The Kangshung Valley Trek

The east face of Mount Everest from Tibet, China

Duration
18 days
Group size
No limit
Country
Tibet

The Kangshung Valley Trek Overview

The east face of Mount Everest from Tibet, China

The east face of Mount Everest from Tibet, China

The Kangshung, the east face of Everest, is a very beautiful and little-known trail.

We fly to Kathmandu or, optionally, Lhasa and drive across the Tibetan interior to Kharta, where we meet our Sherpa team from Nepal. We then begin the trek through the alpine desert, with yaks carrying all your baggage and camping equipment. At the end of the trek we drive to Rongbuk Monastery to see the North Face of Everest, and continue by road to Kathmandu or Lhasa.

Three of the world's highest peaks, Everest, Lhotse and Makalu, overlook the Kama valley and the Kangshung valley.

Key highlights of the The Kangshung Valley Trek

Itinerary

  1. Arrive in Kathmandu.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)
    On foot
    None, arrival day
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    None
  2. Sightseeing in Kathmandu.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)
    On foot
    Easy walking, 2–3 hrs
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    Breakfast
  3. Drive to Nyalam, a town near the Nepal and Tibet border.

    Altitude
    3,750 m (12,300 ft)+2,350 m
    On foot
    None, 6–7 hr drive
    Night in
    Guesthouse, Nyalam
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  4. Drive to Shegar.

    Altitude
    4,350 m (14,270 ft)+600 m
    On foot
    None, 6–7 hr drive
    Night in
    Guesthouse, Shegar
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  5. Drive to the Kharta valley in Tibet.

    Altitude
    3,700 m (12,140 ft)−650 m
    On foot
    None, 4–5 hr drive
    Night in
    Tented camp, Kharta
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  6. Trek to Kangshung Base Camp and return to Hoppo.

    Altitude
    5,050 m (16,570 ft) at Base Camp+1,350 m
    On foot
    6–7 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Hoppo
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  7. Trek to the foot of the Langma La.

    Altitude
    4,800 m (15,750 ft)−250 m
    On foot
    5–6 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Shurimo
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  8. Trek to Kharta.

    Altitude
    3,700 m (12,140 ft)−1,100 m
    On foot
    6–7 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Kharta
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  9. Drive to Rongbuk Monastery.

    Altitude
    4,980 m (16,340 ft)+1,280 m
    On foot
    None, 5–6 hr drive
    Night in
    Tented camp, Rongbuk
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  10. Explore Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

    Altitude
    4,980 m (16,340 ft)
    On foot
    16 km, 4–5 hrs
    Night in
    Tented camp, Rongbuk
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  11. Drive to Zhangmu.

    Altitude
    2,300 m (7,550 ft)−2,680 m
    On foot
    None, 8–9 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Zhangmu
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  12. Drive to Kathmandu.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)−900 m
    On foot
    None, 5–6 hr drive
    Night in
    Hotel, Kathmandu
    Meals
    Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
  13. Departure.

    Altitude
    1,400 m (4,590 ft)
    On foot
    None, departure day
    Night in
    No overnight
    Meals
    Breakfast

What's included

  • All airport pick-ups and drop-offs, and services in Kathmandu
  • 3, 4 or 5-star hotel accommodation in Kathmandu (depending on the package you choose)
  • Kathmandu Valley sightseeing with guides and entrance permits
  • Tibet visa and permit
  • Tents, sleeping mats and camping equipment
  • Kitchen, toilet, dining and shower tents (we normally provide twin-sharing tents; if you would like a single tent, please let us know in advance)
  • All entrance fees and sightseeing in Tibet
  • All staff, with their insurance (cook, kitchen assistant, assistant Sherpa, one Nepali guide and one Tibetan guide)
  • Transport by four-wheel drive (latest-model Land Cruiser, 4 people per jeep)
  • Truck for luggage and equipment
  • Gamow bag (portable high-altitude chamber)
  • Oxygen bag

Not included

  • International flights
  • Meals in Kathmandu and in Tibet (Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse or further)
  • Bar bills (soft drinks, beer, water and so on) and other personal expenses
  • Nepal re-entry visa (for NRIs, Europeans and Americans)
  • Emergency rescue charges, if required
  • Tips for staff
  • Photography charges, where applicable in Tibet

Reviews

Exceptional5.0 out of 5Reviews from Tripadvisor
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Showing 10 reviews from 901 on Tripadvisor

Earthbound Expeditions delivers 5 star service for trekking and cultural exploration

November 2025, Tripadvisor

I worked wth Earthbound Expeditions on a custom package in Nepal and Bhutan for a small group from the Appalachian Mountain Club Adventure Travel program. They are, in a word, excellent. Rajan, its President, seems to know EVERYBODY along the way. He helped us create an amazing custom package and managed the complex logistics without flaw. He chose excursions, accommodations, and culinary experiences each over the moon in their atmosphere and quality. He was able to understand the type of group we were bringing and adapt each piece to delight them. AND, he delivered at every level of operations. When I became unable to continue our trip due to a respiratory infection, he lined up care at a private hospital and an extended stay after my release at a Pokhara resort (Bar Peepal) where I could rest and recover while my medically assisted transportation back to the US was set in place by my travel insurance. Alongside the other AMC leader of our trip, they managed to complete the tour to the utter delight and satisfaction of each of our 14 participants. If you are planning a trip of any sort to Nepal, Bhutan, and the surrounding area, you really MUST check out Earthbound Expeditions!

