Travel Guide to Mount Everest

Mount Everest (elevation 8,848.86 meters) is the highest peak in the world, located at the border between Dingri County in Tibet, China, and Nepal. Visiting Mount Everest requires careful planning, with the main experiences centered around the Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side and the surrounding natural and cultural attractions.

Suggested Itinerary

• Classic 5-7 Day Route: On the first day, acclimate to the altitude in Lhasa and visit the Potala Palace. On the second day, travel through Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier to reach Shigatse. On the third day, traverse the 108 bends of the Heavenly Road and pass through Gyawu La Pass (offering views of five 8,000-meter peaks) to arrive at Everest Base Camp. On the fourth day, enjoy the sunrise over the golden peaks, visit Rongbuk Monastery (the highest monastery in the world), and capture the starry night sky in the evening. On the fifth day, return and optionally visit Namtso Lake or Gyirong Valley.

• Transportation: Self-driving or hiring a car is recommended, preferably a four-wheel-drive SUV. The distance from Lhasa to Mount Everest is approximately 600 kilometers, requiring about 11 hours of driving. Group tours are convenient but have fixed itineraries, costing around 2,000-4,000 RMB per person.

Key Experiences

• Natural Wonders: Gyawu La Pass Observation Deck, Everest's Flag Cloud, and Glacier Blue Caves.

• Cultural Landmarks: Rongbuk Monastery's pilgrimage path, the 8,848-meter elevation monument, and the Base Camp Post Office for sending postcards.

Practical Tips

• Permits: Obtain a border pass in your registered residence or in Lhasa, specifying "Shigatse Region, Dingri County."

• Altitude Sickness: Acclimate in Lhasa for 2-3 days, carry oxygen bottles and glucose, and avoid strenuous activities.

• Gear: Bring windproof jackets, sunglasses, SPF50+ sunscreen, and high-top hiking boots. Photography enthusiasts should carry a 200mm telephoto lens.

• Accommodation: Stay in shared tents at the Base Camp or oxygen-supplied hotels in Basong Village. For the first night, consider staying in a lower-altitude area to adjust.

Post by Calfsunny | Jul 30, 2025