Tibet-Everest Kangshung Face Trek 21 Days

Trip Facts

  • Duration 21 Days
  • Difficulty Level Strenuous
  • Destination Tibet
  • Transportation Private Vehicle, Flight & Van/Tourist Bus
  • Activity Trekking and Hiking
  • Best Season September- November & April - July
  • Group Size 2-12 People
  • Trip Start/End Kathmandu, Nepal/Lhasa, Tibet (China)
  • Max Altitude 5,320m/17,455ft

Highlights

  • Sightseeing in Lhasa: visit Potala Palace, Norbulingka Palace and Gelung Monasteries
  • Up-close views of Everest Kangshung Face (East Face) and other eight-thousanders:
  • Witness the Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Lhotse  and Kanchenjunga (8586m)
  • Visit Everest Base Camp on Tibet’s side
  • Experience the high Himalayan landscape:
  • Alpine lakes and Alpine meadows

The Everest Kangshung Face trek Overview:

The Everest Kangshung Face trek reveals Mt. Everest's hidden and arguably most beautiful side. Mount Everest has three faces: the North Face, the South Face, and the East Face, known as the Kangshung Face. This trek offers a rare opportunity to see the Kangshung Face up close. This 21-day journey in Tibet takes you through pristine valleys like the Kharta and Karma Valleys, filled with alpine lakes, grazing pastures, and wildflower meadows. You'll experience stunning views of some of the world's tallest mountains, including Mt. Cho Oyu (8201m),Mt. Makalu (8481m),Mt. Lhotse (8516m), and Kanchenjunga (8586m), along with the Everest Kangshung Face.

We start our journey by touring Lhasa's landmarks, including the Potala and Norbulingka Palaces, Tibet Traditional Hospital, and Barkhor Bazaar. We also visit Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery, and Jokhang Temple in Lhasa. Our trek begins in Kharta and heads towards Everest's Kangshung Face. After admiring this stunning eastern face of Everest, we return to Kharta. We drive to Rongbuk via the Everest Base Camp (north face). In Rongbuk, we visit the world's highest monastery, Rongbuk Monastery. We continue our drive to Kyirong and conclude our journey with a drive to Kathmandu. Along the way, we cross several high passes and are constantly surrounded by the towering Himalayan peaks and glaciers, making this trek incredibly rewarding.

The Everest Kangshung Face Trek combines Tibet's historical heritage with its majestic Himalayas, making it one of the most breathtaking treks in the world. Adventure Club Trek has been organizing trips in Tibet since 2008. Besides the Everest Kangshung Face Trek - 21 Days, we offer the Tibet - Everest Base Camp Trek - 18 Days. Our Lhasa and Everest Base Camp Tour - 8 Days or Kathmandu to Lhasa via Everest Base Camp - 9 Days are ideal for shorter trips.

Itinerary

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We arrive in Lhasa by direct flight from Nepal or mainland China. If we decide to fly from Nepal, we will enjoy an hour-long trans-Himalayan flight, considered one of the most beautiful air routes in the world. It takes us over Everest (8,848m), Kanchenjunga (8,536m), and other Himalayan peaks and glaciers. If we go to Lhasa via mainland China, we may fly from any major Chinese city or take the world’s highest train route to Lhasa. Upon our arrival in Lhasa, a representative from Himalayan Glacier will pick us up either from the airport or the train station, which will take us about an hour’s drive to our designated hotel in Lhasa.  We are advised to take plenty of rest for the remainder of the day to minimize altitude sickness. Overnight in Lhasa.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude3,650m/11,976ft

We begin sightseeing in Lhasa after breakfast. Today is the day we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Built in the 17th century, Potala Palace provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms, and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and houses what is considered the largest artificial garden in Tibet. Next, we visit the Tibet Traditional Hospital, the center for treating, training, research, and producing Tibetan medicine. Overnight in Lhasa.

 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude3,650m/11,976ft

After breakfast, we visited Drepung Monastery, Sera Monastery, Jokhang Temple, and Barkhor Bazaar. Drepung Monastery, built in the 14th century, is believed to have sheltered around 10,000 monks in the past, but there has been quite a decline resulting in only a few hundred. Tibetan people's history, culture, and religious beliefs are strongly concentrated and centered in this marvelous monastery. Sera Monastery is a preserved monastery with white-washed walls and golden roofs. Jokhang Temple is another important sacred site that unravels more deep-seated mysteries of Tibetan Buddhism. We further stroll through Barkhor Bazaar (market). With its open-air stalls, shops, and a crowd of pilgrims, it is the nerve center of Lhasa. Overnight in Lhasa.

