Mount Everest & EBC in Tibet
Mount Everest, with its iconic three-sided pyramid shape, stands on the crest of the Great Himalayas in Southern Asia. It is located between Nepal and Tibet, an autonomous region of China, and is considered the tallest point on Earth, with an elevation of 8,848.86 meters.
The mountain was named after Sir George Everest, a former Surveyor General of India, in the 19th century. However, its Tibetan name, Chomolungma, meaning “Mother Goddess of the World,” reflects the reverence and spiritual significance that the mountain holds for the local people.
While climbing Mount Everest has become a popular expedition for mountain climbers, it is also a dangerous undertaking that requires extensive training and preparation. For regular travelers, it is highly recommended to visit Everest Base Camp, which is the closest spot to view Mount Everest and marvel at its grandeur.
Best Things to See & Do at Everest Base Camp (EBC)
Traveling to the Base Camp by Tourist Bus
The thrilling journey begins in Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. After entering Qomolangma National Nature Preserve, you need to take the tourist bus to the Everest Base Camp. As you embark on the eight-hour drive toward the base camp, keep an eye out for the peak of Mount Everest appearing on the horizon. The winding roads will take you through stunning landscapes and remote villages, providing a unique glimpse into the daily lives of the local people.
Visit the World’s Highest Monastery - Rongbuk Monastery
Rongbuk Monastery is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located at the base of Mount Everest in Tibet. It is the highest monastery in the world, sitting at an altitude of 5200 meters above sea level. The monastery was founded in 1902 and has since become a popular destination for tourists and mountaineers visiting Mount Everest.
The Rongbuk Monastery is known for its stunning views of the Himalayan mountains and the nearby Mount Everest, which towers above the monastery at a height of 8,848 meters. Visitors can also witness the daily life of the resident monks and participate in religious ceremonies.
One of the main attractions of Rongbuk Monastery is the spectacular sunrise view of Mount Everest from the nearby Everest Base Camp. Visitors can take a trek from the monastery to the base camp and witness the breathtaking views of the world's tallest mountain. It is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience that should not be missed.
Watch Sunrise of Mount Everest from the EBC
For travelers who stay overnight at Everest Base Camp, you have a rare chance to view the sunrise over the Mount Everest. If weather permits, watching the sunrise over Mount Everest from Everest Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. As the morning light begins to filter through the towering peaks of the Himalayas, the snow-capped summit of Mount Everest will gradually emerge from the darkness.
As the first rays of sunlight touch the summit of the mountain, it will be bathed in a warm and golden light, creating a stunning contrast against the deep blue sky. The breathtaking natural beauty of this moment is truly unforgettable and will leave you in awe of the majesty of the world's highest peak.
Enjoy Everest Base Camp Trek Experience
The trekking trail from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp is located in a high-elevation region, with altitudes ranging between 4,400 meters and 5,200 meters. Despite the physical challenge of the trek, it offers a unique blend of solitude, wildlife sightings, and stunning natural beauty. Onagers and gazelle can be spotted thriving around the trail, and lucky trekkers may even catch a glimpse of a Tibetan brown bear roaming the pastures.
The trek covers a distance of 70 kilometers and is typically completed on foot over a period of four days. Along the way, trekkers will have ample time to explore the valleys and glaciers below the massive north face of Mount Everest, providing unparalleled views of the world's highest mountain scenery.
The trail passes through a number of breathtaking spots, including the Tingri Plain and the Ra-Chu valley, Mount Cho Oyu, the Nam La Pass, Zommug, the Draka Chu River, and the Dza Rongbuk Gompas. These stunning natural wonders provide a glimpse into the unique and awe-inspiring beauty of the Himalayas, making the trek to Everest Base Camp an unforgettable adventure.
Best Time to Visit Everest Base Camp
The best times to visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet are from mid-April to June and from September to October. During these months, visitors can enjoy clear, azure skies dotted with fluffy white clouds as they make their journey to the base camp.
There are multiple options for visiting Everest Base Camp, including trekking from Old Tingri, taking a tour vehicle, or cycling or motorcycling from Lhasa to EBC. Regardless of the mode of transportation, visitors will be thrilled upon reaching EBC and beholding the panoramic view of the north face of Mount Everest. Visitors should be sure not to miss the rare chance to see the famous "Flag Clouds" over Mount Everest and the incredible "Golden Summit" during sunset.
Best Platform to View Mount Everest
Gyawu La Pass - Must-stop on the Way to EBC
Located along the Friendship Highway between Tibet and Nepal, Gyawu La Pass is a stunning vantage point that provides an unparalleled view of the majestic Himalayan mountain range. At the top of Gyawu La Pass, you will be rewarded with a panoramic view of the Himalayan range, including the towering peaks of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu. The snow-capped mountains extend as far as the eye can see, creating a stunning contrast against the clear blue sky.
Everest Base Camp Location & How to Get to Everest Base Camp (EBC)
Tibet Everest Base Camp is located Tingri County, Shigatse City in Tibet, about 600 kilometers to Lhasa, the capital city of Tibet, and about 416 kilometers to Gyirong Port, the border of Tibet and Nepal. It is remote that you are highly recommended to take a private or group tour to reach by vehicle.
