• Day 1

  Arrival in Kathmandu (1300m)

  Arrive into Kathmandu. You will be met by a member of Top of the World Treks and after a 45 minute bus journey to the heart of the city and check into the hotel there is time for a cup of tea, shower and then a chance to see the tourist district of Kathmandu by night as we go for dinner before an early night!

• Day 2

  Sightseeing in Kathmandu and Visa procedure (1300m)

  A day in Kathmandu where we will take you to Swayambhunath which is a Buddhist stupa and Monastery, which is over 2000 years old and one of the oldest in the world. Here is a great chance to see across the valleys, see some monkeys and begin to learn about this fascinating country. The afternoon will be spent getting for the trek and some time to relax and make sure all the kit and packing is complete. Also the first time you can go shopping which in Thamel is an adventure in itself!

• Day 3

  Kathmandu to Lhasa (3650m)

  Top of the world treks representative will be waiting for your flight,so in duration and over the majestic himalaya mountains, to land and welcome you to Lhasa. Lhasa is situated on the north bank of kyi – chu River and in the Tibetan language means “ Place of the gods”. You will then be transferred to your hotel and assisted in the check – in process as well. Rest is important today as your acclimatize to the rarefiedatmosphere of this high altitude city. Over night at hotel.

• Day 4

  Lhasa sightseeing (3650m)

  Today sightdeeing in the great Potala palace, Ramoche Monastery and norbulinka. The Potala palace, home of the Dalai Lama, was build in 637 AD atop a single hill by the Tibetain king, Songtsen Gampo. And Norbulinka, the erstwhile summer palace of Dalai Lama meaning ‘Jewel park’, It is a World Heritage Site and covers an area of around 3,60,000 sq mt. making it the largest man – made garden in Tibet. Over night at hotel in Lhasa.

• Day 5

  Cultural and Historical tour at Lhasa

  Today will be another busy day for you as you will be taken to some of the historical sites at Tibet. First visit will be atGanden monastery situated at the top of Wangbur Mountain (3800m) and explore its arts, sculptures and Murals. Then visit Drayerpa Cave in down valley. There are several silent caves, more than 25, where Dalai Lama used to Meditate. Visit Sera Monastery (Second Largest Monastery at Tibet), Jokhang Temple (Buddhist Temple) andDrepung Monastery- the largest monastery in Tibet built in 14th century. Lastly we will drive to Barkhor Bazaar which is the nerve center of Lhasa. Overnight at Hotel at Lhasa.

• Day 6

  Lhasa to Gyantse (3950m)

  Today will be our full day drive to Gyantse. Our drive gets adventurous as we pass through Kamba La pass (4794m) and Karo La (5010m) with spectacular scenery of Yamdrok Tso Lake. You will Rest at Guest house in Gyantse.

• Day 7

  Gyantse to Shigatse (3840m) and drive to Neyalam (3800m)

  Gyantse lies 264 Km southwest of Lhasa which lies on the northern bank of Nyang Chu River and bear historical importance. During 15th century it used to be a capital of small kingdom and yet retains deep Tibetan character. The principle structures consist of a castle on a ridge overlooking the town and a walled monastic complex. Today will be our busy day as you visit Gyantse Monastery (Pekhor Chode Monastery) and Stupa followed by 3 hours drive to Shigatse. After reaching at Shigatse we visit the Gyantse Dzong, the Kumbum Stupa, and Tashilhunpo Monastery.Overnight Guest house in Neyalam.

• Day 8

  Neyalam to Dongba (4500m)

  After breakfast we drive through Lalunga La pass (5050m) and Peku Tso Lake also known as salt Lake. After 5 hours of drive we arrive at Saga which is a city with every trekking facility available. We will have lunch here and make our way through Bhramha Putra River to Dongba (one hour drive from Saga). Rest at Lodge.

• Day 9

  Dongba to Manosarovar Lake (4580m)

  Today will be another exciting day of our tour as we leave Dongba to Lake Manasarovar. We drive from Dongba and along the way we see the first glimpse of Mount Kailash and Manasarovar Lake. It will take 6 hours to reach at Lake. Here we will perform a holy dip, Relax and explore around the Manasarovar area then short drive to Horchu which is a small village near this lake. Stay at Guest House.