 

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude3,650m/11,976ft

Today, we take a scenic drive to Gyantse. On the way, we cross the Khamba La Pass (4,794m) with a brief halt to savor the beauty of the Yamdrok Tso (Turquoise Lake), one of the three largest sacred lakes in Tibet and the beautiful Nazin Kang Sang glacier (7,252m). Soon, we come across another pass, the Karo La Pass (5,045m). We can enjoy views of huge glaciers tumbling down the road from our vehicle before reaching Gyantse. In Gyantse, we visit the Khumbum Stupa, Phalkot Monastery, and Gyantse Dzong (fortress), one of Tibet's best-preserved dzongs. Overnight in Gyantse.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude3,950m/12,960ft

After breakfast, we drive towards Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we visit the popular Tashilhunpo Monastery, which holds historical and cultural importance for being founded by Gendun Drup, the First Dalai Lama, in 1447.  After sightseeing in Shigatse, we will have the remainder of the day free to rest. This will help us with acclimatization and the next day’s long drive. Overnight in Shigatse.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude3,900m/12,796ft

After breakfast, we drive to Kharta via Shegar. We cross Tso La (5,420m/17,782ft) and Gyatso La passes (5,252m/17,230ft). In Shegar, we meet our Nepalese staff and head to Kharta. On the way, we cross another high pass, Pang La (5,150m/17,000ft), and enjoy spectacular views of peaks over eight thousand meters, such as Mt. Everest, Cho-Oyu, and Makalu. We descend from the pass, heading west to the Rongbuk Valley.  Overnight in Kharta.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude3,750m/12,304ft

We begin our trekking today by walking along the banks of the Kharta River.  The trail provides amazing views of the local villages and barley fields. After a few kilometers, the trail splits. We follow the upper trail that leads to Shao La Pass.  As we climb steadily, we pass through rhododendron and highland conifer forests.  We arrive at Landrubling and camp on a shelf above the Kharta River. Overnight in Landrubling.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,800m/15,749ft

On our journey from Landrubling to Jorpokhari, we will walk along a ridge on moraines. This is a short trip that will help us to become properly acclimatized to the higher altitude. After walking on the moraines, we reach twin lakes called Jorpokhari. The twin lakes are located below the Shao La Pass. Overnight in Jorpokhari.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,268m/14,003ft

We ascend steadily over rocky grounds to reach the Shao La Pass (4,800m/15,748ft). From the top of the pass, we get to enjoy mesmerizing views of Mt. Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Cho Oyu (8,201m/26,906ft), Makalu (8,481m/27,825ft), and other high Himalayan peaks. We descend again through the rocky slopes and notice the change in the scenery from barren, rocky slopes to lush rhododendrons, birch, and willow trees. We walk further down the valley through thick fir and juniper forests and reach Joksum. Overnight in Joksum.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,800m/15,749ft

We trek on a steep trail through juniper and rhododendron forests to reach high pastures above the Kama River. From here, we have splendid views of Mt. Everest and Lhotse and high ridges south of the Kama River. We continue our trail and pass through alpine meadows, yak herders’ camps, and a serene green lake. We then reach Sumthang, a large meadow with great views of the Khangshung Valley. Overnight in Sumthang.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,420m/14,502ft

We climb on a ridge up the Khangshung Valley. Then, descend through rhododendrons and conifer trees. We enjoy the wonderful views of Everest, Lhotse, Lhotse Shar, and other high mountains.  As we climb higher, the vegetation starts getting increasingly thinner, and we come closer to Everest’s Kangshung face. We enter the Khangshung Valley, drained by the Khangshung stream, and cross it. We ascend further until we arrive at our campsite in Parthang. Overnight in Parthang.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,240m/13,911ft

The moraines are the route we take to climb the Kangshung Valley Glacier Rim. This is the steepest section of the climb. The massive faces of Mt. Everest and Lhotse dominate the sky now. Mt. Chomo Lonzo (7.790m), which is also very near, can be seen. A cave is located at the end of the Lake, which is believed to be Padmasambhava's meditation retreat. We continue to ascend, passing Orga's bend, and arrive at the next campsite. Overnight at Pethang Ringmo.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,880m/16,011ft

