Kharta Valley Trek

Trip Duration 23 nights/24 days
Trip Code NAP-KHA - 508
Trip Grade Sightseeing/Hiking and driving.
Trip Cost On Request
Best Time Mar–Jul / Sept–Nov

Overview

Kharta valley trek known as Kangshung valley situated on140 km southeast from Shegar, the north east of Everest is an absolutely a real 'undiscovered' new trekking route of Tibet. This spectacular Kharta valley were discovered by an expedition on 1921 during the course of climbing the Everest by north Col. On the way to this Valley one has to cross the Langma-La (5320m) the highest pass to the Kangshung valley and several other tiny valleys dotted with beautiful lakes. It is also known as the valley of flowers. This isolated valley lies in front of the great Himalayan ranges such as giants Mt. Makalu, Mt. Everest, Mt. Lhotse, Pethang Tse, Kangshung Glacier etc. besides those beautiful valley one can explore the pristine wilderness, Alpine Lakes and feel the real Shangri-La in the course of this trekking.

Highlights

* Rim of the Kathmandu valley
* Scenic road-head drive to Nepal/Tibet border through the Araniko Highway
* The high passes bordering Yamdrok-Tso, Gyantse and Shigatse
* Visit Sakya Monastery
* A walk or drive to Base Camp brings you even closer
* Visit Shalu, Tashilimpu Palkor Monastery
* Yamdruk Lake
* Historical sight of Lhasa and Buddhist monasteries
* Scenic Himalayan flight to kathmandu

Trip Summary

Trip Grade Sightseeing/Hiking and driving.
Trip Duration 23 nights/24 days
Trip code NAP-KHA - 508
Trip Start/Ends Kathmandu-Kodari/Lhasa-Kathmandu
Maximum Altitude Crossing Langma-La (5330m)
Trip Cost On Request
Group Size Minimum 2 upto 32 passengers
Accessibillity Scenic road-head drive to Kodari/Zhangmu from Kathmandu through the Arniko Highway & scenic Himalayas view flight from Lhasa to Kathmandu.
The Route Kathmandu drive to Nepal/Tibet board to reach Lhasa, after completing Tibet tour, fly back to Kathmandu
Season Mar–Jul / Sept–Nov
Trip Valid This offer is valid on reservations made from September through December 31, 2018.
Trip Facilities Standard hotel/Lodge both part of Tibet and Nepal,

Itinerary

Upon arrival at Tribhuwan international airport, welcomed by our representative and transfer to hotel. The remainder of the afternoon is at leisure. A pre trip meeting and briefing will held all together with you at hotel about the daily program activities by company representative and your trip Leader/Guide where you can discuss your final questions all together.

After breakfast the day will start with a guided tour of Kathmandu's historical and spiritual key attractions; including the historic Kathmndu Durbar Square, the famous 'Monkey Temple' (Swayambunath) and then finally visit to Patan Durbar square which is situated the heart of the city constitutes the focus of visitor's attraction. In the evening there will pre-trip discussion where you can meet your group leader and checking equipments, final preparations, packing, Tibet visa and other necessary document for Saga dawa festival trip.

After official procedure we, drive towards Nepal/Tibet border up to the Friendship Bridge through Arniko Highway. Our tour guide will be waiting for you at Friendship Bridge. After completing the border formalities at both the Nepalese and Chinese immigration and continue onto Nyalam and check in to our hotel

Our third day begins with a spectacular drive to Lalung La. The entire North side of the Himalayan range can be seen from here on a clear day! After this we will continue driving across the Tibetan plateau, through a series of ancient Tibetan villages. Upon reaching the Tingri plains Cho Oyu and Mt. Everest come into view for the first time. Around midday we will begin heading south towards the Everest region. Along the way we will take a short break on the Pang La pass, where we discover views of Everest and much of the surrounding countryside. Descending from the pass we will drive through the village of Phadhruchi before finally reaching our destination of Kharta.

This fourth day will once again allow for resting and further acclimatization before beginning our trek. It is advised that participants spend at least part of the day exploring in and around Kharta to get their legs ready for the start of trekking.

