Everest East Face Trek (Khangsung Valley) -18 Days

Why is Climbing the Everest East Face Worth it?

Have you ever heard of the Everest East Face? Everybody has heard of Mt.Everest as the highest mountain in the world and how climbing it is a life-changing experience. Khangsung Valley trek climb is considered to be more challenging than the more popular South Col route.

It has been said that “climbing Everest’s east face is like climbing two mountains at once.” The ascent on this side of Everest takes place on an extremely steep and icy slope with a 50 degree angle, while there are also sections with 60 degrees and 70 degrees.

The east face of Everest is worth it because of its difficulty and the people who choose to climb it. It has more dangers than any other side of Everest, but that doesn’t scare away some climbers from taking on this challenge. This side also has a history of being climbed by fewer people than any other side because of its difficulty.

However, in 2006, a team of six climbers from France reached the summit using this route.

What to Expect on the Everest East Face Trek and How Difficult it is

The Khangsung Valley trek is a route that is very different from the other routes to Everest Base Camp. It has a lot of attractions for nature lovers and trekkers alike.

It’s not as popular as the other routes to Everest Base Camp but it offers some stunning views and sites of natural beauty. The valley also has an interesting history that dates back hundreds of years ago when it was used by traders to cross the Himalayas from India to Tibet.

The East Face of Everest is a very difficult trek and which is why not many have attempted.

Some of the difficulties that one can expect on this trek are: altitude sickness, extreme weather conditions, and avalanches.

The East Face of Everest is a steep climb up a glacier. It has been described as “the world’s most dangerous trek”.

The trek starts at the Khangsung Valley and goes up to the base camp on the east side of Mount Everest. This means that you will have to spend time at heights for a long time.

Guide to Acclimatization Before a Khangsung Valley Trip

It is important to be fully prepared before embarking on a Khangsung Valley trekking trip. This includes being aware of the altitude and the acclimatization process. Here are some tips on how to prepare for your trek.

Start by ensuring that you are well hydrated before your trip. Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeinated drinks in the days leading up to your trekking trip.
It is recommended that you take a day off from work before starting your Khangsung Valley trekking trip. This gives you time to rest and adjust to the new environment, altitude, and climate
Always drink plenty of fluids during the day, even if it does not feel like you need it
If possible, try to sleep at a lower altitude than what you will be ascending during your hike
Avoid strenuous exercise in the days leading up to your Khangsung Valley

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Trip Highlights
- Trek to an extremely pristine and isolated region of Tibet
- Kathmandu valley sightseeing to major heritage sites
- Visit ancient old monasteries, historical and cultural sites
- Amazing panoramic view of Mt. Everest, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Dorje Lhakpa, and Shisapangma
- Wildlife, rich vegetation, pristine lakes, highpasses, nomads, yaks
You will be trekking in one of the most beautiful wilderness with alpine forest and glacial lakes in Tibet. You will reach Kangshung valley, the East face of Everest over the ridges and Trails navigating between Lhasa and Kathmandu, off Road to Rongbuk, the Valley beneath the Stunning North face of Mount Everest. After arriving in Kathmandu you will begin your holiday with a guided sightseeing tour around Kathmandu valley visiting major heritage sites and experience a new culture and tantalizing your taste bud with Nepali cuisine. Flying from Kathmandu to Lhasa is stunningly beautiful. You are required to spend at least 3 days for the necessary acclimatization enjoying the fascinating Lhasa. Trails navigating between Lhasa and Kathmandu, off Road to Rongbuk, the Valley beneath the Stunning North face of Mount Everest and the Everest Base Camp (5200m) are beyond comparison. This adventurous journey will lead you to an unknown base camp of Mt. Everest through a relatively little-visited part of Tibet. The reason why this base camp is rarely visited is that the mountain is more difficult to climb from this side. In addition, the “normal” base camp is much more accessible for regular trekkers. You can even go there by jeep, while to reach Kangshung base camp you have to trek for at least 8 days. In order to make a good trek in Tibet, you have to take a period in which you can get used to the altitude. We do this by staying in Lhasa for a few days at an altitude of 3600 meters. Then the trek is made to Kangshung base camp. This trek takes place in an area that has a bit more vegetation than other parts of Tibet because the Kangshung Valley runs south into Nepal, allowing more monsoon rains to pass through. This is the reason that we do not do this tour during the monsoon period, but before and just after. However, this does not guarantee that it cannot be bad weather. You must therefore prepare yourself thoroughly for that. In these fertile valleys, you will find many settlements with associated terrace fields. A note in advance This is an adventurous journey. There are several factors that can influence our travel plans along the way, no matter how well prepared the trip is. The itinerary below shows the main points of the trip. The tour guide may be forced to make changes to the planned program during the trip.
Day 01. Arrive Kathmandu. Transfer to Hotel (BB) .
Upon arrival, you will be received by KHT staff and transfer to your hotel. Get refreshed and free time to walk around Thamel Street. Welcome dinner at Rumdoodle or Gaia will be organized.

