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Everest Base Camp Trek — a Top Tibet Trekking Trip

Everest Base Camp Trek — a Top Tibet Trekking Trip

Written byCarol WangUpdated Jul. 19, 2023

TheEverest Base Camp Trek在西藏是最令人垂涎的徒步旅行路线之一s in the world. For those adventurers who dream of standing on the roof of the world and gazing at the world's highest peak, this route is well thought out, very doable, and satisfying in many ways!

Starting from the small town ofOld Tingriat altitude4,390meters (14,400 feet), the70-kilometer(43-mile) trek is moderately difficult, and is completed by thousands of trekkers every year. This amazing hike spans valleys and forests, mountain passes, and vast green plains.

Quick Facts about the Everest Base Camp Trek

  • Min. duration:11 days (with Lhasa acclimatization and return travel)
  • Max. altitude:5,200m (17,000 ft)
  • Difficulty:moderate (mostly flat roads)
  • Best times:around May or October
  • Start/finish:Old Tingri/ Rongbuk Base Camp
  • Food for the 4-day trek:carry what you need
  • Accommodation for the trek:camping (we can provide equipment)

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How Difficult Is the Trek to Everest Base Camp?

It is moderately difficult, which means it can be completed by most people of an average fitness level.

There is70 kmof trekking with altitudes ranging from4,000mto5,350m. The daily trekking distance is from12to22kmtaking5–8 hours.The trekdoes not require mountaineering skillsand we have had many customers of different age ranges and physical conditions who have completed it.

Mount Everest trek People are walking on flat path

Those with cardiovascular problems or other serious medical conditions should consult a doctor before considering the trek. We also recommend that you walk for a few hours per day at home, starting about6–8 weeks beforeyou leave so that your body will be used to this continuous exercise.Try to keep healthyand not to catch a cold before entering Tibet.

If you'd like to hike elsewhere in China as well, or it would probably be best if you chose a different hike, have a look at ourChina hiking toursfor some options.

Everest Base Camp Trekking Itinerary

Generally speaking, you are suggested to spend11 daysin Tibet in order to include a trekking trip to Everest Base Camp. You would usually start fromLhasawith at least2 daysthere to acclimate to the altitude. There you can visit thePotala Palaceand theancient monasteries, then drive to Gyantse viaLake Yamdrok, then toShigatse.

You would have a night's stay in Shigatse after the7-hourdrive. The next day, a drive of around5 hourscrossing theKarola Glacierpass would bring you to the town ofOld Tingri(Dingri). From there you'd begin the trek toEverest Base Camp.

Map of EBC Trek Driving and trekking map of the EBC tour

Here is our suggested Tibet tour itinerary with Everest Base Camp trekking in brief:

Day 1:Arrive in Lhasa

Day 2:Stay in Lhasa

Day 3:Stay in Lhasa

Day 4:Drive fromLhasato Gyantse toShigatse(3,950m altitude, 7 hours)

Day 5:Drive fromShigatsetoOld Tingri(4,300m altitude, 5 hours)

Day 6:Trek fromOld TingritoLungthang(4,510m altitude, 12km, 5hours)

Day 7:Trek fromLungthangtoLamna La(5,150m altitude, 21km, 8hours)

Day 8:Trek fromLamna LatoZommug(4,790m altitude, 20km, 7hours)

Day 9:Trek fromZommugtoRongbuk Monastery,继续另一个8km to EBC(5150米高度,15公里,车程约5小时)

Day 10:Drive fromRongbuktoShigatseviaSakya(4,200m altitude, 8 hours)

Day 11:Drive fromShigatsetoLhasa(5 hours)

See detail itinerary and price of our11-Day Tibet Tour with Everest Base Camp Trek

If you're keen to trek to Everest, and you don't have the time or inclination to do the whole trek, you can also experience ashort trekfromRongbuk to Mount Everest Base Camp, then back to Rongbuk. This trek is only8 kmand2 hoursor so is enough. This shorter trek tour can be done in1 day.