To begin our trekking adventure we will walk along the banks of the Kharta river. The beautiful yet well defined trails provide us with views of widespread barley fields below. Numerous settlements inhabit these barley fields. After a few kilometers the trail splits. We will follow the upper trail which leads to the Shao La. The challenge of the hike will all be worth it in the end as you are surrounded by wondrous views of valleys below and snow capped peaks to the east. If you appreciate mountain scenery you will be thrilled by this trip. Overnight camp will be made in the welcoming village of Lundrubling.

Finally Everest will come into view as we climb the Shao La pass! What a sight it is to see these massive Himalayan peaks. The traditional Tibetan scenery of Yak pastures and meandering valleys can be appreciated along the way. On our way to Joksam camp we pass through impressive birch groves and dwarf rhododendrons. This camp is surrounded by pine and fir forests and is one of the most beautiful we will see.

Leaving the valley we will ascend through a wondrous conifer forest ridgeline. Our climb will once again be rewarded with unparalleled views stretching all the way to Nepal. A string of alpine lakes and Yak herder communities will be passed as well. The day will end with clear views of the Kangshung face of Mt. Everest. Prepare for amazement! It will be easy to sleep in one of the surrounding meadows after such an amazing day of trekking.

This day will be a more relaxed day with less trekking. It will give you a chance to truly appreciate and soak in the beauty which surrounds you. Camp will be made in one of the meadows of Pethang Ringmo. Participants can choose whether to simply bathe in the beauty of our camp or venture to the sacred lake and cave. It is easy to feel the ancient spirituality of this area as you explore sacred shelters and prayer rooms found in the cave. The silence of this area is truly amazing.

Before entering back onto the comfortable shepherd trails we will pass through beautiful meadows and steep slopes. It is a challenging hike for both the yaks and us so be prepared. The hiking gets much easier along the shepherd trail as we are led up another hillside. Once again Everest and the glaciers of Chomo Lonzo come into view. These wondrous sites never get tiring. Camp will be made amid yak pastures once again.

After only a few hours of hiking we will be given the rare opportunity of staring up at this daunting peak. While cowering under the Kangshung face it is easy to see why so few climbers have attempted this feat. The impressive yet less daunting North East Ridge can also be seen. For many this day is a dream come true. We will spend the night back at our Hoppo camp.

The well defined trail leads us down another valley and then diverts north to Langma La. Gradually and comfortably we pass through a string of yak pastures on the way to the pass. Makalu can be seen nearly the entire trip. It is an amazing experience to camp at the base of such a large pass.

We will begin the day with a challenging ascent and descent of the Langma La pass. Even more views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu surround us. While en route to the confluence of the Kharta valley we pass through another string of Yak herders camps. The locals are quite welcoming and friendly! Towards the end of the day we gain views as far as the Nepal-Sikkim border, home to the Kangchenjunga massif. Camp is made once more in the wondrous village of Lundrubling.

Our last day of trekking is a somewhat relaxing one as we make our way to Kharta and take in the local sights and sounds. We suggest participants take it easy today and get a good rest.

On our drive to Rongbuk we pass through the village of Phadhruchi. We will camp near Rongbuk monastery, only 15 kilometers from the Everest base camp. Rongbuk monastery has been restored to its past beauty after widespread destruction. Seeing this impressive monastery and camping with the backdrop of Everest surrounding them is another highlight for many!

What an awe-inspiring day this is! Participants are given the rare opportunity of seeing both the views of Everest and the start of the ascent for many. Taking in the sights of the highest mountain in the world is a memory which will last for years to come.

Lonely monasteries and nomadic herds are passed along the friendship highway. Gyamtso La, the highest pass of our journey, is ascended before we enter the barren plains. This night is spent in the traditional Hotel Gyantse.

In the morning we explore the Gyantse Kumbum and the Pelkore Chode Monastery. The Kumbum, more than a simple stupa, is surrounded by many chapels and wondrous Tibetan murals. On the way to the Yamdrok Tso or Turquoise Lake we will ascend the Karo La pass. The impressive turquoise lake is still largely undeveloped. However, this may end soon. Our day is completed with an ascent of the Khamba La and crossing of the Yarlong Tsangpo river. It is such a relief to finally enter the wondrous city of Lhasa.

