Great Tibet Trekking Tour to Everest and Makalu

Home > Tibet Trekking Tour • Everest Tour and Everest Trekking

18 Days Private Tour Lhasa – Yamdrok – Gyantse - Shigatse - Shegar - Kahrta – Trekking to Everest und Makalu (Yuba Village – Shao Tso Lake - Joksam – Shar Lung - Tangsum - Pethang – Ohrga - Pethang Ringmo – Raga - Tangsum – Tsoshutrima - Langma La – Lhundrubling) – Kahrta – Rongbuk / Everest - Shegar – Shigatse - Lhasa

The first station is Lhasa, where pilgrims from all over the country want to rush into. Together with them we visit Potala Palace the holy land and landmark of Tibet, and Jokhang the holiest monastery in Tibet. Then 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 Pelkor and Tashilunpo separately.

On the way we have many chances to have panoramic views of lots of splendor mountain passes.

By the green forest and pasture of Kharta valley we meet up with the trek crew and start to 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, the east and north sides of the Mt. Everest (Qomolangma) and other peaks of Himalayas like Lhotse, Chomo Lonzo, Tuola Kangrinboqe will appear very near and clearly before us during our journey. What makes us astonished is not only the grand snow-capped peaks, but also the luxuriant vegetations, which transform the land into a multicolored carpet of flowers.

Later drive to the Rongbuk Monastery, where we have grandiose view of north face of Mt. Everest. After gazing at the world’s highest mountain scenery from Rongbuk drive back to Lhasa.

Highlights

Great Tibet Trekking Tour to Everest and Makalu

Itinerary

Itinerary
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DAY
1

Arrive in Lhasa

Welcome in Tibet – the roof of the world

Today arrive in Lhasa (3650 m), the capital of Tibet, transfer to hotel. Stay at the hotel for adapting to the high altitude. It is helpful to take things easy for the first few days, and try to drink some water.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Barkhor Street

DAY
2

Lhasa

Potala Palace – landmark of Lhasa, Jokhang and Barkhor Street

In the morning visit Potala, which was originally constructed in 637 by Songtsen Gampo, the first king of the united Tibet, and later expanded and served as the winter residence of the Dalai Lamas as well as the religious-political nexus of traditional Tibet. The crowds of pilgrims, innumerable magnificent murals, Buddhist statues, scriptures and rare treasures altogether create a dense religious and art atmosphere that impresses every visitor. In the afternoon visit Jokhang monastery, the center of the Tibetan Buddhism and the sacred land of Buddhist followers where thousands of pilgrims come for worship everyday. The temple, built in 647, is the earliest wood-and-masonry structure still existing in Tibet. Walk on the Barkhor street surrounding Jokhang, a big free market with its prolific stalls for selling local specialties.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Potala Palace

DAY
3

Lhasa

Panoramic view over Potala, Norbulingka, Debate in Sera

In the morning visit Parla Lupu Cave Monastery, located on the slopes of Yaowang Mountain, was built in the 7th century. It is 22m high and from here you can have a wonderful panoramic view over Potala palace. Afterwards visit Norbulinka, the summer residence of the Dalai Lamas. In the afternoon visit Sera Monastery, which was created in 1419 and has always been an important Buddhist seminary. It is also one of the six master monasteries of the Gelugpa. As rose are planted everywhere in the monastery, it is also called “the court of wild rose”. Today still 200 lamas live in there. You have the opportunity to experience the famous monks' "Buddhism scriptures debates". Public religious debates are part of the education of monks.

Overnight at 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Norbulinka

DAY
4

Lhasa – Drak Yerpa - Gandan – Lhasa

Gandan Monastery, Drak Yerpa Monastery

Visit Gandan Monastery. It was built in 1409 by Tsongkapa, the founder of the Gelugpa. Gandan, Drepung and Sera are the three largest monasteries in Lhasa. And Gandan is the place where Tsongkapa passed away. Therefore, it has the highest reputation in all the temples of the Gelugpa. If you are interested, you can walk along the pilgrimage way to the left and right hillsides of Gandan Monastery to visit Tsongkhapa’s meditation cave and enjoy the panorama of Gandan Monastery and magnificent scenery of Lhasa River valley. On the way detour to the Drak Yerpa monastery. Drak Yerpa is a rock monastery dating back to the 7th century. The caves of the monastery are located near the village of Yerpa at the foot of the Yerpa Mountains. It is considered one of the holiest caves in the region. Many famous people have stayed here - including Songtsen Gampo of the Yarlung dynasty and Padmasambhava – which has contributed to the holiness of the place.

