What to Eat on an Everest Tour in Tibet

The trip from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp covers over 700 kilometers and usually takes 4 days, with stops in key towns that offer some original dining options.

Your first stop after Lhasa will likely be Gyantse or Nagarze County, where you can grab lunch at local restaurants along the road. Here, you'll find simple but tasty dishes like stir-fried vegetables, tomato and egg stir-fry, and Tibetan noodles—warm, easy-to-digest meals that are perfect for fueling up for the drive. Shigatse, Tibet's second-largest city, is another key stop where you'll spend a night or two. Shigatse has a wider range of options, from cozy Tibetan teahouses serving sweet tea and tsampa to Sichuan-style restaurants—ideal if you're craving something spicy after a day on the road. You can also try a Tibetan pastry filled with minced yak meat and onions, or thukpa, a hearty noodle soup that's popular across the plateau there.

Near the Everest Scenic Area: Dining in Tashi Dzom Township and Basong Village

As you enter the Tingri Himalayas scenic area, about 100 kilometers from Everest Base Camp, dining options become more limited—but still offer delicious, authentic choices. The first great spot to stop is Tashi Dzom Township, the largest village on the way to Everest. Perched at 4,200 meters, this village is a popular resting point for tourists, with small family-run restaurants serving traditional Tibetan dishes. Try the yak meat dumplings here—juicy, flavorful, and packed with protein—or a bowl of warm Tibetan noodles topped with chili sauce. Dining here is also a great way to acclimatize to the higher altitude before heading to Everest Base Camp. Another excellent stop is Basong Village, 30 kilometers from Rongbuk Monastery. The village's restaurants have a more comfortable setting, and many offer stunning views of Everest right from your table. The altitude here is also gentler (around 4,200 meters), making it a good place to stay overnight if you're feeling mild altitude sickness. You'll find similar Tibetan specialties here, plus simple Chinese dishes like fried rice and vegetable stir-fries—all made with fresh, local ingredients.

At Everest Base Camp: Dining in Tent Guesthouses and Rongbuk Monastery

Once you reach Everest Base Camp, located at 5,200 meters, dining options are simple but warm and satisfying. There are no permanent buildings here, so most meals are served in yak-hair tent guesthouses run by local Tibetans from nearby villages. These tents are cozy hubs where travelers from all over the world gather around a central stove—used for cooking during the day and heating at night—to share meals and stories. The menu here is straightforward: think warm Tibetan noodles, tsampa, sweet tea, and simple stir-fries like tomato and egg or stir-fried cabbage. You can also find hotpot in some tents—though it's a simple version with vegetables, instant noodles, and canned meat, it's incredibly comforting on a cold evening at high altitude. Breakfasts are hearty too, with pancakes, fried eggs, and plenty of hot tea to warm you up before heading out to watch the Everest sunrise. If you prefer a slightly more spacious setting, the restaurant at Rongbuk Monastery serves similar simple dishes and hot drinks.

Conclusion

Given the unique dining experience, you may find it useful to bring along some of your favorite snacks. They can provide a familiar boost when you need quick energy between meals.