Contact usto customize a shorter trekking trip.

Is an Everest Base Camp Trek Worth It?

Yes, we are confident it is. The trek from Tigris is challenging and interesting, full of small Tibetan villages and difficult-to-come-by Tibetan scenery along the way. You'll have a chance to understand and experience the original nomadic西藏an way of lifeon the roof of the world.

The main highlights of this trek areRongbuk MonasteryandEverest Base Camp. Located at an altitude of4,980meters (16,338 ft),Rongbuk Monasteryis renowned as the highest Buddhist temple in the world. The120-year-old temple is the holy focal point of Sherpas who live in the mountains aroundMount Everest.

Rongbuk Monastery Rongbuk Monastery is the Highest Temple in the World

Of course, in any trip to Tibet, there is nothing more sublime thanMount Everestitself.Everest Base Campis the closest place to the actual mountain that ordinary people can reach.

It has the best view of the hugest mountain in the world. However, there isno guaranteethat you will see the summit because the weather decideshat the view is going to be like on any given day.

If you'd be interested in going to EBC without the trekking, have a look at our8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour.

Is Everest Base Camp Trekking Safe?

There are many stories about deaths and frozen bodies left onMount Everest. However, those cautionary accounts describe mountaineers who climbed(or attempted) the peak ofMount Everestand fell afoul of accidents or the extreme conditions near the top.

When we talk aboutEverest Base Camp, we mean the area near Rongbuk Monastery that ordinary travelers are allowed to visit. It's about3,000meters (9,842 ft) lower andquite safeby comparison.

EBC is about20km(13miles) fromMount Everest's summitas the crow flies. For climbers, winding mountain paths mean the trekking distance is much further. From EBC, travelers can view the summit ofMount Everestin fine weather.

As this trek is mainly onwell-worn paths,it is really safe. The biggest danger isaltitude sickness, but before you begin the trek you should have time to consider how your body is acclimating and whether to proceed.

Inclement weather could lead to hypothermia, particularly in winter or the rainy season, so we do not recommend trekking at these times. Getting lost will not be a problem if you have a guide.

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Contact us

Best Times to Go EBC Trekking

Avg. High Avg. Low
Spring 5°C (41°F) -7°C (19°F)
Summer 10°C(50°F) -5°C (23°F)
Autumn 5°C (41°F) -7°C (19°F)
Winter -5°C (23°F) -15°C (5°F)

Based on their having more sunlight per day (it is cloudier in the summer rainy season) and relatively warmer weather,MayandOctoberare the best months for trekking and good opportunities for magnificent views ofMount Everest. The clouds will usually have cleared, but there may be snow and the temperature can drop quite low. These are good months for photography.

AprilandSeptemberare the second best months to go on this trek. InApril,ice is still melting, and roads open again after the harsh winter. Clear views of the mountains are common. InSeptember,the clouds clear after the monsoon passes. Everest summit views are less common, but roads and trails are free of snow and definitely passable.

Sometimes it rains fromJunetoAugust. The trekking trails are free of snow and absolutely open to tourists, with the mildest temperatures. However, the mountains have a big possibility of being obscured by clouds and you may not see the clear view you want.

FromNovembertoFebruary, the mountains and trekking routes are probably inaccessible, and many roads are blocked by snow. Travelers can still drive to Rongbuk Monastery and Everest Camp though. Winter is actually a good time to visit Tibet as the price is very favorable and the weather is often dry and clear.

西藏closes everyMarch. When Tibet is closed, we strongly suggest you pay a visit toShangri-Lain Yunnan. Shangri-La is unique for its Tibetan culture and alpine landscapes including sacred snow-capped mountains and spectacular gorges. Consider our amazing4-Day Shangri-La Exploration Tour.

See more about visiting palaces and monasteries in Lhasa on our4-Day Lhasa Highlights Comfort Tour.

Accommodation

Near Everest Base Camp, you can stay at Rongbuk MonasteryGuesthouse.It has double rooms or dormitory-style rooms. Clean thick duvets, pillows, and bed sheets are provided, andelectric blanketsare available in some rooms. There isno heatingand there areno en suite toilets.

