To visit the Mount Everest region in Tibet, foreign travelers must join a guided tour. Independent travel is not allowed. Ordinary tourists cannot climb Everest; the highest point you can reach is the Everest Base Camp (EBC) on the Tibetan side.
Professional mountaineering requires a special license, but for most visitors, EBC is the perfect goal. In this article, we'll help you to plan an ideal trip to visit the Mount Everest.
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- What Documents Do I Need for EBC?
- Recommended Itinerary
- How to Get to EBC
- Where to Stay at EBC
- Best Time to Visit Mount Everest
- How Much Does It Cost to Visit EBC
- Where to Stay at EBC
- Altitude Sickness Tips
- What to Pack
- Travel with Experienced Local Guide
What Documents Do I Need for EBC?
To visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet, except for a China visa, you must also have a Tibet Travel Permit (applied for before your arrival) and an Aliens' Travel Permit (arranged by your guide once you are in Tibet).
Tibet Travel PermitIf you travel with us, the process is simple. Just send us a copy of your passport and China Visa, and we will take care of all the necessary permits on your behalf. Know more in Tibet Travel Permit Guide.
Recommended Itinerary
For a trip to Everest, we recommend planning 8 days. The classic route is Lhasa–Shigatse–Everest Base Camp–Lhasa, which gives you time to get used to the altitude and enjoy the journey.
Day 1-4: Lhasa and Shigatse, Acclimatization
Spend your first three days in Lhasa (3,650 m). You'll have time for acclimatization and visit the city's top highlights, such as the Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, and the Barkhor Street.
Barkhor StreetSince the distance from Lhasa to EBC is quite long (about 620 km), we don't suggest driving there in one go. Instead, it's better to stay overnight in Shigatse (3,836 m) for some rest. The drive may be long, but the views along the way are totally worth it.
On Day 4 from Lhasa to Shigatse, you can stop on the way at the turquoise Yamdrok Lake, one of Tibet's most beautiful lakes.
Day 5-6: Everest Base Camp
The big moment comes on Day 5 when you finally reach Everest Base Camp (5,200 m). Spending the night here means you can see Everest change colors at sunset, sleep under a sky full of stars, and wake up to its golden sunrise.
Mount EverestIn the tent camp area, evenings often turn lively: locals and travelers gather to chat, sing, dance, and sometimes even throw a small "disco night" under the stars. Most of them are young and full of energy, and you're welcome to join in and share the experience.
On Day 6 after watching the sunrise on Mount Everest, you can visit the Rongbuk Monastery, the world's highest Buddhist monastery (altitude 5,154m), and it's probably the world's highest continuously inhabited place is considered the gateway to Everest Base Camp.
Rongbuk MonasteryOptional: You can also trek to Everest Base Camp (unavailable from October to March due to the cold weather). Our recommended 4-Day trek from Old Tingri to EBC does not require mountaineering experience: it is moderately difficult. The trekking experience is full of Tibetan scenery and villages. See our 11-Day Tibet Tour with Everest Base Camp Trek.
Day 7-8: Return to Lhasa and Departure
The last couple of days are for the return trip to Lhasa. If you'd rather not repeat the long drive and similar scenery, you can take a 3-hour train from Shigatse to Lhasa. For more details, check our 8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp Tour.
How to Get to EBC
For most travelers, the easiest way to reach Everest Base Camp is from the Tibetan side. You'll start in Lhasa and travel overland by private car all the way to the North Base Camp. This is much simpler than the Nepal side, where reaching the South Base Camp usually requires several days of trekking. Unless you're an experienced hiker looking for a challenge, we recommend the Tibetan side for a smoother, more comfortable journey.
From Lhasa
Everest Base Camp is about 620 km (385 miles) from Lhasa. The most popular option is to hire a private car with a driver, which gives you flexibility for sightseeing stops along the way.
Suggested route with sightseeing:
- Day 1: Lhasa – Yamdrok Lake – Shigatse (7 hrs)
- Day 2: Shigatse – Tingri (4 hrs)
- Day 3: Tingri – Rongbuk Monastery – Everest Base Camp (4 hrs)
Faster option without sightseeing:
- Day 1: Lhasa – Shigatse – Tingri (9 hrs)
- Day 2: Tingri – Rongbuk Monastery – Everest Base Camp (4 hrs)
If you want to save more driving time, you can take the train from Lhasa to Shigatse. The one-way trip takes about 3 hours. From Shigatse, you'll still need to continue by road to Tingri and EBC.
