Climbing North Col of Everest in Tibet - North Col mountaineering expedition

Lhakpa Ri (7045m)

Lhakpa Ri (7045m)

(22 days)

List of our expeditions in Nepal and Tibet

Lhakpa Ri (Xang Dong Feng) mountaineering expedition gives you an impeccable mountain climbing experience amidst the richly varied landscape. Lhakpa Ri (Xang Dong Feng), towering over Tibet mountain range at an elevation of 7,045 meters, divides the upper East Rongbuk glacier and upper Kharta glacier. It lies in proximity to mighty Mt Everest boasting mesmerizing sights of Nyonno Ri range in eastern Tibet, the north faces of Chomolonzo, Makalu and Pethangtse, Shartse, Kangshung (east) face of Everest, east face of Lhotse, the north east ridge of Everest, the North Col, Changtse, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma as stunning backdrops.

The ascent up this mountain is regarded as the easiest 7000+ peak ascent. You make the ascent via the Everest Advance Base Camp.

You start your Lhakpa Ri mountaineering expedition with a leisurely stay in Lhasa. During your stay in Lhasa, you will visit the legendary Potala Palace, Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Market, Drepung Monastery etc. The journey continues further along Friendship Highway, with an adventure-packed leisurely 4WD drive via Lhasa- Shigatse- Xegar- Rongbuk. En route, you encounter monasteries, several 5000+ meter high mountain passes, nomadic settlements, pristine hamlets and nomadic herdsmen. Throughout this tour, the magnificent backdrop of the mighty Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, Makalu, Shisapangma and many other numerous peaks surround you.

TRIP FACTS

Trip length: 22 Days

Grade: Strenuous (Peak Climbing)

Starts in: Lhasa

Ends in: Kathmandu

Accommodation: Hotel and camping

Transportation: 4WD Land cruiser

Maximum altitude: 7045m

Testimonials

LHAKPA RI CLIMBING

"We had a very good experience. Everything was well planned. Our guide Namgyal Sherpa was very experienced and helpful!"

Name: Bo Belvedere Christensen

Country: Denmark

Area: Lhakpa Ri / Tibet

Date: September - October, 2009

LHAKPA RI EXPEDITION

"I came to know to know about Explore Himalaya from the internet. Tibet was incredible. Most friendly people and a perfect tourism!"

Name: Jrg Merz

Country: Switzerland

Area: Lhakpa Ri

Date: May, 2009

Read the interview with the Lhakpa Ri climbers in our blog

"I had a wonderful experience with Explore Himalaya and would highly recommend them. All the hotels they used getting to base camp were wonderful. The main guide for non-climbing who was with us in Tibet was incredible and totally went out of his way to make everything run smooth. And the climbing guides where great -- very accomplished and strong and good cooks too.

I did the full climb including LhakpaRi. I am actually a middle aged woman, with mountaineering experience, and didn't have any trouble with the climb up. I had eaten some beef jerky from my own stash the night before and wound up with some food poisoning from it and was totally weak on the way down -- it took me forever to get down, not up, and the climbing sherpa was more than patient. They Sherpas at base camp noticed how slow going it was for me - I had to stop and throw up every ten minutes, and they sent the yak herders up the bottom of the glacier with tea and soup and to help out. It would have been an extra hour or two without their help as sick as I was. But even in that condition, which was totally my fault, the climb was beautiful and very doable. I'd say to bring some warm gloves if you are doing LakpaRI. I had my regular mountaineering gloves that I had used on many high peaks, but the wind factor made it a bit colder and I had to borrow more gloves from the Sherpas, who can climb it with thin liners -- they are amazing. It is very beautiful up there and you'd find it quite an accomplishment.

So all in all I would very much recommend the trip -- the cultural aspect of visiting China/Tibet and then the accomplishment of the climb to either ABC or LhakpaRi are a great combination. Good accommodations in the cities, great food all around.

We were done and back in Kathmandu early so I took advantage of the rate at the Yak and Yeti hotel that Bimal can get you and it is pretty nice to treat yourself to a couple of days of that kind of luxury after the trip.

