Lhakpa Ri Expedition 7045m

We get 7000m high!

This is a trip of highlights, from Lhasa and the eighth wonder Potala Palace to the drive along the Friendship highway to trekking up to the 6380m ABC (sometimes called Camp 3). Then we climb the 7045m Lhakpa Ri, a straightforward climb in good conditions.

Itinerary

Detailed itinerary

Early arrival

Arriving early can be a great way to begin unwinding, we will arrange airport transfer and hotel, no problem.

Day 1 - arrive Kathmandu

You must arrive this day or earlier. You’ll be met at the airport, look for a Project Himalaya signboard with your name on it.

Your leader will meet you at the hotel and show you around Thamel. Thamel is a mass of energy and chaos with a myriad banners, signs, pumping music shops, bakeries, internet cafes, restaurants, bars, hotels and eccentrically clad backpackers. Normally we meet at Sam's bar over a drink before dinner.

We collect your passports ready for processing the Chinese visa tomorrow, and discuss how to acclimatize for Lhasa.

Day 2 - Kathmandu

Sightseeing is an option otherwise you have a free day and this is a good time to sort out any equipment that you need.

Day 3 - fly Kathmandu 1350m to Lhasa 3660m

We check in early for the for the hour long flight to Tibet. This spectacular flight, on a China Airlines Boeing takes us right across the main Himalayan range and provides us with magnificent mountain views. After landing at Gonggar Airport and meeting our Tibetan guide, it is 45 minutes to Lhasa via the new tunnel. It's advisable to rest or take it easy for the remainder of the day due to Lhasa's altitude.

Days 4 and 5 - in Lhasa 3660m

Today will be spent visiting four of Lhasa's main sites, two each day, in the company of a guide-interpreter. The order is decided by the guide.

We visit Sera Monastery or Drepung Monastery, both are the best preserved monasteries in Tibet. Within their white-washed walls and golden roofs, several hundred monks live and study.

Norbulingka is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, a quiet place of gardens and a pleasant house with impressive murals of Tibetan history and beliefs.

The Jokhang (temple) is the most sacred shrine in Tibet and on public days there is a procession of devout Tibetans through the complex. This is the real Tibet as it was and is usually a highlight of the trip. Surrounding the Jokhang is the Barkor - a maze of narrow cobbled streets which is the central market of Lhasa and since our hotel is close to this you can wander around any time.

The Potala is the icon of Tibet, with its eighth wonder architecture, and dominates the city of Lhasa. A spectacular building, it contains the private quarters of the Dalai Lama 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.

It is also extremely busy. Once past the ticket office and thru the main courtyard, from that point you might only be allowed one hour for the interior, you guide will explain the latest rules. You do have plenty of time prior to the point, however.

Day 6 - drive Shigatse 3900m ~250 km

We drive to Shigatse, arriving in time for a late lunch. Shigatse is the second largest city in Tibet and Tashilhunpo Monastary is the seat of the Panchen Lama, often considered the second most important Rinpoche after the Dalai Lama. Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls.

Day 7 - drive Shegar 4350m ~244km

We continue along the Friendship Highway. Beyond the small town of Lhatse we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gyamtso La, 5220m. From here we descend to some of the most spectacular panoramas of the drive.

During the 1921 expedition a madman attacked their camp stoves here.

Day 8 - Shegar 4350m

This is a rest and acclimatization day. The best day trip is to walk or drive to the new town of Shegar and climb to the monastery and past that to the top of the fort.

Day 9 - drive Everest Base Camp 5150m 76km

Shortly after leaving Shegar, we turn off the Friendship Highway and head south over the Pang La 5150m towards the main Himalayan range. The view from the top is incredible with uninterrupted views stretching from Makalu to Shishapangma, and including Everest. Below the pass, Everest initially is hidden from view, but as we turn the corner into the upper Rongbuk Valley it reappears, more impressive than ever.

Days 10, 11 and 12 - Everest Base Camp 5150m

We rest here several days to acclimatize; it is important to be well acclimatized prior to trekking to Interim Camp. How often do you get a chance to sit and read and dine with the sheer north face of the highest mountain in the world towering above us. There are several possible day trips.

Day 13 - trek to Interim Camp 5760m

We begin in a dusty ablation valley with views of Pumori, Lingtren and even Nuptse then branch off up the East Rongbuk valley. The trail climbs moraine rubble. Nearby, the first ice seracs [ice pinnacles] rise like white sails from the dark debris-laden surface of the glacier.

Day 14 - Interim Camp 5760m

We spend a day here in the intermediate camp, resting to further acclimatize. This is another good chance to finish that book.

Day 15 - trek to Lhakpa Ri BC or Everest ABC 6340m

The Rongbuk Glacier is an impressive frozen ocean of ice waves; the views of the glacier and the Himalayan peaks are some of the most dramatic in Tibet. Along the middle moraine of the glacier is the trail that expeditions use to begin their climbs of Everest and this is the trail we are taking. About two hours above the Interim camp the central ridgeline leads in to a confused of ice at the confluence with the Changtse glacier, and this is Changtse Base Camp [5970m] which is sometimes called Camp 2; it was the 1920's and 1930's camp 2. The appropriately named Serac Highway continues to extend its unusual gravel arm trough the centre of the of the ice formations.

Rounding the corner, and always a tough walk, first Lhakpa Ri Base Camp comes into view. We will probably stay here however if we are a small expedition then we might stay with our Everest expedition at Everest ABC (The old "Camp 3").

Days 16 and 17 - Lhakpa Ri BC / Everest ABC acclimatization

We have a well-deserved rest, taking a couple of days to acclimatize. The summit pyramid of Everest appears phenomenally close; it is little more than 2400 metres higher than ABC. This is the closest non-climbers can get to the top of Everest. With a pair of binoculars, you are almost there...

Day 18 - Camp 1

Although it is possible to climb Lhakpa Ri in one very long day from either Lhakpa Ri Base Camp or from Everest ABC, setting up a Camp 1 improves your chances of success. We make this part way up the mountain on the glacier.

Day 19 - Lhakpa Ri summit and back to ABC

The day! We leave early, on first light, for the snow slog. The last section is often rock, sometimes requiring a fixed rope. We descend to ABC after summitting.

Day 20 - spare day

Just in case...

Day 21 - trek down to Base Camp

This is a LONG day's trekking down to Base Camp but to much lower, more comfortable altitudes.

Day 22 - drive Nyalam 3750m or Zhangmu 2400m

We normally take the shortcut to Tingri where we have lunch. Beyond Tingri are more views of Everest, Cho Oyu and other giants. Then we cross two high passes, the Lalung La (5124m) and the Shung La (5200m). Once more we are rewarded with magnificent views, this time Menlungtse and Gauri Shankar, and to the right of the road is Shishapangma. Over the last pass we begin the long descent leaving the arid Tibetan Plateau into the gorge to Zhangmu. Where we stay depends on the driver and Tibetan guide.

Day 23 - drive Kathmandu

We wait in line for Immigration. then a few kilometres further is the Friendship Bridge which spans the Bhote Kosi River and marks the Chinese - Nepalese border. We say goodbye to our Tibetan guide and driver and walk to Nepalese Immigration Control in Kodari where we will be met by our Nepalese staff. After completing the re-entry formalities we continue the drive to Kathmandu which, depending on road and weather conditions, should take about 5 hours. It's time to get cleaned up at the hotel, which has abundant hot water.

Day 24 - depart

Farewell. We take you to the airport for your flight home. We hope you had the journey of a lifetime.

jdesign -- all rights reserved -- frozen in time July 2013