How to Travel to Everest Base Camp from Kathmandu
Nepal and China's Tibet jointly share Mount Everest. There are base camps on both sides, Southern Everest Base Camp in Nepal, and Northern and Eastern Everest Base Camp in China. This article introduces you how to get to Northern Everest Base Camp(hereafter referred to as Everest Base Camp) in Tibet from Nepal.
How far is Nepal to Everest Base Camp in Tibet?
Mount Everest is the dividing line between China and Nepal. The straight-line distance from Nepal's capital Kathmandu to Tibet's Everest Base Camp(160 km) is shorter than the straight-line distance from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp (450 km). Therefore, many tourists choose to travel from Nepal to the Everest Base Camp to see the whole view of Mount Everest. So how far is it from Nepal to the Everest Base Camp in Tibet?
From Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp, you need to enter China through Gyirong Port, and then you can drive along the China-Nepal Highway to Shigatse, the second largest city in Tibet. The journey can be divided into two sections. The first is from Kathmandu to the China’s Gyirong Port( 120km; 2-4 hours). The second is from the Gyirong Port to Everest Base Camp( 400km; about one day).
Note: Because the roads near the Zhangmu Port were seriously damaged in the earthquake, it is yet to be opened. On 30, August, 2017, the Tibet Autonomous Region Press Office convened a press conference in Lhasa, and announced officially that Gyirong Port (Rasuwa Port on the Nepal Side) is open for foreign travelers.
How long does it take to travel from Kathmandu, Nepal to the Everest Base Camp in Tibet?
It usually takes three days.
Day 1: Kathmandu - Gyirong / 185km, About 7hrs' Driving
Though the distance is only about 160km, it takes more than 6 hours to drive to Gyirong Port from Kathmandu because the road is narrow and bumpy. Along the way, you’re able to enjoy the beautiful mountains, valleys and forests.
Day 2: Gyirong - Tingri/ 350 km, about 6 hrs’ driving
Along the way, you can enjoy the snowy plateaus, canyon rivers, high mountains and lakes.
Day 3: Tingri- Everest Base Camp/ 120 km, 2 hrs’ driving
You can arrive at the Rongbuk Temple through asphalt road.
After arriving at the Everest Base Camp, you can return to Tingri at the same day, or you can stay overnight at the base camp, where you can enjoy the magnificent sunset and sunrise.
You can choose to join in our Lhasa tour after arriving at Tingri.
From Nepal to Tibet Everest Base Camp, you have two options for travel.
1. Entering Tibet from Kathmandu via Gyirong. You can visit the Everest Base Camp, and then Lhasa, Ali and other tourist destinations in Tibet through driving. You can closely experience the natural landscape and cultural landscape in Tibet. But the driving time is long, which is a torment for tourists suffering high altitude sickness and carsickness.
2. Flying to Tibet from Kathmandu. You’ll fly to Lhasa and travel to Everest Base Camp from Lhasa. It takes less time and the journey is easier for you. But you may miss some scenic spots along the way.
The Altitude
From Kathmandu to Gyirong, the average altitude is about 2,300 meters. Despite the bumpy mountain roads, you have no need to worry about the high altitude sickness with the rich vegetation. After passing Gyirong, the altitude gradually rises from 2,500 meters to 5,200 meters. Not like taking plane, the altitude rises slowly. If you worry about the high altitude sickness, you take a rest whenever the altitude rises.
