Everest North Face Ice Serac Trek Expedition

Of the world’s 14 peaks soaring above 8,000 meters, all rise from the majestic Himalayas and Karakoram ranges. Standing at 8,848.86 meters, Mount Everest—the crown of the Himalayas—pierces the heavens as Earth’s undisputed highest summit.

The Ultimate High-Altitude Trek
While summiting Everest remains a dream for most, our North Face Ice Serac Trek offers adventurers the closest accessible route to the world’s highest peak. This journey is not just a trek—it’s a tribute to Everest’s grandeur.

Walk Beneath the Roof of the World
Traverse the Rongbuk Glacier, where the legendary Everest Ice Serac Forest awaits. Stretching across 5,800–6,500 meters on Everest’s northern slopes, this surreal landscape features hundreds of crystalline towers, sculpted by nature into twisting “jade dragons” and serpentine guardians. It’s the planet’s most pristine and awe-inspiring glacial wonder.

Science of the Ice Seracs
The seracs form as moving glaciers fracture over uneven terrain. Varying flow speeds create deep crevasses and ridges, while sunlight melts exposed ice unevenly, carving these jagged spires over millennia. Found only in select regions like Everest’s Rongbuk Glacier and Shishapangma’s north face, these formations are unmatched in scale elsewhere on Earth.

Trek Highlights

• Follow the historic East Rongbuk Glacier route, used by climbers ascending Everest’s north face.
• Witness an ever-densifying “ice sculpture gallery” of seracs, ice curtains, stalactites, and glacial caves.
• Marvel at shimmering towers glowing under the Himalayan sun—an ancient, silent testament to Earth’s raw power.

Itinerary Overview

• Start: Everest North Base Camp (5,200m)
• Route: Ascend moraine fields alongside the Rongbuk Glacier. Ice seracs emerge at 5,800m, guiding you through otherworldly glacial terrain.
• Midpoint: Camp at 5,800m, surrounded by serac forests.
• Final Push: Continue along the East Rongbuk Glacier to the Advanced Base Camp (6,500m), the trek’s pinnacle.

Prepare for a journey where every step brings you closer to Everest’s icy heart—a realm of primal beauty few will ever witness.

Everest North Face Ice Serac Trek: Daily Itinerary

DAY 01 | Arrival in Lhasa

• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Lhasa (hot showers available)
• Elevation: 3,650m
• Focus: Acclimatize to Tibet’s high-altitude environment.

DAY 02 | Lhasa → Yamdrok Lake → Shigatse

• Route Highlights: Brahmaputra River Valley, Yamdrok Lake (one of Tibet’s sacred turquoise lakes), Karola Glacier, and the ancient fortress town of Gyantse.
• Drive: 380km (6-7 hours)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Shigatse (hot showers available)
• Elevation: 3,650m → 3,800m

DAY 03 | Shigatse → Sakya → Tingri

• Route Highlights: Tashilhunpo Monastery (seat of the Panchen Lama), Sakya Monastery (a UNESCO-listed Tibetan Buddhist treasure), and Gyatso La Pass (5,248m).
• Drive: 280km (5-6 hours)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Tingri (hot showers available)
• Elevation: 3,800m → 4,300m

DAY 04 | Tingri → Everest North Base Camp (5,200m)

• Route Highlights: Gawu La Pass (5,200m) with panoramic views of the Himalayas, including five 8,000m+ peaks.
• Drive: 100km (3-4 hours)
• Accommodation: Camp at Everest North Base Camp (shared alpine tents; no showers)
• Elevation: 4,300m → 5,200m

DAY 05 | Everest BC → Mid-Rongbuk Glacier Camp (5,400m)

• Trek Highlights: Hike through the Central Rongbuk Glacier valley, with Everest’s north face towering above.
• Trek Distance: 6.6km (4-5 hours)
• Accommodation: Alpine camp (shared tents; no showers)
• Elevation: 5,200m → 5,400m

DAY 06 | 5,400m Camp → Intermediate Camp (5,800m)

• Trek Highlights: Enter the East Rongbuk Glacier zone, surrounded by surreal ice formations.
• Trek Distance: 5.6km (5 hours)
• Accommodation: Alpine camp (shared tents; no showers)
• Elevation: 5,400m → 5,800m

