Everest Base Camp (North)
ཇོ་མོ་གླང་མ།
Looking up at the north face of Everest from the Rongbuk Valley at about 5,000 m, this is one of the closest points to the mountain that ordinary visitors can reach.
The north side of Everest lies within the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve in Zhasizong Township, Tingri County. From the checkpoint on G318, you enter Qomolangma Road and cross Gawu La Pass (about 5,200 m; on clear days you can see Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Shishapangma and other snow peaks lined up), then descend into the Rongbuk Valley. The visitor area lies in the valley near Rongbuk Monastery at about 5,000 m, directly facing the north face of Everest. It is the key spot for photographing the “golden mountain” sunlight, and it has a visitor reception station and viewing platform. About 4 km further on, the mountaineering base camp (about 5,200 m) is currently open only to licensed expedition teams, so tourists cannot go there. Admission is about 180 yuan (subject to official announcement). Private cars must transfer at the designated point to scenic-area eco-buses to enter the core area, and bus fare is charged separately. You can stay at guesthouses near Rongbuk Monastery, in Tingri county town, or in Zhasizong Township. Getting there: about 330 km from Shigatse, around 6–7 hours including mountain roads; about 2.5 hours from Tingri county town (New Tingri). Notes: this is the highest overnight stop on the entire route, and headaches and insomnia are common, so bring oxygen and acclimatize in advance. Night temperatures often fall below 0°C, even in summer. Everest is frequently hidden by clouds, so allow at least one extra night to improve your chances of seeing the peak. A border travel permit is required.
Opening hours
Open all day (park shuttles run on set schedules)
Nearby sights
- Rongbuk Monastery
- Gawu La (Pang La) Viewpoint & 108 Bends
- Old Tingri (Gangga) & Cho Oyu Viewpoint
- Kama Valley (Everest East Face)
- Shegar Chode Monastery
- Gyatso La Pass