Everest Kangshung Face Trek

Overview: Starting in Lhasa, you will visit the magnificent Potala Palace, the sacred Jokhang Temple, and the bustling Barkhor market. On the outskirts of the city, you can witness monks engaging in debates at Sera Monastery and explore the well-preserved temples of Drepung Monastery. Afterward, you will drive to the historic town of Gyantse, passing through snowy passes that offer breathtaking views before continuing on toKartha area. The trekking adventure begins in the Kharta Valley, where you will be rewarded with panoramic vistas of the Khangsung face of Mount Everest. The Kharta Valley trail winds through enchanting alpine meadows, vibrant forests adorned with colorful wildflowers, glacier-carved valleys, lofty mountain passes, charming Tibetan villages, tranquil medieval monasteries, and glistening emerald green lakes. Another highlight of the Kharta Valley to Kangshung trekking experience is reaching the Base Camp of Everest, which grants awe-inspiring views of the majestic North Face of the world’s highest peak.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Lhasa (3650m)

Welcome to Lhasa! Transfer to your hotel and get settled.

Day 2: Lhasa sightseeing(3650m)

Visit Drepung, one of the three most renowned monasteries in Lhasa. Drepung is situated on Gambo Utse Mountain, just outside Lhasa. It was once a residence for up to 10,000 monks, and the vast monastic complex encompasses numerous prayer halls, dormitories, and temples. Adjacent to the monastery is the Nechung Temple, which was previously inhabited by the state oracle.

Following that, proceed to Sera Monastery, where you can observe monks engaging in lively debates in the courtyard. If you enjoy hiking, you can embark on an hour-long circumambulation path around the monastery complex.

Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing (3650m)

In the morning, visit the Potala Palace, the greatest monumental structure in all of Tibet. The Potala is 13 stories high and holds countless treasures in its many rooms. Built in 637 AD, the Potala has been home to the Dalai Lama lineage for more than a thousand years.

Also, visit the Jokhang Temple, the holiest temple in all of Tibet. From the rooftop, you will see pilgrims from all over Tibet prostrating in front of the Jowo Buddha statue inside the monastery. Afterwards, walk through the Barkhor, a famous shopping street filled with goods and souvenirs from Tibet, Nepal, and India. Spend some time drinking sweet tea in a traditional tea house located on a rooftop overlooking the bustling Barkhor.

Day 4: Lhasa – Yamdrok Yumtso Lake – Gyantse –  Shigatse (3840m) 8 hours

Begin your adventure in the Himalayas by driving to Gyantse. Along the way, driving along the Yurlung Tsangpo (Brahmaputra River) River, then cross over the Kamba-La (4794m), which boast spectacular views. After Kamba-La, arrive at Yamdrok Lake, a holy turquoise-colored lake with stunning scenery.

Continue driving west, you reach and the Karo-La passes (5010m), which is a Glacier Mountain along the Mount Nyenchen Kangsang range. Afterwards, we will reach Gyantse. Gyantse has an important role in the history of Tibet. Visit the Pelkor Chode Monastery and Kumbum Stupa, followed by a two-hour drive to Shigatse. Here, see the giant Buddha in the famous Tashilhunpo Monastery. Spend the night in Shigatse.

Day 5: Shigatse to Sakya Monastery to Shegar (4350m)

Drive up to high mountain passes with a great view of the Himalayas. You will be driving through the countryside and grasslands, where you can see small lakes and nomads camping with their yaks and sheep. On the way, take a detour to Sakya Monastery. As the seat of the Sakya school of Tibetan Buddhism, it was founded in 1073 by Konchok Gyelpo, Unlike other temples and houses you have seen before, the buildings in this monastery are in black and red. Sakya is also famous to see some of the oldest paintings and traditional printed scriptures. After visiting in the monastery, we drive to Shegar.

Day 6: Shegar to Kharta (4400m) via Pangla Pass

In the morning, drive to Kharta from Shegar via the high Phangla Pass (5100m), and then continue driving to Tashi Zom village. It is a small traditional village surrounded by high peaks and hiking places for adventure seekers. After taking a short break at the village, we will move to the Kharta valley. The road on the left side leads to Kharta valley and to the right is to the Everest region. Once you reach to the village, prepare for the trek next day.

