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8 Days Overland Tour from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp

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Shigatse to Everest Base Camp: How Far and How to Travel

September 06, 2024 BY Master Kungga Dundruk 0 COMMENTS

Mount Everest, sitting astride the border between China and Nepal in the west of Tibet, is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Tibet. Northeast of this massive peak lies the city of Shigatse, the second-largest city of Tibet, which serves as a gateway to the Chomolungma Nature Park and the Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

How far is Everest Base Camp from Shigatse? How do you travel from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp? Here, we will provide a comprehensive guide on transfer options and tour arrangements from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

1. How far is Shigatse to Mount Everest Base Camp?

As the crow flies, it is a mere 243 kilometers (151 miles) from Shigatse to the summit of Mount Everest. However, the base camp lies around 12 kilometers to the north of the summit, at the foot of the Rongbuk Glacier.

By road, it is around 343 kilometers (213 miles) from the center of Shigatse City to the base camp, a route that is popular for tours of Tibet that are heading for the mountain.

Lhasa to Mount Everest Route Map(Simple click to enlarge the map)
Route Map to Everest Base Camp in Tibet

2. How is the road condition from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp?

The road from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp is mostly in pretty good condition. From Shigatse to Tingri, the route follows the G318 National Highway, also known as the Sino-Nepal Friendship Highway in Tibet, which is possibly the best road surface in the region. From Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp, the former gravel roads have been updated a lot and now are good tarmac roads.

Overland to Everest Base CampThe road from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp is in good condition.

However, though the overall road conditions are good, you need to pay attention to the curves and speed limits. The actual driving time from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp is about 7 to 8 hours. If you are prone to motion sickness, it is advisable to prepare some anti-motion sickness medicine in advance.

3. Shigatse to Everest Base Camp by Car: 7 to 8 Hours

The most popular way to travel from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp is by car. Starting in Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet, you’ll head southeast on the G318 highway. The road traverses the vast Tibetan Plateau, offering panoramic views of rolling grasslands and distant snow-capped peaks.

Along the way, you’ll pass through small Tibetan towns like Lhatse and Tingri. Once you enter the Chomolungma Nature Reserve, the terrain will become increasingly dramatic with spectacular views of the Himalayas and the towering Mount Everest emerging on the horizon.

The whole journey takes around 7 to 8 hours. Departing from Shigatse in the morning, generally, you will reach Everest Base Camp by early evening. If you are lucky, you could enjoy a stunning sunset over Mt.Everest from the base camp.

4. Shigaste to Everest Base Camp by Bike: 5 Days

A more challenging way is to ride a bike from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp. The Everest Base Camp bike tour from Shigatse follows the same route as the overland journey. However, it generally takes 5 days to complete the high-altitude ride adventure.

Route Distance Duration Altitude Changes
Shigatse to Phuntsoling Monastery 150 km 10 hours 3,845m to 4,100m
Phuntsoling Monastery to Lhatse 66 km 6 hours 4,100m to 4,200m
Lhatse to Tingri 89km 8.5 hours 4,200m to 4,300m
Tingri to Zhaxizong Village 67km 6.5 hours 4,300m to 4,300m
Zhaxizong Village to Everest Base Camp 50km 9 hours 4,300m to 5,000m

Cycling at high altitudes demands significant physical endurance. So, it is suggested to avoid a tight schedule and give your body enough time to adapt to the altitude and the demands of intense cycling.

Cycling to EBCCycling to Everest Base Camp

5. Shigatse to Everest Base Camp by Motorbike: 9 to 10 hours

A motorcycle tour to Everest Base Camp offers a more exhilarating adventure through Tibet’s dramatic landscapes. Depart from Shigatse in the morning and you’ll arrive at Everest Base Camp by evening. Unlike driving, motorcycling allows you to experience the Himalayan breeze up close and immerse yourself more fully in the natural surroundings.

6. Top 4 Things to See from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp

Since there is only one road leading to Everest Base Camp from Shigatse, no matter which way you choose to travel, you will not miss any highlights along the way.

The G318 National Highway 5000km Momument in Lhatse is located at the 5000-kilometer mark on the G318 National Highway, starting from Shanghai. Stretching from Shanghai in the east of China to Zhangmu in the west, the G318 National Highway is 5,476 kilometers long, which is the second longest national highway in China and the seventh longest highway in the world.

G318 National Highway MonumentMaking a stop at G318 National Highway while traveling to Mt.Everest.

If you have time, visit Sakya Monastery, about 127 kilometers west of Shigatse on the road to Old Tingri. This historic site, once the center of the Sakya School of Tibetan Buddhism, showcases unique architecture. Although only around 50 monks reside there today, and much of the original building is gone, the Lhakang Chempo once held a vast library with impressive Tibetan Buddhist scriptures.

Before arriving at the base camp, you will reach the Gawu La Pass. At an altitude of around 5,198 meters above sea level, Gawu La Pass is one of the best places to see Mount Everest. The pass is strewn with Tibetan Buddhist prayer flags, tied to just about every post and railing that you can find. But that is not the best thing about the crest of Gawu La Pass. As you look towards Mount Everest, you get an awesome panoramic view of the central Himalayas, including the peaks of four other mountains that sit at more than 8,000 meters: Mount Makalu, Mount Lhotse, Mount Cho Oyu, and Mount Shishapangma.

