Where is the EBC placed?
There are three main base camps in the mountain: one is in Nepal (Southwest Face) and other two are placed in Tibet (North and East Faces). The most popular one is near the Rongbuk Monastery (North Face in Tibet), where you can admire the iconic wall of the mountain, with full clear views from the bottom’s Rongbuk glacier to the summit (8848m); you can reach Rongbuk by road and overnight at local guesthouses. The lesser known of the three requires several days of trekking at high altitude across the Gama Valley to reach the Kangshung Face of the Mt. Everest (East Face in Tibet); probably the best trek you can do in Tibet. And without any doubt, the most crowded one is the Nepali side base camp; which requires a helicopter ride or several days of trekking across the Khumbu region (Southwest Face in Nepal).
How to visit to the Tibet's Everest North Face?
You can visit the Everest North Face from Lhasa in a minimum of two driving days (we recommend at least 3 days). If you are entering Tibet overland crossing the Nepal border, it takes 1 long driving day, but we do not recommend it because of the risk of suffering altitude sickness.
Is it possible to visit the North Face Base Camp used by expeditions?
We are sorry to let you know that since the 2018 season it has not been possible to visit the real Everest Base Camp used by climbing expeditions. Furthermore, an ecological program to clean the mountain took place during the 2019 season and tourists have since restricted access to the area beyond Rongbuk Monastery; from where we still have direct and impressive views of Mt. Everest. We appreciate your understanding.
How is the accommodation at Rongbuk?
There are two options to spend the night near Rongbuk Monastery at an altitude of 5000 meters high: Stay at the tourist tent campsite (April to October) or at the monastery guesthouse. Most of the people enjoy sleeping in the big tents as it provides a warmer atmosphere. It’s dormitory style and your Tibetan host will cook for you too. Some tents have private spaces, but walls are so thin that you will hear everything around. On the other side, the monastery guesthouse provides very simple rooms of several sizes. We recommend this option if you prefer a more private space. You can get food and drinks at the restaurant nearby. Both options do not have a toilet attached, you must use the public ones (latrine style, no bathroom available). For a more comfortable experience, we recommend sleeping at a lower altitude in the valley hotels.
Is it mandatory to spend a night at Rongbuk?
No, you can visit Rongbuk and the North Face of Mt. Everest as a day trip.
Can I spend several nights at Rongbuk?
Yes, this is no problem. Contact us and we will design a bespoke tour for you.
Is it possible to trek near Rongbuk?
Access to EBC is restricted. If you are really interested, let us know and we will apply for the necessary climbing/trekking permits in the mountain. The world’s highest trek is the one to the Everest North Face Advance Base Camp, which lies beyond 6000m. In the old times, it was popular to trek from Old Tingri to Rongbuk (a.k.a. Everest Base Camp Trek in Tibet). Nowadays we are still organizing it every year, but have in mind it follows a dirt road used by locals. You might prefer the Shishapangma Trek or the Ganden to Samye Trek instead.
Is Everest the official name of the mountain in Tibet?
No, we call it Qomolangma which means Goddess Mother of the World. In Nepal receives the name of Sagarmāthā and means Godess of the Sky.
