Advanced Everest Base Camp Trek – 21 Days
14 days
Age 12+
Sep, Oct, Nov
Availability 50
Trip Code:
HSTADVANCED
Country:
Tibet
Duration:
21 Days
Trip Level:
Challenging These are some of the most advanced and challenging treks that you can accomplish. There is no guarantee that you will realistically finish this on time due to the challenges. This trek is open to anyone that has a strong level of fitness, a high tolerance towards difficulties and who is an experienced mountaineer and trekker. Throughout this trek you will walk across areas that are covered in snow, reaching very remote locations and climb up to 6500m in altitude. Peak climbing and expeditions would be in this trip bracket.
Max Altitude:
6340 m / 20,795 ft
Activity:
Sightseeing and High Altitude Trekking
Starts at:
Kathmandu
Ends at:
Kathmandu
Trip Route:
Kathmandu – Lhasa – Everest North Base Camp - Interim Camp – Camp 2 – Advanced Base Camp – Zhangmu – Kathmandu
Best Season:
April, May, June, July, August, September & October
Trip Highlights
- Guided tour of Kathmandu – the capital of Nepal and visit shrines, temples and local bazaars.
- Guided tour of Lhasa – the capital of Tibet.
- Scenic flight Kathmandu – Lhasa.
- Rub noses with Everest, trek towards the Everest Advanced Base Camp at 6,380 metres in altitude.
- Visit the most prominent local UNESCO World Heritage site – Potala Palace, reputed as one the new seven wonders of the world.
- Picturesque drives via China/Nepal Friendship Bridge to Kathmandu.
Trip Information
Everest Advanced Base Camp or EABC is the highest trek on earth to be followed on an acknowledged path and reaches the highest point you can ascent to on Everest without permit and without mountaineering abilities. This is a trek via Tibet that arrives at Camp 3 – 6,400 m altitude and North Col base puncturing the East Rongbuk Glacier. Camp 3 is the closest point to the summit of Everest that a non professional can touch, and the starting point for expeditions that tempt to climb the summit via Northeast Ridge.
The route towards the Everest Advanced Base Camp is not a walk in the park, but if you want to see with your own eyes the grandiose North face of Everest this is the only way.
The itinerary will lead you among small remote Tibetan hamlets, splendid white capped rocky peaks and nomadic herdsmen wandering around this harsh area. And you will also have the chance to explore in depth the cultural aspects of Tibet in Lhasa and other small settlements and towns.
Lhasa is a great tourist destination on its own, with the famous Potala Palace – UNESCO World Heritage Monument, Jokhang Temple, Barkor Square and charming monasteries like Ganden, Sera or Drepung.
So, the trek starts with Lhasa, goes through Rongbuk Valley, cross the passes Karo La and Kamba La. You cannot miss the gorgeous vistas of Nojin Kangsang peak with its alluring height of 7,206 m. The next stop is the small village of Gyantse, renowned for its ancient fortress, after that follows Shigatse village where you will admire the Tashilhunpo Monastery. The next days you will enter the Everest Nature Reserve, visit the Rongphu Monastery, and cross Pang La Pass at 5,205 m height. Enjoy spectacular panoramas of Everest, Makalu, Lhotse, Shishapangma and Cho Oyu.
Some may consider this trek as a great advantage the fact the Everest Advanced Base Camp via Tibet, can be accessed by car and the trail used for trekking is much shorter.
Itinerary
- Day 1 – Arrival in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 2 – Pre-trip Meeting and Sightseeing around Kathmandu valley. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 3 – Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 4 & 5 – Sightseeing in Lhasa. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 6 – Drive Lhasa to Gyantse (3950 m)- 305 km/6 hrs. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 7 – Drive to Shigatse (3900 m)- 95 km/2 hrs. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 8 – Drive to Shegar or New Tingri (4050 m) via Sakya-m290 km/ 5 hrs. Overnight at Guesthouse.
- Day 9 – Drive to Ronguk(5000 m) to North Everest Base Camp (5050 m)- 115 km/4 hrs. Overnight at Tented Camp.
- Day 10, 11 & 12 – Acclimatization prior to trekking to Interim Camp. Overnight at Tented Camp.
