Located on the Rombuk Glacier, North of Mt.Everest in the autonomous region of Tibet in China , Everest Base Camp is one of those trips that most adventurous souls aspire to do. At 17,700 feet, this is higher than most other Himalayan treks and ranks right at the top in terms of difficulty, thrill and adrenaline. We realise that everyone may not be up for a trek to Mount Everest Base Camp on the Southern side of Everest, we offer you an opportunity to reach the base camp of the early British expeditions to Everest including that of Mallory, over land. Steeped in the history of man's quest to reach the top of the world, you can see the memorial to George Mallory and Andrew Irvine and gaze at the spot where they disappeared for ever. Two books that you must read before you go on this trip are 'Paths of Glory' by Jeffrey Archer and "Ghosts on Everest" by Simonson, Hemlebb and Johnson. Prepare for 12 days of fun, adrenaline rush and absolute, pure, unadulterated adventure!

We start and end this trip in Kathmandu and during these 11 nights and 12 days you fly to Lhasa in Tibet to take this over land journey all the way to the Everest Base Camp. On the way you explore the beauty of the pristine Tibetan landscapes, acquainting yourself to the local culture and people, passing through many towns, villages, valleys, forests, monasteries, palaces and so much more.

This is one trip that has not been done before and would give you a high like never before. You would have the opportunity to take in the spellbinding and majestic views of Mt Makalu, Mt Lhotse, Mt Everest and Mt Shishapama from left to right, an experience like none other!

DETAILED ITINERARY:

DAY 01: ARRIVE IN KATHMANDU
We arrive at Kathmandu airport and drive to the hotel. Upon check in, take rest and relax for the day.

DAY 02: KATHMANDU SIGHTSEEING
After having breakfast in the hotel, we leave for a half day local sightseeing of Kathmandu, visiting iconic Pashupatinath Temple and the Durbar Square. We have the afternoon at leisure to explore the area. Return to hotel in the night for an overnight stay.

DAY 03: IN KATHMANDU
We have our breakfast at the hotel and spend most of the day completing visa formalities and processing.

DAY 04: TO LHASA
After breakfast, we fly to Gonggar airport in Tibet. As we land in Lhasa, we are enchanted by the stunning mountainous landscape and surrounding. We are greeted by our local guide and driven to the hotel. In less than an hour we reach the hotel and post check in spend the day relaxing and getting acclimatized to high altitudes. Stay overnight in Lhasa.

DAY 05: IN LHASA
This day could begin with a slight headache, due to being in such high altitudes. But don’t worry, and keep yourself well hydrated. Have a full meal and head out for a guided city tour of Lhasa. The first landmark you visit is the winter palace of the Dalai Lama called Potala Palace. After this we take you to Jokhang Temple and post this you get some time to explore Bakhor Street, which used to be an important business centre and is now a major tourist shopping hub. These visits will teach you a lot about the Tibetan history, culture and architecture. We return to the hotel in the evening and spend the rest of the day at leisure.

DAY 06: LHASA SIGHTSEEING
We have our breakfast and leave for another exciting day of familiarizing ourselves to the history of Tibet. On our sightseeing menu this day are popular monasteries of Lhasa, namely Drepung and Sera. Drepung Monastery, which today houses more than 10,000 monks, has undergone several destructions in the past, yet continues to exude charm that can be explored on foot through narrow lanes. Sera Monastery, built in 17th century, witnesses famous Buddhist philosophical debates taking place here every day except Sundays. We spend the evening at leisure and then head back to the hotel for an overnight stay.

DAY 07: LHASA (11811 ft) – GYANTSE (12795 ft) – SHIGATSE (12795 ft) (350 kms, 7 hrs)
Today we head out south west, through long winding roads, climbing up the Kampa La (15419 ft) enamoured by the rapturous beauty of the holy Yamdok Lake with its turquoise coloured water and snowcapped Mt. Nyenchen Khangsar in the background. We continue to drive along the lake till we reach Nagar Tse where we have lunch. Post this we proceed through magnificent valleys, exquisite local villages and reach Karo La (16896 ft) to see Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar Glacier. As we arrive in Gyantse, we visit Kumbum Stupa and Palkhor Choede Monastery. The monastery is not only renowned for its architectural splendor but also for the rich paintings and engravings in the inner walls of the Monastery. Continue the drive further to Shigatse, officially called Xigaze, a sprawling modern town in Tibet with wide boulevards humming with traffic. Upon arrival, we check in to the hotel for overnight stay.

DAY 08: SHIGATSE (12795 ft) – EBC (17700 ft) (350 kms, 7 hrs)
Today we will set out for the most sought destinations in the Himalayas - Everest Base Camp, surpassing several undulating passes along the way. Enroute we will get a sneak peek of the high and mighty Everest from the viewing point at Gyatso. Then we go on to cross the border check point at Shegar, hit the friendship highway and drive towards the south of the valley through snaky roads. Upon arrival at the Guwa La, we will get spellbound by the spectacular Himalayan Ranges and the majestic peaks of Mt Makalu, Mt Lhotse, Mt Everest and Mt Shishapama from left to right. The road will lead to a steep descent to the dry valley of Tashi Zom and finally we will reach the day’s destination – Everest Base Camp, located in the Rongbuk valley. Rongbuk valley is the highest Monastery where both monks and nuns reside. As you reach the base camp, you are free to explore the area on foot depending on your physical condition or you can feel free to make best use of the dedicated minibus on offer for exploration of the area. Stay overnight in tented accommodation.

Note: In Shigatse, the guide takes some time to procure ATP (Alien travel permit) from the local PSB as the same is required to be shown on the return journey at the border post of Shegar.

DAY 09: RONGBUK (16404 feet) - SHEGAR – SHIGATSE (350 kms, 7 hrs)
We wake up early in the morning to view the luminous peaks as the sun rays fall on them. It is indeed a difficult task to bid farewell to such a landscape as we depart for Shigatse. Upon arrival at Shigatse, check in to the hotel. Spend the evening at leisure and overnight stay in Shigatse.

DAY 10: SHIGATSE – LHASA (280 kms, 4 - 5 hrs)
Here at Shigatse, we will get some local flavour of the place by visiting Tashi Lhunpo Monastery which was built by the first Dalai Lama Gedun Drup in 1447 and later it became the seat of the Panchen Lama lineages. Later we drive towards Lhasa. We pass through the friendship highway, crossing various local villages. We stop by a village incense factory where the locals use primitive methods to make incense sticks. We reach Lhasa by late evening. Spend the rest of the evening taking rest and stay overnight in Lhasa.

DAY 11: LHASA TO KATHMANDU
As our memorable trip comes to an end, we prepare to fly back to Kathmandu for our onward journey home with unforgettable memories of Tibet. We reach Kathmandu and get transferred to the hotel. Take rest for the remaining part of the day.

DAY 12: KATHMANDU TO DELHI
We head out to Kathmandu Airport for our journey back home.