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*** Updated 2022 ***
Day 1: Lhasa arrival [3650m]
Upon arrival in Lhasa you will be welcomed by your English-speaking Tibetan Guide and Tibetan Driver who will bring you to your hotel. Acclimatization to high altitude: please, drink lots of water and take plenty of rest in order to minimize altitude sickness.Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 2: Lhasa sightseeing
We begin visiting Ramoche Temple, built in honor of the image of Jowo Rinpoche that Chinese princess Wencheng brought by marrying Songtsen Gampo, the first king of Buddhist doctrine and who unified the Tibetan empire in the 7th century. Thereafter, we continue with Jokhang Temple, the most sacred monastery in Tibet. It was also founded in the 7th century by Songtsen Gampo. Later you can explore the surrounding Barkhor old quarter and spend time walking around Jokhang Temple following pilgrims from all over the Tibetan plateau. In the afternoon we go to Sera Monastery, one of three great universities of Gelugpa Sect. We will attend the debating session of the monks.Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 3: Lhasa sightseeing
Today we visit the beautiful Potala and Norbulingka Palaces. Potala winter palace was built in the 17th century by the fifth Dalai Lama. Provides amazing views of the entire city and houses the private quarters of the Dalai Lama, numerous grand state rooms and chapels. Norbulingka Palace is the summer palace of the Dalai Lama, built in the 18th century by the seventh Dalai Lama. It’s tradition to do picnic in its beatiful garden and perform opera dances during Shoton Festival (August-September).Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 4: Lhasa – Gyantse [270Km, 3980m]
Adventure starts: First we cross Kampa-la Pass [4797m] and then Karo-la Pass [5050m], where Mt. Noijin Kangsang [7206m] glacier lies near the road. In the middle, we enjoy the unreal turquoise waters of holy lake Yamdrok-Tso. Finally, we arrive at Gyantse town, where we visit the considered best tibetan art paintings in Kumbum Stupa inside Pelkor Chode Monastery. Also from here, we admire the majestic Gyantse Dzong (fortress) overlooking the valley.Overnight in Gyantse.
Day 5: Gyantse – Sakya [250Km, 4320m]
Our first stop today is at the ancient Shalu Monastery. Originally built in the 11th century, was damaged by an earthquake in the 14th century and then reconstructed resulting in a mixture of architectural styles. Shalu boasts a well preserved collection of Buddhist art and sculptures. It was a renowned learning centre of different tantric techniques. Alexandra David-Néel’s book Magic and Mystery in Tibet impressed the world describing some of these skills. Back to the Friendship Highway, we continue to Sakya Monastery; the principal seat of Sakyapa Sect founded in 1073 and one of four major Schools of Tibetan Buddhism. Its powerful abbots governed Tibet during the whole of the 13th century until they were eclipsed by the rise of the Gelukpa Sect. Its Mongolian architecture is different from that of temples we seen before. If you are lucky enough, you will enjoy the sunset from the high walls of the monastery while the monks practice with their dungcheng, a very long Tibetan horn.Overnight in Sakya.
Day 6: Sakya – Rongbuk (Mt. Everest) [230Km, 5000m]
Exciting day today: we reach one of the major highlights of our trip, near Mt. Everest North Base Camp [5200m]. The journey to Rongbuk involves crossing the high pass of Gyatso La [5220m] and the opportunity to view Mt. Everest and the Himalayas for the first time; then amazing views of several peaks like Makalu, Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Mount Everest from the top of the Pang-la pass [5150m]. From New Tingri we continue driving towards Rongbuk Monastery, located at the foot of the Everest and the highest monastery in the world. Overnight at the tourist camp site located a few Kilometer from the real EBC and from where we have direct views of Mt. Everest (Qomolangma). Since 2018 tourists are not allowed to visit EBC used by climbing expeditions and now there is a short eco-bus shuttle to access Rongbuk due to environmental protection.Overnight in Rongbuk.
Day 7: Rongbuk – Shigatse [334Km, 3840m]
Today begins the end of your tibetan journey through the most sacred Buddhist monasteries and greatest mountains on earth. If you would like to start early your day, enjoy the sunrise with Everest peak views on the horizon [8848m]. After breakfast we visit Rongbuk Monastery where we will take a last look at Mt. Everest North Face and then we drive back North-East to reach the second largest city in Tibet, Shigatse, to enjoy a nice shower, sleep in a comfortable bed and some free time. We recommend doing the Kora around Tashilhunpo Monastery on your own before sunset. You will have an incredible panorama view of the valley and the impressive Dzong (fortress) as you walk along with the local pilgrims.Overnight in Shigatse.