Distance to Lhasa: about 600 km, about 14 hours’ driving (not recommended to transfer in one day)
Distance to Shigatse: about 334 km, about 7-8hours by driving
Distance to Tingri: about 111 km, about 3 hours by driving
Distance to Gyirong Town: about 416 km, about 10 hours by driving
Transfer with Asia Odyssey Travel
It is mandatory for all travelers visiting Mount Everest Base Camp or any other parts of Tibet to be accompanied by a local Tibet travel agency, along with local guides and drivers. With our travel service, you can reach Tibet Everest Base from Lhasa and enjoy worry-free travel to witness the majestic beauty of Mount Everest.
Contact Us for More Transfer InfoEverest Base Camp Accommodation & Where to Stay
During our classic 8-day Tibet group tour to Everest Base Camp, you will have the opportunity to spend one night at the base camp itself. The guesthouse at Rongbuk Monastery and tented camps at EBC are the only accommodation options available, but both provide an incredible vantage point from which to witness the breathtaking sunrise over Mount Everest.
From April to October, travelers on the tour will stay in a Tibetan tent or at the Rongbuk Guesthouse. From October to the following April, due to the withdrawal of Tibetan Tents from the Base Camp, travelers will stay at the Basongcun/Tashizongcun Guesthouse in multi-bed rooms.
While the guesthouse at Rongbuk Monastery offers basic facilities, including electric blankets, multi-layer bed sheets, pillows, and outlets, visitors should be aware that the amenities are limited. Accommodations consist of double rooms or dormitories with multiple occupants, and there are no private bathrooms or heating. Additionally, shower and tap water are not available.
Altitude Sickness When Visiting Everest Base Camp
The altitude of Everest Base Camp in Tibet, also known as the North Base Camp, is approximately 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) above sea level. This is the starting point for many mountaineers who attempt to climb Mount Everest from the north side. It's important to note that this altitude is considered very high and can cause altitude sickness in some people. Proper acclimatization and precautions should be taken when visiting or climbing at high altitudes to ensure safety and minimize the risk of altitude-related illnesses.
Everest Base Camp Surrounding Attraction
Tashilhunpo Monastery (Shigatse)
Tashilhunpo Monastery, (also spelled Tashilhunpo or Tashi Lhunpo), is now the largest functioning religious institution in Tibet. Founded in 1447 by the first Dalai Lama, Gedun Drupa, the monastery is traditionally the seat of the Panchen Lama, one of the most important spiritual leaders in Tibetan Buddhism. Most travelers who plan a Lhasa Shigatse Mount Everest tour will cover Tashilhunpo Monastery in their trip, making it a must-visit monastery in Tibet.
Learn more about Tashilhunpo Monastery >>
How to Plan Your Tibet Tours with Top Attractions?
If you want a trip from Lhasa to Mount Everest, you can enjoy our 8 Days Tibet tour with EBC. As you journey out of Lhasa, the highway runs alongside a winding river, which alternates between narrow and wide stretches, with a vibrant green hue that is sure to soothe your senses. Don't be disheartened by the seemingly unremarkable appearance of the river; it is, in fact, the mighty Brahmaputra River, whose waters have the power to cleanse and rejuvenate.
As you continue on the road, you'll come across a monument dedicated to the Yajiang River valley, a prelude to the first scenic spot of the journey - the Tibetan three sacred lakes, including Yamdrok Lake. After admiring the beauty of Yamdrok Lake, you'll soon arrive at the Karola Glacier, which is renowned for its size but may not evoke a strong emotional response, much like a cup of KFC snow top coffee.
After leaving the glacier, you'll soon reach the end of day one in the enchanting little city of Shigatse, located at an altitude of 4,000 meters above sea level. If all goes smoothly, you'll arrive at Mount Qomolangma National Park, where strict border armed police checks are conducted. From here, it's a three-hour drive on challenging terrain to reach Everest Base Camp, with breathtaking scenery all along the way.
Tour Lhasa City - 4 DaysFor 4 days, it is highly recommended to take: 4 Days Lhasa & Surrounding Tour
Add 2 or 3 More Days to Visit Gyantse & ShigatseFor 5 days, it is highly recommended to take: 5 Days Lhasa & Yamdrok Lake TourFor 6 days, it is highly recommended to take: 6 Days Lhasa Yamdrok Lake Shigatse Tour
Add 2 More Days to Mount EverestFor 7 days, you can take 7 Days Classic Tibet Nepal Overland Tour from Lhasa to Gyirong via EBCFor 8 days, you can take Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Shigatse - Mount Everest - Lhasa for classic exploration
To extend further, you can cover Mount Kailash (3 Days), Guge Kingdom & Zanda Earth Forest (1 Day), Namtso Lake (1 Day), etc.9 Days Panorama Tibet Tour from Lhasa to EBC with Namtso Lake15 Days: Lhasa - Yamdrok Lake - Mount Everest - Mount Kailash - Zanda - Shigatse - Lhasa
Explore Tibet with Asia Odyssey Travel
Local based in Lhasa and Tibet over 10 years, our local team at Asia Odyssey Travel has carefully designed Tibet tours that offer a truly authentic and unforgettable experience. You can choose to travel in the comfort of a private tour with a flexible itinerary, or join a group tour that's budget-friendly without compromising on quality. Whatever your preference, Asia Odyssey Travel has a tour that caters to your needs and desires, ensuring that your journey to Tibet is an unforgettable adventure.