This is one of the most heart-stopping views of Mount Everest are from Tibet, where the northern flanks of the great massif are unhindered by adjacent peaks or ridges, presenting a breathtaking 13,000 vertical feet of sheer ice and granite. This was the approach used by British mountaineers seeking a way to Everest in the 1920s, and the astonishment they felt upon seeing the great mountain will be equaled, if not surpassed, by your own. J. B. L. Noel wrote in Through Tibet to Everest, “We stood at 16,000 feet above the sea. The valley, a mile wide, ran straight ahead for nearly twenty miles. At its farther end, stretching across, closing the valley, rearing its imposing head of granite and ice, was Everest. Some colossal architect, who built with peaks and valleys, seemed here to have wrought a dramatic prodigy—a hall of grandeur that led to the mountain. ”

Follow in their footsteps on this classic trek (one of our old favorites!),a rare chance to get a close look at the world’s highest peak as well as a stunning assemblage of other chart-topping mountains. Our trek takes you toward the great north face of Everest, where you’ll enjoy a closer look at the world’s highest peak and explore the icy wilds above our camp, a great place for photographing mountains, especially Everest, just overhead. And the trip includes even more: an overland journey across the plains and passes of mysterious Tibet (one of the greatest journeys in all Asia), visits to ancient monasteries suspended in time, and forays to base camps used by climbing expeditions since early the last century.

Tibet Entry Permit Notice

Travel into Tibet requires a special permit prior to arrival to the Autonomous Region. Previously, a permit required a minimum of five travelers of the same nationality.  However, the situation has recently changed, and the minimum number of people now allowed entry on a Tibet travel permit has been lowered to one.  Diplomats, journalists and Norwegians are not allowed to visit Tibet at the moment. It is unknown right now if this current policy is only temporary or will remain in effect long-term.  It is possible that it may be changed or revoked at any time.  We will keep you updated and let you know immediately if the situation changes.

CCC needs to arrange the Tibet entry permit at least 15--20 days in advance. Please make your plans and book your trip early. To settle the entry permit to Tibet, we need from you a photocopy of your passport and Chinese visa, or your China residence permit with a letter from your place of work as proof of employment. 

Suggested itinerary

Day 1: Fly in Lhasa
Beijing departure:  Beijing -- Lhasa  CA4125 ( 07:35--12:05 )
Shanghai departure: Shanghai -- Lhasa  MU2335 ( 06:45--14:40 )
Other locales departure: we welcome those to join us from other locales and meet us in Lhasa.

Take the morning direct flight to the holy city of Lhasa, the home of the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple(Dazhao Si), Sera Monastery, and the Barkhor. Located at 3700 meters above sea level, Lhasa is one of the highest cities in the world. You will have free time in the afternoon and at night to adjust to the altitude, after checking into the hotel.
St.Regis Lhasa Resort or Shangri-La Hotel,Lhasa (L)

Day 2: Lhasa
In the morning we will visit the Potala Palace, the symbolic landmark of Lhasa, and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994. As the winter residence of the successive Dalai Lamas, the Potala formerly served as the center of local Tibetan theocratic rule, hosting major religious and political ceremonies since the reign of Dalai Lama V (1617-1682). It also houses the relics of those eight past Dalai Lamas. Dominating the Lhasa skyline, the Potala is the highest building within the city. We will climb to the top of the Palace, from which you will be able to see the entire layout of the city.

After lunch, we will then visit the Jokhang Temple, another UNESCO site, and the spiritual center and the holiest shrine of Tibet, the destination of thousands of Tibetan pilgrims from all over the plateau every year. The Jokhang was built in the seventh century by Songtsen Gampo, the King who unified the Tibetan Plateau, and his two wives: the Tang Princess Wencheng and the Nepalese Princess Bhrikuti. It houses the statue of Jowo - Sakyamuni at 12 years of age - which Princess Wencheng brought from Chang'an 1,300 years ago. We will also go to Sera monastery, one of the three major monasteries of the Gelugpa (Yellow) sect of Tibetan Buddhism in Lhasa (the other two are Ganden and Drepung). You will witness monks carrying out philosophical debate in the courtyard.  Have dinner, and stay another night in Lhasa.
St.Regis Lhasa Resort or Shangri-La Hotel,Lhasa (B,L)

Day 3: Lhasa / Gyantse
On the third day, we will travel to the Gyantse. After three hours drive, we will reach the dazzling Yamdork Yusto, one of the three biggest lakes in Tibet. We will have picnic lunch by the lake. In clear weather, the lake is a fabulous shade of deep turquoise. After some free time to stroll along the lake, we will continue our drive to Gyantse. Have dinner and check into hotel. 
A local 3-star Hotel (B,L)

Day 4: Gyantse / Shigatse
We will begin our visit by Gyantse Dzong Fortress. This hilltop fortress lies at the center of Gyantse, and was the seat of the Gyantse government. In 1904, British troops invaded Tibet and occupied parts of Tibetan territory. However they met with strong resistance in Gyangtse at the hill and the battle lasted for 8 months.