Day 02. In Kathmandu (BB)- Guided sightseeing tour.
Guided sightseeing tour to Kathmandu visiting Pashupatinath Temple, Boudanath Stupa and Bhaktapur city.

Day 03. In Kathmandu (BB)- guided sightseeing tour of Patan, Swyambhunath Stupa and Kathmandu Durbar Square

Day 04. Fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa. Transfer to Hotel (BB). O/n at New Mandala Hotel or Gorkha hotel or Similar
Today we fly to Lhasa, an unforgettable flight over rising mountains. Mountains and valleys glide under you, initially with a fair amount of forest. Later balder. After landing we immediately feel that you have to do it with much less oxygen. You will view the Yarlung Tsangpo River / Brahmaputra River and Lhasa River on their way to Lhasa. On your way drive to Lhasa far in the distance, we already recognize the Potala, the winter palace of the Dalai Lama, which rises high above the mystical city. The vast majority of Lhasa is Chinese, and Tibetans are clearly a minority in their own country. Large army camps and distinctly Chinese neighbourhoods surround the small piece of the old town and if you are sensitive to it you will be overcome by a sad feeling. How can it go like this in history? You can take a rest and get acclimatized to high altitude.

Day 5: In Lhasa Sightseeing Tour to Potala Palace, Jhokong temple and Barkhuo bazaar (BB)

Day 05 and Day 06: In Lhasa - Sightseeing tour of Potala palace and Jokhang Temple. O/n hotel
The longer we are in Lhasa, fortunately, we also get the chance to observe that we can still find the Tibetan spheres and that the Buddhist faith among the Tibetans is unbroken. We see the unconditional surrender of the Tibetan believers at the entrance of the Jokhang temple. Constantly prostrating (getting up and back on your knees and even lying flat on the floor), for minutes, hours On your first day at Lhasa you will be taken for a walk on the Barkhor, the sacred circle around the Jokhang temple with hundreds of pilgrims mumbling who sometimes have come from far and wide. The Jokhang is the religious heart of the Tibetan Buddhist world. Many prayer flags and a market for Tibetan souvenirs characterize the statue, not only for Western tourist but also for Tibetans. Admittedly, 50 years of brutal Chinese oppression have wreaked havoc on ancient traditions and important historic buildings. When you are in places that have been more or less spared, you realize that it is here in Tibet where the greatest treasures remain. The monasteries in Nepal, Ladakh and Sikkim are insignificant and perhaps the dzongs in Bhutan are somewhat comparable to the nature and size of the buildings and art treasures in Lhasa. You cannot be in Lhasa without visiting the Potala Palace, the seat of the Dalai Lama. This spiritual leader lives in Dharamsala, India, among many Tibetans who have fled. The Potala is a huge building with hundreds of rooms. Only a small part is open to tourists; enough, however, to get an impression of the splendour and richness of the Tibetan Empire. There are chambers with large vats of yak butter in which hundreds of fuses glow; there are halls in which stupas have been erected for the successive Dalai Lama’s more than 10 meters high, completely covered with a thick layer of gold leaf. Everywhere large and old prayer cloths, libraries and large statues: Buddhas, Tsong Kapas, Avalokiteshwaras. You wonder and wander through the dark corridors and halls until you overflow with impressions. Overwhelmed, you look for an exit from this labyrinth. On the second day at Lhasa; not far outside the city are the great monasteries Sera and Drepung. It is hard to imagine that in better times up to 30,000 monks lived here. There are now a few dozen who have to maintain the large building complexes. Visit Drepung monastery which is one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet, founded in 1416 by Jamyangchoge, one of the Tsongkhapa’s main disciples. You can visit the biggest monastery kitchen inside the monastery and enjoy the Buddhist Sculpture Carving workshop near Drepung. In the afternoon, visit Sera Monastery which is another one of the “great three” Gelug monasteries of Tibet. The hot attraction is the Monks debate at around 3 – 5 in the afternoon. In addition, you can tour the Tibetan religious scripture printing house; inside the monastery, you can see three sand Mandalas and a colorful Rock Painting of Buddha. 