• Day 10

  Religious activities and drive to Rakshyas Taal (4515m)

  Today morning you will perform religious activities like taking dip or bathing, perform Puja and other worshipping tasks of Lord Shiva and goddesses Parvati. It is said that taking after worshipping, taking bath and drinking its water, lord will wash away our sins and gives us “Mukti”. You can enjoy this religious site full day and lunch is provided after puja is finished. Then we start our Mount Kailash Parikrama (encircling activities). Overnight in Tent

• Day 11

  Rakshyas Taal to Dirapuk Gompa (4910m)

  Today is our second day of Kailash Parikrama. We explore this lake and worship activities are also conducted early in the morning. Then breakfast program is held and later we trek to Chuk Gompa (4625m) on foot. This day feels like god had opened heavens for us and let us glances inside the world of God and Goddesses. We walk through the Valley enjoying Ganga River on our left flowing from Mount Kailash. We take lunch at Chuk Gompa then again continue our trek and rest overnight at Dirapuk Gompa. Overnight at Camp.

• Day 12

  Dirapuk Gompa to Zutulpuk Gompa (4795m) via Dolma La pass (5630m)

  Today will be a bit tough day for you as you have to walk for 6 hours. After good breakfast, we cross a rocky expanse dotted with stone cairns draped with the clothes left as offerings by pilgrims, we encounter one of the holiest lake of this tour i.e. Gaurikunda and further walk takes us to Dolma-La pass (5490 M). We give rest to our tired legs at top of this Pass and enjoy lunch with vistas around. Then, we head Zutulpuk Monastery and tent camp there.

• Day 13

  Zutulpuk Gompa to Lake Manasarovar then drive to Saga (4600m)

  Today is our last day of Manasarovar Parikrama as we head to Saga. After breakfast we shortly visit this Gompa, we’ll understand its history, arts, crafts and spiritual importance. It is the site of the cave of miracles where Milarepa meditated. Then we continue our trek to Lake Manasarovar. You will feel like you are blessed by gods and all you sins are washed away. It is really a spiritual blessing of Lord Shiva. Take lunch at our Manasarovar camp and drive back to Saga. Stay Overnight guest house.

• Day 14

  Saga to Shigatse (3840m)

  After breakfast we head toward Neyalam crossing Lalunga La pass (5050m) and vistas of Peku Tso Lake. Rest overnight at Neyalam in Guest House.

• Day 15

  Shigatse to Xegar (4300m) to Rongbuk (5000m)

  Today we will drive through two high passes with great views and after 4-5 hours of drive via Lhatse we arrive at Xegar. Along the way we visit Sakya Monastery, a castle-shaped place in which lots of historic articles exhibited. We’ll have lunch and drive over Pang la (5150 M) towards the main Himalayan region from where mountains like Makalu, Shishapangma, Mt. Everest, etc are viewed. Finally we arrive at Rongbuk alley and overnight stay at guest house.

• Day 16

  Rongbuk to Everest Base Camp (5220m)

  After breakfast you will visit Rongbuk Monastery and get inspired by its historical as well as spiritual importance. Then we gear up and trek for Everest Base Camp. After 3 hours of hike we finally arrive at Everest Base camp form where we will experience northern face of Mount Everest which looks stunning. We’ll take photos and get good memories of here, and plenty of rest too Overnight at camp.

• Day 17

  Everest Base Camp to Lao Tingri (4350m)

  Today you will have good breakfast and explore this region and see sunrise over the cap of snowy mountains and then start trekking back to Tingri which is a small Tibetan town. Rest whole afternoon and enjoy hotel facilities.

• Day 18

  Tingri to Nyalam(1360m)

  Today will be our final day of tour as we move along Lalung La pass (5050m) and further drive takes us to Zhangmu – Nyalam Overnight at Hotel.

• Day 19

  Nyalam to Kathmandu

  After breakfast we will drive down to friendship bridge and after immigration and custom procedure at Nepal/China Border at Kodari, then we drive all the way back to Kathmandu. Enjoy several stops and villages. Enjoy farewell dinner tonight with your team members and share each other’s unforgettable moments of trip. Overnight at Hotel, Bed and Breakfast service.

• Day 20

  Sightseeing in Kathmandu

  Today after a leisurely start we will continue the tour of Kathmandu by visiting the largest Buddhist stupa in the world. Boudhanath stupa is a world heritage site and a place which is an amazing place to see Buddhism and understand more about not only the religion but the Nepali culture. A group dinner will be had in the evening to celebrate the end of the trek.

• Day 21

  Departure

  Your historical, cultural and natural trip over the land of Tibet, mount Kailash and Northern Tibet Everest base camp has come to an end. Today you will be leaving Nepal and heading back to your home.

Equipments

Equipment Check – List

What clothing and equipment to take is one of the things that people worry the most about!  We can advise you and help you and it does of course depend on the time of year, the area, the altitude and how many days you are trekking/climbing. When you arrive in Kathmandu we will go through all your equipment to ensure that it is correct for your trip. In Thamel (the tourist area of Kathmandu where you will be staying) there is an abundance of shops seeling equipment and clothing so if anything is forgotten it can easily be sourced.It is also possible to hire climbing equipment and also items such as down jackets, and sleeping bags saving you a large purchase.

