Kharta Valley Trek

Acclimatization day and excursion around Kyirong. Overnight at Guesthouse

After breakfast at guesthouse the exciting day starts with an adventure drive through lush, green lower hills into the dry, arid landscape of the Tibetan Plateau. Crossing Jerkhyung La pass beautiful Lake Pelku Tso and Massif Mount Shishapangma, Tingri than the track to the west heading to the Rongbuk Valley – the one to the east leading to the Phung Chu the village of Kharta – the administrative headquarters of the region. Overnight at Camp

These two days we explore sublime valley is just to the east of the Kharta. We’ll spend 2 days exploring here numerous Lakes and beautiful meadows Sakyathang. This is good option for trekker mild trek before heading higher to Kangshung Glacier. Overnight at Camp

We trek along the Dambuk Chhu (River) initially following a jeep trail, passing Yulok and Yulba settlements of stone houses amid rich barley fields which contrast with the stark hillsides. When the valley narrows the trail divides, the lower path leading to the Langma La which we return on; instead we begin climbing on the Shau La route to the first possible camping place near a stream at 3995m. The trail continues climbing into the greenery and prayer flags mark the end of the steep section. Soon after we reach good camping place just over a small bridge at a place called Dambu. The small Lhakhang (altar) of Tarpaling is across the Kharta Tsangpo, and lower along the ridge the ruins of Ganden Chopel Gompa are visible. We have made a 640-meter jump in altitude, which you should feel. If you arrive at camp with a headache consider taking 125mg or 250mg of Diamox and drink plenty water and soup. Overnight at Camp

Today is only a few hours trekking to put us in the best position for crossing the Shao La, and to help acclimatize. We follow the sparkling stream up on a mostly rocky trail. After passing a widening of the stream, up and along from the next rise is a beautiful lake, which we camp near. Again today you are likely to feel the altitude so it is worth taking drugs. From camp, or nearby at the lake, we will be treated to views of Makalu to the south and Jomolonzo, the north peak of Makalu, to the west. Exploring around, there is a second large lake and several smaller ones. Overnight at Camp

We start early, as this is a fairly tough day’s trekking. At the end of the lake begin climbing, looking back there are several more turquoise lakes, the biggest in a matching rock circ. The top of the pass is marked with prayer flags and an inspiring view, including Everest (8848m), Makalu (8475m) and Lhotse (8501m). Soon after the descent begins the trail forks, take the right past a rough pond, wait for your guide if unsure, and soon the trail becomes slightly bigger, dropping in lush pastures, all the while with spectacular peaks visible. Descending further we swing around right to a curious sheer-sided valley, the terrain soon making sense; bounder erratic dumped by glacial retreats pepper the landscape. Passing thru rhododendron shrubs at the base of the valley there is a rocky sparkling stream and pretty meadows then juniper forest. Our idyllic camp, Jokshum, is just above the Karma Tsangpo Valley. Overnight at Camp

We climb steeply out of Jokshum thru Juniper, Birch and Rhododendron forests with Usnea lichen hanging low from the trees, typical of Nepali cloud forests and some of the most interesting in the Himalaya. Climbing into alpine tundra there are views down to the Karma Tsangpo and the Arun River into Nepal, and not far upstream is a glacier coming from Makalu. Look to the right for views of Everest and Lhotse. Traversing and climbing further we reach a Doksa, or seasonal herding settlement. Here take a traversing trail out to more Doksas and to either Tso Nak, the black lake, or Shalung Tso and then Lhotse Shyar, all the while with views of awesome rock faces on the opposite side of the valley. The rubble in the main valley is the Kangshung Glacier. From the north, coming from the Karma Gangri peak is the massive, glaciated tributary valley of the Rabka Chu. The junction of these valleys forms the Karma Tsangpo (river). We camp at the third Doksa, called Thangsum. This is a short day and you are welcome to explore around in the afternoon. Overnight at Camp

Trek out of Thangsum thru more meadows soon we come to Chahataphu, where the trail to the Langma La branches off. The panorama is truly awe-inspiring. From here we can see our camping area at Pethang, but first we have to drop steeply through dwarf rhododendron and scrub juniper to the river and gently ascend again. The main valley is the Kangshung Valley glacier, which we follow for a few days. Close to the camp at a small trail junction some obvious trailheads north (right) to the Tsechu Tsho, a holy lake with a Guru Rimpoche cave temple, a Beyul, or hidden sanctuary; it’s less than an hour away to the lake. The views are well worth the short climb, and the energetic could even circumambulate the lake (clockwise), which takes around two hours; be warned the first section has no real trail. Overnight at Camp