Day 07: Lhasa – Shigatse via Gyantse 360km (BB) (3900 meters)
Today we take a beautiful ride over the Kamba La (4794m) and the Karo La (5010m) to Gyantse. Our way leads along with the fantastic Yamdrok Tso (Tso = lake in Tibetan). In this way amidst the grey-brown landscape, the turquoise and blue colors of the water get an extra dimension. The Lake is surrounded by many snow-capped mountains and in the distance, you can have spectacular views of Holy Mount NyenchenKhangsar, (7191m) the highest mountain near Lhasa. ,/p> Later, we will pass and enjoy the Korola Glacier on the roadside; At Manak Dam Lake, you can hang the pray flag at Simila Mountain Pass; then, we will arrive in Gyantse, historically Tibet’s third-largest city (after Lhasa and Shigatse).In Gyantse, we will visit the famous Pelkor Monastery and Gyantse Kumbum and enjoy the Far view of Gyangtse Fortress. After one and a half driving, we arrive in Shigatse, which is the second-largest city in Tibet. In Shigatse, we may visit the home of Panchan Lama – Tashilunpo Monastery. It stands among the six most sacred Buddhist temples in Tibet and was built, in 1447, by the 1st Dalai Lama. It is located at the foot of the Dromari Mountain is actually a city in itself with a maze of alleys and many prayer rooms. It is the seat of the Panchen Lama. Tashi Lumpo means ‘hope of fame’. The monastery houses many prayer halls, meeting rooms and monks’ residences, where monks are trained. It is worth attending their debating lessons. The Temple of Maitreya (Jamba Chyenmu) is Shigatse’s largest building and houses the 26-meter-high statue of the Buddha of the Future. The temple was built in 1914 under the ninth Panchen Lama and there are 280 kilos of gold and 150 tons of copper and bronze in this statue. Besides the grave stupas of the Panchen Lama’s, here is also the tomb of the first Dalai Lama, who are title posthumously. Stay overnight in Shigatse

Day 08: Shigatse – Tingri – Chutang – Youpa Village (350 km, 3770m)
In the morning, we will take the tour vehicle and head to Tingri via Lhatse. On the way, you will stop by the famous Gawu La Pass (5198m). It is the best place to enjoy mind-blowing vistas of the top 5 highest peaks (all above 8000m) along the majestic Himalayas. Then we will follow the winding road to Youpa Village and acclimatize to the new altitude. You may get prepared for the trekking and yak registration. Stay overnight in the guesthouse in Youpa Village If the weather is good, you can have a glimpse of 4 mountains which are 8000m high or more. A glimpse of Snow Mountains along the way.

Day 09: Trekking Day1: Youpa-- Showo-tso pond (10km, 4677m)
After a tight sleep, we get up in the morning and put all the trekking gears and supply on the yak caravan. You can travel light and only pack things like water and food and other stuff. At around 11:00, our trek will begin from Youpa Village. With blinding sunshine and fluffy clouds above the head, we ascend gradually through steppes and rugged paths. The 10km’s trek will final lead you to the camping site around the enchanting Showo-tso pond. There is a total of 900m ascent during the day trek. Camping at the lakeside of Showo-tso

Day 10: Trekking Day2: Showo-tso—Showola pass (4900m)—Dolshang (Orchid valley, 4030m, 14km)
At 10:00, we are about to leave the camping site at Showotso. The following challenge is to climb over lofty Showo la pass and later descend to Dolshang valley via gushing brooks covered by vibrant unknown flowers and shrubs. Doshang forms the initial parts of Gama Valley and picturesque brooks surrounded by amazing snow-capped mountainshelp to breed massive colorful orchid flowers. Once getting down to the valley, you instantly find yourself intoxicated by the alluring scent of orchid flowers. The stunning waterfalls, exuberant meadows, snowy peaks, etc make you wonder if you venture into a fairyland . Camping in Dolshang Valley