The following equipment list is suggested and necessary for both camping and tea house  treks. Use this list as a guide line. The basic check list should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you  should always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag,  should weight no more than 15kg. Please remember this is just a check list and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed bellow.

GENERAL CHECK – LIST

The following  basic check list should help you with your packing for any of our trips. Please remember that you  should  always try to keep the weight of your clothing equipment down to a minimum. Your packed trek bag,  should weight no more than 15 kilograms. Please remember this is just a check list and you do not necessarily need to bring everything that is listed bellow. Use your own experience and judgment  to make your decision.

-Light and expedition weight thermal tops.

-Fleece jacket or pullover.

-fleece wind –stopper Jacket (optional)

-Waterproof  sheel jacket (preferably breathable fabric)

-Lightweight thermal gloves.

-Underwear (4)

-Shorts (2)

-Lightweight cotton long trousers / pants .

-Light and expedition  weight thermal bottoms.

-Sun hat or Scarf.

-Warm fleece hat or light balaclava.

-T- shirt (2)

-Thin, light weight (inner socks) (4).

-Sunglasses with UV protection.

-Sleeping bag rated to 0 degrees ¾ season

-Head lamp (eg petzl) Spare bulbs and batteries.

-Small padlock  to lock trek bag.

-Basic first aid kit(see First aid medicine bellow)

-Plastic bags –for keeping items dry inside trek bag.

-Daypack ( 35 to 40 litters/ 2500 to 3000 cubic inches.)

-Camping mattress, eg thermarest pad.

-water bottles.

-Tolietries.

-Small wash towel.

-Footwear appropraite to the trip.

-Waterproof  shell trousers / pants. (Preferably  berathable fabric)

TREKKING  CHECK LIST

In addition to the items listed in our general check list you will need to take the following on your trekking trip:

-Heavyweight gloves or mittens with a waterproof sheel  outer.

-Down vest and/ or jacket (optional).

-Fleece or wool trousers/ pants.

-Trekking/ hiking boods with spare laces.

-Thick, warm wool hiking socks (4)

– Footwear for around camp, eg running shoes and /or sandals.

-Gaiters (optional).

-Telescopic trekking/ ski poles (optional)

MOUNTAINERING / CLIMBING CHECK LIST

In addition to the checklists for general trekking equipment above, and depending  on the trip you have chosen, various items of mountaineering equipment may also be required, eg:

-Plastic boots and crampons (preferably step – in bindings ) with front points.

-Mountaineering  Safety harness.

-Mountaineering  Ice axe(60 to 75 cms long – depending on your height and personal  preference).

-120 cms (4ft) climbing sling and to locking and unlocking  caravines.

-Telescopic ski – sticks (optional).

-Prussik loops .

-Climbing helmet (optional).

-Jumer (Ascender & Descender).

-Pocket Knife.

-Head lamp.

-Mattress.

-Rope and Snow bars.

-Ice crew.

-High altimeter.

Most if not all of this equipment will be needed  for any  trip that  crosses steep, snow – covered  ground, or which includes sections  of glacier travel. Our recommendation that you take no more than fifteen kilos of trekking equipment dose not include your plastic boots, ice axe , Crampons ot herness/ carabiners . During the trek, climbing hard wear will be carried separately from your personal trek bag, in group bags untill needed.

EQUIPMENT  RENTAL

In order to minimize your expense outlay for trekking and climbing equipment you may never use  again, equipmeent rental and buying is possible in Kathmandu. You find them lot cheaper  than you find in europe and in Usa. Shops in Thamel offer a wide range of equipment available for rent and buy. Here is some cost which give you an aidea of the cost to rent in Kathmandu.

-Sleeping bags.

-Down Jackets.

-All purpose mountaineering Ice axe (60 – 70 cms)

-Ice hummer.

-Climbing Harness .

-2 looking Carabiners , Climbing Sling.

-12 – point Crampons.

-Plastic Climbing boots.

-Helmet.

FIRST AID MEDICINE

-Bandage for Sprains.

-Plaster/ Band- aids.

-Iodine or Water filter(optional)

-Moleskin/ Second skin – for blisters.

-Antiseptic ointment for cuts.

-Anti- bacterial throat lozenges (with antiseptic)

-Aspirin/ paractamol- general painkiller.

-Oral rehydration salts.

-Broad – spectrum antibiotic (norfloxacin or ciprofloxin).

-Anti  – diarrhea medication (antibiotic).

-Diarrhea stopper (Imodium – optional).

-Antibiotic for Giardia or similar microbe or bacteria.

-Diamox  (Altitude sickness – can be  bought in Kathmandu.

-Sterile Syringe set (anti-AIDS precaution).

– For more details  please see our  staying healthy  topic.