Best Way to See Mount Everest in Tibetan Side

Though Nepal and Tibet Autonomous Region, China both share the part of Mt. Everest (8844.43m), the best panoramic view of Mount Everest, namely from its northeast ridge to its summit, in fact lies in Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet.

As to what is the best way to see Mount Everest, the most recognized answer is to travel overland from Lhasa to Tibet Everest Base Camp. There are also other choices like trekking, cycling, and flight that can meet different people’s need. Let’s find out the best way to see Mount Everest that works best for you.

The Best and Easiest Way to See Mount Everest is Travelling Overland from Lhasa to Tibet EBC

Generally speaking, there are 3 main ways to travel to Mount Everest, i.e. by tour vehicle, trekking and cycling. And the best and easiest way to see Mount Everest is to take an overland trip from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp.

Why Choose This Way?

Travelling to Everest Base Camp by tour vehicle is the most common way for the majority of tourists to enjoy the grandeur of Mt. Everest. It’s suitable for tourists of all ages.

The road from Lhasa to Tibet EBC covers about 618 km, and is mostly well-paved, following the famous Friendship Highway. Tourists can enjoy a relaxed and comfortable driving experience to see Mount Everest, without climbing or trekking it.

Imposing vista of Mount Everest and Himalayan range in Tibet

Also, the gradual altitude change along the way can make one better adapt to the plateau altitude. Normally after you land in Lhasa and have finished acclimatization and day tour in Lhasa city, you are good to go to Shigatse, the second biggest city in Tibet next to Lhasa.

And the whole journey is full of splendid nature scenery and historic culture sites. On the way, you can enjoy the turquoise Yamdrok Lake and Karola Glacier, and tour the Palcho Monastery and Kumbum Stupa in historic Gyantse County.

As you head from Tingri to EBC, you will pass Gawula Pass where you can enjoy the Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Everest (8844.43m) and Cho Oyu (8201m) and Shishapangma (8012m). Then you are about to explore the world’s highest monastery, Rongbuk Monastery and finally reach Everest Base Camp.

Where to See Mount Everest by This Way?

Overall, for the overland Tibet tour to Everest Base Camp, there are 3 best places to capture the sublime beauty of Mt. Everest.

1) Gawula Pass (5198m):
Some believe that the best way to see Mount Everest is to get a distant view of the Mt. Everest. Only when we stand far away can we have the bigger picture that it is the highest mountain along with other 8000m-level mountains along majestic Himalayas.

Photograph Mount Everest and other stunning mountains of Himalayas at Gawula Pass

As you keep heading towards EBC from Tingri, after a zigzag mountain road you will reach Gawula Pass, which is generally believed to be the best place to enjoy the awe-inspiring panoramic view of Himalayan Range.

Lofty mountains like Makalu (8463m), Lhotse (8516m), Mt. Everest (8844.43m) and Cho Oyu (8201m) and Shishapangma (8012m) stand side by side above the skyline with dense clouds floating above your head. It’s definitely a once-in-a-life-time experience.

2) Rongbuk Monastery (5154m):
Viewing Mount Everest from Rongbuk Monastery offers the best view of Mt. Everest, neither too far nor close. Rongbuk Monastery is the world’s highest monastery and the most important religious site on the way to Everest Base Camp. It’s only 4km away from Rongbuk Monastery to Everest Base Camp. You may choose to take eco-van or trek from Rongbuk Monastery to EBC.

Rongbuk Monastery is  the best place to observe Mount Everest at middle distance.

3) Everest Base Camp (5200m):
If you come for the close-up shot of the summit of Mt. Everest, Everest Base Camp is second to none. Unlike the Everest Base Camp (5364m) in Nepal, EBC (5200m) on Tibet’s side brings tourists even more stunning view of the entire northeast ridge and summit of Mt. Everest, most importantly free of obstruction of neighboring soaring mountains. The best time to photograph Mt. Everest would be at sunrise and sunset.

Gaze at the lofty Mount Everest at EBC

>> Check for our most recommended Lhasa to Everest Base Camp overland tour

Other Great Way to See Mount Everest: Old Tingri to EBC Trekking

For the more adventurous individuals, the best way to see Mount Everest is to trek and hike to the Everest Base Camp and spend a camping night at EBC to enjoy different view of the Mt. Everest, like its sunrise, sunset and its starry night. 

If you are physically strong enough and find no problem acclimatizing to long walk at high altitude, then no way is better than trekking from Tingri to Everest Base Camp. It’s one of the ultimate trekking routes in Tibet, a perfect choice for outdoor enthusiasts.

The trek starts from Old Tingri, Shigatse, and takes about 4 to 5 days to finish a total distance of 70 km. With an altitude change from 4400m to 5200m (at ebc), the trail will lead you to explore valleys, glaciers, and more impressive scenery.

Trekking map from Tingri to Everest Base Camp

>> Check more about trekking itinerary from Tingri to Everest Base Camp

Other Great Way to See Mount Everest: Lhasa to EBC Cycling

Cycling from Lhasa to Mount Everest is an arduous yet visually rewarding option. It gives you better chance to view the breathtaking alpine terrain, and experience distinct Tibetan custom and culture.

The route will take about 9 to 12 days, to cover a distance of 709 km from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp. This is strenuous journey for most tourists and requires a lot of attention. And the best season to cycle is from April to June and September to October.

Travel tips:
1) Always check weather forecast before you move to next destination.
2) The quality of mountain bike shall be above average and bring necessary tools with you in case your bike has flat tyre or other problems.
3) Consult with a pharmacist or doctor and prepare some altitude sickness medicine.
4) Travel in pairs or even larger group for you will always need help from others and travelling in this way can better ensure your travel safety.

>> Check more about cycling itinerary from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp

Other Great Way to See Mount Everest: Flight between Lhasa and Kathmandu

If you prefer to view Mt. Everest from top, you are recommended to take flights from Kathmandu to Lhasa and vice versa. Throughout the fly, you can have a bird’s view of Mt. Everest and Himalayan Range. The following is the schedule of two airlines that operate Kathmandu to Lhasa flight.

Air China: Lhasa and Kathmandu Flight Schedule

Sichuan Airline: Lhasa and Kathmandu Flight Schedule

For tourists from Nepal, it is recommended to fly from Kathmandu to Lhasa and later travel from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp. In this way, you can make best of this travel route to see different great views of Mount Everest.

Besides, one can also take tour bus via Gyirong Port to enter Tibet and directly head toward Mt. Everest Base Camp. In this way, theoretically it costs least time. However, mind you to the majority of tourists the dramatic altitude change from Kathmandu Valley (1400m) to Everest Base Camp (5200m) put they at higher risk of altitude sickness.

Conclusion

No matter which way you choose to see Mount Everest, by overland, trekking, or cycling, your journey will be a lifetime experience of rewarding memory. As the leading Tibet tour agency based in Lhasa, we can help you to arrange a worry-free Mount Everest tour, according to your needs. For more questions, just contact us or leave your comment below.