Mount Everest from Gawula PassEnjoy the panoramic view of the Himalayas and Mount Everest from Gawu La Pass.

Once you arrive at the Everest Base Camp, you can travel a few more kilometers to reach Rongbuk Monastery, the closest monastery to the summit of Mount Everest. Located at an elevation of 4,980 meters, it is also the world’s highest monastery. You can enter the ancient meditation caves in Rongbuk Monastery and spend some time in meditation or contemplation at the top of the world.

7. Best Time to Travel from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp: April, May, September, and October

Though it is possible to travel from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp all year round, the best time for clear views of mountain peaks is April, May, September, and October.

The weather at Everest Base Camp in Tibet is unpredictable and can change rapidly. During the day, temperatures may be relatively mild, but strong winds are common. At night, even in summer, temperatures can drop to around freezing.

From late June to August, the monsoon season brings rainfall, which can cause thick clouds and potentially obscure views of the summit of Mount Everest. Thus, if you travel from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp during this period, the weather might affect your ability to see the mountain clearly.

Surprisingly, winter is also a good time to visit Everest Base Camp. The daytime temperature is around 10, which is not too cold for daytime sightseeing. Visiting Everest in winter offers not only a peaceful snow-capped landscape and fewer crowds but also the lowest prices of the year.

Visit Everest Base Camp with UsExplore Everest Base Camp with Us, Anytime of the Year

8. Be Aware of the Altitude Increase from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp

When traveling from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp, it’s important to consider the significant rise in Everest Base Camp altitude. The journey takes you through Lhatse and Tingri, eventually reaching the Gawula Pass before arriving at the Everest Base Camp. With an altitude increasing over 1,000 meters, it’s suggested to avoid tight schedules, especially for adventurous activities like biking or motorcycling.

Destination Altitude
Shigatse 3,845 meters (12,615 feet)
Lhatse 4,200 meters (13,780 feet)
Tingri 4,300 meters (14,108 feet)
Gawu La Pass 5,210 meters (17,093 feet)
Everest Base Camp 5,200 meters (17,060 feet)

To ensure a safe and comfortable travel to Everest Base Camp, we provide portable oxygen cylinders in our tour vehicles. If you feel unwell or experience symptoms of altitude sickness, please tell your tour guide immediately. Proper acclimatization and communication are key to enjoying your Everest Base Camp tour while minimizing health risks.

9. More Travel Tips for Shigatse to Everest Base Camp

When planning your journey from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp, consider these travel tips to ensure a smooth experience.

First, you can reach Shigatse by car, train, or flight. The most popular option is to travel from Lhasa to Shigatse by land, which often includes a visit to Yamdrok Lake along the way. Alternatively, you can take a Lhasa to Shigatse high-speed train, though this route might skip the chance to explore attractions along the way. For a more direct route, consider flying to Shigatse from Chengdu or Xi’an. However, this route is not recommended for tourists as it misses many key highlights to explore.

A Sample of Alien's Travel PermitA Sample of Alien's Travel Permit for Visiting Everest Base Camp

Once in Shigatse, it’s essential to obtain the Alien’s Travel Permit for visiting the Mount Everest region. Unlike the Tibet Travel Permit which needs to be processed in advance, the Alien’s Travel Permit needs to be processed on-site after arriving in Shigatse. But don’t worry, our tour guide will help you with this, and it usually takes only half an hour to get it. Be sure to allow some time in your itinerary for this process. Rest assured, if you book your Everest Base Camp tour with us, we’ll take care of all the necessary arrangements and document processing for you.

Last but not least, since Shigatse is the last major city before heading to Everest Base Camp, take the opportunity to stock up on any supplies or essentials you might need for the rest of your trip. Being well-prepared in Shigatse will help ensure a smooth and enjoyable journey as you venture towards Everest Base Camp.

Conclusion

Shigatse, the nearest major city to Everest Base Camp in Tibet, is a key hub for your Everest adventure. Whether you arrive from Lhasa or other mainland cities, Shigatse is where you'll need to secure the Alien’s Travel Permit and prepare for your journey to Everest Base Camp.

The 343-kilometer drive from Shigatse to Everest Base Camp can be completed in a day by car or motorcycle. However, if you’re planning a biking adventure, we recommend a more relaxed 5-day schedule to accommodate the physical demands of high-altitude cycling.

No matter how you choose to travel, we at Tibet Vista are committed to ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience. Share your travel plans with us, and we'll help make your journey as smooth as possible.

Master Kungga Dundruk

About the Author - Master Kungga Dundruk

Kungga Dundruk, often respectfully referred to as “Manager Kunga”, is the most revered and legendary Tibetan guide in our team.

Currently working as a customer service manager in Lhasa, Kunga used to study business overseas and got his Bachelor of Business in Nepal and India before moving back to his homeland. With pure passion for life and unlimited love for Tibet, Kunga started his guide career as early as 1997.

As a legendary Tibetan guide with 22 years of guide experience, Kunga was awarded the Gold Medalist of China’s Best Tour Guide in 2019, marking the pinnacle of his career. Today, Kunga loves sharing his wealth of Tibetan knowledge through travel articles and stands ready to offer prompt support whenever our guests need help in Lhasa.

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