Everest Base Camp without the trek

Ever wanted to visit Everest Base Camp? For many travellers the trek to EBC, rated as one of the world's classic and top treks, is definitely on their bucket list 

The trek to Everest Base Camp on the Nepal (south) side is a moderate to challenging trek through spectacular scenery, beginning with the flight to the mountain airstrip of Lukla and travelling into the stunning Sagarmatha (Everest) National Park. There are two options - the 16 day Everest Base Camp trek which takes you deep into the heart of the Everest region and the slightly longer Original Everest 20 day route (which follows the original Everest expedition route) and also includes time at beautiful Gokyo Ri Lake and crossing the Cho La pass as well as all the other many and varied highlights of the stunning Everest region.

Both are stunning Himalayan trekking routes and to really enjoy them we definitely recommend you put in some time to prepare and make sure your fitness levels are pretty good. You don't need to be superfit but a good to reasonable level of fitness will mean you'll enjoy it much more. But what if you don’t want to trek, maybe you’re not sure you’re fit enough or you don’t have the time to train or the time needed for this great classic trek?

The great news is you can also visit EBC from the Tibet (north) side, on our Everest from Tibet Classic Tour without the need to trek at all, other than a short walk along a fairly level road from where the vehicles stop. From the north side you’ll also have fantastic close-up views of Everest as well as the chance to explore the Base Camp as part of an overland tour from Lhasa. We usually include an overnight stay (as well as visit) at nearby Rongbuk Monastery too, for a truly memorable day.

To reach EBC on the Tibet side it’s best to fly into Lhasa and spend a few days here, exploring and acclimatising before travelling across the Tibetan Plateau en route to reach Base Camp. When you fly into Lhasa it’s already at a high altitude of 3650m so it’s important to acclimatise properly before travelling higher, where you’ll be crossing high passes and visiting Everest Base Camp, taking you to just over 5000m altitude at the highest point. It’s also possible to cross from the Nepal side and travel towards Lhasa but it’s usually better to acclimatise in Lhasa first and then travel onwards and cross back down into Nepal at the end of your trip.

There’s plenty to explore in Lhasa, including iconic Potala Palace, the former home of the Dalai Lamas and a huge medieval style fortress that towers over the city. Nearby is revered Jokhang Temple, Lhasa’s and Tibet’s most sacred temple, at the heart of Tibetan spirituality. Outside is Barkhor Bazaar full of pilgrims and traders and nomads, a fascinating place to visit and people watch.

A short drive outside Lhasa are Drepung and Sera Monasteries. At Sera, time your visit right and you’ll be able to watch the monks animatedly debating the Buddhist scriptures. Visit the ancient halls, view exquisite and ancient sculptures, precious relics and works of art. An interesting day or side trip before travelling onwards, is to head to beautiful Namtso lake, a beautiful deep blue salt lake surrounded by snow capped mountain peaks, just a few hours north of Lhasa.  

On the drive towards Gyantse you’ll cross 3 high mountain passes - the Gampa La, Karo La and Simi La respectively – La meaning pass. The Karo La (5036m) is the highest at over just over 5,000m altitude.  Enjoy the stunning views of the surrounding peaks, glaciers and beautiful Yamdrok Tso (lake). In Gyantse, visit Palchoe monastery and Kubum stupa and huge chorten with its ancient and colourful paintings and early Tibetan art as well as wonderful views of Gyantse Fort and town below.

Wonderful Tashilumpo monastery is one of the most important and influential monasteries in Tibet, founded in 1477 and located at the foot of Drolmari, or Tara's Mountain, on the western side of Shigatse. Here you’ll be able to the Maitreya Chapel to see the world’s largest brass statue of Buddha at 26.2 meters (86 feet) high, seated on a 3.8 meter (12 foot) high lotus throne made of gold, brass and precious gems.

At Rongbuk, you’ll be able to stay in the highest monastery in the world but of course, the key highlight (one of many) from here is the visit to Everest Base Camp and the amazing views of Everest, the world’s highest peak.

Not just mighty Everest, you’ll also have fantastic views of four other peaks including Cho Oyu, Makalu, Lhotse and Shisha Pangma.

It’s a very different and also very rewarding journey to reach EBC on the north, Tibet side, taking you into the heart of this ancient and sometimes starkly beautiful land of Tibet, just as the trek on the Nepal side to EBC south side takes you into the rich heartland and beauty of the wonderful Everest region and the Sagarmatha National Park.

So if you thought a trek to Everest Base Camp isn’t for you, there’s also another great option of a tour across the Roof of the World to reach the other, less visited side of Everest too!

Find out more about this fantastic overland Tibet tour here or contact us to discuss and to book.