Everest Base Camp - Best Viewing Deck for Mount Everest

There are two Everest Base Camps, the north one in Tibet and the south one in Nepal. Generally, Everest Base Camp (EBC) refers to North Everest Base Camp because it is more chosen by tourists. With an altitude of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet) and a direct distance of 19km (62,335 feet) to the summit of Mt. Everest, Everest Base Camp in Tibet was originally built as a protective zone from pollution. At present, Everest Base Camp becomes the most desirable and reachable place for tourists to take a panoramic view of Mount Everest – the highest peak in the world. Besides, it is the starting point for the mountaineers who aim to hike to the summit of Mount Everest. Located in the Everest National Nature Reserve, Everest Base Camp also offers a base to observe and study the magical nature. In conclusion, EBC acts as a tourist attraction, Mt. Everest mountaineering headquarters as well as scientific observation base. Apart from the two toilets which represent the modern civilization, there aren’t permanent structures any more.

Important Notice: To protect the environment of Mount Everest, currently Everest Base Camp is not open for tourists – the Everest landscape can be enjoyed at Rongbuk Monastery and Tibetan Tent Camp as well. The base camp marker, a tablet reading “Mt. Qomolangma Base Camp” has been transferred to the Tibetan Tent Camp. You are suggested to take a photo at the marker to commemorate your wonderful adventure tour

Viewing Beautiful Natural Wonders

Regarded as the best viewing deck in Everest, EBC provides a great sight of the amazing wonders including snow-caped summit of Mount Everest, enchanting Flag Cloud, colorful prayer flags etc.

Taking a glimpse of Mount Everest is some tourists’ lifetime dream and EBC helps them realize their dream. Stand in Everest Base Camp, and you will see world’s most prominent mountain soaring in front of you. You will feel your soul change to light-hearted after a long and tiring journey. As the sun shines on it summit, it becomes a giant pyramid. If the weather permits, you will get an opportunity to feast your eyes on the breathtaking sunrise, sunset and starry sky, which surely leave you a long-lasting impression.

Resembling a flag flying above Mt. Everest, the clouds are called Flag Cloud. Flag Cloud is not only for sightseeing, but also acting as a wind vane. According to the Flag Cloud, the experienced mountaineers are able to indicate the wind direction, wind speed and wind force. The Flag Cloud only takes place in sunny days, and you are a really lucky dog if you could see it.

There is a small hill with many flying prayer flags. Against the snow-white and still world, these flags appear incomparably beautiful. 

Leisurely Trekking in Everest

Although the ordinary tourists without relative certificates are not permitted to hike to Mount Everest, taking a leisurely trekking to Everest Base Camp could fulfill passion of mountaineering-lovers for nature. The trekking from Rongbuk Monastery to EBC taking about 2 hours is worth your trying. As you trek higher, you can feel your stronger heartbeat gradually. To save your energy, you can start your trekking from Tent Guesthouses which is 4km from EBC. The route is obvious, going across a glacial moraine and passing through a sandy plain. Trekking is such a high-altitude area, strong body with enough energy is a must. Whenever you feel tired or uncomfortable, just stop for a rest or get on the coming eco buses.

>> Check more information about Mount Everest Trekking

Everest Base Camp is located in the Gamagou Terrain, Qudang Town, Dingri County, Shigatse City. Without any buses running from the nearby towns or cities to Mount Everest, driving is the only transportation. After getting to the Tent Guesthouse (located between Rongbuk Monastery and EBC, about 4km from EBC), tourists have to transfer to the eco-sightseeing buses. There are two routes to EBC:

Shigatse - EBC: Most tourists start their journey to EBC from Shigatse City, via Lhatse and Tingri where you can stop for lunch. It takes about 9 hours totally. During the journey, you will climb over three mountains, which are equipped with viewing decks to enjoy the amazing natural landscape.