133 km
3 hours 8 minutes
Overnight at the 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Gandan Monastery

DAY
5

Lhasa – Gyantse – Shigatse

Karo La Pass and Glacier, holy lake Yamdrok, Palkhor with Pagoda Kumbum

Drive to Gyantse. On the Kamba La (4796 m) have a fantastic view of the holy lake Yamdrok (4,441 m), one of the three holy lakes in Tibet and the largest habitat of waterfowls in south Tibet. On arriving, visit Pelkor Monastery as well as the splendid Kumbum Stupa (100-Thousand-Buddha Pagoda) nearby, both of them built in the 15th 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 recorded 14,000 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. Afterwards drive about 90 kilometers to Shigatse (3880m), the second largest city with 40,000 inhabitants in Tibet and the traditional capital of the Tsang.

356 km
6 hours 41 minutes
Overnight at 4*Mulunlazong Hotel

Breakfast

Palkhor Monastery

DAY
6

Shigatse – Shegar

Tashilunpo Monastery, passes Yalung La (4.520 m) and Gyathso La (5.220 m)

In Shigatse visit the Tashilunpo monastery. Tashilunpo is one of the six master monasteries of the Gelugpa. Shigatse was the seat of Pantschen Lama. The monastery houses a giant statue of the Maitreya Buddha, the biggest gilded statue of Maitreya (Buddha of the future) in China. Then continue towards southwest to Shegar, crossing the Yalung La (4.520 m) and Gyathso La (5.220 m). Late afternoon arrival in Shegar.

237 km
4 hours 4 minutes
Overnight at 2*The Roof of The World Hotel

Breakfast

Tashilunpo Monastery

DAY
7

Shegar – Kharta

The most grandiose view from Pass Pang La over Everest, Himalaya

Drive to the Pang La (5150 m) in the morning, You can see the terrific scenery when the weather is good: from left to right are Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Nuptse and Cho Oyu. Continue from Peruche (Zhaxizom) to the village of Kharta (3650 m) at Phung Chu (Arun river), preparing for the upcoming trekking.

137 km
3 hours 4 minutes
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Mountain Everest

DAY
8

Kharta – Youpa Village (3750m) – Shao Tro Lake (4650m)

Trekking begins, splendid outing on Makalu and Chomo Lonzo

Morning drive to Youpa village, meeting with yaks and carriers. Trekkging starts here from Youpa Bridge (3930 m) via Phung Chu (Arun River). Hike along the Arun River valley to the camp site at Shao Tro Lake, an alpine lake behind the Shao La Pass (4900 m). When the weather is good, you can enjoy magnificent views of Makalu and Chomo Lonzo.

Trekking 5-6 hours
Ascent about 900 m
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Mountain Makalu

DAY
9

Shao Tro Lake - Joksam (4000m)

Best photo place of Makalu, trekking to

Getting up early in the morning so you can admire the brilliant sunrise on Makalu and Chomo Lonzo. In good weather you can see beautiful reflection of the two mountains in Shao Tso Lake. Here is the best photo place of Makalu. Descend to a green mountain ridge called Metog Tsalching (flower garden) where you can see many azaleas in May and June.

Trekking 7-8 hours
Ascent 350 m and descent 900 m
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Mountain Makalu

DAY
10

Joksam – Tsona Lake (4320m) - Sharlung (4320m) - Tangsum (4550m)

Trekking in the varied landscapes, view over Everest, Lhotse and Makalu

In the morning hike from Joksam, where you can clearly see a natural climate and plant separation line in the Kama Tsangpo valley. Here is the highest place in the jungle. From Joksam down the vegetation spreads ever denser. Today you first hike through a jungle to the second stage on the north side of the Kama Tsangpo valley. Then you go through the highland to the Tsona Lake and make a picnic break there. In the afternoon, walk along the Kama Tsangpo River to Tharsong and Scharlung Ranch, then to Camp Square in Tangsum Ranch. In good weather you can see the Everest (Qomolangma) during the way. From the observation deck in Tangsum you can admire the magnificent landscapes of Everest (the highest peak in the world), Lhotse (the fourth highest), Makalu (the fifth highest) and the colorful Kama Tsangpo valley.

Trekking 6-8 hours
Ascent 550 m
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Mountain Makalu

DAY
11

Tangsum – Kama Tsangpo Valley (4260m) - Pethang (4310m) – Ohrga (4690m)

Kama Tsangpo Valley in center of Qomolangma Nature Reserve, known as

Getting up early in the morning to admire and photograph the miracle sunrise. Hike on to Pethang. First you go down to the bottom of the valley, then across a large mountain slope to the Ohrga pasture. The Kama Tsangpo Valley, located in the center of Qomolangma Nature Reserve, is known as "the most beautiful valley in the world".

