We visit the Potala Palace and Drepung Monastery founded in the 14th century, and once the largest in the world, with a population of around 10,000 monks.

The afternoon, is a time to relax or further explore the area.

Day 6: Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m)

Travelling by jeep along the Friendship Highway we cross the Khamba La (4794m) and continue westwards over another high pass the Karo La (5045m) with incredible glacial views. We spend the night in a Hotel at Gyantse. [261km]

Day 7: Gyantse to Shigatse (3900m)

After an early morning tour of some of the Gyantse Dzong (14th Century fort) and the Kumbum, a large stupa, we head off on a short 90km drive to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. In the afternoon we will explore the area, local monasteries and market. Overnight at the Hotel. [90km]

Day 8: Shigatse to Shegar (4050m)

We continue along the Friendship Highway, marvelling once more at the barren yet spectacular landscape of Tibet. Beyond the town of Lhatse we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gyamtso La [5220m]. From here we descend to the plains en route to Shegar and overnight at Hotel Quomolongma.[244km]

Day 9: Shegar to Rongbuk (5000m)

On our travels, we are rewarded with uninterrupted views stretching from Makalu to Shishapangma, with clear views of Everest as we turn into the Rongbuk Valley. Overnight Guest House.(68km)

Day 10: Rongbuk to Everest Base

We spend a night to acclimatise after the 8km trek to Base Camp. Overnight in tents.

Day 11: Everest Base

We will explore the surroundings of the Rongbuk Everest base on short treks and spend time acclimatising. Overnight in tents.

Day 12: Everest Base to Camp 1

We trek alongside the Rongbuk Glacier, an impressive frozen ocean of ice waves. Camp 1 [5460m] is set amongst barren moraine hills and we spend the afternoon acclimatising and doing short treks in the area. (5460m)

Day 13: Everest Intermediate Camp

We trek on the west rim of the glacier as we head to intermediate camp at 5760m. We will also look at the nearby ice seracs which rise like white sails from a debris-laden glacier surface. (5760m)

Day 14: Rest at Intermediate

We spend time acclimatising.

Day 15: Everest Camp 2

We trek towards the confluence with the Changtse glacier, above which we will find Camp 2 at 5970, set amidst glaciers in the appropriately named Serac Highway. (5970m)

Day 16: Everest Advanced Base Camp (6340m) and return to camp 2

Camp 3 is the advanced base camp for the North Col route up Mount Everest. The top of Everest appears phenomenally close now and is as little as some 2400 meter higher than camp 3. Retrace our steps from Advanced Base to Camp 2.

Day 17: Return to Everest Base

The return to Base is obviously a longer down hill journey from Advanced Base than Camp 2. The decision taken on Day 17 will determine the distance to be covered.

Day 18: Drive Rongbuk - Nyalam

After arriving back at Rongbuk, we begin our drive towards Tingri, cross another two high passes, and begin our descent from the Tibetan Plateau to Nyalam just 30 km before the Nepalese border. [215km]

Day 19: Drive Nyalam - Kathmandu

We arrive at the Chinese - Nepalese border, say goodbye to our Tibetan team, pass through customs and join up with our Nepalese staff. We then head back into Kathmandu, a trip which takes about 5 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. [153km]

(1400m)

Day 20: Kathmandu

At leisure.

Day 21: Departure

Transfer to the airport after your incredible trip to Everest Advanced Base

Prices available on request with excellent discounts for large groups.