There will be time for us to explore the bazaars, shops and monasteries of this fascinating city. The expedition leader will also examine everyone's climbing equipment so that any shortfalls can be purchased in Kathmandu prior to flying to Tibet. Chinese Visas allowing entry to Tibet will also be issued by the Chinese Embassy in Kathmandu.

If the weather is clear the flight will give extraordinary views of the Himalaya, including Everest, Makalu and Kanchenjunga. We should also get a good view from the air of the Kangshung valley. On arrival in Lhasa, we will be met and taken to a good standard hotel close to the city center. This will be our base for the next few days while we acclimatize to the high altitude of the Tibetan plateau (Lhasa is one of the highest capitals in the world at 3,665m/12024ft).

While acclimatizing, we will make the most of our time in Lhasa and visit the Potala Palace, the Dalai Lama's summer palace and perhaps one or two monasteries outside the city. Lhasa is a fascinating place, the indigenous Tibetan people and architecture contrasting strongly with the imposed Chinese influence.

We set off in land-cruisers across the Tibetan plateau. Soon after leaving Lhasa, we reach the banks of the Tsang Po, which becomes the Brahmaputra River when it enters India. We drive up-stream for a while before turning southwest through barren desert-like valleys to reach Shigatse, Tibet's second city. Overnight in a hotel. Altitude: 3,900m.

As we continue along the Tibetan highway, the northern edge of the Greater Himalaya comes into view, often providing a spectacular panorama of peaks, including Everest. We overnight in a hotel 7 kilometers outside the main town of Xegar. If there is time, we may be able to visit the main town and its hilltop monastery. Altitude: 4,000m.

This is an important day which will help us cope with the big height gain to Chinese base camp tomorrow. The general advice is to take it easy, but a visit of the main town and a gentle hike up to its hilltop monastery (4,200m) are highly recommended.

We complete the drive to the road-head and to the Chinese base camp. Leaving Shegar, we turn south along the bumpy track that leads to the road-head below Cho Oyu.

This will be an important day in order to sort out all loads for the yak carry. In the afternoon, our yaks arrive, getting ready to make the carry on the first leg to advance base camp tomorrow.

With yaks carrying the expedition's supplies, we trek up the long valley to advance base camp. We spend 3 nights at intermediate camps at 5,200 and 5,450 metres before continuing to advance base camp. The benefit of our acclimatization camp will be much appreciated when we finally occupy advance base camp, our home for the duration of the climb. We move into advance base camp early on day 15 and spend the afternoon organizing climbing equipment for use on the mountain.

On the first day, we make our initial, tentative excursion and exploration of the lower part of the mountain. The aim will be to get as high as possible in order to have a good look at the route and the conditions on the mountain. We do not carry loads and we aim to return to advance base camp for the evening. As we gain in strength and acclimatization, we climb higher on the mountain with the aim of reaching and sleeping at both camp 1 and camp 2. This will give us ideal preparation for the final part of the climb. The summit bids follow a good period of rest at advance base camp during which time the Sherpa’s complete the task of establishing the high camp at 7,400 meters. On day 40, all climbers should be back at base camp with the mountain stripped of equipment. Packing-up base camp is always time consuming and everyone will need to help to ensure that we leave no trace of our passing. If we are successful in climbing the mountain early then we will leave base camp early. We can head back to Kathmandu as soon as everyone has made a determined summit climb but past experience has shown that we will need all of the days allotted unless the conditions on the mountain are exceptionally good and everyone acclimatizes exceptionally well.

We will make the return trek to the road-head with yaks carrying our equipment. Our road transport will be waiting for us. We spend our last night in tents at the

Although with a good road and no snow blocking on the passes, it is possible to drive to Kathmandu in 12 to 14 hours, we have planned on 2 days in case of delays. On the first day we will aim to drive to Kyirong and possible cross the border into Nepal. If we make the drive all the way to Kathmandu, we will arrive there at about 8 p.m.

We complete the drive to Kathmandu. We return to the welcome delights of Kathmandu in the hotel, with its peaceful gardens, cool swimming pool, welcoming rooms and inviting bar. In the evening, we have our farewell celebration and expedition dinner.

Rest and relax at the hotel after such a wonderful trip. For those eager to see as much of Kathmandu as possible, an early start is worthwhile to visit the temples of Pashupatinath and Swayambhunath and districts of Bhaktapur and Patan. Durbar Square is also on the essential list, as is the shopping area of Thamel. In the evening you can have your last night in Nepal, enjoying the Nepali cultural dinner show or go out to Thamel.

Today is free or last minute shopping for souvenirs or gift to your family, friends or relatives for you until your departure flight/drive or to commence any extra trips or activities you may have booked with us. If departing, you'll be transferred to the International Airport for your departure flight to your onwards destination.