Accommodation at Rongbuk Monastery Accommodation at Rongbuk Monastery

See more onStaying at Everest Base Camp or Rongbuk Monastery.

You will be camping for three nights during the trek, and you will need a good arctic-rated sleeping bag to stay warm in the cold environment.

For the convenience of our clients,we offer equipmentas required: sleeping bags, trekking poles, hot water flasks, backpacks, and more to facilitate a comfortable and relaxed trek. Atoilet tentwill also be prepared.

露营啊n the EBC trek trail 露营啊n the EBC trek trai

We have prepared more information aboutThe Best Hotels in Tibetwith Free Oxygen to help you acclimate.

How Much Money for the EBC Trekking Tour

Based on the above sample itinerary, the price ranges fromUS$2,200toUS$4,000[2021] per person for hotels from 3-star to 5-star. The price is based on aprivategroup of 2–5 people.

Our price includesprivate guidesand drivers, accommodation, camping gear and cooking equipment for trekking, entrance fees, all travel permits, and tax. Other expenses are up to you, such as tips for guides and drivers, souvenirs, alcohol, internal flights, and flights to Tibet, as well as travel insurance. A single room supplement is needed for single travelers.

We will provide you with acomfortable local vehiclewith a four-wheel drive or a 7-seat mini-van (based on availability). Another private car will be arranged for camping gear and cookers.

During the tour, you will be accompanied by yourpersonal driverand your professionalEnglish-speakingtour guide. They will give you any necessary help such as setting up a tent or cooking.

Our tour designs are veryflexible. You can also make minor changes with your guide at the last minute and make stops at places of interest thatare not in your original itinerary or spend more time at places than what has been scheduled.

Contact usfor a trekking tour quote based on your requirements.

Contact us

Travel Documents

All foreign citizens (non-Chinese passport holders) need a Tibet Entry Permit to enter Tibet. To visit the Mountain Everest area, an additionalAlien's Travel Permitand aMilitary Permitare needed.

These Permits cannot be obtained independently. Permits can only be issued to travelers with an arranged tour with aChina travel agency. China Highlights can obtain all of these permits for you.

Contact usto inquire about西藏Permits.

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Packing List

Apart from the normal西藏packing,there are some things you need to add to your bags for a trek.

Warm Clothes

Everest base camp is alwaysvery cold, even in summer, so you must keep yourself warm and have enough rest (as much as possible) to avoid altitude sickness and illness caused by cold weather. You need to take warm clothes with you all year round, so be sure to have warm jackets, sweaters, gloves, and hats.

Trekking Gear

Sunglasses, sunhat, good hikingboots, and hikingpoles强烈推荐,你可以找到他们在many shops in Lhasa. We can provide all the camping gear including sleeping bags and hiking poles. Your local tour guide will help you with setting the tent up.

Personal Items

The trekking trail is in a remote area and therefore amenities are always scarce. So, you have to take your own things with you so that you. For example, you might want to take sunscreen with high SPF, necessary toiletries, towel, toothpaste, toothbrush, etc.

Medicine

Bring any medication your doctor has prescribed for you. Traveling at high altitudes, you are also suggested to takealtitude sicknessmedications.

Food

You are suggested to carry chocolate, dried fruit, and other carbohydrate-rich trail foods with you. Remember to drink at least 3–4 liters of water per day to prevent dehydration.

To know more about西藏Travel Tips

Touring China with Us

We understand that planning a trekking tour toEverest Base Campis not easy, as it needs special permits and the procedure is more complex. Being an expert in the industry, we create unique experiences — designed to your needs and budget, using ourexpert knowledge.

If you are interested in a tour to Mt. Everest, check out our popular tours below for inspiration:

Not interested in the above tour? Inquire about ourMount Everest small group tours, or you cantailor-makeyour own unique tour by telling us your interests and requirements. We will help you design a perfect trip.

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