Rongbuk Monastery
རྫ་རོང་ཕུ་དགོན།
One of the highest monasteries in the world, at about 4,980 m. Its white stupas and prayer flags framed against the north face of Everest make it an iconic image of the Everest journey.
Rongbuk Monastery sits on the east side of the Rongbuk Valley at about 4,980 m. It was founded in 1902 by Nyingma lama Drubwang Ngawang Tenzin Lobsang and is one of the highest monasteries in the world, housing both monks and nuns. The monastery is small, but its white stupa and prayer flags in front, framed by the north face of Everest about 20 km to the south, make one of the most classic photo views on the northern slope. At sunset, the golden summit and the stupa are especially striking. Visitors can see the main hall and the Padmasambhava meditation cave. Next to the monastery is the Rongbuk Guesthouse, a common overnight choice for Everest travelers. It is basic, so book ahead. The monastery usually has no separate entry fee, as it is included in the Everest scenic area ticket, though this may vary on site. Getting there: it is next to the Everest visitor area and is passed by the scenic area’s eco-buses. Tips: the interior is dim, so do not use flash photography. At this altitude, keep warm, use oxygen as needed, and avoid alcohol.
Opening hours
Open daytime
Nearby sights
- Everest Base Camp (North)
- Gawu La (Pang La) Viewpoint & 108 Bends
- Old Tingri (Gangga) & Cho Oyu Viewpoint
- Kama Valley (Everest East Face)
- Shegar Chode Monastery
- Gyatso La Pass