Today is a day for acclimatization. We walk along the glacier to the Khangshung Base Camp (5,185m/17,000ft), where Everest can be climbed on the east side. The Himalayas are all around, and Kangshung’s face and Lhotse look spectacular. Two lakes are located on a ridge to the north of the camp, overlooking the Khangshung Valley. This place is located on the Nepalese border, and it overlooks the Makalu Base Camp area. We can even go there for an excursion. Overnight at Pethang Ringmo.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude5,320m/17,455ft

We keep a day in reserve for any contingency. There is no such guarantee of favorable weather; therefore, this day is set aside in case we cannot complete our schedule. However, this day will likely be skipped if the trip goes smoothly. Overnight in Pethang Ringmo.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,880m/16,011ft

We retrace our steps along the Khangshung Glaciers and cross a rock slide opposite the Chomolonzo Glacier. Then, we pass Pethang before reaching the Rabka Chu stream crossing. It is pleasant to spend an afternoon at the camp (4,120m/13.500ft), which is located on the grassy meadow opposite the river. This campsite can be reached in 4 hours by hiking from Pethang Ringmo if we take a side trip to Guru Rimpoche's cave at Tse Chu Lake. The trail ascends above the Okpa meadows and crosses Lamtsho (4.940m/16.200ft) before descending steeply to reach the lake. Overnight at Rabka.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,940m/16,208ft

We Return via Opka Rabka Cho. Climbing uphill, we can reach a Pangboche. The great moors on Mt. Camp at Lake Tso Tshuringma. Makalu is still blocking the southern horizon. We may also see nomad camps in this area. Continue steeply up the alpine slopes to reach a small but beautiful lake at the foot of Langma La (5320m/17454ft). Overnight at Tsho Tshurigma.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,880m/16,011ft

The trail leads us up steep, rocky terrain to the Langma La Pass (5320m/17454ft). On the cliffs above the pass, huge prayer flags are hung. The prayer flags honor the deities and spirits of the Bon tribes who live in the region. We bid farewell from Langma La to the Khangshung Valley, which has an impressive view of some of the highest mountains in the world. We continue through a glaciated and moraine valley. On the trail, we descend steeply and pass by yak caravans repeatedly. In Troshay, our camp is located on a meadow with a clear stream. Overnight at Troshay.

  • AccommodationTented Camp
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude4,270m/14,010ft

We trek from Troshay back to Kharta, then drive to Rongbuk. The trail descends steeply to Lhundupling village. We return to our starting point after crossing the Yulba River. Then we drive to Rongbuk. We enjoy the beautiful mountain scenery as the valley becomes wider and the settlements more dense. The north face of Everest appears suddenly on the horizon at one bend. We visit Rongbuk Monastery in the afternoon after checking into our hotel in Rongbuk. It is the highest monastery in the world. Overnight stay in Rongbuk.

  • AccommodationGuesthouse
  • MealsBreakfast, Lunch and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude5,100m/16,733ft

Early in the morning, we will drive to Everest Base Camp (5,250m/17,220ft), the foot of the world's highest mountain. On our way, we enjoy spectacular views of 3 eight-thousander peaks: Shishapangma, Cho Oyu, and the mighty Everest, also known as Mt. Chomolongma, on the Tibetan side. Today, we accomplished one of our trip's major highlights: reaching the base camp of Mt. Everest, where we got to glimpse the marvelous Rongbuk Glacier. We make a 16km round trip to the Everest Base Camp. After spending quality time at the base of Mt. Everest, we make Kyirong our next destination. This is the last contact with the Tibetan plateau, where pilgrims stop to hang prayer flags, burn incense, and throw prayer notes into the air. Overnight in Kyirong.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. Altitude5,250m/17,225ft

After breakfast, we complete the border formalities and travel to Kathmandu. The highway linking Tibet to Nepal via Kyirong drives through the Nepalese cities of Trishuli and Dhunche. We can enjoy scenic views and see many waterfalls, rivers and gorges. Our trip ends when we arrive in Kathmandu. Overnight in Kathmandu. 

Note: On rare occasions, due to bad weather, political riots, or other reasons, the local authorities may shut down the road leading to Everest Base Camp without notice for safety.

  • AccommodationHotel
  • MealsBreakfast and Dinner
  • Max. Altitude1,350m/4,429ft

Today, your journey in Nepal ends! A representative will drop you off at the airport approximately 3 hours before your flight. You have time to plan your next adventure in Nepal on your return home.