Our guided tour will follow by visiting - Jokhang Gompa - Jokhang is the holiest Gompa in Tibet. Shuffle among the pilgrims, butter lamps permeating the air, and find gruesome Gods in hidden annexes. There is always a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. After walking the holy inner circle complete a circuit of the Barkor, the market surrounding the Jokhang, for good luck. It is the best market to shop for all things Tibetan. Drepung and Sera Monasteries – Sera is one of the best preserved monasteries in Tibet, renown for its lively debating sessions in the courtyard each afternoon. Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. Drepung was founded in the 14th century and was once the largest Gompa in the world. These days the figure has been reduced to several hundred, but there is still much of interest to see here, as the structure escaped relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution. Norbulingka - Norbulingka is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and is in a quiet and relaxing garden. One particular mural inside depicts the history of Tibet and all the Dalai Lamas. Potala Palace - The magnificent Potala Palace dominates the city of Lhasa. It contains the winter quarters of the Dalai Lama, the jewel-encrusted gold and silver Stupas of previous Dalai Lamas as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century.

Our guided tour will follow by visiting - Jokhang Gompa - Jokhang is the holiest Gompa in Tibet. Shuffle among the pilgrims, butter lamps permeating the air, and find gruesome Gods in hidden annexes. There is always a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. After walking the holy inner circle complete a circuit of the Barkor, the market surrounding the Jokhang, for good luck. It is the best market to shop for all things Tibetan. Drepung and Sera Monasteries – Sera is one of the best preserved monasteries in Tibet, renown for its lively debating sessions in the courtyard each afternoon. Within its whitewashed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study. Drepung was founded in the 14th century and was once the largest Gompa in the world. These days the figure has been reduced to several hundred, but there is still much of interest to see here, as the structure escaped relatively unscathed during the Cultural Revolution. Norbulingka - Norbulingka is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama and is in a quiet and relaxing garden. One particular mural inside depicts the history of Tibet and all the Dalai Lamas. Potala Palace - The magnificent Potala Palace dominates the city of Lhasa. It contains the winter quarters of the Dalai Lama, the jewel-encrusted gold and silver Stupas of previous Dalai Lamas as well as numerous grand state rooms and many important chapels. There has been a palace on this site since the 5th or 6th century, but the present palace was constructed in the 17th century.

We leave Lhasa early in the morning for the 2 hour drive to Gonggar Airport and our flight back to Kathmandu. The Air China takes us right across the main Himalayan range and the mountain views are spectacular.

This full day at leisure to rest, relax or explore the local area in Kathmandu or do a bit of last minute shopping. You also have the option of doing some sight-seeing. Evening will have farewell meeting & dinner at Nepali typical restaurant.

Cost Included

Cost includes in Tibet Part
* Accommodation on twin sharing with breakfast mentioned as per above the itinerary
* All camping equipment whilst camping
* Full board (Breakfast, Lunch and dinner) whilst camping
* Support truck to transport food, luggage and camping equipment.
* All airport transfers
* Sightseeing as per itinerary
* English speaking interpreter/guide (Tibetan)
* Tibet entry permit
* Kathmandu - Lhasa airfare
* Chinese visa fees
 
Cost includes Nepal Part
* Accommodation: 4 night’s hotel in Kathmandu on bed breakfasts basis.
* Activities: One day guided sightseeing tour in Kathmandu
* Transportation: Arrival/Departure transfer and surface road-head transportation.
* Company and Government’s service charge: All applicable Government taxes and official service charges.
 

Cost Excluded

Cost excludes in Tibet Part
International flight, departure taxes
Personal expenses such as drinks, postage, and laundry
Meals apart from breakfast on non-camping portion of the trip
Travel insurance
Emergency evacuation
Tips and gratuities
And unforeseen expenses which are out of control by Nepal Adventure Point
 
Cost excludes in Nepal
Lunch & Dinner while in City
Bar bills & Beverages
Optional activities
 

Trip Notes

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