Overview
Everest Base Camp, in Tingri county, Shigatse, sits at 5,200 m — the closest an ordinary traveller can get to Mount Everest (8,848.86 m), with a full view of its north face turning gold at sunrise and sunset. Around it are Rongbuk Monastery (the world’s highest), a memorial stone and a tent camp. From Lhasa it’s a 4–5 day round trip via Yamdrok Lake, Shigatse and Tingri, over the Gyatso La pass and the “108 bends”. Best for reasonably fit travellers without serious altitude trouble. April–June is climbing season, when teams from around the world gather.
Getting there
- From Lhasa: charter/shared car, 4–5 days round trip, along the G318 via Yamdrok, Shigatse and Tingri.
- From Shigatse: about a day’s drive (340 km); arrange the border permit in Shigatse.
- Tingri to the area: over the “108 bends” (Gyawu La pass), about 100 km, 2–3 h.
- Inside the area: private cars are barred from the core — switch to the shuttle (¥120 return) to the Rongbuk tent camp.
- Border permit: required in advance, from your home region or the Shigatse government service centre (09:20–12:20, 15:30–18:20).
See & do
- Rongbuk Monastery (5,154 m): the world’s highest monastery and the best Everest viewpoint; entry ¥30.
- Everest memorial stone: the base-camp marker at 5,200 m.
- Tent post office: send postcards with an Everest postmark.
- Gyawu La viewpoint (5,210 m): the best spot to see five 8,000-m peaks in one frame.
- Rongbuk Glacier: views of the glaciers flanking Everest, though the core is closed for conservation.
- Stargazing: no light pollution; on clear nights the Milky Way is vivid.
Eat
- Tent-camp simple meals: instant noodles, ready meals, butter tea, ¥15–30.
- Tingri town restaurants: mostly Sichuan; try yak hotpot or beef stew, ¥40–60 pp.
- Bring snacks: chocolate, energy bars, glucose.
- Hot water: usually free at the tent camp.
Where to stay
| Type | Notes | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Rongbuk tent camp | Dormitory, basic, at 5,000 m | ¥80–150 / bed |
| Tingri town hotel | Standard rooms, ~4,300 m, better | ¥200–400 / night |
| Shigatse city hotel | Standard, well equipped | ¥300–600 / night |
Practical tips
- Altitude: EBC is 5,200 m — acclimatise in Lhasa (3,650 m) for 2–3 days first. Bring ibuprofen, glucose and portable oxygen.
- Best times: April–May (climbing season; dramatic summit plume) and September–October (clear autumn skies). July–August is cloudy and the summit may be hidden.
- Warmth: nights drop below zero — down jacket, thermal layers, windproof shell.
- Sun protection: extreme plateau UV — SPF50+, sunglasses, hat are essential.
- Border permit: Everest is a sensitive border zone; arrange the permit in advance, ideally at home.
- Environment: since 2018 the core above Rongbuk is closed. Take all rubbish with you.
- Health: not advisable with severe hypertension, heart disease, pregnancy, or for children under 12.
- Insurance: consider high-altitude travel insurance.