Introduction: The Ultimate Everest Perspective
Many people know there is Everest Base Camp (EBC) in Nepal, but very few know there is another base camp, on the Tibetan side. Everest base camp in Tibet is located at an altitude of 5,150 meters (16,900 feet), which you can reach directly by using road transportation. From the Everest base camp trekking through Camp I, Interim Camp, and Camp 2, you will reach Everest Advance Base Camp(ABC) in just 4-5 Days.
Everest Advance Base Camp(Tibet Side) is located at an altitude of around 6,500 meters, and from here you can see the iconic close view of the north face of Mount Everest. Other incredible views of the mountain include: Changtse (7,543 m), Lhakpa Ri (7,045 m), Pumori (7,161 m), Rongbuk Glacier Peaks, including North Peak / Changtse Ridge Peaks.
Here are the main highlights of Everest Advanced Base Camp (Tibet Side)
- Close-Up North Face View of Mount Everest with a Clear view of the North Ridge, North Col, and famous climbing steps.
- Reach 6,500 Meters Without Technical Climbing
- Trek Through the Historic Rongbuk Glacier
- See major peaks like Changtse, Lhakpa Ri, Pumori, and multiple 6,000 m peaks around Rongbuk.
- Visit Rongbuk Monastery – The World’s Highest Monastery
- Witness desert landscapes, wide valleys, yak caravans, and Tibetan settlements.
- Less crowded viewpoint compared to the Nepal side.
- Walk on the same path used by the 1921, 1922, and 1924 British expeditions.
Everest Advance Base Camp (EABC): Quick Facts
| Fact | Details |
| Location | North side of Mount Everest, Tibet Autonomous Region |
| Altitude | 6,500 meters (21,325 feet) |
| Trek Starting Point | Rongbuk / Everest Base Camp (Tibet) |
| Trek Duration | 5–6 days (round trip from EBC) |
| Total Trek Distance | Approx. 22 km one-way |
| Difficulty Level | Very strenuous (high altitude, glacier terrain) |
| Best View | North Face of Mt. Everest, North Ridge, and North Col |
| Main Peaks Visible | Everest, Changtse, Lhakpa Ri, Pumori |
| Best Season | April–May & September–October |
| Terrain | Glacier, rocky moraine, high-altitude desert |
| Permit Required | Tibet Travel Permit + Alien Travel Permit + Everest Permit |
| Highest Non-Technical Point | One of the highest trekking points in the world reachable without climbing gear |
| Nearest Monastery | Rongbuk Monastery ( altitude 4,980 to 5,154 meters) |
Why Trek to Everest Advance Base Camp (EABC): The Unique Appeal
Trekking to the Everest Advance base camp is not only reaching the highest point, but on this adventure here you can visit and explore:
- Breathtaking Views: Iconic close view of Everest’s North face and other fascinating peaks, including Himalayan glaciers.
- Close to Expeditions: Trekkers can observe how Everest Expeditions groups prepare and stage before heading for the summit.
- Extreme High-Altitude Challenge: Even though there is no technical part involved in this trek and you don’t have to use the Climbing gear, this trek demands a high level of physical and mental fitness.
- Cultural Immersion: On this trip, you will get the chance to understand the Buddhist culture, religion, values, and traditions that have been followed for centuries by the local Tibetan people.
- Peaceful Adventure: Nepal Everest base is always busy and crowded, so if you choose the Advanced base camp trek( Tibet side), it is peaceful and relaxing due to less number of tourists.
- Journey through Tibet: Tibet, also known as the land of heaven due to the presence of holy Mt. Kailash, travelling here is like doing a spiritual journey.
Planning Your Everest Advance Base Camp (EABC): The Essentials
Before heading for the strenuous trekking in the Everest Advance Base Camp (EABC), it is important to have proper preparation for a safe and adventurous trip. This preparation guide will help you understand trekking routes, altitude challenges, packing essentials, acclimatization tips, required permits, and safety measures. Let’s look at the important things you should focus on while preparing for EABC:
Permits & Visa: The Red Tape
- Chinese Visa: Tibet is an autonomous part of China, so to enter here, you must obtain a Chinese visa. Recently, China has allowed visa-free entry for nationals of 47 countries; if you are not on the list, you must obtain a visa in advance.