Day 11: Trekking Day3: Dolshang (Orchid valley)--Tsonang-tso—XialongPasture--Tangsung Viewing Platform (4510m, 12km)
In the morning, we keep trekking upwards from Dolshangand pass through the pristine forest. While climbing through the ridge of the mountain, we can look back and enjoy the breathtaking panoramic view of Gama Valley. If we arrive at the right time, you can even capture the grandeur of Mt. Makalu (8,463m). We will reach Tsonang-tso Lake at around noon. Cuddled by snow-tipped mountains, Tsonang-tsolake flows through Gama Valley via an underground outlet. The crystal-clear water face of Tsonang-tso reflects the spectacular symmetric image of surrounding snowy summits. After lunch, we need to pass another mountain pass to reach the splendid Xialong Pasture, blanketed with colorful wildflowers. The final part of the trek will lead us to the camping site of Tangsung Viewing Platform. Camping around Tangsung Viewing Platform

Day 12:Trekking Day4: Tangsung Viewing Platform—Badang-Ega—Paltang (4950m, 11km)
Follow the zigzag trails we move down to the Badang, where the Ega prairie situated. During the descent, a looming gorge and glaciers start to take shape on your right side. The running water there makes up the source of of Gama Valley. We need to wade through rugged and gigantic rocks to make it to Paltang, the final camping site of the day trek. You can have a good rest and save energy for tomorrow’s challenging trek. Camping in Paltang

Day 13: Trekking Day5: Paltang--Eastern Slope of Mt.Everest Base Camp (5310m)—Paltang (4950m, 18km)
Today’s trek would be a tough one. Firstly, we trek to the base camp at the eastern slope of Mt. Everest. The initial part of the trek involves a difficult upward walk amid huge rocks with slope measuring 45 degree. From the slope you can gaze at the little-known Mt. Chomo Lonzo (7804m) and marvelous glaciers along eastern slope of Mt. Everest. After the trek is done, we will head back to Paltang. If you prefer having a good rest instead of trekking to Eastern Slope of Mt.Everest Base Camp, you can simply enjoy the picturesque view around the camping site in Paltang. Camping in Paltang

Day 14: Trekking Day6: Paltang—Ega--Tangsung Viewing Platform (4510m, 14km)
Follow the same route and trek back to Tangsung Viewing Platform Camping at Tangsung Viewing Platform

Day 15: Trekking Day7: Tangsung Viewing Platform--Tsosho-rim (5013m, 11km)
Trek northward towards the camp site of Tsosho-rim below the majestic snow-feathered peaks; you can appreciate the epic vistas of Mt. Everest (8844.43m), Mt. Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Makalu (8,463m) and an unclaimed peak (7000m). Camping at Tsosho-rim

Day 16: Trekking Day8: Tsosho-rim--Nangma-la pass (5344m) -Youpa Village (3990m, 21km)
Today, we will climb over two soaring mountain passes, one is the Nangma-la pass (5344m), the highest pass of entire trek, and the .Other nameless one is above 5000m. Passing deep-blue Latsetso Lake, we will get to Youpa Village. Stay overnight in the guesthouse of Youpa Village

Day 17: Youpa Village - Rongbuk (5000m), Rongbuk Guesthouse
Drive to Rongbuk (north camp of Everest). Our driver will come here to pick up us and drive you to Rongbuk monastery, the world highest monastery, 120km approx 3 to 4 hours, In Rongbuk monastery, you can see the most beautiful amazing and the wonderful view of the north face Mt.Everest and also breathtaking golden sunset and sunrise of the Mt.Everest, if the weather permits.

Day18: Drive from Rongbuk to Kyirong (370km approx. 9 -10 hours) (BB)
Today we drive to Kyirong border via old Tingri. You will have a quick stop at old Tingri. On the way you can see the Mt.Shishapangma with other snow mountains and Lake Peiku-tso. Lunch will be served somewhere around the lake. After passing the ghungthang- la pass (5236meter), we will descend all the way to Kyirong core town. Check-in hotel.

Day 19: Kyirong – Kathmandu. (170 km)
Drive to the Kyirong border (leave Tibet). Arrive Kathmandu. Our office representative will meet you at the Nepal border checkpoint. Within 20 kilometres you drive from a bare plateau into a lush green jungle. You will follow a new route which has been recently paved. It will be 6-7 hours ride and we arrive at our hotel in Kathmandu late in the afternoon.

