Everest Base Camp (EBC) on the Tibetan side is the best place to view Mount Everest up close, and it is the destination for almost all tourists to Tibet. But standing at the foot of the world’s highest mountain is not the only thing you can do here.
In fact, a number of other amazing experiences are waiting for you at EBC, like watching sunset or sunrise over Everest, visiting the nearby Rongbuk Monastery, etc.
Here, we will share the top 5 things you should not miss when visiting Everest Base Camp in Tibet. Read to discover how to make your trip to Mount Everest even more unforgettable!
#1 Thing to Do: Get a Close-up View of the Majestic Mount Everest
Every year, travelers from all around the world come to Everest Base Camp in Tibet to see Mount Everest up close. Located on the border between Tibet and Nepal, Mount Everest has base camps on both sides. But the Tibetan side offers a much closer and clearer view of the world’s highest peak.
When you arrive at Everest Base Camp in Tibet, about 5000 meters above sea level, you will immediately see the giant white pyramid peak of Everest rising right in front of you. The view here is more impressive and dramatic compared to that from the Nepalese side.
One thing not to forget is to take an amazing photo at the Everest Monument. Standing in front of the stone marker with the breathtaking Everest peak as the backdrop - it is truly a bucket-list photo of a lifetime.
Taking an amazing photo at Everest Monument.
Another great thing is that the Everest Base Camp in Tibet can be directly reached by car. You don’t need to trek or climb to witness the beauty of Mount Everest. Along the way from Lhasa to EBC, you will also have other chances to see Everest, such as from Gawula Pass.
Join our most popular Lhasa and EBC tour for a smooth experience!
#2 Thing to Do: Watch the Breathtaking Sunset or Sunrise at EBC
If you are staying overnight at Everest Base Camp, you will have the opportunity to see the beautiful sunset or sunrise over Mount Everest.
Usually, when you travel from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, you will arrive in the late afternoon. As dusk approaches, the setting sun casts warm golden hues over Everest’s northern face. You can relax and enjoy this peaceful and romantic moment after a long day’s journey, before you go to sleep.
And the next morning, you can rise early to catch the brighter orange glow of the new day as it touches the eastern slopes of Everest. Under the rays of the rising sun, the entire mountain peak looks like a massive golden tower. Be sure to act fast and capture some amazing photos at the moment.
Enjoyinjg Mount Everest Sunrise at Tibet Everest Base Camp.
#3 Thing to Do: Stay Overnight at EBC for the Starry Sky and Milky Way
At about 5000 meters above sea level and far away from the city lights, Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side is a perfect spot to enjoy the great night sky. So when you stay overnight here, if the weather is clear, be sure to step outside your tent guesthouse to admire the unique view.
Once night fully falls at the base camp, all the lights and generators go off, revealing the true nature of the starry skies above you. Billions of bright stars shine in the clear night sky, and you can even see the Milky Way clearly stretching across the north sky above the plateau.
The Starry Skies at Tibet Everest Base Camp
You can also take the time to immerse yourself in the peace of the Himalayas. Feel the silence and the crisp mountain air as you quietly appreciate the rare and precious view. You can stargaze, take photos, or simply sit back and enjoy the moment.
Generally, during the spring and autumn seasons, there are more chances to see the starry sky, as there are fewer clouds. If you’d like to enjoy the the night sky, please inform your tour guide in advance and take proper measures to stay warm.
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#4 Thing to Do: Visit Nearby Rongbuk Monastery - The Highest in the World
The Rongbuk Monastery is located just 4 kilometers away from Everest Base Camp, and is the highest monastery in the world, at an elevation of 5150 meters. It is small but sacred, and a must-visit for anyone coming to EBC.
Built in 1902, the monastery was founded by the Nyingma sect of Tibetan Buddhism. Unlike many other Tibetan monasteries, both monks and nuns practice and live here. You can enjoy a moment of reflection here as you appreciate the majestic view of Everest.
Rongbuk Monastery is also a perfect spot to photograph Mount Everest. From the open area in front of the monastery, you can capture stunning photos of the White Pagoda with the towering peak of Everest rising behind it. Besides, you can also photograph the starry night sky or beautiful sunrise from the monastery, if weather permits.
The Great View of Mount Everest from Rongbuk Monastery
#5 Thing to Do: Experience Tibetan Culture and Cuisine at EBC
If you come to visit Everest Base Camp from April to October, you will stay at the tent guesthouses run by local Tibetans. During winter, when these tents are taken down, you will stay overnight in the Rongbuk Monastery guesthouse. In either case, you will meet warm and welcoming locals, and get a chance to experience some Tibetan culture up close.
You will also get to enjoy some local Tibetan food here in both accommodations, such as Tibetan noodles, tsampa, Tibetan butter tea, and sweet tea, etc. For more diverse dishes, you can also try the hot pot meal, which is relatively simple but unique in such a harsh environment.
Enjoying Tibetan Hot-Pot in the Restaurant of Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse
Insider Tips for a Safe and Pleasant Visit to Everest Base Camp
For a more pleasant and smoother experience when visiting Everest Base Camp on the Tibetan side, here are some tips to help you make you make the most of your trip:
1. Prepare for the Altitude:
Everest Base Camp is about 5,000 meters above sea level, and such a high elevation may result in altitude sickness. It is recommended to first stay in Lhasa (3650 meters) for several days before traveling to the camp. Take our 8-day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour, which is carefully designed for a gradual ascent while covering all the highlights on the way.
2. Dress in Layers:
The weather at Everest Base Camp region can change greatly between day and night. It is a good idea to wear layered clothing, and also bring a warm down jacket in any season. Gloves, hats, windproof jacket and rain gear are also helpful to cope with the mountain climate.
3. Bring Essentials:
The supplies may be limited at EBC, so bring some essentials for your daily use. This includes personal care items, such as tissues, sunscreen, lip balm and moisturizer, personal medicine, altitude sickness medicine, etc. Don’t forget a power bank, universal travel adaptor, camera and memory cards, and other electronic gear.
4. Respect Local Customs:
Tibet is a deeply religious place, so it is necessary to respect local traditions and customs during your Tibet tour. Walk clock-wise if you do kora around a Tibetan monastery, and ask for permission before you take photos of local Tibetans.
5. Travel with a Trusted Agency:
International travelers need a Tibet Travel Permit and other documents to visit Tibet Everest Base Camp. For a smooth and worry-free journey, it is best to book your tour with a trustworthy local Tibetan agency like us. For our clients, you can rest assured and enjoy your trip, as we will handle all the details, including permits, hotels, local guides and drivers, etc.
Join our most popular Lhasa and EBC tour for a smooth experience!
Conclusion
Besides appreciating Mt. Everest up close, there are a number of great things you can do while visiting Everest Base Camp. From watching the golden sunrise to exploring the holy Rongbuk Monastery, from gazing at the night stars to enjoy the Tibetan butter tea in a warm tent, whatever you try, you are sure to have a unique experience here.
As the leading Tibet tour operator with years of experience, we will try our best to make sure your journey to Tibet Everest Base Camp is smooth and pleasant. Feel free to contact us for inquiries or book your tour with us now!
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