- Tibet Travel Permit(TTP): This TTP is a must for all foreign tourists who want to enter the Tibetan mainland. This permit can be obtained only with the help of a tour operator.
- Alien’s Travel Permit: To travel outside Lhasa, it is necessary to have this Alien’s Travel Permit.
- Group Travel Requirement: The government has strictly banned solo travel or trek in Tibet for foreign tourists. So you must have a local licensed guide with you, and you must go with an organized tour. There will be no changes in the itinerary once the permit is issued.
Best Time to Go
Spring (April – May): One of the best seasons to visit Tibet for the Everest Advance Base Camp is in the month of spring. During this time, trekkers can find comfortable trekking conditions due to moderate temperatures, stable weather, and clear views.
Autumn (September – October): Another prime season for the Everest Advance Base Camp trekking is during autumn due to perfect weather conditions, clear sky, and warm daytime temperature.
Monsoon( June-August): Trekking during the monsoon/summer season in Tibet for the Everest Advanced Base Camp is possible, but people avoid this season due to possible rainfall and poor visibility.
Winter (Nov-March): Winter is the off-season for trekking in Tibet and to the Everest Advanced Base Camp. You can expect heavy snowfall at high altitudes, extreme cold, and freezing temperatures. Due to this safety issue, we don’t recommend trekking in winter.
Cost & Budgeting
Total Cost: The average cost for the 14-17 Days Everest Advance Base Camp trek is $1,500 to $4,500 USD per person. However, the exact cost of the trip package depends on the tour operator, itinerary days, level of service, and things included in the package.
What’s Included: Most of the tour operators arrange these things for you when you book the package with them: Chinese group visa, Permits, Tibetan guide, driver, vehicle, accommodation, food (three meals), and entrance fees.
What’s Excluded: International flights, personal trekking gear, travel insurance, tips, personal expenses, snacks, and additional services.
Choosing a Reputable Tour Operator
The overall experience of the Everest Advance Base Camp trek also depends on the tour operator you choose for traveling. So make sure to choose the reputed and licensed tour operators that possess this quality:
- Previous experience of organising tours and high altitude treks in Tibet
- Holds a government licence to run the company.
- Handle all the essential things that are required for the trek, like permits, a licensed guide, supportive staff( porters, skill driver), food, and accommodation.
- Your tour operator must know how to handle an emergency situation.
- Holds the best review and reputation on social media or a website.
- Have a clear cost revealed in the package without any hidden fees.
Physical Preparation & Training
During the Advance Everest base camp trekking, even though you will only trek for 4-5 days, you must have solid physical fitness to participate. Trekking at high altitude is no joke, as it possesses several risks such as altitude sickness, exhaustion, cold-related illnesses, slips, falls, or injuries. So to prepare physically, you should focus on these things:
- Regularly active: Daily walking, regular exercise, jogging, running
- Cardiovascular fitness: Running, cycling, or swimming
- Strength: Improve leg strength by doing squats, lunges, and deadlifts
- Hiking Experience: Join a multi-day hike in your country
- Altitude Simulation (Optional): Be familiar with high-altitude areas
- Mental Toughness: Do meditation, Yoga, and learn breathing techniques
Health & Safety at Extreme Altitude
This Advance Base Camp trek is graded as a strenuous trek, and even though there is no involvement of a technical section, the main priority is to be safe. So here are some important tips that will help you to remain safe at high altitudes of Tibet during trek:
Symptoms and Prevention against Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS):
- Symptoms: Headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, sleeplessness.
- Prevention: Slow ascent, hydration, proper acclimatization, and avoiding alcohol/smoking.
- Treatment: Altitude sickness medicine(Diamox) is preventive medicine, but it will not treat one you have caught. Descent is only the cure; if your altitude sickness worse, seek immediate evacuation.