From Nepal
If you're starting from Kathmandu and don't want to trek, you have two options:
1. Fly to Lhasa and then continue overland to EBC on the Tibetan side.
2. Helicopter sightseeing tour from Kathmandu, which lasts about 2–3 hours. You'll fly over the Himalayas, land briefly near the South Base Camp for photos, and return to Kathmandu.
Where to Stay at EBC
Near EBC, choices are very limited. Conditions are extremely basic, so it's best to manage expectations.
If your body adjusts well to the altitude and you want the full experience of watching Everest up close (including sunrise, sunset, and the starry night sky), staying inside EBC at Rongbuk Tent Guesthouse is the best choice.
Rooms are simple, with basic facilities and private toilet. It is warmer and offers more privacy than the shared tent hotels. However, there are no showers, and washing is strongly discouraged due to the cold and high altitude.
If you are worried about altitude sickness, find it hard to sleep at night inside EBC, or simply want better facilities, it's wiser to stay in Tingri County.
The most comfortable option here is Pingcuo Kangsang Everest Oxygen Hotel (4-star) in Tashizong Town, about a 40-minute drive from EBC. It provides underfloor heating, diffusion oxygen supply, and free nasal oxygen, offering much more comfort and safety for rest compared with EBC guesthouses.
Tip: From May to October, locals set up large tent hostels near EBC. Normally, 10 people share one tent, and sometimes even more in peak season. Facilities are very basic: no bathrooms, no showers, no heating, and extremely simple toilets. We don't suggest choosing tent hostels.
Best Time to Visit Mount Everest
The best months to visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet are late April to early June and late September to early November. During these periods, the weather is relatively dry, skies are clearer, and daytime temperatures stay above freezing. Oxygen levels are also slightly higher in these months.
October to early November is especially good for mountain views — the air is crisp and dry, giving you the highest chance of seeing the peak clearly. If you are a photographer, we recommend April, when the famous "flag cloud" (a banner-like cloud above the summit) is most likely to appear.
Clear View of Mount Everest SummitWe suggest avoiding winter (December to March) as it's extremely cold, oxygen levels drop further, and heavy snow often blocks access roads. In addition, Tibet is usually closed to foreign travelers in February and March.
Summer (July and August) is not ideal either, as it's the rainy season in Tibet. The peak is often hidden by clouds and mist, so your chances of a clear view are much lower.
How Much Does It Cost to Visit EBC
A trip to visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet costs around US$2,500 per person with us based on a private tour for 2 people.
Prices vary depending on the itinerary, travel dates, number of people, and hotels are chosen. Generally, traveling with more people lowers the cost per person.
Our price includes:
- Tibet Entry Permits and Alien Travel Permits
- Entrance fees
- Hotels with free oxygen (Check out Hotels)
- Daily meals
- A private local vehicle with air-conditioning and ample space for luggage
- English-speaking local guide who confirms reservation organizes entrance tickets, handles any problems, and provides knowledgeable answers and commentary.
Altitude Sickness Tips
Visiting Everest Base Camp means traveling to very high altitudes, so it's important to be cautious.
Before you visit Mt. Everest, ensure you are in good physical condition. Seek medical advice or consult your doctor in advance.
Even for healthy travelers, altitude sickness is common. Plan to spend about three days acclimatizing in Lhasa (3,650 m) and Shigatse (3,800 m) before reaching EBC (5,200 m). This gradual ascent gives your body time to adjust.
During the trip, avoid strenuous exercise, quick movements, or unnecessary running and jumping. If you get headaches and dizziness, using bottled oxygen or resting at a lower altitude can help. Getting proper sleep and rest is also one of the best ways to reduce symptoms.
What to Pack
- Sun cream: Strong SPF is essential under Tibet's intense sunlight.
- Sunglasses / snow glasses: UV rays are strong in the mountains. Bring snow glasses if visiting Everest in the snowy season.
- Lip balm & moisturizer: The dry air can quickly cause chapped lips and skin.
- Warm clothes: A down jacket is necessary, especially at night. If camping, a warm sleeping bag is also recommended.
- Batteries & chargers: Power is limited at Everest Base Camp. Cold weather also drains batteries quickly, so keep them insulated.
- Snacks: Food options at EBC are basic. Bring your own if you have preferences.
- Medicine: Prepare altitude sickness medication or anything else you may need (like travel sickness tablets).
Travel with experienced local guide
Traveling to Everest Base Camp may be challenging — long drives, remote location, high altitude, thin air, and sudden weather changes are common. With our experienced local guides, your trip becomes smoother and safer. They handle logistics, adapt to unexpected changes, and share stories that bring the journey to life.
Travel with us, and you'll feel supported every step of the way by our professional local guides and travel experts, so you can focus on enjoying the adventure and the views.
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