Tibet Everest Base Camp Tour

FAQs about Tibet Everest Base Camp Tours

Here we have collected some of the frequently asked questions about how to prepare and arrange a great Tibet Everest Base Camp tour. Meanwhile, don’t hesitate to let us know if you have any further questions.

Q: Is Tibet Everest Base Camp tour difficult for ordinary tourists?

A: Tibet Everest Base Camp tour is a tourist-level journey that takes you to the northern face of Mount Everest. It is now a popular destination for travelers. The road conditions are good, and you can arrive at the base camp by car or even a bus. Also, there is no any professional hiking, trekking or climbing activities during the tour. Most people can visit with no special physical requirements or mountaineering training in advance.

Q: What is the age limit for visiting Tibet Everest Base Camp?

A: There is no official age limit for visiting Tibet Everest Base Camp. It is generally recommended that visitors would be better more than 10 years old and less than 80 years old. However, it is ultimately up to the individual's physical and mental fitness to take this tour.

Q: How much does a Tibet Everest Base Camp tour cost?

The cost of a Tibet Everest Base Camp tour can vary depending on a number of factors, such as the time of year, the duration of the tour, the type of accommodation, and the specific itinerary. Generally, a basic 8-day Tibet Everest Base Camp tour can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $1,500 per person, while a more luxurious tour can cost upwards of $2,500 to $3,500 per person. If you want to get the best value for your money, then joining in a group tour would be a good option.

It's important to note that these prices typically do not include the cost of visas, travel insurance, flights, or any additional activities or excursions not included in the tour itinerary.

Q: How do I get to Tibet Everest Base Camp?

A: For most people, to visit Tibet Everest Base Camp, the first step is to reach Lhasa - the capital city of Tibet. You can either fly or take the train to Lhasa from major cities in mainland China (such as Beijing, Shanghai, Xi’an, Chengdu, etc.). From there, you will need to travel overland to the base camp, which can take several days depending on your itinerary. But you won’t feel bored along the way, as you will have the opportunity to visit the sacred Yamdrok Lake and Tibet’s second largest city Shigatse.

Another way to travel to Tibet Everest Base Camp is to enter from Nepal. However, because Nepal has much lower altitude, so this reverse tour itinerary requires more days for acclimatization at the border towns in Tibet before heading to the base camp.

Q: Do I need a special permit to visit Tibet Everest Base Camp?

A: Yes, if you want to visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet, you will need a special permit in addition to the regular Chinese visa. The permit is called the "Tibet Travel Permit" and is required for all foreign tourists visiting Tibet, including those who plan to visit Everest Base Camp. It's important to note that you cannot apply for the Tibet Travel Permit on your own, as it can only be obtained through a registered travel agency. And you must have a tour guide and transportation for your trip according to the policy.

So, if you're planning to travel to Everest Base Camp in Tibet, be sure to work with a travel agency to obtain the necessary permits and organize the trip for you.

Q: What is the best time to visit Tibet Everest Base Camp?

A: The best time to visit Tibet Everest Base Camp is from April to June and September to November, as the weather is usually dry and sunny during these months. Summer is also the popular season to visit Tibet Everest Base Camp because of the warm weather. However, as summer is the monsoon season with higher humidity, so there are more possibilities that the mountain might be hidden in the haze.

Q: What accommodations are available at Tibet Everest Base Camp?

A: Accommodation options at Tibet Everest Base Camp are basic, you can either stay at Rongbuk monastery guesthouses or at the local tent hostels. But please note that the guesthouses can be crowded during peak season, and the tent hostels are only available to tourists from mid-April to mid-October. The facilities are limited, there is no running water and the only option for nature's call is the pit toilet located outside. So it's important to be aware and prepare accordingly.

Q: What to eat at Everest Base Camp in Tibet?

A: The food at Everest Base Camp is simple. You can find egg fried rice, vegetable soup, yak meat stew, noodles, and sweet tea which are served at the Rongbuk Monastery restaurant or in tent hostels. So, it is advisable to prepare canned beef, bread, biscuits, and instant noodles before you set out on your journey to Everest Base Camp.

Q: What kind of clothing should I bring for the Tibet Everest Base Camp tour?

A: When packing for a Tibet Everest Base Camp tour, it's important to keep in mind that the weather can be unpredictable and vary greatly throughout the day, so it's recommended to bring clothing that can be layered to adjust to changing temperatures. Here are some suggestions:

1. Warm layers: bring a warm jacket or coat, a sweater or fleece, and thermal underwear for layering on colder days.
2. Waterproof and windproof outerwear: it's important to bring a waterproof and windproof jacket and pants to protect you from rain, snow, and wind.
3. Comfortable walking shoes: make sure to bring comfortable, sturdy walking shoes or hiking boots with good ankle support.
4. Sun protection: the sun can be very strong at high altitudes, so bring a hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen to protect yourself.
5. Warm hat and gloves: bring a warm hat and gloves to keep your head and hands warm on colder days.
6. Others: a scarf, a buff, and a face mask may also come in handy for protecting your face and neck from the sun, wind, and dust.

Q: Is altitude sickness a concern at Tibet Everest Base Camp?

A: As Tibet Everest Base Camp sits at an altitude of 5,200 meters (17,060 feet), some tourists may experience symptoms like dizziness, headaches, rapid pulse, and shortness of breath when reaching there at the beginning. These are natural responses of the body to altitude ascent. It's just important to acclimatize properly and take precautions such as drinking plenty of water and avoiding alcohol and strenuous activity.

To further ease your concerns, learning about the causes of altitude sickness and the scientific ways to prevent it can also help. Our tour itinerary has been well designed to allow your body enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude in Tibet. You will spend three days in Lhasa, visiting the famous attractions while adjusting to the plateau environment. Afterwards, we will travel to Everest Base Camp by ascending gradually in another two days. Also, we have oxygen supply equipped in the vehicle, so you don’t need to worry too much about the altitude sickness when you get there.