Acclimatization Strategy
- Follow the “Climb high, sleep low” principle.
- If you have pre-existing serious health conditions( lung, heart, or respiratory disease), avoid this trek.
- Check your health conditions before starting the trip, and if necessary, consult with a doctor about the trip and carry personal medication.
- Listen to your body, and if you find any difficulties while walking, inform your trekking guide immediately.
- Get proper rest and sleep at high altitude.
- Take enough food and water to remain fit.
Travel & High-Altitude Rescue Insurance:
Some tour agencies might ask you for Travel and health insurance before you start your Advance Everest Base Camp trek. We, Peaceful Nepal, also highly recommend you have insurance so that it will be helpful during an emergency situation and in case of flight delays, illness, or trip cancellation due to weather issues.
Before you purchase insurance, let’s see what things your policy must cover:
- Trekking risk up to 7,000m.
- Emergency helicopter evacuation and medical treatment.
- Flight Delays or Missed Connections
- Trip cancellation due to weather, illness, or personal emergencies.
- Lost or Delayed Baggage
- Repatriation
The Journey Itself: What to Expect On The Ground
To help you understand the Everest Advance Base Camp trek better, we have brought this 16-day itinerary outline for you.
16 Days Everest Advance Base Camp Trek Itinerary Outline
| Day | Itinerary | Highlights |
| 1 | Arrival in Kathmandu(1,400m) | Welcome, hotel transfer, trek briefing |
| 2 | Fly Kathmandu → Lhasa(3,656m) | Scenic flight, explore Lhasa city |
| 3 | Lhasa Sightseeing | Potala Palace, Jokhang Temple, Barkhor Street |
| 4 | Lhasa → Shigatse(3,900m) | Drive through Tibetan villages, visit Tashilhunpo Monastery |
| 5 | Shigatse → Shegar(4,350m) | Cross high passes, views of Himalayas |
| 6 | Shegar → Rongbuk Monastery(4,980m) | Visit the world’s highest monastery |
| 7 | Rongbuk → Everest Base Camp (North)5,200m | Reach EBC North, acclimatization walk |
| 8 | Acclimatization at EBC North | Short hikes, altitude preparation |
| 9 | Trek EBC →Camp1(5,760m) | Trek across glacial moraine |
| 10 | Camp1→ Interim Camp(5,960m) | Optional high-altitude hike, return to Interim Camp |
| 11 | Interim Camp → Camp 2(6,340m) | Reach Camp 2 with close Everest views |
| 12 | Camp2 → ABC (6,500m)and return to Camp 2 | Explore Advanced Base Camp, return to Camp 2 |
| 13 | Camp 2 → Everest base camp( Tibet side)(5,200m) | Descend to EBC North |
| 14 | Everest base camp( Tibet side)→Shigatse(3,900m) | Long drive back to Shigatse |
| 15 | Shigatse→Lhasa (3,656m) | Return to Lhasa |
| 16 | Departure to home country | Trip ends |
Practical Tips For a Successful Trek
Packing List (Key Items)
You can bring your trekking gear and clothing items from your home for the Everest Advance Base Camp Trek. But if you need to buy or want to rent, then you can do that here in the Thamel area of Kathmandu, Nepal. You can find all the trekking equipment and rent it at a cheap cost.