DAY 07 | 5,800m Camp → Changtse Peak Camp (6,000m)

• Trek Highlights: Navigate the heart of the ice serac forest, with views of Changtse Peak (7,543m).
• Trek Distance: 5km (5 hours)
• Accommodation: Alpine camp (shared tents; no showers)
• Elevation: 5,800m → 6,000m

DAY 08 | 6,000m Camp → Advanced Base Camp (6,500m) → Return to 6,000m Camp

• Trek Highlights: Ascend to Everest’s Advanced Base Camp (ABC), passing dramatic ice towers and peaks like Lhakpa Ri and Khartaphu.
• Trek Distance: 6km (6 hours round-trip)
• Accommodation: Alpine camp (shared tents; no showers)
• Elevation: 6,000m → 6,500m → 6,000m

DAY 09 | 6,000m Camp → 5,800m Intermediate Camp

• Trek Highlights: Retrace steps through the East Rongbuk Glacier, soaking in final views of the serac labyrinth.
• Trek Distance: 5km (4 hours)
• Accommodation: Alpine camp (shared tents; no showers)
• Elevation: 6,000m → 5,800m

DAY 10 | 5,800m Camp → Everest BC → Tingri

• Trek Highlights: Descend to Everest BC, then drive back to Tingri.
• Trek + Drive: 11km hike (6-7 hours) + 100km drive (3 hours)
• Accommodation: Hotel in Tingri (hot showers available)
• Elevation: 5,800m → 5,200m → 4,300m

DAY 11 | Tingri → Lhasa

• Route Highlights: Scenic drive along Highway 318 and the Brahmaputra River. Celebrate with a farewell dinner and receive your trekking certificate!
• Drive: 510km (8-9 hours)
• Accommodation: 4-star hotel in Lhasa (hot showers available)
• Elevation: 4,300m → 3,650m

Cost Breakdown & Booking Requirements

Included in the Price

1. Permits & Documentation: Climbing permits, Tibet Travel Permit, and all required government registrations.
2. Expert Leadership: Professionalcertified guides throughout the trip.
3. Entrance Fees: All site tickets listed in the itinerary (monasteries, parks, etc.).
4. Meals: Daily breakfast, lunch, dinner, and trekking snacks. High-altitude chef-prepared meals (4 dishes + soup per meal).
5. Accommodation:
   • Hotels: Twin-share rooms with private bathrooms.
   • Camping: High-altitude tents (2 per tent).
6. Transportation: Private, well-maintained vehicles with experienced drivers.
7. Support Team: Dedicated high-altitude guides, porters, cooks, and logistics staff.
8. Yak Support: Yak teams for gear transport (you trek light!).
9. Equipment: Group gear including tents, dining/kitchen tents, sleeping pads, satellite phones, generators, and first-aid kits.

Bonus Inclusions:

• Insurance: Specialized high-altitude trekking insurance for all participants.
• Souvenirs: Sun hat, reusable tote bag, buff, and an official Everest Trek certificate.

Not Included

1. Flights: Travel to/from Lhasa (your home city → Tibet).
2. Personal Expenses: Laundry, drinks, tips, etc.
3. Single Supplement: Extra fee for private hotel/tent occupancy.
4. Force Majeure Costs: Unforeseen expenses due to weather, political changes, or natural disasters.
5. Early Departures:  Additional costs (e.g., evacuation) are your responsibility.

Participant Requirements

For safety in Tibet’s extreme environment, all applicants MUST meet these criteria:

1. Experience: Prior trekking experience above 5,000m. No history of severe altitude sickness, heart/lung/brain conditions, or mental health issues.
2. Fitness & Attitude: Strong physical stamina, teamwork mindset, and ability to follow guide instructions.
3. Medical Check: Submit a health certificate (issued within 3 months) including ECG and chest X-ray results.
4. Border Permit: If unavailable, notify us to arrange processing in Lhasa (extra fee applies).
5. Acclimatization: First-time visitors to Tibet should arrive in Lhasa 1-2 days early to adjust to the altitude.