Lhasa - Everest Base Camp

Legend tells the Tibetan history starts with a monkey and a siren. The monkey was sent by Avalokiteshvara (Chenrezi) for religious retreat on the high plateau. The siren managed to persuade him to marry her. Having the permission of Avalokiteshvara, they married and had 6 children. They were believed to be the ancestor of the Tibetan people. However, archeology and geology discovery makes ethnologists believe Tibetans are decedents of aborigines and nomadic Qiang tribes. According to archeological discovery, Tibetan history can be traced to 4,000 years ago.
However, the historic records show that not until the 7th century can Tibetans be recognized as a race of people. The rising Yarlung Dynasty (Tubo Kingdom) unified Tibet and became an aggressive power. Inter-court marriages were adopted to for political reason. Nepal and China married their princesses to Songtsen Gampo, the outstanding king of Tibetan people. The two princesses brought with them peace and also Buddhism which Tibetans fully converted to before long. Songtsen Gampo embraced the religion.
The first transmission of Buddhism came to the snow land. The king's successors followed the religion also and in 779 King Trisong Detsen, set up the first Buddhist temple in Tibet, Samye Monastery and Buddhism was recognized as state religion. Great religious teacher, Padmasambhava was invited to Tibet. The Buddhism influence spread as the expansion of the Tibetan empire continued. The indigenous Bon was not satisfied with the popularity of Buddhism in the royal family and fought back. In 836, King Ralpachen was assassinated and Lang Darma was installed king, who believed Bon and objected Buddhism. Severe persecution against Buddhists ended the first Buddhism transmission. Lang Darma, in 842, was assassinated also by a Buddhist and the Yarlong Dynasty collapsed and Tibet became decentralized principalities struggling for power.
- Day-by-Day Itinerary
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Day 01: Arrival in Kathmandu, we pick you in International Airport & transfer to Hotel.
Day 02: visa preparation and sightseeing in Kathmandu pashupatinath, Bauddhanath Kathmandu Durbar squire etc.
Day 03: Drive to the friendship bridge (Tibet border) immigration check in Zangmu and, drive to Nyalam.(3700m).
Day 04: Rest day at Nyalam for acclimatization.
You can also explore the small temple Milaripa Cave near by this small town. But it takes 2:30 hrs for one way and you need some drink and pack lunch as well. Other ways next you will pass same way to Tigri and you can stop the jeep then you can visit the Monsters.
Day 05: Drive to Tingri
Today is another amazing driving day as we view the sharp contrast of lush lower hills to the barren landscape of the Tibetan Plateau. Along the way we will cross Lalung La pass, where views of Everest and much of the Himalayan range are first seen. Tonight we will stay in the small town of Tingri.
Day 06: Trek to Lungthang (4510m)
Our trekking adventure begins today as we make our way through the Tingri plain. Throughout the day we can visit a small gompa in Chholun. Tonight will be spent in a comfortable campsite in Lunthang. This bleak region is home only to herders and barley harvesters.
Day 07: Trek to Lamna La (5150 m)
The challenging trekking really starts today as we ascend into the mountains. Much uphill walking is done as we climb towards the top of Lamna La. Camp will be made right near the top of this pass.
Day 08: Trek to Zommug (4790 m).
In the morning we descend steeply into lush vegetation. The only other people we will encounter are yak herders and their families. Camp will be made in the small village of Zommug. Truly amazing views can be seen as the sun sets in this barren town.
Day 09: Trek to Rongbuk (5030m).
On our last day of trekking we will wind our way to the end destination of Rongbuk Everest Base Camp. Along the way we can also visit the Dza Rongbuk monastery and gompas. They are truly ancient sites, but nothing compared to our night camping at Everest Base Camp.
Day 10: Exploration Rongbuk Glacier.
Our eighth day will be spent enjoying the barren yet awe-inspiring surroundings of the Everest Base Camp. It is a life changing experience to stare up into the world's largest mountain.
Day 11: Drive to Shegar
As we leave the wondrous views of Everest behind we drive a short distance to Shegar. Along the way we cross the Pang La pass, with more views of the Himalayas. Tonight will be spent in the comfortable Hotel Quomolongma.
Day 12: Drive to Xigatse
Our day today will be spent along the Friendship Highway as we cross the highest pass of our journey, Gyatmso La, and head through Lhatse. We continue on with a short drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet.
Day 13: Sightseeing & Drive to Gyantse
Not a minute is wasted as we have a full morning of exploring the local markets and Tashilungpo Monastery. It is very intriguing to see how ancient Tibetan culture compares to the modern day culture we will experience. There are endless amounts of sights, both modern and ancient, to see around this city. A short drive will take us to the city of Gyantse. We will be given the opportunity of experiencing more wondrous Tibetan culture as we see the Gyantse Dzong and Kumbum. Expansive views of the valley can be seen from the ancient Dzong fort. The Kumbum is much more than a stupa, as numerous Tibetan murals and small chapel houses surround it. Even if you are no art connoisseur these ancient murals and architecture will amaze you. Another comfortable night will be spent in a hotel in Gyantse
Day 14: Drive to Lhasa
Today is an amazing day of driving as we head towards Lhasa. Numerous passes, such as Khambo La and Kharo La, provide wondrous views of the Himalayan range. A colossal glacier rises nearly straight up from the road as we pass Kharo La. The turquoise Yamdrok Lake. The drive is no daunting task as we pass through many more beautiful Tibetan valleys and quiet villages along the way. Our final destination is a first rate hotel in Lhasa.
Day 15: Sightseeing in Lhasa
Today we will take an easy visit to Jokhang Temple. This temple is the most revered shrine in all of Tibet and is constantly bustling with devout worshippers. We will also be given the opportunity to shop in Barkor, the crowded central market of Lhasa. In the afternoon we will visit is Sera Monastery, a fifteenth century sprawl of golden roofs and whitewashed walls. This well preserved monastery is located just a few miles North of Lhasa and is home to several hundred monks. its famous debating activities are happening 3-4pm quite regularly every day, so remind our guide not to miss it.
Day 16: Sightseeing in Lhasa
A trip to Tibet would not be complete without experiencing the vital Potala Palace. This palace is Lhasa's cardinal landmark and is a wonder of Eastern architecture. Your first site of this massive structure will be a magical moment remembered for years to come. It has been a palace since the fifth or sixth century and was once home to the Dalai Lama. This truly amazing day will ended with a visit to the Drepung Monastery. Once the world's largest monastery, housing 10,000 monks, Drepung monastery lies hidden in rocky ridges just beyond the city. Surprisingly much of the building was left untouched throughout so many hundred of years.
Day 17: Fly back to Kathmandu.
Day 18: free/shopping day in Kathmandu.
Day 19: Transfer to International Airport and fly home.
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Trip facts
Trip Duration:
19 Days
Trip Type:
Trekking


