Everest Eastern Face Trek Itinerary | 13-Day Tibet Himalayas Adventure Tour

Duration

13 days

Max People

6

Min Age

12+

ways to travel

hiking

Our Everest Eastern Face Trek combines remote Himalayan camping with authentic Tibetan village stays. Perfect for adventurers seeking Tibet trekking tours beyond the standard EBC route

About Everest’s Eastern Face
The earliest documented exploration of Everest’s eastern face dates back to British mountaineer George Mallory’s 1921 expedition diary. The trekking route known as the “Everest Eastern Face” traverses the broader Kama Tsangpo Valley (often called Kama Valley), crossing two high-altitude passes: Showa La (4,920m) and Langma La (5,340m).

Kama Valley Overview
Stretching 55km east-west and 8km north-south, the Kama Valley lies within Tibet’s Tingri and Dinggyê counties, carved by glacial rivers between the Himalayas and Nepal’s Barun Valley National Park. This pristine wilderness features dramatic elevation shifts—from 2,100m at the valley floor to over 8,848m at Everest’s summit—and boasts the largest untouched primeval forests in the Everest region.

The valley is a natural wonderland: ancient forests cling to rugged slopes, wildflowers bloom in alpine meadows, and colossal glaciers spill from iconic peaks. British explorer Howard Bury hailed it as the “World’s Most Beautiful Valley” in his 1921 book The Mount Everest Reconnaissance, while Dr. Daniel Taylor of the U.S. Mountain Institute dubbed it one of the “Top Ten Landscapes on Earth” in Tibet: A Chronicle of Exploration (1995).

Ecological & Scenic Highlights

  • Biodiversity: From subtropical evergreen broadleaf forests (2,000m) to alpine meadows (4,500m) and permanent snow zones (5,300m+), the valley shelters rare wildlife and serves as a genetic reservoir for scientists.
  • Panoramic Peaks: Witness Everest (8,848m), Lhotse (8,516m, 4th highest), Makalu (8,485m, 5th highest), and the sheer walls of Chomo Lonzo (7,804m) from unparalleled vantage points.
  • Sacred Lakes: The turquoise lakes of Tsho Shurna (5,000m) mirror the peaks, offering sunrise/sunset reflections and starry-night vistas.

Trekking Essentials

  • Duration: 10 days (round trip)
  • Transport: Yak or horse caravans carry gear; no roads exist.
  • Fitness Level: Strenuous, suitable for experienced hikers acclimatized to high altitudes.

Journey Highlights
1. Everest Base Camp (East)
At 5,300m, this camp provides unrivaled views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and Chomo Lonzo. A photographer’s paradise!

2. Tsho Shurna Lakes & Viewpoint
Camp beneath a 7,200m unclimbed peak beside six glacial lakes. Capture golden-hour reflections of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu—a sight found nowhere else on Earth.

3. Chomo Lonzo Massif
Towering over the trek, this 7,804m giant’s sheer ice walls outshine even Everest in raw grandeur.

4. Wildlife & Forests
Spot rare pheasants, blue sheep, and Himalayan monal amidst ancient junipers, rhododendrons, and moss-draped pines.


Tibetan Culinary Experience

  • Tsampa: Roasted barley flour mixed with butter tea.
  • Yak Hotpot: Tender yak meat simmered with local herbs.
  • Tibetan Stone Pot Chicken: Free-range chicken cooked in medicinal broths.
  • Butter Tea & Sweet Milk Tea: Traditional energizing drinks.

Included Services

  • Expert Guides: Led by Tibetan trekking specialists.
  • Full Camping Gear: Weatherproof tents, sleeping bags, and dining setups.
  • Luggage Support: Dedicated yak teams transport gear.
  • Safety: Satellite phones, first-aid kits, and emergency oxygen.
  • Extras: Trekking poles, UV-protection buffs, welcome/farewell dinners, and fresh fruit snacks.

Why Choose This Trek?
The Kama Valley Trek is a once-in-a-lifetime expedition into Everest’s wildest sanctuary—a realm of mythic peaks, untamed forests, and Himalayan hospitality. Prepare for soul-stirring vistas, physical challenges, and a deep connection with nature’s grandeur.

“The valley’s beauty is beyond words—it’s where Earth meets the heavens.” – Howard Bury, 1921


Cost Details: Everest’s Eastern Face (Kama Valley) Trek


Price Includes

1. Transportation

  • Round-trip transfers between Lhasa hotel and trek start/end points.
  • Vehicle type (SUV, van, or bus) assigned based on group size.

2. Accommodation

  • 3 nights in twin-share hotel rooms.
  • 1 night in a multi-bed dormitory (Qudang Village or Youpa Village).
  • 7 nights in shared expedition tents (2 per tent).

