Mt. Everest North Base Camp
Sitting at 5,200 meters (17060 ft) within the core area of the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, the Tibet-side North Everest Base Camp (EBC) is the ultimate destination for visitors to admire Mt. Everest or Qomolangma from a short distance.
Highlights and Travel Tips
The base camp on the Tibet side is a small tent village which provides very basic accommodation, food, and souvenirs for tourists. There is also a post office (the highest in the world!) where visitors can buy and send postcards and purchase souvenir stamps. All tents at the camp share 2 basic public toilets.
Visitors can be driven right to the base camp, from which Mt. Everest is clearly visible. Those seeking to get even closer to the peak can take the shuttle bus or hike about 4 kilometers to a viewpoint for a more magnificent view of Mt. Everest. Beyond the viewpoint is the real base camp for mountaineers, and tourists are not allowed to go farther unless they have a climbing permit.
Weather and luck are crucial for visitors in terms of viewing the peak, since it is covered with clouds most of the time. April, May, September, and October are the clearest months when visitors have a higher chance of seeing the peak. In addition, if you stay overnight, you will have more opportunities to view the mountain. The peak is lit up with golden light during the sunrise or sunset, which makes for an extremely amazing sight. Another advantage of staying overnight at the EBC is the chance to witness the star-drenched night sky from the roof of the world.
Altitude sickness must be considered when visiting the 5,200-meter-high EBC. Headache, dizziness, shortness of breath, and insomnia are common side effects for many visitors.
Be sure to consult with your doctor and take altitude sickness medicine as needed. Be sure to pace yourself when hiking or walking around.
Opening Hours and Ticket Prices
Opening hours: all day
Entrance fee: 180 RMB per person, 400 RMB per car
Average time for this activity: 1 to 2 days
How to Get There
Visitors need to join a tour or hire a private car to visit the EBC. Visitors from Lhasa need to stay overnight at Shigatse or Tingri and then continue their journey to the EBC. The drive to Rongbuk Monastery (near the base camp) takes about 3 hours from Tingri or 7 hours from Shigatse. For those who don't want to stay overnight at the EBC, it is best to stay overnight at Tingri and then make a day-trip to Mt. Everest starting in the early morning.
Latest News from Our Guides
December 5th, 2018 - The Tibet-side North Everest Base Camp has been closed for environmental reasons. The farthest place that tourists can reach now is Rongbuk Monastery, which is an equally nice place to admire Mt. Everest.
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