Let’s see the basic packing list for this Everest Advance Base Camp Trek
Clothing & Layering:
- Thermal base layers
- Fleece or warm mid-layer
- Down jacket (high-altitude suitable)
- Waterproof jacket and pants
- Trekking pants and quick-dry shirts
- Warm gloves, hats, buff, and socks
Footwear:
- Strong trekking boots
- Comfortable camp shoes
- Extra wool socks
Trekking Gear:
- Sleeping bag (-20°C to -30°C rated)
- Trekking poles
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Sunglasses (UV-protected)
- Backpack (35–45L)
Personal Essentials:
- Water bottles or hydration bladder
- Sunscreen, lip balm
- Personal toiletries
- Basic first-aid kit
- Wet wipes and hand sanitizer
- Documents & Permits:
Passport
- Tibet Travel Permit
- Chinese Visa
- Travel insurance documents
Electronics:
- Power bank
- Camera or phone
- Universal adapter
Food & Accommodation: What To Expect
Food: From Lhasa to the Rongbuk( Tibet side), you will stay in the hotels/guest houses. You will have your meal in the local restaurant. This restaurant only serves the traditional Tibetan dishes such as thukpa (noodle soup), momos (dumplings), tsampa (barley flour porridge), fried rice, and yak meat dishes. You can choose the veg and non-veg meals, but you won’t find any international dishes here. While staying in the tent, your tour organiser will arrange a cook and other supportive staff, and they will arrange the meal for you. During your stay in the tent, you can expect very simple, limited food items.
Accommodation: Most of the tour operators will arrange a comfortable 3-star lodge in Tibet during the Everest Advance Base Camp Trek. You will stay in a dormitory-style room. You can get the facilities of a bathroom, wifi, and toilets in most of the places where you will stay. Above the Everest base camp( Tibet side), your tour operator will set up the tent for you to stay.
Cultural Etiquette:
- Respect monasteries, local customs, and people.
- Always walk in a clockwise direction if you are visiting a monastery.
- Dress modestly, especially in religious sites.
- Ask permission before taking photos of local people.
Communication & Connectivity:
Chinese SIM: You can buy the local Chinese SIM from Lhasa during your journey to the Everest Advance Base Camp Trek. You can use the SIM to communicate with your family and loved ones. Remember, the popular apps like Facebook, Whatsapp, Twitter, and Instagram do not work due to the Chinese government policy. To use this app, you can use a VPN.
Satellite phones: At high altitude, there is no network connection, so your trek guide will use the satellite phones in an emergency situation.
Leave No Trace Principles:
- Respect the mountain region’s beautiful environment by not throwing trash here and there.
- Always throw the trash in the designated areas.
- Use designated toilets.
Beyond ABC: For the Truly Ambitious (and Permitted)
For trekkers who are looking to go further beyond the Everest Advanced Base Camp (ABC), the higher camps, such as North Col (7,000 m / 23,000 ft) it are strictly not permitted. Only the climbers who have a climbing permit are allowed to go because it is a part of the mountaineering expedition route.
Conclusion: An Unforgettable Achievement
The Advance Everest Base Camp trek is one of the unique ways to reach the high altitude areas of Mount Everest. It can be a perfect destination for those who want to get a close view of Mt Everest with some challenges. We hope that the above guide helps you understand the Advance Everest Base Camp trek. If you have confusion, queries, questions, or want to join the trip, then make sure to contact Peaceful Nepal Treks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Is EABC dangerous?
A: Compared to the Everest base camp( Nepal) side, the Everest Advance Base Camp trek is quite challenging but is manageable when planned and prepared early.
Q: Do I need climbing experience?
A: No, you need to have previous climbing experience, but if you have, then it will be advantageous for you. Previous high altitude climbs are a must to participate in this Everest Advance Base Camp trek
Q: Can I go alone?
A: No, solo travelling is not permitted in Tibet due to the foreign situation, so you must have a licensed guide with you and travel through an organised tour agency.
Q: What’s the accommodation like at ABC?
A: You will stay in a comfortable hotel lodge in the lower Tibet region. Above Rongbuk, you will stay in the tent, which will be set up by your tour agency staff.
Q: How cold does it get?
A: You can expect cold and dry weather in Tibet, and temperatures in the higher-altitude mountain regions can be very low, especially at night.
Q: What about food and water safety?
A: You will eat in the local restaurant, which provides safe local food. For drinking water, you can buy a water bottle or refill hot water from the restaurant.
Q: How much money should I bring for this Everest Advance Base Camp?
A: While most things will be covered in the Everest Advance Base Camp trekking package, you will need some currency for things like buying snacks, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, tips, and personal purchases. You can carry around USD 200–300 for the entire trek. Remember, only local currency works inside Tibet.