Kanshung Glacier Trek

Anapurna
Jokhang temple, Lhasa (Photo: Jenny)

Kanshung Glacier Trek (28 days, 27 nights)
Of the three treks that allow up-close views of Mt. Everest (South face from Everest Base Camp in Nepal, North Face from Rongbuk near Everest Base Camp in Tibet and the East face from Kharta Valley area below Kanshung glcaier), the trek to the Kharta Valley and Kanshung Glacier is considered by many to be the finest. Because of logistics and strenuous trekking involved in getting to the region, the Kanshung region receives the least number of trekking groups. But once in this desolate but beautiful area, trekkers soon realize that there are few places in the world that can match the alpine beauty of this region.

Our trip begins with a flight to Lhasa. After a few days of exploring in Lhasa, we head south on land cruisers. We are met by our Nepali camping crew in Xegar from where we trek across Kharta valley to Rongbuk sharing the trail with Tibetan nomads who during these months take their cattle to high pastures. We have extra days to explore the Kanshung Glacier Base Camp and the North Base Camp. We then rejoin the Friendship Highway and drive back to Kathmandu.

This trek is non-technical and suitable for anyone in good shape who likes to hike. This is not a backpacking trip: pack-animals will carry your gear. It is a camping trek: you will be sleeping and eating in campsites in tents along the trail.

 

itinerary (detailed brochure available on request)

Day 01 - Kathmandu

Arrive Kathmandu. Met on arrival. Transferred to Hotel Tibet. Rest of day free. Trip briefing followed by welcome dinner in Thamel. (Dinner)

Day 02 to 04 - Kathmandu

Anapurna
Changu Narayan Temple (Photo: Binaya)

Explore the sights, sounds and pleasant chaos that is Kathmandu: Visit Swayambhunath, the monkey temple, overlooking Kathmandu city. Onwards to Kathmandu Durbar square with its maze of temples and the palace complex. In this complex lives the little girl-goddess – Kumari. Drive to Patan for lunch at Patan Café. After lunch, visit the well-maintained Patan Museum storing ancient Nepali artifacts, followed by a tour of Patan Durbar (palace) Square. Time-permitting, at the end of the day, visit the Tibetan Refugee Centre. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (Breakfast and Lunch)

Day 05 - Kathmandu to Lhasa

Fly to Lhasa. Day free in Lhasa. Overnight Hotel Kyichu or similar. (All meals)

Day 06 to 08 - Lhasa

Sightseeing in Tibet. Visit Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple. Overnight Hotel Kyichu or similar. (All meals)

                                                                          Day 09 - Lhasa to Gyantse

Anapurna
Kumbum Stupa (Photo: Jenny)

Drive to Gyantse. Overnight Hotel Gyantse or similar. (All meals)

Day 10 - Gyantse to Shigatse

Drive to Shigatse. Visit the Tashilunpo Monastery. Overnight Hotel Shigatse or similar. (All meals)

Day 11- Shigatse to Shegar

Drive to Shegar. Meet with Nepali staff. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

Day 12 - Shegar to Kharta

Drive to Kharta. Overnight Camp (All meals)

Day 13 to Day 22 - Kharta to Kharta

Trek to Kanshung Glacier and return to Kharta. We will take a circuitous route crossing two major passes enroute. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

Day 23 - Landrubling to Rongbuk.

Trek to Kharta valley. Drive to Rongbuk. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

Day 24 - Rongbuk

Hike to the Everest Base Camp. Overnight Camp. (All meals)

Day 25 to Day 26 - Rongbuk to Kathmandu

Exit Tibet at Zhangmu. Drive to Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. (All meals)

Day 27 - Kathmandu

Free day in Kathmandu. Overnight Hotel Tibet. Farewell dinner. (Breakfast and Dinner)

Day 28 - Final departure (B).

Transfer to airport for final departure.

Price includes:

Price does not include:

TO BOOK THIS TRIP:

A completed reservation form must be either faxed to us or scanned and emailed as an attachment.

Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com
Fax: 977 – 1- 4412647

You must also send us a non-refundable deposit of $500 per person and an additional $300 for domestic airfare. The deposit must be wired to us. We will refund up to $30 to cover your wire expenses. Wire details will be provided.

The balance of the amount must be paid on arrival, either in traveler’s checks, cash or by credit card (VISA only).

Download reservation form here »

Cancellation Policy:

If you cancel at anytime prior to the beginning of the trip, you forfeit your deposit. No refunds will be made for unused services on the trip.

Trip difficulty:

Foreign travel can be tiring, so you will need to have patience and a sense of humor. Also keep an open mind that is receptive to the richness and paradoxes of Himalayan cultures.

This trek is rated challenging. We will be trekking and camping at altitudes over 16,000 ft. The trek requires physical fitness and involves walking through rocky terrain and landslides. No technical climbing experience is required nor do you have to be a very experienced hiker.

Altitude sickness

This trek does involve sleeping and hiking at high altitude. We will, as we do for all high-altitude treks, provide a GAMOW bag for this trip. A GAMOW bag is a portable hyperbaric chamber that looks like an inflatable extra-large sleeping bag. The effective altitude inside the inflated GAMOW bag is about 5000 feet lower than the altitude you are at; it has been very effective in the past in relieving headaches and other symptoms of altitude sickness.

References:

We plan and organize journeys for hundreds of travelers every year. Please ask us for references from clients who have previously trekked with us.

Questions:

Email: info@crystalmountaintreks.com

Phone
Land Line: + 977 1 4416813
Mobile: + 977 98410-00724