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How to Plan a Mount Everest Tour

How to Plan a Mount Everest Tour

Written byCarol WangUpdated Jul. 19, 2023

Mount Everestis the highest mountain in the world at8,848meters (29,030 ft) above sea level. Always snow-capped above6,000meters, it is the holy grail of mountaineers and sacred among theTibetansand Nepalese.

Visiting Everest's north face inTibet, China is costlier, colder, and starker, but probably safer and more rewarding than in Nepal.

Far fewer mountaineers make expeditions to conquer the world's highest peak from the tougher China side, however, you canvisit Mount Everest without climbing.

Everest is not visible from Lhasa, since Tibet's capital is almost700km(400 miles) away, but you can easily journey to see Everest's summit from China'sEverest Base Camp.

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Travel Permits for Mount Everest in China

To enterTibetand travel around Tibet, travel permits are needed. Besides aTibet Entry Permit, anAliens' Travel Permitis required to travel toEverest Base Camp.

Tibet Permit What is Tibet Permit

You are not allowed to apply forTibet permits自己或前往西藏没有石头r guide. You need to find a travel agency to help you arrange Tibet access.

We offer permits (including our assistance in getting all the required permissions)and a top-classprivate guideservice with all ourTibet tours.

Read moreonPlanning a Tibet TourandHow to Get Tibet Travel Permits.

Contact usfor help getting Tibet permits.

Where is Everest Base Camp in China?

In the middle of the Himalayas,Mount Everest在中国和尼泊尔之间的边界。的southern slopesof Mount Everest belong toNepal,while theNorth Slopeis inTibet, China.

China's Everest Base Camp (EBC) is at the base of the north slope in Qudang Township,DingriCounty,ShigatsePrefecture, Tibet.

EBC China is 6 km (4 miles) south ofRongbukMonastery at altitude 5,150 m(16,900 ft).

See moreonWhere is Mount Everest? — Interesting Location Effects.

Contact usfor more information.

Location of New EBC

How to Reach Everest Camp in Tibet

Starting fromLhasa, take abus(10 hours) or train (3 hours) toShigatse,nprivate transportto the base camp (12 hours) viaDingriandRongbuk Monastery(the highest religious building in the world).

People usually reachLhasaby air from major cities in China or go across theQinghai-Tibet Plateauby railway boarding atXiningor other major cities in China.

If youfly to Lhasafrom Kathmandu, Nepal, you may see Mount Everest on the left on a clear Day.

Read moreonHow to Get to Tibet.

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Traveling to Everest by Road

Everest Base Camp is about700km(400 miles) fromLhasa, and only a good transport solution will allow you to enjoy a smooth trip.

We don't recommend buses. The most popular and comfortable way by road is tohire a van and a driver.

Our suggested road itinerary from Lhasa to EBC is:

  • Day 1: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake –Shigatse(7hours)
  • Day 2: Shigatse –Dingri (4 hours)
  • Day 3: Dingri –Rongbuk Monastery – Everest Base Camp (4hours)

If you prefer to go without sightseeing on the way, then skipYamdrok Lakeand head straight toDingri.

  • Day 1: Lhasa –Shigatse –Dingri (9hours)
  • Day 2: Dingri–Rongbuk Monastery –Everest Base Camp (4hours)

For a description of the journey's experience, seeLhasa to Shigatse— Fantastic Scenery.

See moreabout road conditions on怎么去珠峰大本营吗.

Contact usfor more information.
Map of Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Transport

Traveling to Everest by Rail and Road

You can take a train fromLhasa to Shigatse. There are twotrainsbetween Lhasa and Shigatse per Day taking about3 hours.

Train ticketcostsare based on the type of seat:US$7for a hard seat,US$18for a hard bunk,US$26for a soft bunk.

FromShigatseRailway Station, you need to continue by road to get toEverest Base Camp, as covered above.

Here is aLhasa–Shigatse trainschedule (for reference):

Route Train Departure Arrival
Lhasa–Shigatse Z8801 08:30 11:25
Z8803 15:20 17:59
Shigatse–Lhasa Z8804 12:05 14:40
Z8802 18:40 21:33

Read moreon怎么去珠峰大本营吗.

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Things to Do around Mount Everest

Rongbuk Monastery

Rongbuk Monastery,world's highest Buddhistmonastery (altitude 5,154m), and probably the world's highest continuously inhabited place is considered the gateway to Everest Base Camp.

Rongbuk Monastery People around Rongbuk Monastery

Everest Base Camp, Tibet

EBC Tibetis the best vantage pointfor a view ofthe imposing snow-cappedMount Everest. Although a little further from Everest than before, the new EBC is close enough for admiring the lofty view.

Base Camp at Rongbuk Monastery 的New EBC is at the Rongbuk Monastery

You can appreciate thesunrise/sunsetat EBC on clear Days. The starry sky at night is also very spectacular. And there is aChina Post Officeat EBC where you can buy and send your family postcards from Mount Everest.

In January 2019, to protect the fragile ecosystem of the Mount Everest area, the previous EBC site was abandoned and made part of the core protected zone ofChina's Qomolangma National Nature Preserve(QNNP), and entry to which is forbidden without permission.

Trek to Everest Base Camp

Our recommended4-Day trekfromOld TingritoEBC不需要登山经验:它是什么moderately difficult.

的trekking experience is full of Tibetan scenery and villages. Read more details onEverest Base Camp Trek — a Top Tibet Trekking Trip.

Tents along the EBC trek Stay overnights during the EBC Trek

Also see前Things to Do in Tibet.

Recommended tours:

Best Times to Visit Mount Everest

best timesto go are lateAprilto earlyJuneand lateSeptemberto earlyNovember, as there is little rain and snow and Daytime temperatures are above freezing.