Zhangmu - BEC: Some tourists will travel to Tibet from Nepal and take Everest as their first destination of Tibet tour. The whole journey takes about 6.5 hours. The Zhangmu Pass was destroyed by the previous earthquake and debris flow and Now it is closed for under reconstruction

>> Check more information about How to Get to and arround Everest

Many tourists mistake the local tent camp as Everest Base Camp. However they are two different places.

Located between Rongbuk Monastery and Mount Everest Base Camp, there is a camp area for accommodation and parking. It is about 4km away from real EBC, and daily eco buses runs between them. During late April and early August, the local Tibetans will come here to operate tent guesthouses. Tourists always accommodate in these guesthouses or Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse near the monastery.

The real EBC is an attraction open to all tourists but only professional mountaineers are allowed to encamp there. It is the first camp for mountaineers who want to conquer Mount Everest. Basic goods and materials can be transported here by yaks or vehicles. Tourists always accommodate in these guesthouses and visit Mount Everest Base Camp in the next morning.

There are seven camps spreading in the route to the summit of Mount Everest. Everest Base Camp is the first one for mountaineers and the only one can be reached by tourists. The second camp is called Transitional Camp with an elevation of about 5,800m. Not far from EBC, gas cooker, vegetables and meat can be transported here by yaks. The drinking water is from the alpine. The third camp is Advance Base Camp (ABC) with an elevation about 6,500m. There is an available chef with professional chef, and mountaineers can dine together. ABC is an important camp for mountaineers to take rest and reorganization. The forth camp is C1 Camp with an altitude of 7028 meters. Including Ci Camp, the following camps offer convenient food and high attitude tent only. Then comes C2 Camp (7,790 meters) and C3 Camp (8,300 meters). Seldom mountaineers are able to have a good sleep and mountaineering to the two camps are really difficult. Luckily, getting to C3 Camp means mountaineers a great chance to get to the summit. The last camp is Summit Camp, and the goal achievement of all mountaineers.

As referred, there are two Everest Base Camps. South Everest Base Camp (attitude of 5,344m), without vehicle access, is famous for its trekking route. Trekkers always travel from Kathmandu to Lukla (a small town near South EBC) to save time and energy before trekking to the EBC. Lukla Airport is splendidly perched high on a slope in the Khumbu region of the Himalaya. Most of the trekkers will hire a Sherpa guide with them. According to various routes, the trekking from Lukla to south EBC takes 9~15 days. During the trekking, you will enjoy the stunning view of many snow-capped peaks, plateau lakes, prayer flags as well as experience the unique Sherpa culture. Trekking to South Everest Base Camp in Nepal gives you an experience of nature beauty, fascinating culture and a personal sense of achievement. However, North EBC in Tibet offers far superior vistas to those in Nepal, and it is accessible much more easily. 

● Travel documents: Travelling to Everest Base Camp in Tibet, Tibet travel Permit, Alien Travel Permit and Boarder Permit are all the necessary permits. There permits can only be applied from the appointed institute by travel agency on behalf of tourists. Usually, it needs about 15~20 days to get Tibet Travel Permit. Please Contact Us in advance and our travel consultant will customize a tour and apply the permits for you.

● Food & Accommodation: Except for one hotel under decoration, there are two places for accommodation at present. One is Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse (opposite Rongbuk Monastery) offering basic room without independent toilets. It is equipped restaurant where you can have Chinese food. The other is Tent Guesthouses. The rooms and service are also basic and you have to share your tents with others. There is no restaurant, but the owners can make basic food for you. You are suggested to prepare some food and drinks by yourself.

● Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit EBC ranges from April to October when the weather is much better. Nevertheless, the temperature is rather low in EBC, even in summer. Remember to pack thick jacket, windproof coat, tough and comfortable shoes etc. The sunlight is very strong and don't forget to bring sun cream, sunglasses and hats.

● High Altitude Sickness: High Altitude Sickness is an uncomfortable pathological reaction which people get in high altitude area. The altitude of EBC reaches to 5,200 and you have to pay special attention to your physical condition. We recommend you spend several days in Lhasa and Shigatse to help you acclimatize your body to the high altitude before going to EBC. Keeping warm, drinking more water and avoiding strong activities will also be helpful.