Mount Everest Region Tibet

Brief information on Mt. Everest 

Everest is the main peak of the Himalayas and the highest mountain in the world. It is located on the border between China and Nepal. The northern part of Mount Everest is in Tibet, China, and the southern part is in Nepal. At an altitude of 8,848 meters, it is the highest peak in the world and the center of Everest Nature Reserve and Nepal National Park, which spans four counties in China.

Mount Everest, named Mount Qomolangma in Tibetan, means Mother Goddess of the Universe, "Qomo" means "Goddess", "Langma" means "Mother Elephant". Massive glaciers and seracs feature a thrilling splendor. The peak has been a holy climbing attraction for the world's mountaineers. In recent years, more and more mountaineers start from the Everest Base Camp trying to conquer the world's highest peak. Around Mt.Everest, there are four peaks above 8,000 meters high, including Mt. Makarluh, Gosanthain, Zhuoyo, Shishabanma, and other 14 peaks above 7,000 meters, which form an amazing picture of Mt.Everest Natural Scenery Area with jokuls, peaks groups, and mountain waves.

For tourists, Everest Base Camp has become the most popular spot in Tibet, either for sightseeing, trekking, or expeditions. It offers the chance to gaze on the stunning north face of the world's tallest peak, Mt. Everest. It is a lot easier to access than those on the Nepali side.

The road from Shegar to Rongphu

The Everest access road turns off the Friendship Hwy around 6km west of the Shegar checkpoint. It’s about a 100km drive and takes about 3 hours from Shegar. After passing the small village of Chay, there is a winding drive up to Pang-la ( 5,120m). The views at Pang-la pass here are stupendous, featuring a huge sweep of the Himalayan range. Then the road descends past several photogenic villages into Dzaka Valley. Then bumps up again to Chodzom, from here the road turns south towards Rongphu. You will have the first views of Everest half an hour before you arrive at Rongphu.

What to see in the Everest region

Rongphu Monastery

Rongphu is the highest monastery in Tibet and was established in 1902 by a Nyingmapa Lama. There were once 500 monks and nuns living here. At Rongphu Monastery, the nuns and monks use the same prayer hall but have separate residences. The monastery and its large Chorten (a Lamaist shrine or monument) can make a great photograph with Everest thrusting its head skyward in the background. The elevation here is 4,980m.

Everest Base Camp ( E.B.C)

Everest Base Camp it is a good point to see Mount Everest's peak. It has a couple of permanent structures, half a dozen tea tents, a post office, clusters of tents belonging to various expeditions, and several tent guest houses belonging to the local Tibetan for the tourists, but these only exist from late April to early October.

Clamber up the small hill festooned with prayer flags for great views of Everest Peak, the wind here is always heavy. Then have your photo taken at the Base Camp marker (A stone), it mentions the word' Mt Qomolangma Base Camp ' instead of Everest one. The base camp is 5,200m above sea level. A sign warns that tourists will be fined USD200 for proceeding past Base Camp without a guide at the public toilet wall.

We have so many Tibet trekking tours that include visiting the Mount Everest Region and also EBC. 

The height of Mount Everest will continue to change due to the movement of the geographic plate as time goes on. Interestingly, although Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world, its peak is not the farthest point from the center of the earth. This particular point belongs to Chimborazo in South America. The great and majestic image of Mount Everest has always had a huge impact both locally and worldwide.

Only by seeing Mount Everest with your own eyes can you understand the charm of this "Earth's Highest Point". Although it is impossible for most people to spend a lot of money and time to climb to the top of the world, come to Everest Base Camp to feel the heroic posture of mother earth.

Useful Travel Tips

• The admission fee of E.B.C. is 180 CNY / per person and half rate during the low season from November to April. 
• It is required to pay 120 CNY / per person for the round-way ticket of clean energy and environmental protection bus in the Mt Everest Scenic Area from 1 July 2019.
• Overnight at Everest Base Camp is usually arranged in the guest house of either the Rongphu Monastery or local Tibetan tents (from the nearby villages). The local Tibetan tent is only available from mid-April to mid-October.
• Even in summer, the temperature at Everest base camp will be below 10ºC (50ºF) at night. There is no heating equipment here.
• Both the monastery and tent guesthouses will provide quilts and pillows for everyone, but the personal sleeping bags are highly recommended to bring in advance, which can keep you warm and clean.
• In addition to two public toilets representing modern civilization, as well as the Rongbuk monastery, the base camp has no other buildings.
• The former base camp stone has been moved down, which is closer to the tent guesthouse area, for environmental protection.

Additional Information for Tourists Visiting Mount Everest

Weather and Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side is from late April to early October. This period offers the most stable weather and clearer views of the mountain.

Winter visits are possible, but temperatures can drop extremely low, and some facilities may not be available.

Altitude Sickness

Visitors should be aware of the risk of altitude sickness due to the high elevation. It's advisable to acclimatize properly and consult a doctor about medication to prevent altitude sickness.

Symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. If symptoms worsen, it’s essential to descend to a lower altitude immediately.

Permits

A Tibet Travel Permit is required for all foreign tourists visiting the Tibet Autonomous Region. Additional permits, such as the Alien Travel Permit and the Everest Base Camp Permit, are necessary to visit the Everest region. These are usually arranged by your travel agency.

Travel Insurance

Comprehensive travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking, medical evacuation, and trip cancellations is highly recommended.

Health and Safety

Basic medical facilities are available at Everest Base Camp, but for serious health issues, evacuation to a hospital in Lhasa or Kathmandu may be necessary.

Carry a first aid kit with essential medications and supplies.

Photography and Cultural Sensitivity

Photography is allowed, but it's respectful to ask permission before photographing local people. Respect local customs and traditions, especially when visiting monasteries and interacting with monks and nuns.

Environmental Responsibility

Visitors are encouraged to follow the "leave no trace" principle to preserve the pristine environment. All waste should be disposed of properly, and visitors should minimize their environmental impact.

Clothing and Gear

Dress in layers to adjust to the changing temperatures. A down jacket, thermal wear, and a good pair of hiking boots are essential. Sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm are necessary to protect against the strong UV rays at high altitudes.

Connectivity

Mobile phone coverage is limited and unreliable in the Everest region. Satellite phones can be a good alternative for communication. Some guesthouses may offer basic internet services, but it is generally slow and expensive.

Local Cuisine

Food options at Everest Base Camp are limited, with basic Tibetan dishes such as yak butter tea, tsampa (barley flour), and momos (dumplings). It's advisable to carry some snacks and personal food preferences.

Visiting the Everest region in Tibet is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that offers breathtaking scenery and a profound cultural experience. Standing at the foot of the world's highest peak, you'll be awe-inspired by the majesty of Mount Everest and the serenity of the surrounding landscapes. Prepare well for the high altitude and unpredictable weather, respect local customs, and embrace the unique blend of natural beauty and spiritual heritage. Whether you're trekking, sightseeing, or simply soaking in the views, the Everest region promises memories that will last a lifetime. Enjoy every moment of this extraordinary journey.