- Day 13 – Trek to Interim Camp, 6 to 8 hrs. Overnight at Tented Camp.
- Day 14 – Camp II, 5 to 7 hrs. Overnight at Tented Camp.
- Day 15 – Trek to Advance Base Camp, 6 to 8 hrs. Overnight at Tented Camp.
- Day 16 – Spare day stay at Advance Base camp. Overnight at Tented Camp.
- Day 17 – Trek down to Bace Camp, 7 to 9 hrs. Overnight at Tented Camp.
- Day 18 – Dive to Zhangmu(2300 m) via Nyalam- 255 km/5 hrs. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 19 – Cross the Border and Drive to Kathmandu- 125 km/4 to 5 hrs. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 20 – Leisure day in Kathmandu. Overnight at hotel.
- Day 21 – Transfer for your final flight departure.
Day 1 - Landing in Kathmandu 1,400 m
You will be welcomed by a Himalayan Steps representative at Tribhuvan International Airport – Kathmandu, outside the airport terminal and transferred to the hotel.
Accommodation in hotel. Meals not included.
Day 2 - Pre-trip meeting and guided tour of Kathmandu Valley
In the morning you will attend in your hotel a pre-trip meeting, where you will be introduced to your trek tour guide/leader. Please ensure you bring your passport, your travel insurance policy and three passport size photos. Also, you will be invited to sign a non-liability disclaimer, the legally binding trip form and ask all the questions you judge necessary.
After the meeting your tour starts with a guided visit of Kathmandu and its surroundings. The most prominent monuments of the area, listed UNESCO World Heritage Sites, are on the list: Pashupatinath Temple, Boudhanath Stupa, Bhaktapur Durbar Square. Plus the Palace of 55 windows, the Royal Quarter ofBhupatindra Malla, art galleries, the Golden Gate, the Lion Gate.
Accommodation in hotel with breakfast.
Day 3 - Flight to Lhasa, positioned at an altitude of 3,660 m
The flight to Lhasa ranks high among the most scenic air routes across the globe, as you will overfly the Himalayan giants. You will be welcomed by the Tibetan representative of Himalayan Steps and driven to your hotel.
Accommodation in hotel with breakfast.
Day 4 - Visit Lhasa
Acclimatisation day and spare time to visit Lhasa. Visit Sera Monastery, a symbol of the Tibetan Buddhism and Norbulingka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lama and its spectacular gardens and sacred spots. And also the Jokhang Temple and the noisy Barkhor Markets.
Accommodation in hotel with breakfast.
Day 5 - Second acclimatization day in Lhasa
A charming day at horizont with the visits of the UNESCO World Heritage site – Potala palace, Drepung Monastery and Tibet Museum. Potala Palace shelters collections of Buddhist artifacts and the pantheon of tombs of former Dalai Lamas. It was the tallest building on earth for a couple hundred years after it was built in the 17th century.
Accommodation in hotel with breakfast.
Day 6 - Drive from Lhasa towards Gyantse, positioned at an altitude of 3,950m
Your target destination today is Gyantse, a clear exponent of the traditional Tibetan rural life. On your way here, you will pass via the Friendship Highway, cross the Khamba La at 4,794 m altitude, admire the turquoise sparkling waters of Yamdrok Tso Lake and the Nazin Kang Sang glacier skyrocketing at 7,252 m. And also cross Karo La pass at 5,045 m height.
Accommodation in hotel with breakfast.
Day 7- Drive to Shigatse sheltered at 3,900 m altitude
Your itinerary passes today via Gyantse, where you will visit the 14th century fort Gyantse Dzong and the Buddhist complex of Kumbum. After that you will stop to visit the Shalu monastery with its mix of architectural styles Indian, Tibetan and Han, and once in Shigatse, the Tashilhunpo Monastery, one of the largest Tibetan monasteries in function.
Accommodation in hotel with breakfast.
Day 8 - Drive towards Shegar, situated at an elevation of 4,050 m
A drive inside a scenic landscape, that will stop in small settlements like Lhatse. The drive to Shegar is defined by picturesque landscape – we will pass through the small town of Lhatse and cross the Gyamtso La pass at an altitude of 5,220 m. During the day you will visit the Natang Monastery and Sakya Monastery, with its largest book across the globe written in gold.