  • AccommodationN/A
  • MealsBreakfast
  • Max. AltitudeN/A

Note: Your safety is of the utmost concern while traveling with Adventure Club Trek. We will make every effort possible to follow the original itinerary. However, we reserve the right to change that itinerary if a segment of it becomes a safety issue. Certain mountain regions are remote, natural disasters can happen, weather conditions can decline, and illness or injury can occur. To avoid dangerous situations, we may occasionally change the itinerary to ensure everyone’s safety. That being said, Adventure Club Trek will strive to provide you with the best possible trekking experience and keep your safety our priority. We thank you for your understanding.

Cost Details

Price Includes

  • Pickups and drops from airport(s) and hotel(s)
  • All accommodations as per the itinerary (8 nights in hotel and 12 nights in camps/tents)
  • Breakfast in Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Zhangmu and Kathmandu
  • All meals during the trek
  • Farewell dinner in Nepal
  • All necessary Tibet travel permits
  • Private vehicles (van or Hiace or bus) for transportation
  • International flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa 
  • English-speaking, trained, and experienced guide(s)
  • All camping services and equipment
  • All fees for sightseeing and visits to monasteries as outlined in the itinerary
  • Travel and rescue arrangements
  • Fees for yak and porters for carrying luggage(s)
  • All government and local taxes, when necessary
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

Price Excludes

  • Nepalese re-entry visa
  • Accommodation and meals in mainland China
  • Lunch and dinner in Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Shegar and Zhangmu
  • Personal expenses, e.g., phone calls, laundry, bar bills, and extra porters
  • Travel and rescue insurance
  • Train ticket from China to Lhasa or Lhasa to China
  • Personal clothing and accessories, including sleeping bags
  • Portable Altitude Chamber (PAC) + oxygen
  • Tips for guide(s), cook(s) and porter(s)

Useful Info

When Is The Best Time To Visit Tibet?

Tibet is most famous from May to September, with warm weather and clear skies. Snow/ice melting in April has cleared the roads, making it easier to visit various Tibetan townships. Prices are high because it is peak season.

Tibet is cold, but only a few tourists visit, so you have more options for hotels and vehicles. There are fewer tourists and a colder climate, so there are more choices for hotels and cars. Winter (Dec.-Feb.) is the lowest season for tourists in Tibet. You can still enjoy the sights and attractions even though it is cold. You can save up to half on hotels and transportation.

How To Get To Tibet

From Nepal:

By Air. So far, Air China and Sichuan Airlines have two direct flights from Lhasa to Kathmandu. Flying to Tibet from Nepal offers a stunning view of the Himalayas, including Mt. Everest, the highest peak in the world.

By Road: The most common method of entering Tibet is by road. Many tourists prefer to fly into Kathmandu to enter Tibet by land. This is because there are many direct flights from abroad to Kathmandu. If you're already in Nepal, you can still enter Tibet through the Kerung, Simikot, or Kodari borders. Kodari is temporarily closed due to the 2015 earthquake in Nepal. The Kerung border, which is 3 hours from Kathmandu, is used instead. The Simikot border, however, is mainly used by tourists who wish to trek/tour Kailash. The Kerung border is a popular destination for cars, vans, and buses.

Passports And Visa Information

A Chinese visa is required to travel to Tibet. This can be obtained through a travel agency in Kathmandu (Tibet via Nepal). The Tibet Travel Permit is different from a valid passport for China. Those with a Chinese visa must apply for the Tibet Travel Permit. The permit is still needed for foreigners traveling from mainland China to Tibet. You must arrange a guide to accompany you throughout your trip and book private transportation for any trips outside of Lhasa. For trips outside of Lhasa, you will also need additional permits that your travel company arranges.

What Is The Drinking Water In Tibet?

It is not a good idea to drink tap water or ice that has been made with tap water. In urban areas like Lhasa, most hotels boil water before serving it hot or cold. When trekking in remote regions, boiling your water or using water purification tablets before drinking is best. You can drink tea without problems, but avoid drinking locally brewed alcohol because it is often made from contaminated water. Most supermarkets sell large 5-liter bottles of water.

You must boil the water for 10 minutes in Tibet because it is "hard water." For long trips, consider purchasing a water purifier (which is often more cost-effective than bottled drinking water). Total filters can remove all bacteria, viruses, and parasites from water, making it safe for drinking. Puritabs and Steritabs (e.g.) are chlorine tablets that kill most pathogens but not amoebic cysts or giardia. Iodine tablets (Potable Aqua, for example) and liquids (Lugol's solution) are more effective at purifying water. Remember to follow the instructions and not use too much iodine

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