How about the Road to Everest Base Camp? Check the Road Condition and Distance with Real Photos and Route Maps

For many people, the main reason to travel to Tibet is to see the amazing view of Mount Everest. Therefore, as the closest site to appreciate the peak view of Mount Everest in Tibetan side, Everest Base Camp has become one of the most popular destinations among tourists. To help you better prepare your dream trip to Everest Base Camp, here we have listed the detailed facts of road to Everest Base Camp as follows. Read to know about the road condition and distance to Everest Base Camp by real photos.

Location of Everest Base Camp in Tibet

At an altitude of 5200 meters, the Everest Base Camp (EBC) is located in Qomolangma National Nature Reserve, Tingri County, Shigatse Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is about 700 km to the southwest of Lhasa, the provincial capital of Tibet. The base camp is originally set as a protective zone to watch the environment in the core area of Mount Everest. Now it is a popular resort attracting a multitude of travelers at home and abroad.

Overland Road from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp

Route Map of Road from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp

Currently, there is no airport or railway near the Mount Everest region, thus tourists need to drive a long way to the Everest Base Camp. Most people prefer to get to Everest Base Camp from Lhasa by road, as they can visit many amazing sights along the way. The road to Everest Base Camp from Lhasa covers a distance of 613 kilometers, and will pass Gyantse, Shigatse, Lhatse and Tingri, mostly following the well-paved highway. Check the following route map from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp by road.

Road Map from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp (Simple click to enlarge the map)

Road Conditions from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp by Real Photos

The road conditions to Everest Base Camp have been greatly improved in recent years, as more and more tourists come to Tibet for an Everest Base Camp tour. The previous rough road has been reconstructed and replaced by flat asphalt road, through the whole distance from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp. Check the detailed road conditions from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp by real photos as follows.

Section 1: From Lhasa to Shigatse

There are two highways available from Lhasa to Shigatse, both being well-paved asphalt roads. The south route from Lhasa to Shigatse follows S307 Highway across Gyantse, covering a distance of about 340 km. Although it is much longer in the distance, the road is flat and smooth, perfect for driving. Besides, this route is popular among tourists who want to see beautiful natural landscapes, like Yamdrok Lake, Korala Glacier etc.

Smooth Road along Yamdrok Lake from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp

The north route follows the national G318 Road, covering a total distance of about 260 km. The whole route follows the Yarlung Zangbo River. Compared to the south route, travelling along the north route is easier, as it avoids the mountains and hard climbs.

Section 2: From Shigatse to Tingri

The path from Shigatse to Tingri rejoins the G318 Road, thus the road condition is also good. It covers about 240 km in distance and normally takes 4 to 5 hours by driving. There are some sections with gravel roads that require a slow-down. Also, you will need to drive winging roads when climbing mountains, like Tsola Pass (4600m), and Gyatsola Pass (5248m).

Section 3: From Tingri to Everest Base Camp

The road condition from Tingri to Everest Base Camp will be slightly rough, as you will leave G318 and turn to the local road. It will take round 4 hours to reach Everest Base Camp from Tingri across 120 kilometers, due to the winding roads on the way. Before arriving at Everest Base Camp, you will pass the famous Gawula Pass, which is the ideal place to have a panoramic view of Mount Everest and its high peak neighbors across the magnificent Himalayans.

Winding Road from Tingri to Everest Base Camp

Before arriving at Everest Base Camp, tourists need to stop at the Rongbuk Monastery. For no private vehicles are allowed to drive to the base camp for better protection of the environment. It is only 4km from Rongbuk Monastery to the camping site along well-paved rubble road. Tourists can choose to either take the eco-bus to the camp or simply trek there.

Trekking Road from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp

Route Map of Road from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp

For some tourists expecting to experience a trekking tour in Tibet, the road from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp is a perfect one to take. The whole trekking route has a distance of 70 kilometers, and normally takes four days. During the trek, you will pass Lungthang, Lamna La Pass, Zommug, until Rongbuk Monastery, the last stop which is only 4 kilometers to the Everest Base Camp. Check the following route map from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp.

Trekking Map from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp

Road Conditions from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp by Real Photos

Starting from Old Tingri (Tingri Town of Tingri County), the trekking route follows the S218 road and passes several snowy mountains on the way. Small Tibetan villages can be seen at the roadside during the trekking. As for the road condition of the trekking route, there is no need to worry too much. Though physically challenging, the trail is largely flat and board when it goes up and down the mountains. And only common hiking equipment is enough for the trek. It normally takes four days to complete the whole trek from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp.

Stage One: Tingri (4390m) to Lungthang (4510m) (5 hours/12km/150m ascent)

The trek of the first day is easy and relaxing as the route basically goes through plains and valleys with small ascent. You will pass through some local villages and a small Gompa on the way, until reach the campsite at Lung Thang. When you pass the Ra-chu Valley, you will see beautiful scenery of extensive meadows with herds.

Stage Two: Lungthang to Lamna La (5150m) (8 hours/21km/200m ascent)

On the second day, the trek will become challenging since the trail will go up into mountains. You will do a strenuous climb as you ascend to the top of Lamna La Pass (5150m). Once you reach the campsite atop the mountain pass, you will see spectacular vista of surrounding mountain peaks, which makes the trek worthwhile and rewarding.

Trek to Lamna La Pass

Stage Three: Lamna La to Zommug (4790m) (8 hours/22km/360m descent)

On the third day, the trail will follows a deep descent towards the barren fields of Zommug village at 4790 meters. You will probably encounter yak herders on the way. And the Mount Everest will become visible as you enter Zommug.

Stage Four: Zommug to Rongbuk (4980m) and EBC (5200m) (15km/6hours/290m ascent)

On the last day, you will first hike to Rongbuk Monastery (4980m) along an arduous and adventurous trail. Rongbuk Monastery is the highest monastery in the world and a great place to take in breathtaking sight of Mount Everest. The monastery can also provide an overnight stay for a good rest. Then from Rongbuk monastery, it is a 4km walk along dirt road to the base camp at 5200 meters.

Finally trekking to Rongbuk Monastery to see the Everest Peak.

The road from Old Tingri to Everest Base Camp is a world-class trekking route, which will offer a truly awe-inspiring journey for tourists. While strong will and good physical strength are required for the trek. Therefore tourists are suggested to choose the most appropriate road to Everest Base Camp by overland or trekking, based on your own situation and schedule of your Tibet tour. But no matter which road to take, the journey to Everest Base Camp will be a lifetime experience for you to memorize.