The small trail soon begins to climb steeply along the Kangshung glacier rim, seeming never to end as it avoids the glacier pushing in below. There are several tight sections. After the climb the views open up the valley with the huge Lhotse and Jomolonzo wall dominating the head of the valley. The faces of Jomolonzo (7790m) are just as awesome, being much closer. Although the steepest section is over, the trail still ascends above one Doksa, Oka, and continues up the ablation valley eventually reaching the nomad tents on the large meadows of lush grass, Pethang Ringmo, where we normally camp. What a panorama, accentuated by white ice floes fall from the peaks into the Kangshung Valley Glacier. This was the Base Camp for George Mallory and the 1921 Everest Reconnaissance Team. Overnight at Camp

A rest and acclimatization day at last; there are plenty of day trips possible above the campsite, and the delightful meadows of Pethang Ringmo are perfect for a relaxing day. Overnight at Camp

It is well worth staying higher at the base camp. It is about three hours away and at 5290m, so a high place to camp and likely you will feel the altitude. It is an absolutely stunning location, ringed by mountains and with an awesome view of the Kangshung face, and Lhotse, and by exploring only a little further you can see the steep amphitheater falling from Lhotse. North of camp, on a ridge overlooking the Khangshung Valley, are two green-gray lakes, and in between a spur that rises to at least 5800m, probably higher, just a walk up. Or go north past Base Camp for about 45 minutes following the crest of the long moraine for great Himalayan views as well as the glacial lake below. Overnight at Camp

In the morning there is time to have a look around here before heading back down to our lovely campsite at Pethang Ringmo. Overnight at Camp

Returning, the views are always surprisingly different. After the scrub we cross the river for the one-hour climb back up to the Rabka Chu Meadow Camp where we separate at the intersection of the Shao La trail. At Chahataphu, we traverse and climb out of the valley looping around a few small ridges with spectacular views opening up on the opposite side of a glaciated valley. After a couple of hours, we head into the main valley that leads to the pass, camping by a lake. Looking back are impressive views of many peaks (not that we saw them) and just above us are more lakes. This is the last camp before the pass, at a Doksa 20 minutes past Tso Melogma. Overnight at Camp

The climb to the Langma La Pass takes two hours with further views back of Lhotse Shyar, Lhotse and Everest, Makalu and Jomolonzo as well as some beautiful lakes closer in too, as well as the impressive peak above the pass. Pethangtse is the bullet shaped peak to the right, or west. From the pass (5390m) there is a series of steep descents. After passing the guitar-shaped lake of Damnye Tsho, there is one more descent along a rocky moraine, along some cliff-side trails, to a series of Doksas, often filled with sheep and goats. Gary McCue calls this settlement ‘a medieval-looking collection of stone houses and muddy alleyways’. He also mentions that arak (Tibetan whiskey), Chhang, milk, yogurt and vegetables might be available. Look for blue poppies en route. At the end of the valley the terrain changes, the earth suddenly drier as we reach our camp. Apparently it is possible to see the Kangchenjunga massif rearing above the ridges beyond Kharta on the Nepal-Sikkim Border. Hidden but near our camp is the village of Lundrubling. Overnight at Camp

Just around the corner from our camp is a wonderful village scene of billowing barley fields and old houses; passing thru the kids often mob you. The road is being extended, so we have less than three hours to trek to Kharta, the main administrative ‘Shang’ in the Everest region. Overnight at Camp

After breakfast exciting day starts with an adventure drive crosses several high passes including the Pang La and Gyatso La from where you can have a breathtaking panorama of the Himalayan range. Our Trek crew will drive back to Kyirong from Kharta. Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast you will visit Sakya monastery the largest monastery of Sakya sect and seat of Sakya Konma. Continue your drive passing Sakya township to Shigatse the second largest city of Tibet and visit Tashilunpo monastery seat of Panchen Lama the second highest Lama of Tibet. Tashi Lunpo monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet. Afternoon scenic drive to Gyantse. Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast you will visit Gyantse another historical city in Tibet. In Gyantse, you will visit the Pelkhor Chode Monastery and the Khumbum Zampaling stupa. Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa. It is famous for its many chapels house an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. Then you will drive scenic drive along the Yamdrok Lake and cross Karo La and Khamba La pass before enter to Lhasa valley.  Overnight at Hotel

After breakfast at hotel, your journey to Tibet would not be complete without exploring the great Potala Palace. This palace is Lhasa’s prime attraction and is a truly wonder of Tibetan architecture. Your first site of this enormous structure will be a glorious moment remembered for years to come. This palace was once home to the Dalai Lama. And visit to Norbu Lingkha Jewel Park and summer resident of the Dalai Lama. In the afternoon you will have easy visits to Jokhang Temple and Barkhor Market. Overnight stay at hotel.

This really amazing day visit to the Drepung – once the world’s largest monastery, housing more than 5000 monks which situated hidden in rocky ridges just several miles beyond the city. Afternoon, you will visit Sera Monastery which located just a few miles North of Lhasa city and is home to several hundred monks. Overnight stay at hotel.

After breakfast at hotel, your guide and driver will drop you to Airport for your next destination.