Day 8: Shigatse – Lhasa [272Km, 3650m]
As early as possible, we visit Tashilhunpo Monastery, built in the 15th century by the first Dalai Lama. Nowadays the seat of the Panchen Lama. Our last day of our tibetan traverse goes along the Yarlung Tsampo (Brahmaputra) River, where we will do a small stop to learn how Tibetan incense is made. This is the most direct route to Lhasa and part of the Friendship Highway. Free time for the rest of the day in Lhasa.Overnight in Lhasa.
Day 9: Tibet departure
Enjoy your last hours in Tibet exploring Lhasa by your own until your guide and driver meet you at the hotel to transfer you to the airport.End of our services.
Consider extending your trip walking the wonderful ancient route between two of our most important Monasteries: The Ganden to Samye Trek. It’s also possible to spend one-two more days visiting holy Namtso lake in North Lhasa (250Km, 4-5 hours drive, one way).
Please, contact us for further information about any available extension of your trip.
Classic, Original, Grand Tour, Express or a Regular Everest Tour…
We name our tours according to some common patterns to make it easier to choose between them. Tibet infrastructure has been developed over the years. This made it possible to drive longer distances in a day, even visiting more places or finding better accommodations along the way. For most people, time is sensitive when planning a trip. But when travelling across the Tibetan Plateau you must consider altitude too, so you can minimise altitude sickness symptoms. And if you give greater importance to a comfortable accommodation at the end of the day, we can help you too. Let us advise you with our expertise designing the itinerary that maximises your expectations in this remote corner of the world.
You can easily include a visit to the holy Namtso lake located North of Lhasa. You can visit it on the way back departing from Shigatse to Namtso lake instead of returning to Lhasa directly. You will need an extra night at Yangpachen, Damxung or the shores of Namtso lake once the tourist campsite opens again. You can also visit it as a day trip from Lhasa (500Km drive). During the winter, the 5000m pass that gives access to the lake is usually blocked by the snow.
Consider other extensions of your journey in Lhasa and its surroundings.
- Everest BMW Motorbike Tour
- Everest Cycling Tour
- Lhasa to Kathmandu Cycling Tour
Price varies according to the number of people in your group, category of hotel, transportation, dates and other services you request. Please contact us with these important details first. If you prefer joining a group, please check our group tours upcoming departures.
*** Discounts are available throughout the year; please contact us for the full rates ***Mt. Everest Express Tour (8 days) Mt. Everest North Express Tour + Namtso lake (9 days) Mt. Everest North Face Base Camp Tour (9 days) Mt. Everest North Face Base Camp Tour + Namtso lake (10 days)
Rates shown above include all permits, english speaking tibetan guide, comfortable accomodation, transportation and entrace fees ONLY.
All our fixed departure tours for this itinerary start in Lhasa. All participants are responsible for their own travel arrangements to Lhasa. We take care of all VISA process if coming from Nepal. The size of the group is between 4-12 people and the kind of transportation varies according to the size of it: minivan or minibus.
Selected hotel in Lhasa is in the Barkhor area; just a few walking steps to Barkhor Square and Jokhang Temple. ALWAYS in double room sharing basis with bathroom and breakfast. Single room request available. Accomodation upgrade to St. Regis 5* Hotel available. Please, contact us for further details.
Please, check our upcoming departures.
Consulte salidas especiales con guía en español con nuestra agencia hermana Mundo Tíbet.
- The Forbidden City of Lhasa – 4 days & 3 nights
- Taste of Tibet – 6 days & 5 nights
- Discover Tibet Tour – 7 days & 6 nights
- Friendship Way: Lhasa to Kathmandu overland – 8 days & 7 nights
- Mt. Kailash Kora Grand Tour – 19 days & 18 nights
- Tsurphu-Yangpachen Trek – 3/4 trekking days
- Ganden-Samye Trek – 4/5 trekking days
- Everest Base Camp Trek – 4 trekking days
- Everest Advanced Base Camp Trek – 5/6 trekking days
- Everest Kangshung Face Trek – 8/9 trekking days