Deep in Tibet, the Kharta and Kangshung valleys lead to the wildest, least-visited face of Everest: the immense Kangshung Face, with Lhotse and Makalu rising in the same panorama. This is one of the most remote and demanding treks in Tibet, six to seven days' walk from the nearest road, crossing the 5,300m Langma La pass to camp within sight of three of the world's five highest peaks.
Trip Highlights
The Kangshung Face of Everest
A close, ground-level view of Everest's immense east face and its hanging glaciers — rarely seen compared to the crowded north and south base camps.
Three of the world's five highest peaks
Everest, Lhotse and Makalu rise together across the Kangshung valley, with Chomo Lonzo alongside — a panorama unique to this side of the mountain.
The 5,300m Langma La pass
The trek's high point, crossed twice, marked with prayer flags and the first glimpse of Everest's east face on the way in.
Deep in Tibet, far from any road
Six to seven days of walking from the roadhead at Kharta, through one of the remotest corners of the Tibet Autonomous Region.
Mallory's forgotten approach to Everest
First surveyed by George Mallory's 1921 British expedition, the Kangshung side remains one of the least-visited ways to stand before Everest.
A fully permitted Tibet expedition
Includes the Tibet Travel Permit, Alien's Travel Permit and licensed local guide required for all foreign travel in Tibet.
Route Overview
Arrival in Lhasa, Tibet
Settle in and acclimatise; permits processed.Lhasa → Shigatse → Kharta
Long drive across Tibet to the trailhead, 3,750m.Kharta → Langma La base camp
Trek begins, climbing toward 4,800m.→ Langma La (5,300m) → Kangshung valley
The trek's highest pass, first views of Everest.→ Pethang camp
Deeper into the Kangshung valley.→ Pethang Ringmo
Camp below the Kangshung Face, 4,880m.Kangshung valley (out and back)
Viewpoint day: Everest, Lhotse and Makalu.→ Langma La → Kharta side
Retrace the route back over the pass.→ Kharta → Shigatse / Lhasa
Trek ends, drive back across Tibet.Full Itinerary
Arrival in Lhasa, Tibet
Arrive in Lhasa, the heart of Tibet, at 3,650m. A rest day to acclimatise and take in the city — the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple, if energy allows — while our team finalises your Tibet Travel Permit and Alien's Travel Permit for the road ahead.
Lhasa → Shigatse → Kharta
A long, spectacular drive across the Tibetan plateau via Gyantse and Shigatse, Tibet's second city, to Kharta (3,750m), the roadhead and starting point of the trek.
Kharta → Langma La base camp
The trek begins, climbing steadily out of the Kharta valley through the last villages and pastures toward a high camp below the Langma La, gaining altitude gradually.
→ Langma La → Kangshung valley
The toughest day: crossing the Langma La (5,300m), the trek's highest point, marked by prayer flags and, on a clear day, a first distant view of Everest's east face. You then descend into the wild Kangshung valley.
→ Pethang camp
A shorter day following the Kangshung valley deeper into the mountains, glaciers and 7,000m+ peaks closing in on both sides.
→ Pethang Ringmo
A short push to Pethang Ringmo (4,880m), the classic viewpoint camp for the Kangshung Face, made famous by early 20th-century Everest expeditions.
Kangshung valley (viewpoint day)
A full day exploring higher into the Kangshung valley, up to around 5,200–5,300m, for the closest possible views of Everest's Kangshung Face, Lhotse and Makalu together in one panorama. Return to the same camp.
→ Langma La → Kharta side
Retracing the route back over the Langma La and down toward the Kharta valley, with a final look back at the peaks before they disappear behind the ridgeline.
→ Kharta → Shigatse or Lhasa
A last descent to Kharta, where the trek ends, followed by the drive back across Tibet toward Shigatse or on to Lhasa for onward travel.
What's Included
Booking Terms
- Cancellation terms depend on how close to departure you cancel, and are confirmed in writing when your trip is booked.
- If a visa application is refused, we ask for the official refusal letter from the consulate and refund what we can once any costs already committed on your behalf are deducted.
- A confirmed place can usually be transferred to another eligible traveller.
- If safety conditions or government restrictions force a change, we'll adapt or refund the unused portion of the trip.
Get in Touch
We don't take bookings online — this site is here to show you the treks. Reach out and let's talk through dates, group size and what you're looking for.
