The highest mountain in the world, Mount Everest (8,850m) also called ‘Sagarmatha’ in the Nepali language, meaning the tallest, lies in Nepal. The Tibetans have called it called ‘Chomolangma,’ which means Goddess Mother of the snows, for ages. Mount Everest separates Nepal from the Autonomous Region of Tibet, so for Everest expeditions there are two Everest Base Camps. The North Everest base camp lies in Tibetan side which is easily accessible with a vehicle apart from after heavy snowfalls in the winter.

When Mount Everest was recognized as the highest mountain in the world and interest in peak climbing grew in the contemporary history, Nepal and Tibet were in feudal kingdoms closed to the outside world. The first attempt at climbing Mount Everest was carried out from the North side that falls in Tibet in 1921. Since then adventure seekers and enthusiasts have perpetually pitied themselves against this majestic mountain but only for a few has the human perseverance won the day. And even among those, only a select few attempt and succeed to ascent Mount Everest from the North Side. Many attempts were made primarily from the North side from Tibet and the South side from Nepal to successfully climb Everest with many deadly casualties until the first successful ascent made in 1953 from the South side from Nepal. Considered to be the more technical and difficult climb, the North face was closed for a while from 1950 to all western expeditions when Tibet became the Autonomous Region of China. Though open for Everest expeditions again, the North Side still is an imposing sight for those who attempt to climb Everest. The Everest base camp in the gravel plain below the Rongbuk Glacier features the massive North side of Mount Everest, an easy deterrent for the indecisive and the ultimate challenge for the others.

North Everest base camp lies south of the friendship highway from Tingri and can be visited as a main trip or a side trip while going overland to Lhasa or vice versa. While visiting Tibet one must visit Everest Base Camp as the view is stunning and you will also get chance to pay homage to Rongbuk Monastery, the oldest monastery in Tibet.

Getting to the summit of Mt. Everest was the goal of many mountain climbers during the first half of the 20th century. Many died in their attempt to climb the highest mountain in the world. Everest, known as Chomolangma (or Qomolangma) in Tibetan, was first scaled by the team of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary on May 29, 1953. Since then, the mountain has been summited nearly 4000 times. The top of Everest sits at 8848m / 29,028 feet. The base camp of Everest on the Tibet side sits at 5200m / 17,060 feet. The picture above is taken from Rongbuk monastery at 5000m.

I have been fortunate enough to go to Base Camp many times over the past few years. While the coldest time of year to go to Everest is the winter, it also is the best time to get clear pictures. I have been at Base Camp in the winter when it has been -25C (-40C with wind chill) and I have been there when it has been -5C. If the sun is shining, it will probably feel much warmer than what it actually is. The sun at 5200m is quite intense. Sunburns can happen very quickly if you aren't prepared.

Most people who travel to Everest take 5 to 7 days to make the journey from Lhasa to Everest and back. The most popular stops along the way are at Yamdrok Lake,Gyantse, Shigatse and Sakya Monastery before arriving at Base Camp. This is one of the most popular routes that travelers take in Tibet. While this route is on the well worn tourist path, it is a great one to take. The views of the Himalaya are stunning. There is no public transportation going to Mt. Everest. All travel to the area must be arranged through a travel agency. During the high season, the furthest you can go to base camp is to the "tent city", which is 3kms before base camp. From "tent city" you need to take a bus the remaining distance. The bus costs Y25 per person for the round trip ride. Another option is to hike the remaining distance. During the low season, the bus stops running so your vehicle can drive all the way to base camp.

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