Everything You Need to Know about Kangshung Face Base Camp Trek

The trek to the east face of Everest – Kangshung face, is one of the most exciting experience in the world. This trek is relatively unknown and visited by small number of trekkers each year. Sceneries along the road are really beautiful and breathtaking. Forests of scrub juniper, dwarf rhododendron, and birch cover the higher ridges, and dense of willows edge the creeks in the lower valley. Many trekkers are attracted there. Before heading there, there are a lot of things you’ll need to know, such as the of Kangshung Face highlights, map, itinerary, best time for trekking, and pack list for trekking. In this guide, we will give everything you need for trekking in Kangshung Face of Mount Everest.

 
Mount Everest Kangshung Face Trek

Part 1. Highlights of Everest Kangshung Face Trek

• Explore Lhasa city: enjoying the revered and historical monuments of Potala Palace, Jokhang temple, Barkhor street, Drepung and Sera monastery.
• Enjoy the breathtaking scenery alone the way. It includes virgin valley, majestic mountains, glacial lakes, and alpine vegetation.
• View the spectacular Kangshung Face of Everest from the Kharta valley.
• Visit the famous Rongbuk Valley & Monastery
• If weather allows, some of the greatest Himalayan scenery to be found.

Part 2. Kangshung Face Trek Map

 
Mount Everest Kangshung Face Trek - Map

Located : On the eastern side of the world's highest mountain in the government district of Shigatse in the Tibet Autonomous Region of the People's Republic of China.
Altitude : 3,350m/11,000ft
Start : Lhasa
End : Lhasa
Difficulty : Medium
Duration : 18 Days

Part 3. Kangshung Face Trek Itinerary

Located in the east face of Mount Everest, Kangshung face is one of the most beautiful and least visited regions in the world. Trekking to Kangshung face  has become one of the most challenging and exciting journeys among trekkers. In general, trekkers choose Lhasa as their start point, partially because it is good for their body to adjust to the high altitude, but also because there are many traditional and magnificent palaces and temples in Lhasa waiting to be visited. After visiting Lhasa, trekkers go through some Tibet’s historic cities and towns like Shigatse, Rongbuk and Zhangmu, finally arrive at Kharta, the actual start points of trekking. After admiring the breathtaking eastern face of the majestic mountains, they trek back to Kharta, the end point of trekking.

 
Kangshung Face of Mount Everest - Itinerary

Day 1-3: Explore Lhasa city and visit some Lhasa’s landmark places like the Potala palace, Jokhang temple, Barkhor street.
Day 4: Lhasa-Gyantse'shigatse
Day 5: Shigatse / Shegar
Day 6: Shegar / Karta County / Yuba
Day 7: Yuba / Dumpu
Day 8: Dumpu/ Xiuwutso Lake
Day 9: Xiwutso Lake/ Zoksam
Day 10: Zoksam/ Tangsum
Day 11: Tangsum/ Raga
Day 12: Raga-Pethang Ringmo - Raga
Day 13: Raga-Tsoshutrima
Day 14: Tsoshutrima-Langma La--Shomela
Day 15: Shomela-Yuba-Rongbuk Monastery
Day 16: Rongbuk Monastery-EBC-Shegar
Day 17: Shegar-Lhasa
Day 18: Tour ends, leave Lhasa for home

Most Recommended Itinerary: Kangshung Face (18 Days) of Everest Trek >

Part 4 Best Time for Trekking in Kangshung Face of Everest

The best time for trekking in Kangshung face of Everest would be spring (April – June) and autumn (September – October). During this time, the weather is warm and sunny with good visibility.  

 
Kangshung Face – Best Time for Trekking

Part 5. What to Pack for Trekking in Kangshung Face Trek? 

This trek is fully supported by a team of porters or yaks who will transport your main baggage. You will only need to carry a light daypack during the trek. Besides, there are some essential items you need to pack.

Clothes

• Warm clothes. Whether you are traveling in summer or spring/autumn, warm clothes are needed since the temperature drops a lot once you are at higher altitude.
• Some high-quality winter gears to stay warm. We recommend wearing 4-5 layers: thermals, wool bottom, fleece and a thick winter parka.   
• Long sleeve t-shirt, which is great for hiking or trekking.
• Fleece-lined long sleeve thermal underwear.
• Fleece base
• Jacket
• Quick-dry pants
• Fleece-lined leggings
• Ski gloves
• Wool socks/Thick socks
• Microfiber towel
• Heavy duty hiking boots

Equipment

• Sleeping bag. You can rent a thick sleeping bag from your tour guide.
• Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, lip balm
• Water bottle
• High energy snacks

Medicine

High altitude sickness  is the biggest concern among travelers. To lessen the symptom of high-altitude sickness, you need to make full preparation of it. Additionally, if you have some heart problems, stomach problems or other diseases, remember to bring your own medicines.