Everest has a second base camp on its north side, in Tibet. Unlike the Nepal side, it is reached by road: a long overland journey from Lhasa across the Tibetan plateau via Gyantse and Shigatse, then up the Rongbuk valley, where the mountain’s vast north face fills the view ahead. It is the side from which George Mallory attempted the summit in the 1920s.
Visitors stay near Rongbuk Monastery (around 4,980 m) or in the tented guesthouses nearby, and visit a viewing area close to the climbers’ base camp. Access is tightly controlled: you need valid entry to China (a visa, unless your nationality is visa-exempt), a Tibet Travel Permit arranged through a licensed agency, and an organised tour with a guide — independent travel is not permitted, and rules can change at short notice.
What to do at Everest North Base Camp (Tibet)
See the north face at sunset
The Rongbuk valley faces the north face directly, so evening light on Everest here is famous. Clear skies are most likely in spring and autumn.
Visit Rongbuk Monastery
Often described as one of the highest monasteries in the world, with a white chorten framed perfectly against Everest.
Explore Lhasa on the way
Most tours spend several days acclimatising in Lhasa — the Potala Palace, the Jokhang Temple and the Barkhor pilgrim circuit.
Getting to Everest North Base Camp (Tibet)
- From Lhasa: typically a 7–8 day tour by road, acclimatising in Lhasa, Gyantse and Shigatse along the way.
- From Kathmandu: some overland tours cross the Nepal–Tibet border and include Everest North Base Camp, but routes and border openings vary — check current arrangements.
Trekker tips
- Book through a licensed agency at least several weeks ahead; permits cannot be arranged on arrival.
- Altitude is serious here too — Lhasa is already about 3,650 m.
- Tibet can close to foreign visitors at short notice, especially around sensitive dates.
Treks & tours that include Everest North Base Camp (Tibet)
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to reach Everest North Base Camp (Tibet) with a licensed guide:
Overland tour from €1142 8-Day Lhasa to Everest Base Camp with Tibet Travel Permit
The Tibet side of Everest by road: from Lhasa across the plateau via Shigatse to the Rongbuk valley and the famous view of Everest’s north face, with the permits and guide that independent travellers cannot do without.
- Tibet Travel Permit arranged for you
- Lhasa’s Potala Palace and monasteries on the way
- The north face of Everest from the Rongbuk valley
Mountain flight from €141 Kathmandu: 1-Hour Scenic Flight Over Mount Everest
An hour-long flight from Kathmandu with panoramic views of Everest, Lhotse, Makalu and the Khumbu valley — the best-value way to see the world’s highest peak without leaving the city for more than a morning.
- Panoramic views of Everest and the Khumbu valley
- One of the best-rated Everest flights on GetYourGuide
- Hotel transfers available in Kathmandu
