Mt. Everest is definitely a veritable tourist destination being the highest mountain in the world. However, scaling Mount Everest is not for all people, and most tourists simply content themselves with beholding the majestic mountain from afar. For this reason, the Everest Base Camp (EBC)—located at the north of Mount Everest on the Tibetan side—was established to provide a campsite for travelers and climbers as well as tourists who would like to get a glimpse of the world’s highest mountain. The EBC is located at Tingri County, Tibet, some 3.6 km south of Rongbuk Monastery and 19 km north of Mt. Everest. Moreover, it is situated at around 5,200 meters (17,050ft) above sea level. Here are important facts you should know about the EBC:

1. The EBC is the Best Location for Stargazing

The Everest Base Camp is primarily important to those who would like to scale Mt. Everest for it is their launching pad for their climbing expeditions to the highest mountain. On the other hand, it is also important to those who don't intend to scale Mt. Everest, but simply want to get a glimpse of the mountain. Tourists can camp there overnight to stargaze, view the Everest’s sunrise, and experience its sunset.

The skyline at the EBC is unadulterated by light and pollution because of its high altitude; hence, the place is surely awesome for stargazing. Aside from the spectacular skyline, tourists can also enjoy the unique sunrise and sunset at the Tibetan side of Mount Everest.

The sunrise at EBC usually occurs between 7:00 to 7:30 am during summer and 8;00 to 8;30 during the latter months of the year. This is so because of the high mountains surrounding the base camp. You'll see the sun rises at the southeast part of Everest. You'll also see Mt. Everest drenched in the golden glow of the sun during sunrise.

2. Tibet's Everest Base Camp is not accessible by train, public bus, or direct flight.

The railroad system has not yet reached the EBC. Moreover, there is no nearby airport at EBC, nor it is reached by bus. Hence, your best option in reaching EBC is by hiring a private van. From Lhasa, this van-for-hire can reach the EBC within two days. Another option is to ride a train from Lhasa to Shigatse. From thereon, you would take a van from Shigatse to EBC. EBC is a twelve-hour drive from Shigatse.

The road leading to the EBC from Tingri is really bumpy and you should be prepared for the occasional shimmies along the way. Upon arriving at Rongbuk Monastery—which is barely 3.6 km off EBC—you have the option of either taking a van or trekking up to EBC.

3. There are Only Basic Facilities at EBC.

There are basically no fabulous hotels at EBC. The last guesthouse near EBC is the Rongbuk Monastery’s Guesthouse. Hence, once you arrive at EBC, you would only find tent hostels and you should content yourself with these tent hostels, despite the harsh conditions at EBC. These tent hostels are likewise only available from April to November. During winter, they are taken down due to bad weather condition.

The basic facilities available at the tent hostels include the following: beds, toilets (outside the tents), hot water, Chinese food and coffee, stoves that burn cow’s dung for keeping yourself warm, limited medical supplies, and limited supply of electricity. The nearest hospital to EBC is in Tingri which is six hours away. Electricity likewise comes in limited supply at EBC and lights usually go out at midnight once the generators are switched off.

4. The EBC has the Highest Post Office in the World.

A simple green tent serves as a post office at EBC. It is labeled "China Post" and it is run by kind staff. You can send postcards and letters through this post office. It also sells postcards and Tibetan stamps and offers commemorative postmark service. Each postcard usually costs 25 yuan or $4.

Anyone who wants to tour Tibet and the EBC is required to secure several necessary permits like the Tibet Travel Permit and the Alien’s Travel Permit. If you intend to visit Tibet and include EBC in your tour package of Tibet, you can readily contact us, and we will be more than willing to assist you in everything.

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