Earthbound Expeditions delivers 5 star service for trekking and cultural exploration

November 2025, Tripadvisor

I worked wth Earthbound Expeditions on a custom package in Nepal and Bhutan for a small group from the Appalachian Mountain Club Adventure Travel program. They are, in a word, excellent. Rajan, its President, seems to know EVERYBODY along the way. He helped us create an amazing custom package and managed the complex logistics without flaw. He chose excursions, accommodations, and culinary experiences each over the moon in their atmosphere and quality. He was able to understand the type of group we were bringing and adapt each piece to delight them. AND, he delivered at every level of operations. When I became unable to continue our trip due to a respiratory infection, he lined up care at a private hospital and an extended stay after my release at a Pokhara resort (Bar Peepal) where I could rest and recover while my medically assisted transportation back to the US was set in place by my travel insurance. Alongside the other AMC leader of our trip, they managed to complete the tour to the utter delight and satisfaction of each of our 14 participants. If you are planning a trip of any sort to Nepal, Bhutan, and the surrounding area, you really MUST check out Earthbound Expeditions!

Fabulous Nepalese Adventure!

November 2025, Tripadvisor

I went on a 14 day group adventure through Nepal led by Rajan the owner of Earthbound Expeditions. The experience far exceeded my already high expectations. Rajan went above and beyond to make sure we had the perfect Nepalese experience. His passion for Nepal and its culture was contagious and I went home with a hunger to learn more. Thank you Rajan and Earthbound Expeditions!

A Journey of A Lifetime - Mount Kailesh and Mansovar Tibet

October 2025, Tripadvisor

A Journey of a Lifetime – Mount Kailash & Mansarovar Yatra. I recently completed the Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Yatra, and I can confidently say it was a phenomenal experience with no stone left unturned. Every detail was meticulously planned, and the execution was flawless from start to finish. The energy throughout the journey was truly transformational. Our leader Badri Gajurel was a powerhouse of positivity and strength, constantly uplifting the group and keeping our spirits high even in the most challenging moments. His passion and dedication was contagious, creating a momentum that carried us through the entire pilgrimage with grace and enthusiasm. From the sacred serenity of Mansarovar to the awe-inspiring presence of Mount Kailash, every moment was infused with spiritual depth and emotional resonance. The support, care, and camaraderie among the group and the supporting team of Earthbound Expedition made this not just a trip, but a deeply personal and soul-stirring experience. If you're considering this journey, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s not just a travel experience—it’s a spiritual awakening.

A Journey of A Lifetime - Mount Kailesh and Mansovar Tibet

October 2025, Tripadvisor

A Journey of a Lifetime – Mount Kailash & Mansarovar Yatra. I recently completed the Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Yatra, and I can confidently say it was a phenomenal experience with no stone left unturned. Every detail was meticulously planned, and the execution was flawless from start to finish. The energy throughout the journey was truly transformational. Our leader Badri Gajurel was a powerhouse of positivity and strength, constantly uplifting the group and keeping our spirits high even in the most challenging moments. His passion and dedication was contagious, creating a momentum that carried us through the entire pilgrimage with grace and enthusiasm. From the sacred serenity of Mansarovar to the awe-inspiring presence of Mount Kailash, every moment was infused with spiritual depth and emotional resonance. The support, care, and camaraderie among the group and the supporting team of Earthbound Expedition made this not just a trip, but a deeply personal and soul-stirring experience. If you're considering this journey, I wholeheartedly recommend it. It’s not just a travel experience—it’s a spiritual awakening.

A Life-Changing Kailash Manasarovar Journey with Earthbound Expeditions

August 2025, Tripadvisor

Our journey with Earthbound Expeditions in August 2025, was absolutely life-changing. Rajan ji is not only incredibly knowledgeable about Nepal, Tibet, and Kailash Manasarovar, but also warm and approachable. The staff made us feel cared for every step of the way. From comfortable hotels to delicious meals, everything was organized with precision. Even when landslides disrupted travel, the team guided us safely and calmly. Their flexibility and local connections, like arranging abhishekam at Manasarovar, made this experience unforgettable. Truly the best choice for spiritual and adventure travel.

A Life-Changing Kailash Manasarovar Journey with Earthbound Expeditions

August 2025, Tripadvisor

Our journey with Earthbound Expeditions in August 2025, was absolutely life-changing. Rajan ji is not only incredibly knowledgeable about Nepal, Tibet, and Kailash Manasarovar, but also warm and approachable. The staff made us feel cared for every step of the way. From comfortable hotels to delicious meals, everything was organized with precision. Even when landslides disrupted travel, the team guided us safely and calmly. Their flexibility and local connections, like arranging abhishekam at Manasarovar, made this experience unforgettable. Truly the best choice for spiritual and adventure travel.

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18 days

$3,597 per person

As featured on

  • The New York Times
  • The Guardian
  • Sydney Morning Herald
  • Lonely Planet
  • TripAdvisor
  • Mercury News
  • 13 News Israel
  • Action Asia Magazine
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  • Trails Worth Hiking

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