Full Itinerary:

  • Night 1: Twin-share hotel in Lhasa.
  • Night 2: Twin-share hotel in Shigatse.
  • Night 3: Multi-bed dormitory in Qudang/Youpa Village.
  • Nights 4–10: Camping in tents.
  • Night 11: Twin-share hotel in Sakya County.
  • Night 12: Twin-share hotel in Lhasa.

3. Meals

  • 12 breakfasts (daily) + 9 dinners (camp meals during trek days).
  • Note: Lunches during trek days are self-provided (see exclusions).

4. Permits & Fees

  • Yamdrok Lake entrance fee.
  • Everest Eastern Face trekking permit.
  • Vehicle entry fee for conservation zone.
  • Environmental protection fee (supports local sustainability).

5. Guide & Support

  • Professional Tibetan guide (covers salary, insurance, food, and logistics).
  • Yak caravan for luggage transport (up to 15kg per person).

6. Camping Gear

  • Shared equipment: 150L waterproof duffle bags (1 per 2 people), 4-season tents, foam sleeping pads, dining tents, cooking gear, solar power banks, fuel, and emergency supplies.

7. Extras

  • Welcome and farewell dinners in Lhasa.
  • Seasonal fresh fruit during the trek.
  • Quick-dry trekking buff (UV protection).
  • Travel accident insurance (covers altitude-related emergencies).

Price Excludes

1. Flights/Trains

  • Travel costs to/from Lhasa (book independently).

2. Meals

  • 8 trail lunches: Bring energy bars, dried fruit, or snacks (purchased in Lhasa).
  • Non-trekking meals (e.g., dinners in towns).

3. Optional Fees

  • Karo La Glacier ticket (¥50/person if checked; viewable from road).

4. Personal Expenses

  • Early evacuation costs (due to altitude sickness/injury).
  • Route changes (if altered due to weather/policy restrictions).
  • Horse/yak rentals (optional; safety responsibility on rider).

5. Taxes & Invoicing

  • 6% VAT if requesting an official invoice.

6. Unforeseen Costs

  • Any expenses not explicitly listed above.

Trekking Gear Checklist for Everest’s Eastern Face
Prepare thoroughly for this high-altitude adventure! Below is a mandatory gear list tailored for the Kama Valley trek.


Essential Gear

  1. Luggage
    • 50L Duffel Bag/Backpack: For gear transported by yaks (we provide a waterproof duffel if needed).
    • 35L Daypack: Carry daily essentials (water, snacks, layers, camera).
  2. Sleeping Gear
    • Down Sleeping Bag: Rated -10°C (14°F) or lower, with 700–1000g fill power (essential for freezing nights).
  3. Clothing
    • Base Layers: 2 sets of quick-dry thermal underwear (merino wool or synthetic).
    • Mid Layers:
      • fleece jacket/pants (insulation).
      • lightweight down jacket (for camp/cold mornings).
    • Outer Layers:
      • waterproof hardshell jacket & pants (Gore-Tex recommended).
      • 1 set quick-dry trekking pants/shirt (for sunny days).
    • Footwear:
      • High-cut waterproof hiking boots (broken-in, e.g., Salomon, Scarpa).
      • 4 pairs cushioned wool/synthetic hiking socks (e.g., Smartwool, Darn Tough).
  4. Accessories
    • Trekking Poles: 2 collapsible poles (provided free if needed).
    • Headlamp: With extra batteries (Petzl or Black Diamond recommended).
    • Gloves: 1 pair quick-dry gloves + 1 pair insulated waterproof gloves.
    • Hats:
      • wide-brim sun hat (UV protection).
      • warm fleece/wool beanie.
    • Sunglasses/GogglesCategory 4 UV lenses (e.g., Julbo, Oakley) for snow/glare.
  5. Hydration & Safety
    • Insulated Water Bottle/Thermos: 500mL–1L capacity (hydration bladders may freeze).
    • Waterproof Dry Bags: Multiple sizes to protect electronics/clothes.

Personal Items

  • Toiletries: Toothbrush, biodegradable soap, wet wipes, lip balm, SPF 50+ sunscreen.
  • Medications: Altitude sickness pills (Diamox), painkillers, diarrhea tablets, personal prescriptions.
  • Snacks: High-calorie bars, nuts, chocolate (no bulky packaging).

Technical Gear

  • Camera Gear: DSLR, GoPro, drone (check local drone regulations).
  • Power Bank: 20,000mAh+ capacity (solar-powered options ideal).

