• Grade: strenuous.
• Duration: 18 Days
• Destination: Tibet
• Departure: Spring and Autumn 2025/26
• Best Seasons: March to may and September to December is finest.
• Highest Altitude: 5330m.
• Start-Ends: kathmandu- kathmandu
• Per day walking: 5 to 6 hours
• Type of trek: Tea House and camp trek
• Min. Pax: 1+
• Mode of Travel: by air and ground.
• Mode of Travel: Tibet region.
• Nearest Major Airport: Lhasa international airport.
• Convenient Centers: kathmandu
• Destination: Kharta valley.
• Culture: Tibet Buddhist culture.
• Himalayan Sights: Himalayan range from Tibet site.

Overview

Duration: 18-20 Days
Best Season: May – October
Difficulty Level: Strenuous
Max Altitude: 5,350 m (Langma La Pass)

Kharta Valley lies to the east of Mount Everest and is centered around the Kharta Valley & Everest Kangshung Face Trek. The valley extends 40 kilometers (25 miles) from Lhakpa La at the head of the Kharta Glacier. From here, the Kharta Chu River flows east to meet the Phung Chu near Kharta village. To the south, the Kama Valley begins at the Kangshung Glacier, flowing southeast towards the Phung Chu.

Historical Significance & Trekking Appeal

The 1921 British Mount Everest reconnaissance expedition first explored Kharta while searching for a route to climb Everest. They managed to reach the North Col via Lhakpa La. However, the valley was not used for summit attempts afterward. Today, the region is a quieter trekking alternative to Everest Base Camp in the Rongbuk Valley.

Located within the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve, the Kharta and Kama Valleys offer a unique trekking experience. While the Kangshung Face remains the main attraction, the trek begins and ends in Kharta Valley. Trekkers often take an organized tour, hiring yaks or backpacking through the rugged terrain. The standard route includes a journey through Yuluk and Yulba, crossing Shao La, and descending into the Kama Chu Valley. After reaching the Kangshung Glacier, the return journey crosses Langma La before heading back to Kharta.

Getting There

A four-wheel-drive track leads from Tingri, off the Friendship Highway, to Kharta village. Permits are required to enter the Nature Preserve, and a local guide is mandatory unless traveling with an organized group.

Itinerary Plan

Acclimatization & Cultural Exploration

Day 1: Arrival in Lhasa (3,650 m)

• Arrive via flight or overland.
• Transfer to the hotel for acclimatization.
• Explore Barkhor Street and Jokhang Temple if time permits.

Day 2: Lhasa Sightseeing

• Visit Potala Palace, the former residence of the Dalai Lama.
• Explore Jokhang Temple and Norbulingka (Summer Palace).
• Discover Sera Monastery and watch debating monks.

Journey to the Trekking Starting Point

Day 3: Drive to Gyantse (3,950 m) via Yamdrok Lake

• Scenic drive over Kamba La Pass (4,794 m).
• Stop at Yamdrok Tso Lake.
• Visit Gyantse Kumbum and Pelkor Monastery.

Day 4: Drive to Shigatse (3,900 m)—90 km

• Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, seat of Panchen Lama.
• Explore local markets and town.

Day 5: Drive to Shegar (New Tingri, 4,050 m) – 244 km

• Scenic drives through rugged landscapes.
• Acclimatization at a higher altitude.

Day 6: Drive to Kharta (3,690 m) – 140 km

• Cross Pang La Pass (5,150 m) with views of Everest, Makalu, and Lhotse.
• Arrive at Kharta village and prepare for the trek.

Trekking Phase

Day 7-15: Trek through Kharta Valley, crossing passes and reaching Everest’s Kangshung Face.

• Day 7: Trek to Lundrubling (4,370 m) – 5 hrs.
• Day 8: Trek to Kaamo Tsangpo Valley (4,500 m) – 5 hrs.
• Day 9: Trek over Shao La Pass (4,970 m) to Joksum (4,600 m)—6 hrs.
• Day 10: Trek to Kangshung Valley (4,300 m) – 6 hrs.
• Day 11: Exploration Day at Everest Khangshung Face (5,000 m).
• Day 12: Trek to Rabka Chu (4,350 m) – 5 hrs.
• Day 13: Trek to Tso Tshurigma (4,800 m) – 6 hrs.
• Day 14: Cross Langma La Pass (5,320 m) and trek to Lundrubling (7 hrs).
• Day 15: Trek to Kharta and drive to Shegar.

Return Journey

Day 16: Drive to Shigatse.
Day 17: Drive to Lhasa.
Day 18: Departure from Lhasa.

Cost for 2025/26

• USD 5,500 per person (based on a group of X).
• Single Supplement: USD 300 per day.

Cost Includes:

✅ Tibet Travel Permit & necessary permits
✅ Private transportation from Lhasa to the trek starting point and return
✅ Accommodation in Lhasa (3-star hotel) and guesthouses en route
✅ Full-board meals (Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner) during the trek
✅ Professional Tibetan guide & Nepali trekking guide
✅ Yak & yak men for carrying trekking gear
✅ Cook and kitchen crew for trekking days
✅ Camping equipment (tents, sleeping mats, dining & kitchen gear)
✅ Entrance fees to monasteries & monuments as per itinerary
✅ Airport pickup & drop-in Lhasa
✅ Oxygen cylinder for emergency use
✅ Basic medical kit for high-altitude trekking

Cost Excludes:

❌ International flight to/from Lhasa
❌ China/Tibet visa fees
❌ Travel & medical insurance
❌ Personal expenses (laundry, hot showers, beverages, snacks, etc.)
❌ Tips for guides, cooks, and porters
❌ Emergency evacuation costs (if required)
❌ Any additional expenses due to unforeseen circumstances (weather, political restrictions, etc.)