Mt. Everest Trekking

         

12 Day Tour to Mt. Everest Base Camp     

                 (TEW090412)                                                                                                        

Geer's Group for trekking and climbing

Day by Day Itinerary    (B)=breakfast

Day 1.    9/4/2012   Arrival in Lhasa [3658m]
Highlight: Spectacular Scenery along the way from airport or train station to your hotel

You will be greeted by your Tibetan guide once you arrive in Lhasa Gonggar airport or Lhasa train station. From airport to Lhasa is 68 km, around an hour drive will take you to your hotel. From the train station, it is only 15 km and takes 20 minutes by drive. Driving along the way, you will not only be amazed by the spectacular plateau scenery, the scatted villages, but also the hospitality of your guide and driver. Afterwards check into hotel, have a good rest to acclimatize the high altitude.
Accommodation:  3* hotel (to be determined later)

Day 2.     9/5/2012   Lhasa city sightseeing (B) Walking Day
Highlight: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street, Lhasa old town

Potala Palace is the worldwide known cardinal landmark of Tibet. The massive structure itself contains a small world within it. Mostly it is renowned as residence of the Dalai Lama lineages (Avalokiteshvara). It was first built by 33rd King Songtsen Gangpo in 7th century, but looks very new from outer appearance as Tibetans paint the wall each year.

Jokhang temple is the most scared shrine in Tibet which was located in the heart of Lhasa old town. It is the pilgrimage destination of all Tibetans.

Barkhor Street is a popular Kora which surrouds Jokhang Temple, mingling with local pilgrims around the Barkhor Street is an extra-ordinary feeling. It is also a main shopping district where you can buy gifts for your family or friends.

Lhasa old town is a good place to know the daily life of Tibetans. You can visit their interesting market, see some specail hand-made stores for bags, carpets, etc.

Day 3.    9/6/2012   One day tour to Ganden monastery and Sera monastery [4500m] (B)
Highlights: small hike at Ganden monastery and famous monks detate at Sera monatery

Ganden Monastery which ranks the first among the six largest monasteries of Gelugpa. In addition to its magnificent architecture and religious importance, there is an extremely fabulous view on top of the Ganden Wangpo Hill. Kichu valley is behind Ganden monastery, it is strongly suggested to hike around the monastery and take a bird's-eye view of the valley.

Sera monastery's famous monks debate between 3 pm to 5pm (not available on Sunday) is well worth to see. After lunch at a special restaurant at Ganden, you will be driven here for nice view.
Optional program: At night, your guide can take you to enjoy the local Tibetan show ( price is not included).

 Day 4.    9/7/2012   Lhasa/ Drak Yerpa    16km (B)

Drive to visit Drak Rerpa. Drak Yerpa is a place that has deep meaning in Tibetan spiritual culture. There is a saying goes like this: "Lhasa is the shrine of Tibet, Drak Yerpa is the shrine of Lhasa. Not seeing Drak Yerpa in Lhasa is just like making a dress without the collar."  The entrance to the Yerpa Valley is about 16 km northeast of Lhasa on the northern bank of Kyichu River. From there, it is another 10 km to the famous ancient meditation caves.

Day 5.    9/8/2012    Lhasa / Yamdrok Lake / Gyantse [4040m]  (B)
Highlights: Yamdrok Lake, Karo la glacier, Gyantse Kumbum, Tsampa factory

Yamdrok Lake  is one of the 3 holy lakes in Tibet and also the easiest one to reach. The scenery on the way to Yamdrok Lake is great and awesome, you will wind your way through snow-capped mountains and then drive along the lake for about half an hour, you can get out of the car sometime to touch the blue water. 

Karo La pass [5100m] which is overlooked by Mt. Nyenchen Kangsar glacier. A short stop will be arranged here.

Gyantse Kumbum is one of the most stunning architectural wonders in Tibet.

Tsampa workshop is where you can see how barleys are made into Tsampa by the small magic machines and running water.
Accommodation: Gyantse 3*

Day6.     9/9/2012 Gyantse / Shigatse[3836m], 360 KM 7 hours' drive (B)

Today we will drive to Shigatse , the residence of the Panchen Lama, also is the second largest city it Tibet. After having lunch, a tour to Tashihunpo Monastery will be arranged.
Accommodation: Manasanovav 3*

Day 7.    9/10/2012  Shigatse / Lhatse [4021m] / Shegar [4300m] (B)
Highlights: Shigaste local market, Gyastsola pass, Gawula pass, winding roads, sunset at E.B.C

Shigatse local market features bamboo made products, special style ornaments, mutttons etc. When your guide goes to arrange your permit for Mt. Everest, you can explore the market on your own.