Day 20: In Kathmandu. (BB)
One day is set aside to absorb any delays, but there is certainly also a day to rest or to go into the city for shopping.

Day 21: Transfer to airport, depart Kathmandu.
Depart Kathmandu.

Note: The above itinerary and schedule is a guideline only. It is subject to change due to logistic, local, technical, weather and other condition beyond our control. Airfare is subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances.
Please find here below the rates for the year 2022. Rates for May, June 2022 No.of pax 10-12 13-15 s/s US$ p.p. 2742 2589 260 Rates for July, August, September, October 2022 No.of pax 10-12 13-15 s/s US$ p.p. 2874 2720 280 The above rates are quoted on US$ per person, which is valid for 2021/22 only Service includes:
- All arrival and departure transfer
- Tibet travel permits
- Tibet China Visa (US$129)
- Everest special trek permit
- English-speaking guide in Tibet and entrance fee as mentioned in the itinerary
- Land transfer by a coach
- Hotel accommodation on twin sharing room basis with breakfast only in Lhasa and Shigatse, Rongbuk and Kriyong
- Full board service for the trekking portion (from Day 9 to Day 16, full board, camping equipment’s, cook + kitchen helper), an eco-bus fee of EBC, yak and yak man to carry the luggage only for the trekking portion.
- Hotel accommodation in Fuji hotel or Similar – 5 days in Kathmandu
- English speaking guide in Kathmandu and entrance fee as mentioned in the itinerary
- Private jeep transport from Kyrirung to Kathmandu (1 Jeep x 4 people)
Service excludes:
- Airfare ($ 254)
- Personal Insurance, Emergency rescue evacuation.
- Lunch and dinner in the cities of Tibet and Kathmandu( beside the trekking portion )
- Items of personal nature, alcohol and bottled beverage, laundry and telephone, etc.
- The costs occurred due to the landslide or road blockade, tips to the guide and the driver, other costs which are not mentioned in service includes.
Hotels we have quoted based on: 3-star basis Lhasa = Dhoodgu Hotel or Yak Hotel or similar Shigatse = Hotel Manasarovar or similar Youpa = local guesthouse (dormitory room, but there is no attached bathroom and toilet, it's impossible to take a shower) Rongbuk = Rongbuk Guesthouse (twin sharing room, but there is no attached bathroom and toilet, it's impossible to take a shower) Kyirong = Riwo Baiba Hotel or similar (simple hotel, no star) Remark:
1. Re: Rongbuk and new EBC - Previously the stone marker of the Everest Base Camp was about 10 km far from Rongbuk monastery. In the year 2018 local government has moved the stone marker of Everest Base Camp down near the Rongbuk monastery. As per the updated travel rules, for environmental protection, from the year 2019 onwards, tourists are not allowed to visit other areas which are further than the Rongbuk monastery. It means tourists can only reach Rongbuk monastery and visit of Rongbuk monastery and new EBC. It is not allowed to visit other areas which are further than the Rongbuk monastery. It’s possible to view Everest from the Rongbuk monastery if the weather condition is good.
2. Re: trekking portion - during the trekking, we will send our Tibetan staff to provide food service for the group. The meal will be in Chinese style. We will provide sleeping tents, a Kitchen tent, and a toilet tent for the group. But the clients have to bring their own sleeping bag and other necessities for the trekking (such as Alpenstock, etc).
3. Airfare is subject to change in 2022
4. For Tibet travel permit and China Visa processing –Upon arrival in Kathmandu, we collect your passport, a photo and sent it to the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.
5. 'All party must arrive in Kathmandu at the same time.
6. A special type of Visa which is a Chinese group visa is applied; on which your name is written with other travellers and all have to enter and exit China at the same time.
7. Your Visa processing will take at least 3 days in Kathmandu
8. Flight to Lhasa:
- There are 3 airlines that offer a direct flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa namely Air China, Sinchuan airline and Tibet airline
- Air China has stopped its flight to Lhasa since 2019. We don’t know they might start flight in 2022.
- Air China has 5 flights a week, Sinchuan has 3 flight in a week and, Tibet airline has 2 flights a week
- It is crucial to have at least 45 days advance booking to coincide with our travel dates.
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