Day 7: Kharta to Lhundrupling (3990m) – 4-5 hours

Embark on your trekking journey from Kharta today. The initial part of the trek involves crossing rocky ranges and paths, offering views of rugged mountains and a clear river along the trail. You may have the chance to spot wildlife such as wild goats and wild asses during your trek. Camp overnight. The Kartha Valley landscape is particularly stunning on clear days. Set up camp and immerse yourself in the beautiful wilderness.

Day 8: Campsite to Kamo Tsangpo Valley via Shao la pass (4580m) – 5-6 hours

After breakfast, you will head towards Shao La Pass at 4,970 meters, where you can enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Everest (8,848m), Makalu (8,475m), and Lhotse (8,501m) in a clear day. The trail descends steeply, passing through picturesque yak pastures, leading you to the Kamo Tsangpo Valley. Camp overnight.

Local village guesthouse

Day 9: Trekking from Kamo Tsangpo Valley to Khangsung Valley (4800m) – 5-6 hours

Today’s trek takes you from Kamo Tsangpo Valley through a conifer forest, ascending steeply to an altitude of 300 to 400 meters. Along the trail, you’ll encounter beautiful alpine ridges. These ridges are chosen as summer camps by yak herders from Kharta village. The trail then continues, crossing emerald green lakes, and offering views of the Kangshung Face of Everest. Camp overnight.

Day 10: Trekking from Khangsung Valley to Pethang Ringmo (3990m) – 5-6 hours

Today’s trek will take you across a sacred cave known as a popular meditation place of Padmasambhava. The cave features prayer rooms and serves as a shelter for pilgrims. After a few kilometers from the cave, you’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring sight of gigantic peaks. Camp overnight.

Day 11: Trekking from Pethang Ringmo to Hoppo (4800m) – 4-5 hours

Today’s trekking route leads you from Pethang Ringmo to Hoppo, crossing lush alpine meadows and small passes along the way. Hoppo is surrounded by high alpine grasslands, making it an ideal location for yak herding. Camp overnight.

Day 12: Trekking from Hoppo to Khangsung Base Camp (5090m) – 4-5 hours

The Khangshung Base Camp is not far from Hoppo, but reaching it takes some time due to the high altitude. Along the trail to Khangsung Valley, you’ll be treated to views of the northern face of the Himalayan range. Camp overnight.

Day 13: Trekking from Khangsung Base Camp to the Base of Langma La (4800m) – 5-6 hours

After breakfast, you’ll embark on a trail that leads to another valley, eventually reaching the Langma La pass. From the pass, you’ll have the opportunity to witness towering peaks surrounding Mount Everest. The highest point of the Kharta Valley is the Langma La pass at 5,330 meters. This route to Everest’s east base camp (Khangshung face) offers an unforgettable high-altitude experience. Camp overnight.

Day 14: Trekking from Langma La (5330m) to Lhundrupling (3990m) – 5-6 hours

After breakfast, you will ascend to the Langma La high pass, where you can enjoy the magnificent view of three 8000m high peaks: Makalu, Everest, and Lhotse. Continue the trek to Lhundrupling. Camp overnight.

Day 15: Trekking from Lhundrupling to Kharta (3690m) – 4-5 hours

On the last day of the trek, you will retrace your steps back to the starting point of the Kharta Valley trek and enjoy the final day of your journey. By this time, you will likely feel more accustomed to the high altitude. Camp overnight.

Map of the trek

Day 16: Kharta – Shigatse (3840m)

Today, you will drive back to Shigatse from Kharta. In Shigatse, see the Shigatse Dzong, a castle fortress and former residence of the kings of Tsang. Originally built in the seventeenth century, its design served as the basis for the construction of the Potala Palace. From the fortress, enjoy beautiful views of the city.

Day 17: Shigatse – Lhasa (3650m)

Once back in Lhasa, take some time to stroll through the alleys of the old Tibetan quarter and explore any workshops or stores that pique your interest. Enjoy the opportunity to indulge in local cuisine, revisit your favorite restaurant, or discover a delicious place for dinner.

Day 18: Depart from Lhasa

Bid farewell to the captivating land of Tibet as you prepare to depart.