Gyatsola [5200m] & Gawu la pass[5250m] : When you arrive at those passes, you will get out of your car to have a nice view. At Gawu la pass, you will see the spectacular Himalayan Ranges and its glorious peaks viz Mt.Makalu [8463m], Mt.Lotse[8516m], Mt.Everest[8844m], Mt.Cho Oyu[8201m] and Mt.Shishapama [8020m] from Left to right
 Accommodation: Everest 2*

Day 8.     9/11/2012    Shegar / E.B.C 340 KM, 6-7hours' drive

Transfer to E..B,C, Sunset at E.B.C: It is said that Sunset is more beautiful than sunrise, since you can only go to E.B.C once with your ticket, you can choose to see the sunset or the sunrise. The trekking from  E.B.C. from Rongbuk guest house or the Tent guest house community to E.B.C, it will take you about 2 hours (6 km). Or you can take the dedicated minibus (25 RMB/per person, round-trip). In winter, our driver will drive you there as there is no sightseeing bus there.

Optional program: Rongbuk is the highest monastery in Tibet. It consists both monks and nuns. You can go and have a look (price is not included).
Note: It is a bit cold within that valley and windy too, you'd better take your sleeping bag with you. Please prepare your own package food for Rongbuk stay.

Overnight at Rongbuk guest house or local tent guest house (dorm bed, it's up to you which one
Highlight: Sunrise at E.B.C, winding roads, beautiful scenery on the way
If you did not go to see the sunset at E.B.C the day before, then this morning, you can go to see its sunrise.

 Accommodation: Rngbuk Guest House

Day 9.      9/12/2012   Another day around MT Everest area

Visit Rongphu (Rongbuk) Glacier and other surrounding places according to your interests. Our tour guide will give you suggestions where to go for trekking and climbing.

 Accommodation: Rngbuk Guest House

Day 10.    9/13/2012     Mt. Everest / Shigatse

Today we will drive back to Shigatse. One the way we can stop for photos or other sightseeing.

Accommodation: Manasanovav 3*

Day 11.    9/14/2012   Shigatse / Lhasa, 300 KM, 5-6 hours' drive (B)

After breakfast, we will drive back to Lhasa. We will arrive in Lhasa in the afternoon. Free for rest of the day. This is our last night in Lhasa. You may wander around Bharkhor area at leisure.

Accommodation: 3* Yak hotel

Day 12.     9/15/2012   Lhasa train station or airport drop off (B)
Your guide and driver will see you off at the airport or train station, end the trip.

Tour prices in detail:

Tour Item	Description	Prices per person
12 Days Mt. Everest Tour	Itinerary see above based on double occupancy	$ 2,260
Single Supplement	Single person single room	$ 360
China visa	Multiple entry visa for 12 months	$ 170
Travel Insurance *	Strongly recommended

* Travel insurance premium is depends on the amount of tour cost and travelers' age.  You may get the quote and other information by checking this site: http://tourintotibet.com/travel-insurance. After open this site, please click on the Travelex Insurance Company's logo at the bottom. Your location # is 28-0029.  You can purchase insurance directly through Travelex's website, or we, Tour into Tibet, can help you to buy it. The premium is the same.

Above prices include:

            -All accommodations

            -Sightseeing and meals as specified

            -Round trip transfer

            - Toyota Land Cruise 4500 for driving from Lhasa to Mt. Everest and return to Lhasa

            -English speaking guide

            - Tibet Visa and Mt. Everest permit

            - $ 100 donation per traveler for the East-West Center Alumni Student Endowment Fund

Prices exclude:

            -Int'l & Domestic flights , Train ticket

            -Tips for tour guide ($8-10 suggested)

Remark:   2 to 3 passengers will have one Toyota Land Cruise 4500. If we have 4-6 passengers, then we will have two Toyota Land Cruise 4500.

Separate flight and train prices in detail:

Transportation	Description	Prices per person
Flight Beijing to Lhasa(RT)	PEK-LXA (9/4), LXA-PEK(9/15/)	$ 840
One way flight	PEK-LXA or LXA-PEK	$ 425
Train from  Lhasa-Beijing (or Beijing to Lhasa)	Soft berth, 4 passenger share one cabin. Leave Lhasa 9/15, Arrive Beijing 9/17 morning	$ 290

Important dates: 

1. The reservation starts on 12/1/2011, ends on 6/30/2012. After the deadline, a late booking fee of $150 may apply.
2. China visa needs to be applied by 7/15/2012. If you want us to apply China visa for you, please mail your passport to us by 6/15/2012 (for US passports only)
3. Travel Insurance must be purchased prior to the reservation deadline of 6/30/2012 through http://tourintotibet.com/information/insurance