Accommodation in guesthouse with breakfast.
Day 9 - Drive to Everest Base Camp at an altitude of 5,150 m
Today you will be driven via Pang La pass, from where you can notice Shishapangma and Makalu peaks, to Rongbuk, where the majestuous Mt. Everest will pop up in front of your eyes. One of the highlights of your tour will be explored today, Everest Base Camp, the closest point to Everest for common trekkers. After that you will visit the Rongbuk Monastery, a pilgrimage spot for Buddhist devouts and walk along the paths used by monks and hermits for centuries.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Days 10, 11 and 12 - Exploration of Everest Base Camp and acclimatization time
You will spend here several days to properly acclimate before you start trekking to Interim Camp. It’s a once in a lifetime chance to stay, relax and eat in the shadow of the tallest peak on earth.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 13 - Approximately 8 hours trek to reach the Everest Interim Base Camp perched at 5,760 m height
Today’s route starts via a dusty valley that shows vistas of peaks like Lingtren, Pumori or Nuptse, continues via the East Rongbuk valley, ascends the moraines, to reach the iced pinnacles of the glacier.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 14 - 7 hours trek to arrive at Everest Camp 2 at an altitude of 5,970 m
Above Interim camp the ridgeline from the central part meets the Changtse glacier. Camp 2 set up is a splendid location among a plethora of glaciers of various dimensions, crossed by Sera Highway in the center.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 15 - 8 hours trek to reach the Everest Advanced Base Camp, placed at an altitude of 6,340 m
The panoramas made by the frozen sea of ice waves called Rongbuk Glacier, together with the snow capped gigantesque peaks, are more than stunning and among the most dramatic in Tibet.
The middle moraine of the glacier is the route used by expeditions aiming to summit the Everest, and this is the route you will follow too. The last part between Lhakpa Ri Base Camp and Everest Advanced Base Camp is very strenuous and demanding.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 16 – Relaxing day at Advanced Base Camp at an alluring altitude of 6,340 m
This is a day for relaxation and for observing the expedition atmosphere. Expeditions via North Col towards the summit start from here. The Advanced Base Camp is situated beside the glacier inside gravel mounds. From here the striated cliffy summit of the Everest giant appears to be incredibly close.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 17 - About 9 hours trek to return to Base Camp. Accommodation in camping
The returning path is a long descending journey. It’s more relaxing when started from Camp 2 than Camp 3, and more pleasant.
Accommodation in camping. Breakfast, lunch and dinner included.
Day 18 - Drive to Zhangmu, while descending at 2,400 m altitude
You’ll wake up in the morning to experience the sunrise over Mt. Everest. This is an absolutely unique experience. Your target destination today is Zhangmu, where you will arrive after an off-road drive via Tingri, Lalung La Pass, Shung La Pass and Nalyam Pass. From now on, you will leave behind the dry Tibetan Plateau to reach the verdant fields of Zhangmu.
Accommodation in guesthouse with breakfast.
Day 19 - Driving back to Kathmandu
Today you will leave the territory of Tibet, after passing via the Friendship Bridge, the Bhote Koshi River and deep valleys to arrive in Kathmandu.
Accommodation in hotel with breakfast included.
Day 20 - Relaxing day in the city of Kathmandu
A rest and relax day in Kathmandu which will end up with an organized farewell dinner in a traditional restaurant accompanied by cultural show.
Accommodation in hotel with breakfast and farewell dinner included.
Day 21 - Departure day
The trip ends, our Airport Representative will drop you to the Kathmandu International Airport for your flight departure from Nepal.
Accommodation in hotel with breakfast included.
Price Includes:
- Pick up from and drop off at the hotel and the airport on a private tourist vehicle.
- Twin sharing accommodation in a three star hotel in Kathmandu; Breakfast included. (4 nights)
- Tibetan-standard two-star hotel accommodation (mostly twin-sharing room) in Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse with basic guesthouse accommodation for rest of the town in Tibet.
