Gawu La (Pang La) Viewpoint & 108 Bends
加乌拉山口
A viewpoint at the pass, at about 5,198 m, from which you can take in five 8,000-meter peaks at once, including Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and Cho Oyu.
Gawu La (also known as Pang La) lies on the road to and from the Everest Base Camp, at about 5,198 m. It is the best panoramic viewpoint along the entire route. On clear days, the Himalayan main ridge is lined up in a row. From east to west you can identify Makalu, Lhotse, Everest, Cho Oyu and Shishapangma, and the viewing platform has signs naming each peak. On both sides of the pass is the famous Everest “108 Bends,” a winding mountain road with dozens of consecutive hairpin turns stacked up the slope, which you can photograph from above. No separate ticket is needed, as it is included in the Everest reserve admission. Plan to stop for about 20–30 minutes. It is windy and cold, so keep warm and watch for altitude sickness. Do not stop randomly by the roadside on the bends.
Opening hours
Open all day (during reserve opening hours)
Nearby sights
- Shegar Chode Monastery
- Rongbuk Monastery
- Everest Base Camp (North)
- Old Tingri (Gangga) & Cho Oyu Viewpoint
- Kama Valley (Everest East Face)
- Gyatso La Pass