Mount Everest, which stands 8,848 meters (29,021 ft) above sea level, is often referred to as 'the third pole on earth'. Being the world's highest peak, its legendary status holds a fascination to many trekkers and mountaineers. The region, however, is also home to the Sherpas and an outpost of Tibetan Buddhism, and therefore a place with rich cultural connotations and of spiritual significance. Starting our journey in Lhasa, the holy capital of Tibet, we will trek along a route that takes you through charming villages and offering tantalizing views of the towering peak. This hike to Everest's Base Camp and its further stations is challenging, but the experience of reaching the heart of the pyramidal peak will certainly be exciting, rewarding, and unforgettable.

Day 1 Chengdu :
We will meet you at the airport in Chengdu. The afternoon is left open for you to either take a rest or stroll around the city. Chengdu is a prosperous and lively metropolis famous for its delicious spicy food and attractive tea houses.

Day 2 Chengdu to Lhasa :
The 2-hour flight, which glides over the snow-capped peaks of the Himalayas, is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful flights in the world. We will arrive at Gongga airport at around 11:00am, and drive for 1.5 hours to reach downtown Lhasa. Starting from this drive, you are already thrown deep into a culture which is unknown to most people. Situated at 3,700 m (12,136 ft), Lhasa and its surroundings may appear slightly barren, except for the trees lining the roadside. We will spend the afternoon resting and adjusting to the high altitude.

Day 3 Lhasa :
We will have a full day in this mystical capital exploring the Potala Palace, Jokhang (Dazhao)Temple and Norbulingka, the Summer Palace of the Dalai Lama and where traditional Tibetan arts and crafts are kept alive.

Day 4 Lhasa to Gyantse (Jiangzi) :
The road to Gyantse meanders down through the Kyichu Valley to the Yarlong Tsampa (Brahmaputra) River before climbing over Khama La Pass at 4,900 m (16,076 ft). We will stop to take in the view of the majestic turquoise lake of Yamdrok Tso, with a backdrop of snow-topped mountains. Before reaching Gyantse, we will make one more ascent over Karo La at 5,200 m (17,060 ft). At Gyantse we will soak up the old-world atmosphere of Tibetan rural life. For centuries, this town has dominated the wool and timber trade routes from Nepal, Sikkim and Bhutan. We will explore the 14-15th century fortress and temples, most notably the Gyantse Kumbum, the Stupa of 100,000 Deities, which is one of Tibet's most famous architectural achievements.

Day 5 Gyantse to Shigatse (Rikaze) :
In the morning we will head to Shigatse. Visit Tshilunbu monastery in the afternoon.

Day 6 Shigatse to Lungchang :

Day 7-10 Trek to Rongbuk :

Day 11 Hike to Everest Base Camp :

Day 12 Base Camp to Zhangmu (2,100m/6,808ft) :
Leaving Base Camp in the morning, we will drive a total of 8-9 hours to Zhangmu, stopping on the way in Laodingri for lunch. The altitude makes a sudden drop once we go past Lielamu; the view along road here includes some of Tibet's most spectacular scenery. Nearing Zhangmu, the scenery quickly changes to lush hills with clear water cascades - the semitropical scenery is a marked contrast to the barren Tibetan plateau.

Day 13 Zhangmu to Kathmandu :
We will cross the border into Nepal this morning. The altitude and climate continues to change dramatically. We will reach Kathmandu, Nepal's capital city, in 3-4 hours' time.

Day 14 Trip ends :

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