- Tented accommodation during the trek from and to base camp of Everest (We will provide fully water proof two men tents, dining tents, kitchen gear, dining table, chairs, toilet tents etc).
- All your standard Meals with hot drinks during the camping from and to base camp (Breakfasts, Lunches and Dinners).
- Boiled and purify drinking water while camping.
- Kathmandu – Lhasa airfare and airport departure tax.
- Surface transportation to and from Kathmandu on private vehicle (border pick/drop etc.).
- Guided city tour in Kathmandu on a private vehicle.
- Sightseeing/monument entrance fees in Kathmandu (on Day 02).
- Government-licensed English-speaking Tibetan tour guide.
- The required number of ground staff for the tour like helpers and drivers.
- Tourist Van or Land cruisers (4WD, 4500 model) and Support truck during the driving Tour (One Land cruiser for four clients)
- Yak and Yak man or Porters to carry the equipment from base camp to above and back.
- Food, accommodation, salary, insurance, equipment and medicine for our ground staff.
- Advance Base Camp Climbing Permit.
- All Camping and kitchen equipment.
- A down jacket and a sleeping bag provided (which needs to be returned after the trek).
- Free duffel/kit bag and sunhat (yours to keep).
- Farewell dinner in typical Nepali Restaurant with cultural dance show on second last day (On Day 20th).
- Tibet entry permission, Chinese visa and monastery entry fees.
- All government taxes, vat and Tourist service charges.
- All official expenses.
Price Does not Include:
- International airfare and airport departure tax.
- Travel insurance which covers emergency Rescue and Evacuation.
- Nepal entry visa – you can obtain a visa easily upon your arrival at the Tribhuwan International Airport in Kathmandu. (Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 15 days can be obtained by paying US $ 25 or equivalent foreign currency. Similarly, Tourist Visa with Multiple Entries for 30 days and 90 days can be obtained by paying US $40 and $ 100 respectively. Please bring 2 copies of passport size photos).
- Internet and telephone calls.
- Lunch and dinner in Kathmandu and during the tour in Tibet– about USD 15 to 20 per person per day.
- Item of Personal nature like alcohol, cold drinks and laundry.
- Personal clothing and equipment.(See the equipment tab for detail information)
- Tips for Guide, Porter and Driver. (Tipping is expected)
- Others expenses not mentioned in the Price Includes section.
The information below has been created so that you can use this as a guide in understanding the necessary equipment, clothing, gear, medicines and miscellaneous items required for this trekking tour. This list is of a general nature and you may decide to add or remove some of these items, please make sure that you have enough clothing to maximize your comfortability whilst on the trek.
We will provide you with a porter and a duffel bag to support and carry your heavier belongings however we do recommend that you also bring your own daypack to carry your money, personal items and any important documents.
Climbing Gear
- 1 Pair plastic shell mountaineering boots
- 1 Pair of crampons (steel, no aluminum).
- 1 Alpine climbing harness.
- 1 Mountaineering axe with leash (sized properly for your height)
- 1 Ascender (right or left handed as appropriate)
- 1 Belay device (Black Diamond ATC or ATC Guide are good options)
- 2 D-Shaped locking carabiners
- 2 Non-locking carabiners
- 1 Pair expedition style gaiters
- Neck gaiter
- Ski goggles (optional)
- Climbing helmet (optional)
General
- 4 seasons Sleeping bag
- Duffel or Rucksack bag or suitcase
- Daypack
- Down Jacket
Upper Body – Head / Ears / Eyes
- Shade hat or baseball cap.
- Warm wool or synthetic hat that cover your ears.
- Balaclava.
- Glacier glasses-100% UV protection with side shields and a hard-sided storage case (i.e. Julbo or Cebe).
- Headlamp – Black Diamond and Petzl both make several good ones.
- Some people like ear-muffs (optional).
- A neck warmer (optional).
Hand
- 1 pair liner gloves, thin wool or synthetic.
- 1 pair warm gloves (heavier fleece or wool).
- 1 pair shell gloves or mitts; Gore-Tex.
- Instant hand warmers (optional).
Core Body
- T-shirts (2).