In the afternoon, we will drive from Gyantse to Shigatse, the second largest city in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The Shigatse area was traditionally a territory controlled by the Panchen Lamas, as Lhasa was by the Dalai Lama .On the road we will visit the Pelkhor Chode Temple Complex and the Gyantse Dzong fortress. The centerpiece of the Palkhor Chode Temple Complex is the Gyantse Kumbum, or "Place of 100 Thousand Images,". a spectacular stupa that consists of 9 tiers and more than 77 chapels and shrines. It' s one of the most stunning architectural wonders in Tibet.  Dinner and stay overnight in Shigatse.
A local 4-star Hotel (B,L)

Day 5: Shigatse/Shegar(Tingri)
In the morning, we will first visit Tashilunpo Monastery. Built in 1447, Tashilhunpo has been the residence of the Panchen Lamas. It is one of the four major monasteries of the Gelug (Yellow) Sect of Tibetan Buddhism inside the TAR. Then, we will start the long drive about 5 hours to Tingri, a town often used as a base by mountain climbers preparing to ascend Mount Everest. Dinner and check in to hotel.
A local 2-star Hotel (B,L)

Day 6: Tingri/Base Camp
After breakfast, we will check out and drive for about 2 hours to Rongbuk Monastery. Seen from there, Mt. Everest appears like a lofty pyramid surrounded by mountains that touch the sky. On sunny days, a pile of thick clouds, just like a white flag floats lightly above the peak, which is known to be the miracle of 'The Highest Flag Cloud in the World'. Rongbuk Monastery was built by a local lama in about 1899. It boosts to be the highest among all the temples in the world. Walking forward from Rongbuk Monastery, you will see the famous Rongbuk Glacier Zone, which is the largest among all the hundreds of glaciers formed around the Mt. Everest. The three glaciers north of the Mt. Everest flow south and congregate at the Rongbuk River traversing the foot of the monastery.

After lunch, we will continue our drive to the base camp. Check in to hotel and have some free time before dinner.
A local Hotel (B,L)

Day 7: Base camp/Shigatse
After breakfast, we will have some more time to engrave the majestic view of the Mount Everest before we check out from the hotel and drive back to Shigatse. The drive will be around 7 hours, but we will make many flexible stops along the way to embrace the beauty of the nature and visit villages nearby. We will have lunch along the way. Upon arrival, check into hotel and have dinner.  
A local 4-star Hotel (B,L)

Day 8: Shigatse/Lhasa
Breakfast and check out. We will continue the drive back to Lhasa for about 6 hours and stop for picnic lunch along the way.
When we arrive in Lhasa, you will then be free to take a stroll along the Barkhor. Barkhor means "intermediate circuit" in Tibetan. At the center of old Lhasa, the Barkhor is the middle circumambulation pathway for pilgrims around the Jokhang. The other two circumambulation pathways are the Nangkor ("inner circuit") inside the Jokhang and the Lingkor ("the outer circuit") around the old city. Buddhist pilgrims from all over the Tibetan plateau walk or progress by body-lengths prostrations along the Barkhor clockwise every day deep into the night. This sacred pilgrim path is also a marketplace where shaggy nomads, traders, robed monks and chanting pilgrims join together. Clustered shops and stalls sell printed scriptures, prayer flags and other religious vessels, jewelry, Tibetan knives, ancient coins and more.  Check into our hotel and have dinner.
St.Regis Lhasa Resort or Shangri-La Hotel,Lhasa (B,L)

Day 9: Lhasa / Beijing
Breakfast and check out. We will visit Tibet Museum in the morning. The museum houses a rich collection of cultural relics including handwritten Tibetan classics, colorful thangka paintings, musical and ritual instruments, and unique handicrafts and pottery. Have lunch, and then transfer to the airport. Fly out.

Lhasa -Beijing: CA4111 16:20 - 22:15
Lhasa - Shanghai: MU2336 15:20 - 21:40.