Guide to Everest Base Camp Trekking Routes in Tibet

Trekking in the shadow of Mount Everest is a bucket-list experience for outdoor enthusiasts around the world, and Tibet's side of the Himalayas offers some unique trails.

Route 1: 4-Day Tingri to Everest Base Camp Trek

The 4-day trek from Tingri to Everest Base Camp is the most sought-after route for travelers exploring Everest from Tibet, and for good reason. Covering around 70 kilometers, this trail eases you into high-altitude trekking with elevations ranging from 4,390 meters to 5,200 meters, making it accessible to most fit travelers with basic high-altitude preparation. Your journey begins in Tingri, a small town that serves as the gateway to the Everest region. As you set off, you'll traverse the open expanse of the Tibetan Plateau, where golden grasslands stretch to the horizon and you might spot wild onagers or gazelles darting across the landscape. The first leg takes you through the serene Ra-chu Valley to Lungthang, where you'll acclimate to the increasing altitude while taking in distant mountain views. On the second day, you'll tackle the Lamna La Pass, the highest point of this trek at 5,150 meters, rewarding you with panoramic vistas of the Himalayan range, including glimpses of Everest itself. The descent from the pass leads you to Zombuk Village, a quiet Tibetan settlement where you can interact with local residents and learn about their high-altitude way of life. The final day is the most anticipated: a gentle 11-kilometer hike to Everest Base Camp, where you'll stand at the foot of the world's highest peak, surrounded by towering snow-capped mountains and the quiet grandeur of the Tibetan Plateau. Along the way, you'll pass through rocky valleys and alpine meadows, with each step bringing you closer to the iconic view of Everest's northern face. Accommodation options include camping and basic tent guesthouses, ensuring you're well-rested for each day's adventure. To reach Tingri, many travelers start their journey in Lhasa, spending a few days acclimatizing and exploring landmarks like the Potala Palace and Jokhang Temple before driving through Yamdrok Lake and Shigatse – a scenic detour that adds to the overall experience of Tibetan culture and natural beauty.

Route 2: 8-Day Gama Valley Trek

For adventurers seeking a more immersive and less crowded experience, the 8-day Gama Valley Trek on Everest's eastern slope is a hidden treasure. Often hailed as the most beautiful trekking route in the Everest region, this 111-kilometer trail takes you deep into one of Shigatse's "Four Great Valleys," a pristine area praised by explorers for its unspoiled natural beauty. Unlike the open plateau of the Tingri route, Gama Valley offers a diverse landscape that transitions from lush forests and alpine meadows to crystal-clear lakes and snow-capped peaks, with elevations ranging from 3,750 meters to 5,344 meters at Nangmala Pass. Your journey starts in Youpa, where you'll hike to Showo-tso Pond, a serene lake reflecting the surrounding mountains. As you progress, you'll cross Showola Pass and enter Dolshang, also known as Orchid Valley, where wildflowers bloom in abundance during spring. The trail leads you through Tsonang-tso Lake and Xialong Pasture, where you'll be surrounded by grazing yaks and the sound of Tibetan nomad songs. One of the highlights is the Tangsung Viewing Platform, offering sweeping views of Everest, Lhotse, and Makalu—three of the world's highest peaks. On day five, you'll reach the eastern slope of Everest Base Camp at 5,310 meters, a secluded spot where you can take in the raw beauty of Everest's eastern face without the crowds. The return journey takes you through Ega and Tsosho-rim, culminating in a challenging but rewarding hike over Nangmala Pass before descending to Lhundupling Village. What sets this route apart is its biodiversity: you'll pass through pine forests, rhododendron groves (in full bloom from May to June), and pristine alpine lakes, creating a ever-changing backdrop of colors and textures. This trail is ideal for experienced high-altitude trekkers who crave solitude and want to explore the less-visited parts of the Everest region, as it requires more physical stamina and acclimatization to the varying altitudes. Camping is the main accommodation option here, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the quiet of the mountains.

Route 3: Everest Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp Trek—Currently Unavailable

For those seeking the ultimate challenge, the trek from Everest Base Camp to Advanced Base Camp (ABC) was once a bucket-list adventure. This demanding 5-day route covered 22 kilometers, starting at 5,200 meters and reaching 6,340 meters at ABC—the highest point accessible to trekkers without climbing gear. The trail followed the same path as Everest summiteers, taking you across the Rongbuk Glacier with stunning views of Mount Pumori and Mount Nuptse. Unfortunately, permits for this trek have not been available since 2018, and we'll keep you updated if there are any changes to this policy. While this route is currently off-limits, the Tingri and Gama Valley treks still offer world-class experiences that showcase the best of Everest's Tibetan side.

Conclusion

The trek to Everest Base Camp is amazing, but it's crucial to know your limits and listen to your body when dealing with the high altitude. Pace yourself!