before reach Shomale (4.220 m) pass by a solid bridge a lake. (pure trekking time: 6-8 hours) Camping
Day 14: Trekking : Walk on a wide path to Kharta valley down from Shomale. On the way the dense greenery is alternated gradually by barley fields and, depending on season, other luxuriant vegetations. About three hours later reach Lhundrubling, where start driving to Rongbuk (5.030 m). The Everest with its north slope is impressive. Camping
Day 15: Trekking: In the morning visit the Rongbuk Monastery. With an elevation of 5,050 meters above sea level, it deserves to be the highest monastery in the world. It was said the Rongbuk Monastery had been built as early as the time of the Fifth Dalai Lama. Mount Everest, which stands 8,848 meters (29,021 ft) above sea level, is often referred to as 'the third pole on earth'. Being the world's highest peak, its legendary status holds a fascination to many trekkers and mountaineers. This hike to Everest's Base Camp is challenging, but the experience of reaching the heart of the pyramidal peak will certainly be exciting, rewarding, and unforgettable. About 6 hours will be spent for the trekking. Camping
Day 16: Rongbuk/ Cho Oyu: Drive to the foot of the Cho Oyu (8.201 m) by 4-wheeled vehicles. Camping
Day 17: Cho Oyu : During the daytime explore the Cho Oyu Base camps. Overnight accommodation in the tent. Camping
Day 18 Cho Oyu - Shishapangma - Paiku Tso Lake: Go to see the Shishapangma (8.046 m) today. Shishapangma is the only peak over 8,000 that lies completely on the territory of Tibet. We have ideal view of Shishapangma from Paiku Tso Lake. By the Paiku Tso Lake set up the camp.
Day 19 Paiku Tso/ Zhangmu: Pass by Lalung La and Nyelam Tong La (5.010 m) on the way. Along the Sun Kosi valley drive to Zhangmu, the port city on the China-Nepal border. Zhangmu is a small mountain city and always covered with damp mist. The only street of the city is built by the winding 318 National Highway with multi-shaped and colorful houses on both sides. Overnight at Hotel.
Day 20: Zhanmu-Kathmandu.
Day 21: Departure.
