Environment-protecting Measures Take Place in Everest and Namtso from 2019

From early 2019, local government began to take several measures to protect the fragile ecology of the Tibetan plateau.

Tibet has long been a popular destination among the travelers from different corners of the world. A large amount of travelers might cause more or less environmental concern. As the important ecological protection screen in China, Tibet needs more pollution prevention through greater efforts this year. Therefore, a series of measures will be taken to protect Tibet's environment. Some of the measures are related to the top attractions in Tibet.

1. The area on Mount Everest beyond Rongbuk Monastery is closed for tourist

Since 2019, tourists can only reach Rongbuk Monastery at farthest and the scenic area beyond Rongbuk Monastery is closed for environment maintainance.

The Positional Relation among Rongbuk Monastery, Tibet Tents Camp and Everest Base Camp

The Tibetan Tents Camp once was located between Everest Base Camp and Rongbuk Monastery, and 4km away from both of them. With a distance of 19km to the summit of Mt. Everest, Everest Base Camp is the starting point for the mountaineers who aim to hike to the summit of Mount Everest. It is closed to regular tourists since 2017. After that, Tibetan Tents Camp, a group of tents offering accommodation to tourists, became the closest-to-Everest site which tourists can get to. From now on, it's only available to get to Rongbuk Monastery and not permitted to go further toward Mount Everest.

Other Questions You May Concern

Q1: Where can I see Mount Everest?

A: There is no need to worry about the sightseeing of Mount Everest. Rongbuk Monastery is a perfect viewing deck for Mount Everest and you can see it clearly if the weather permits. Besides, you will pass by Garciola Pass on your road from Shigatse to Mount Everest. In the clear days, you can see Mount Everest in distance as well.

Q2: Where can I accommodate on Everest?

A: There is a guesthouse – Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse located opposite Rongbuk Monastery. Compared with hotels in Lhasa or Shigatse, it is in very basic condition. But you can have a warm night from the low temperature. Tibet Tents Camp will also be open to tourists in late April ~ early October. The new site of Tibetan Tents Camp has not been site, but it is predicted to locate around Romgbuk Monastery.

Q3: Can I take photo with the tablet which marks the altitude of Mount Everest?

A: Yes. The tablet will be transferred with Tibetan Tents Camp and you are able to take a photo with it to commemorate your wonderful adventure tour.

Q4: How to plan a Mount Everest tour?

A: Usually, the classic Mount Everest tour needs at least 8 days, including arrival and tour in Lhasa, sightseeing along the road to Mount Everest (Gyantse and Shigatse) and Mount Everest Visit. You can extend it to 12 days if you want to explore more places or take a trek. Read more>

>> 8 Days Lhasa Mount Everest Private Tour

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Q5: Which permits do I need to prepare for a Mount Everest tour?

A: Visiting Mount Everest needs several travel permits. First, a valid passport and a Chinese visa are necessary and they will be used in apply the permits. Then you need Alien Travel Permit and Tibet Border Pass. Read more>

2. It is not available to accommodate near Namtso Lake currently

In order to reduce the waste and protect the environment of Namtso Lake, travelers are not permitted to accommodate in the guesthouses and tents at Namtso Scenic Area. Every traveler needs to leave the scenic area after the sightseeing of Namtso Lake.

Questions You May Concern

Q1: Where can I accommodate during my Namtso Journey?

A: For travelers who want to spend more time at Namtso Lake, you can go to Damxung County for accommodation. Damxung County is only about 60km (1.5 hours' driving) away from Namtso Lake and the hotels are in better condition than the guesthouses at Namtso.

Q2: Can I watch sunrise and sunset at Namtso Lake

A: Yes. You can drive to Damxung County after seeing the amazing sunset at Namtso Lake. It is also available to watch sunrise, but you need to get up early and drive back to Namtso.

Q3: How to plan a Namtso tour?

A: Usually, tourists like to extend their Lhasa tour to Namtso. A classic tour to Namtso Lake need 5~6 days. After four days tour to visit the landmarks of Lhasa, you can spend one or two days on a Namtso Lake journey. If you have more time to explore the nature and culture fully, you can have a longer tour combining Lhasa, Gyantse, Shigatse, Everest and Namtso.

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Q4: Which permits do I need to prepare for a Namtso tour?

A: To visit Namtso Lake, you only have to obtain the (Tibet Entry Permit, issued by Tibet Tourism Bureau. Other permits, like Alien Travel Permit, Military Permit and Border Pass are not required. Travelers can't apply for the permit on their own.

Only with effective measures to protect the environment, the breathtaking natural landscape of Tibet can long last. We hope the generation after generation of our descendants can still appreciate how beautiful Tibet is.

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