Mid OctobertoNovemberis perhaps the best time to get views of the peak, as there is the clearest and dry weather then. Photographers may preferApril,as it is the best time to shoot the flag-like cloud floating above the peak.

Mount Everest Summit Clear View of Mount Everest Summit

Avoid winter time fromNovembertoAprildue to harsh weather conditions. Also, Tibet is usuallyclosedinFebruaryandMarch.

We don't recommend you to go in summer, because summer is therainy seasonin Tibet, especiallyJulyandAugust. The summit is usually covered by mist/cloud and you have less chance of seeing the peak.

Continue to read more on的Best Time to Go to Mount Everest.

Contact usfor advice or check outTibet Weather.

Where to Stay at Everest Base Camp, Tibet

Most people stay inShigatsebefore their trip toMount Everest,thoughDingri, 120km (70 mi) or3 hoursfrom the base camp, does have a limited number of hotels. Near EBC, you can stay inRongbuk Monastery Guesthouseor a tent hotel.

Do not expect too much of the accommodation.

Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse

About7 km(4 mi) north ofEverest Base Camp, Rongbuk Monastery offersbasic facilities: a bed and quilts like the tent hostels, but the rooms will be a bit warmer, and you can have your own bathroom and bedroom and more space.

Tent Hotels

Normally 10 people sharea tent, and often more than that in peak season. There are no bathrooms for showering, no heating, and "terrible” communal toilets.

Tent at the Rongbuk Monastery Tent at the Rongbuk Monastery

Camping with your own tent is allowed for a bit of privacy. But you must still camp in the tent area, and you pay the same per person camping fee as for the10 person tents.

Read more onStaying at Everest Base Camp.

Contact usfor more hotel options in Tibet.

How Much Does It Cost to Visit EBC

A trip to visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet costs aroundUS$2,500per person with us based on a private tour for2people.

Prices vary depending on the itinerary, travel dates, number of people, and hotels are chosen.

Our price includes:

  • Tibet Entry Permits and Alien Travel Permits
  • Entrance fees
  • Hotels with free oxygen (Check out Hotels)
  • Daily meals
  • A private local vehicle with air-conditioning and ample space for luggage
  • English-speaking local guide who confirms reservation organizes entrance tickets, handles any problems, and provides knowledgeable answers and commentary.

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How Many Days Does It Take to Visit Everest Base Camp?

8 Days are needed typically (from China). You should not go to EBC on the same day that you arrive in Tibet due to the high risk of acute altitude sickness.

It is recommended to spend three days inLhasaandShigatseto acclimate and discoverTibetan culture and arrange yourAliens' Travel Permit,before going above4,000meters.

Our recommended itinerary:

  • Day 1:Arrive in Lhasa (Elevation 3,650 Meters)
  • Day 2:Lhasa: Norbulingka, Sera Monastery, Drepung Monastery
  • Day 3:Lhasa: Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street
  • Day 4:Lhasa – Gyantse (4,040 m) – Shigatse (3,836 m): Yamdrok Lake, Karola Glacier, Palcho Monastery
  • Day 5:Shigatse–Tingri (4,300 Meters): Tashilunpo Monastery
  • Day 6:Tingri–Shigatse: Rongbuk Monastery, Everest Base Camp (5,200 m)
  • Day 7:Shigatse–Lhasa
  • Day 8: Depart Lhasa

For the detailed tour itinerary, see8 Days Everest Base Camp Tour, orcontact us为你精心制作r Tibet tour.

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Packing List

Sun cream:Bring strong SPF sun cream to protect your skin from the strong sunlight.

Sun/snow glasses:的ultraviolet light is very strong when up in the mountains. So, bring sunglasses to protect your eyes, and bring snow glasses to prevent snow blindness if you go to see Mount Everest in the snowy season.

Lip balm and moisturizer: Tibet has a dry and cold climate, so take measures to avoid chapped lips and dehydrated skin.

Down jacket(and warm sleeping bag if camping): It's very cold at night at EBC, even in summer. The quilts in EBC tent hostels may not be enough to protect you from the cold.

Good/spare batteries:的re is not much electricity at EBC, so you need to charge your phone or camera and batteries before the final leg of your journey.

的cold will sap battery life, so keep devices/batteries insulated.

Food:Bring enough food with you for the long journey if you can't get used to the local food. There is little choice for food at EBC tent hostels.

Medicine:You may need medicine to reducealtitude sicknessor for other conditions like travel sickness.

Also check outWhat to Pack for a Tibet Tour.

Recommended Tibet Tours:

Avoid Altitude Sickness

Before you visit Mt. Everest, ensure you are in good physical condition. Seek medical advice in advance.

If you have asthma, high blood pressure, or similar conditions you should be advised against going. Do physical training to avoid or reduce altitudesicknessbefore you go.

You should take about three days to acclimate to the high altitude inLhasa(3,650 m),Shigatse(3,800 m), andDingri(4,300 m) on the way to EBC (5,200 m).

Avoid strenuous actions, quick movements, and jumping. If you get headaches and dizziness taking bottled oxygen or moving to a lower altitude for further acclimatization can help.

For more altitude info, seeAltitude of Tibet

Contactus for advice or see moreTravel Tips.

Visiting Mount Everest with China Highlights

If you want to see Mount Everest, but are afraid of the harsh conditions, we can help you make your trip more comfortable.

Touring with us, we will help you arrangeTibet permits, hotels, an experienced driver, a good vehicle, and a knowledgeable local guide.

Recommended EBC tours:

Our other popular tours can be customized to include an Everest visit:

Contact usto tour Tibetaccording to your interests and requirements.

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