- Light and expedition weight thermal tops.
- Fleece jacket or pullover.
- Fleece Wind-Stopper jacket (optional).
- Waterproof (preferably breathable fabric) shell jacket.
- 2 women sports bras
Lower Body – Legs
- 2 pairs nylon hiking shorts
- Underwear.
- 2 pairs lightweight long underwear – capilene or other synthetic.
- 1 pair soft shell pants – synthetic, full zip from top and bottom preferable.
- 2 pairs trekking pants, preferably that zip on/off at the knees so they double as shorts.
- 1 pair hard shell pants. Waterproof / breathable, Gore-Tex.
- 1 pair cotton pants (loose jeans/khakis).
- All clothing should be kept dry using waterproof stuff sacks or large puncture resistant plastic bags.
Feet
- 4 pairs of liner socks, synthetic or capilene.
- 3 pairs heavy weight socks to be worn over liner socks.
- 1 pair light weight socks, a good option for the lower / warmer parts of the trail.
- 1 pair light to medium weight water proof hiking/trekking boots.
- 1 pair light trekking shoes or sneakers.
- 1 pair hiking gaiters (Optional).
- 1 pair sandals (Optional).
Medicines and First Aid Kits
(Important: Our guide will already have a first aid kit which they bring with them however we also recommend that you bring some of these medicines with you in your daypack too.)
- Extra Strength Excedrin for altitude related headaches.
- Ibuprofen for general aches and pains.
- Immodium or Pepto bismol capsules for upset stomach or diarrhea.
- Diamox (commonly prescribed as Acetazolamide) 125 or 250mg tablets for altitude sickness.
- 1 small personal sized first-aid kit with blister treatments such as mole skin, band-aids, some waterproof tape, anti-infection ointments, etc.
Miscellaneous, but Important !
- Passport and extra passport photos (4 copies).
- Airline ticket
- Durable wallet / pouch for travel documents, money & passport.
- Lip balm. At least SPF 20, 2 sticks.
- Sunscreen.
- Pocket knife or small Swiss Army type.
- Water purification Iodine tablets or Polar-pure crystals.
- Toiletry kit. Be sure to include toilet paper stored in a plastic bag, hand wipes, and liquid hand sanitizer, towel, soap, etc.
- 2 bandanas.
Optional
- 1 pair adjustable trekking poles. (Optional).
- Favorite snack foods (Optional).
- Paperback books, cards, mp3 player (Optional).
- Binoculars (Optional).
- 1 light weight point & shoot camera or 1 large SLR. (Optional).
- Hydration bladder with drinking tube and tube insulator (Optional).
- A pee bottle for men and pee funnel for woman (Optional).
- 1 small stainless steel thermos (Optional).
Helpful Tip: For the majority of these items, clothing and equipment there are numerous different brands to choose from, we recommend that you buy most of these when you fly in to Tibet if possible because this way it can be a lot cheaper for you. If you would like any specific suggestions, please ask and we can certainly recommend those for you.
Here's a few answers to most common Questions asked by the customers.
What type of fitness or shape do I need to be in? +
The Advanced Everest Base Camp Trek trek is physically possible for anyone that is of an strong fitness level, this can be strenuous. We generally recommend however that you train for 3-4 months in advance of your departure date and some of the activities you can do is walking or hiking, running or even better running on a treadmill at incline.
Alternatively swimming is a great choice too. Typically you should be doing at least one or a combination of these activities for an hour each time and roughly 3-4 times a week in the lead up to your trek in Tibet.
Will somebody come to pick me up at the airport upon my arrival? +
Yes, one of our staff members will be waiting at the airport with a signboard ready to collect you once you arrive and from there we will transfer you by private vehicle to the hotel.
What is your cancellation policy? +
If you want to cancel your reserved tour, we may refund your fee payable to us minus a $150 cancellation fee (5000 INR for Indian Nationals). Himalayan Steps will not accept refunds for flights if we already booked your flight. In some cases we may reschedule your trip at no cost or with some cost if you provide us with 7 days advance notice.
We will not give any refunds if you finish the trekking earlier or later, or cancel your tour for medical or personal reason while trekking.