Trekking 5-6 hours
Ascent 450 m and descent 350 m
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Mountain Makalu

DAY
12

Ohrga – Pethang Ringmo (4950m) – Mount Everest East Camp (5310m) – Ohrga

Observation platform for Qomolangma (Everest), Lhotse, Chomo Lonzo and other Himalayas, hike to Everest Osthang base camp

Along the western valley of the Ohrga pasture you can climb to Petahng Ringmo campground. Here is also an ideal observation platform, from which one can look at Qomolangma, Lhotse, Chomo Lonzo as well as other endless Himalaya mountains. Onward migration to Base Camp from Everest Osthang. Then you go back to Ohrga. Today is the hardest day during the whole hikes.

Trekking 9 hours
Ascent 650 m and descent 650 m
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Mountain Everest

DAY
13

Ohrga – Pethang (4310m) – Tangsum (4550m) – Tsoshutrima (4950m)

Walk to the 5 small highland lakes at the foot of Tuola Kangrinboqe

In the morning you can hike to Tsoshutrima, where there are 5 small highland lakes at the foot of Tuola Kangrinboqe. Camping beside a lake. If time permitted, you can hike directly to Jade Lake at the foot of Tuola Kangrinboq.

Trekking 6-7 hours
Ascent 700 m and descent 450 m
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Mountain Everest

DAY
14

Tsoshutrima – Langma La Pass (5350m) – Lhaze Tso (5050m) - Lhundrubling (4250m) – End point of the Trekkings (3890m) – Kharta (3650m)

From Tsoshutrima view of Qomolangma (Everest), Lhotse, Makalu, Chomo Lonzo, Tuola Kangrinboqe and other peaks, at Lhundrubling the trekking ends

Tsoshutrima is a highlight of this trekking, where you can enjoy the view of Qomolangma, Lhotse, Makalu, Chomo Lonzo, Tuola Kangrinboqe and other peaks. After a break you hike over the Langma La Pass and Laze Tso lake to Laze campsite in the morning, finally reached the end point of this trekking Lhundrubling, then drive to Kharta.

Trekking 8 hours
Ascent 400 m, descent 1500 m
Camping

Breakfast Lunch Dinner

Mountain Everest

DAY
15

Kharta – Rongbuk – Shegar

Rongbuk Monastery and Qomolangma (Everest) with its steep north side

Drive to Rongbuk Monastery (5150 m). Here the Qomolangma with its steep north side is impressive. Rongbuk is the largest monastery in the region and was built at the beginning of the 20th century. After visiting the Rongbuk monastery return to New Tingri (= Shegar).

220 km
4 hours 45 minutes
Overnight at 2*The Roof of The World Hotel

Breakfast

Rongbuk Monastery

DAY
16

Shegar – Sakya – Shigatse

Sakya monastery

Return to Shigatse. On the way detour to the Sakya monastery. The monastery was built by the founder of the Sakya sect in 1073, is the first monastery of the Sakya sect. Today it is also the main monastery of the Sakya sect.

286 km
5 hours 5 minutes
Overnight at 4*Mulunlazong Hotel

Breakfast

Monument on National Highway 318 in Lhatse

DAY
17

Shigatse – Lhasa

Traditional manufactory for Tibetan incense sticks

Return to Lhasa. During the route, visit a traditional Tibetan Incense Manufacture factory in the small village of Tunba on the Yarlung Tsangpo River.

273 km
4 hours 58 minutes
Overnight at the 3*Yak Hotel

Breakfast

Qushui

DAY
18

Leave Lhasa

Travel to next destination

Today transfer to airport or railway station, leave Tibet.

Breakfast

Tibetan Lady

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Private travel, great experiences! Please contact us for your tailor-made travel offer.

With individual China Tibet travel, you can decide when, where and how you go on tour by yourself. What's more, you can choose the length of travel and whom you go with.

Information

Hotel, program and itinerary are subjected to change without prior notice.
We must point out that, as everywhere in this region you counter a very basic tourism infrastructure. You stay overnight mostly at simple hotels/guesthouses and tent. Long journeys on bad roads and trekking on high altitude and delays require good physical fitness, resilience and flexibility of the participants. Program and route changes due to unforeseen events are expressly reserved. If you desire the unknown and have an understanding of contingency, this is the right trip for you.

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