I recently heard for another couple, who I have never met, but who went to ABC in October of last year with Explore Himalaya. They had contacted to ask some questions and to send some documents with me for Bimal when I went over. They emailed me when they got back, and they too had a fantastic trip and were very happy that they went with Explore Himalaya On my next trip to Nepal, I would certainly choose them again.

Hope you go and Have Fun. Cheers, Sheilah."

Sheilah Bryan

Country: USA

Trip: Lakpari & Everest Advance Base Camp

OUTLINE ITINERARY

Day 01 - Arrive Lhasa (3660m)

Day 2-3 - Sightseeing in Lhasa (3660m)

Day 04 - Free in Lhasa (3660m)

Day 05 - Drive Lhasa Gyantse (3950m)

Day 06 - Drive to Shigatse (3900m)

Day 07 - Sightseeing & drive to Shegar (4050m)

Day 08 - Drive Shegar - Rongbuk (5000m)

Day 09-10 - At Everest Base Camp (5200m)

Day 11 - Trek to Camp 1 (5460m)

Day 12 - Trek to Interim Camp (5760m)

Day 13 - Rest day at Interim Camp (5760m)

Day 14 - Trek to Camp 2 (5970m)

Day 15 - Trek to Camp 3 (6400m)

Day 16 - Rest day at camp 3

Day 17 - At camp 3

Day 18 - Climb Lhakpa Ri (7045m.), return to ABC

Day 19 - Spare day for weather etc

Day 20 - Trek to Base Camp

Day 21-22 - Drive back to Kathmandu

DATES

8 May 2010 - 29 May 2010

4 September 2010 - 25 September 2010

OUR EXPERTISE

More than 100 summiters

PRICE

Contact us

PRICE INLUDES:

Transportation by Toyota 4500 4WD Land cruisers, support truck, Sherpa climbing guide, Cook, kitchen hand, Liaison officer, all required permit, required yaks and Yak drivers, hotel in Lhasa, and wherever available with breakfast, Tibet visa, climbing permit, sightseeing tour in Lhasa, private transfers and Gammov bag (altitude chamber).

PRICE EXCLUDES:

Any airfare (USD 330 for Kathmadu Lhasa or USD 460 USD for Beijing Lhasa)

Meals during hotel stay, Hotels and tours in Kathmandu, airport tax, personal climbing equipments, any expenses incurred in emergency evacuation /road blockage, any flights and your insurance.

Note:

If you wish to join in Kathmandu arrive 2 days prior to departure dates.

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1: Arrive Lhasa (3660 m)

We can arrange your arrival in Lhasa from anywhere. You can either join the trip from Kathmandu and fly to Lhasa or arrive Lhasa from Chengdu, Beijing, Shanghai, Xian or any nearby hub. You will be met at Gonggar Airport by your Tibetan guide. After immigration formalities, you will be driven to Lhasa (3660 meters). It takes around an hour to reach the old city. After checking in at your hotel, you are advised to take rest and take it easy. Drink plenty of fluids and let your body get used to Lhasa's high altitude.

Note: There is no fixed program arranged for today.

Day 2 Sightseeing in Lhasa

After breakfast, you will be briefed on the day's program. An experienced guide will take you on a tour to Sera Monastery, Norbulingka, Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor Square. At the famous Sera Monastery, you will get an insight into the important aspects of Tibetan Buddhism. You pay a visit to Norbulingka, the summer retreat of the Dalai Lama. Completed in 1956, the handsome building is ornately decorated with Tibetan carvings and paintings. Jokhang temple provides yet another glimpse of the rich Tibetan cultural heritage. You will also get the chance to stroll around the busy Barkhor Square, the nerve centre of Lhasa. After the day's tour, you will be escorted back to your hotel.

Day 3: Sightseeing in Lhasa

After an early breakfast, you will be escorted by your guide to the majestic Potala Palace. The imposing structure of the palace dominates the landscape of Lhasa. As you are guided through the ancient chambers of the palace, you get to see the best of Tibetan art. The Potala Palace has a vast array of intricate Tibetan murals and beautiful statues. You will also get to view the tombs of the eight Dalai Lamas. Later in the day you will visit the beautifully landscaped Drepung Monastery where you can observe nuns and monks chanting and performing religious discourses. After the day's tour is over, you are escorted back to your hotel for a well- earned rest. Note: Since only a limited number of visitors are allowed inside the Potala Palace each day, the guide will decide upon the order of sightseeing places.

