Everest Region

珠峰 · Area

The Tibetan side of Mount Everest is reached by road from Shigatse. Base camp is at 5,150 m. It is open from April to October and you need at least two nights in Lhasa first.

Base camp altitude5,150 m (16,900 ft)
Distance from Shigatseabout 340 km
OpenMid April to late October
Days neededAllow 7 to 8 days including Lhasa

Overview

Quick facts about Everest Region

Quick answer

The Tibetan side of Mount Everest is reached by road from Shigatse. Base camp is at 5,150 m. It is open from April to October and you need at least two nights in Lhasa first.

Base camp altitude5,150 m (16,900 ft)
Distance from Shigatseabout 340 km
OpenMid April to late October
Days neededAllow 7 to 8 days including Lhasa
Best viewsMornings, October and late April
PermitTibet Travel Permit, Aliens’ Travel Permit and border permit

Best time to visit

Average daily high and low in °C, and monthly rain in mm. Roads to this area can close in winter.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec14°-19°130 mm
Daily highDaily lowRain
BestGoodCold or limited access

Permit

What foreign visitors need before arrival.

Quick answer

Yes. All foreign visitors need a Tibet Travel Permit, and some areas need extra permits. We file them for you with every booking.

Nearby regions

Lhasa

Potala, Jokhang and the old town

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Shigatse and Gyantse

Tashilhunpo Monastery, Yamdrok Lake

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Namtso

High-altitude lake near Lhasa

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Nyingchi

Blossoms and canyons at low altitude

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Shannan

Yarlung Valley, Samye and Yumbulagang

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Nagqu

Changtang grassland and northern plateau

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Questions

Every foreign passport holder does. The Tibet Travel Permit is issued only through registered Tibet agencies, and it is checked at airports, train stations and hotels. We file it with every booking at no extra charge.
No. Foreign travellers need a booked tour with a licensed guide, plus a private vehicle for any route beyond Lhasa. A fixed-departure group seat is the cheapest way to travel.
April to October is the main season. May–June and September–October have the clearest mountain views; July and August are greener but wetter.
The train from Xining or Beijing is a slow, scenic climb that helps with acclimatisation. Flights from Chengdu, Xi’an or Kathmandu save a day or two.

Visiting Everest Region?

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