Documents

  • Passport: Valid for 6+ months.
  • Chinese Visa + Tibet Travel Permit: Required for entry.
  • Frontier Pass (Border Permit): Specify “Everest Base Camp,” “Tingri County,” or “Shigatse Region”.
  • Travel Insurance: Must cover emergency evacuation above 5,000m.

Pro Tips

  • Avoid Overpacking: Yaks carry max 15kg/person.
  • No Makeup/Non-Essentials: Focus on practicality—no showers for 7 days!
  • Test Gear Pre-Trip: Break in boots and test sleeping bag warmth.

“There’s no such thing as bad weather, only bad gear.”
Prepare wisely, and the mountains will reward you! 🏔️

Tour Plan

Day 1 Arrival in Lhasa

Highlights

  • Arrive in Lhasa (3,650m / 11,975ft), the spiritual heart of Tibet.
  • Welcome dinner featuring Tibetan cuisine.

Included

  • 🛏️ Accommodation: Twin-share hotel in Lhasa.
  • 🍽️ Meals: Dinner.
Day 2 Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Shigatse

Highlights

  • Drive to Yamdrok Lake (4,441m / 14,570ft), one of Tibet’s “Three Sacred Lakes.”
  • Visit Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse, seat of the Panchen Lama.

Details

  • 🛏️ Accommodation: Twin-share hotel in Shigatse.
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast only. Lunch/dinner at local cafes (own expense).
Day 3 Shigatse → Qudang/Youpa Village

Highlights

  • Scenic drive into the foothills of the Himalayas.
  • Prepare for trekking in a traditional Tibetan village.

Stats

  • 🏔️ Altitude: 3,770m / 12,370ft.
  • 🛏️ Accommodation: Shared dormitory in village guesthouse.
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast only.
Day 4 Trek to Xiawutso Lake

Highlights

  • Begin trekking! Hike to Xiawutso Lake (4,677m / 15,344ft), a glacial lake with Everest reflections.

Stats

  • 🥾 Distance: 10km / 6.2mi (5–6 hours).
  • 🛏️ Accommodation: Camping.
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast & dinner. Bring trail snacks for lunch.
Day 5 Xiawutso → Zhuoxiang Valley

Highlights

  • Cross Xiawula Pass (4,900m / 16,076ft).
  • Descend into Zhuoxiang Valley (“Valley of Flowers”).

Stats

  • 🥾 Distance: 10km / 6.2mi (6–7 hours).
  • 🏔️ Altitude: 4,030m / 13,220ft.
  • 🛏️ Accommodation: Camping.
Day 6 Zhuoxiang → Tangshang Viewpoint

Highlights

  • Trek past Cuolang Lake and Xianong Pasture to Tangshang (4,510m / 14,800ft), a panoramic Himalayan viewpoint.

Stats

  • 🥾 Distance: 10km / 6.2mi (5–6 hours).
  • 🛏️ Accommodation: Camping.
Day 7 Tangshang → Egar Camp

Highlights

  • Close-up views of Mount Everest and Mount Cho Oyu.
  • Camp at Egar (4,600m / 15,092ft).

Stats

  • 🥾 Distance: 9km / 5.6mi (4–5 hours).
  • 🛏️ Accommodation: Camping.
Day 8 Everest Base Camp Day Hike

Highlights

  • Day hike to Everest Base Camp (5,200m / 17,060ft).
  • Return to Egar Camp.

Stats

  • 🥾 Distance: 18km / 11.2mi (8–9 hours).
  • 🛏️ Accommodation: Camping.
Day 9 Egar → Tsho Sholma Camp

Highlights

  • Trek to Tsho Sholma Lakes (5,013m / 16,447ft) with views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu.

Stats

  • 🥾 Distance: 13km / 8mi (6–7 hours).
  • 🛏️ Accommodation: Camping.
Day 10 Tsho Sholma Exploration

Highlights

  • Rest day to photograph turquoise lakes and Himalayan giants.
  • Optional short hikes.

Stats

  • 🥾 Distance: Flexible (up to 16km / 10mi).
  • 🛏️ Accommodation: Camping.
Day 11 Trek Exit → Sakya County

Highlights

  • Cross Langma La Pass (5,344m / 17,533ft), the trek’s highest point.
  • Farewell dinner in Sakya.

Stats

  • 🥾 Distance: 15km / 9.3mi (7–8 hours).
  • 🛏️ Accommodation: Twin-share hotel.
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast & farewell dinner.
Day 12 Return to Lhasa

Highlights

  • Drive back to Lhasa via the Friendship Highway.
  • Free evening to explore Barkhor Street.

Details

  • 🛏️ Accommodation: Twin-share hotel in Lhasa.
  • 🍽️ Meals: Breakfast only.
Day 13 Departure
  • Transfer to Lhasa Airport for onward flights.
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