Day 4: Free day in Lhasa for acclimatization

This day is for you to spend it as you wish. Explore and soak in the sights and sounds of the old city, revisit a favorite monastery, go for souvenir hunting in the busy local market at Barkhor Square, or simply sit in a caf and watch the pilgrims as they circumambulate the Jokhang .

There is also the option of an additional tour to places such as the Tibetan Medical Centre, Ganden Monastery and Tsurphu Monastery. But this additional tour will incur an extra cost.

Day 5: Drive Lhasa - Gyantse (3950m)

Traveling by jeep along the Friendship Highway you cross the Khamba La (4794m). The drive offers you stunning views of Yamdrok-tso Lake and the snowy summit of Nazin Kang Sa (7252m). You continue westwards, over another high pass, the Karo La (5045m), where you are treated to the spectacular sight of a huge glacier tumbling down, within a few hundred meters of the road. After passing through beautiful valleys and colorful Tibetan villages you arrive in the town of Gyantse.

Day 6 Sightseeing & Drive Gyantse - Shigatse (3900m)

You will be taken for a guided tour to Gyantse Dzong and Gyantse Kumbum. The Dzong is a 14th century fort, from where you get amazing views of Gyantse and the surrounding Nyang Chu Valley. The Kumbum is a large gold-domed stupa. It has many small chapels which houses an impressive array of Tibetan Buddhist murals. We move on to Shigatse, Tibet's second largest city, which is about 90 km away.

Day 7: Sightseeing & Drive Shigatse - Shegar (New Tingri: 4050m)

After breakfast, you will be guided to explore the local market and the Tashilhunpo Monastery in Shigatse. Tashilhunpo Monastery is one of the largest functioning monasteries in Tibet and there is much to explore within its high surrounding walls. We then continue along the Friendship Highway to Shegar, marveling once more at the barren yet spectacular landscape of Tibet. Beyond the small town of Lhatse we cross the highest pass on our journey, the Gyamtso La (5220m). From here we descend to the plains, passing along lonely monasteries and the camps of nomadic herders, en route to Shegar.

Day 8: Drive Shegar - Rongbuk (5000m)

Shortly after leaving Shegar, turning away from the Friendship Highway, we head south over the Pang La (5150m) towards the main Himalayan range. The sight from the top is incredible with uninterrupted views stretching from Makalu to Shishapangma. Below the pass, initially Everest is hidden from view, but as we turn to the corner into the Rongbuk Valley it reappears, more impressive than ever.

Day 9-10: At Base Camp

Two days at base camp to acclimatize and explore around.

Day 11: Trek from Everest Base Camp to Camp I (5460m)

Trekking the surreally sculpted Rongbuk Glacier, you walk away from Everest Base Camp to Camp I for two and half hours or more. Camp I lies amidst moraine hills under picturesque yellow-orange granite cliffs. In the beginning, the trekking route skirts the east side of the Rongbuk Glacier and opens into a flat area at 5270m. On the Southwest, Pumori at 7145 m,comes into picture. After arriving at Camp I, you may explore the snout of the East Rongbuk Glacier lying just 20 minutes away from the camp.

Day 12: Trek to Interim Camp (5760m)

The trail overlooks glacier-topped mountain as it rolls from gravel mounds, mud plain to rocky moraine. Lying directly across from Far East Rongbuk glacier, Interim Camp can prove very beneficial for further acclimatization and superb vantage point prior to trekking up to Camp II.

Day 13: Rest day at Interim Camp (5760m)

You may either rest, or prepare yourself for the climb or explore around.

Day 14: Trek to Camp II (5970m)

It takes about three and half hours or more to ascend from Interim Camp to Camp II. You will approach Camp II at 5970 meter as you near the south side of the glacier at the eastern end of the Changtse Glacier junction lying below huge cliff. Along the trail to Camp II, you get to capture huge seracs rising up to 50 feet above the surface of the glacier and endless array of mountain scenery.

Climbing North Col of Everest in Tibet - North Col mountaineering expedition

By: Saroj Baniya

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