Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
ow of Everest. Get caught wearing shorts and a T-shirt when a sudden rain or snowfall hits
and you could be in serious trouble.
The Chinese maintain a small military presence at Everest Base Camp to deal with any
potential trouble, which includes attempts to camp or trek past Base Camp (you can only
trek past Base Camp if you have special trekking permits). Mostly, however, they are there
to jump on any Tibetan-flag waving political activists.
Sights
Rongphu Monastery
BUDDHIST, MONASTERY
(admission ¥25)
Although religious centres have existed in the region since around the 8th century, Rong-
phu Monastery (4980m) is now the main Buddhist centre in the valley. While not of great
antiquity, Rongphu can at least lay claim to being the highest monastery in Tibet and, thus,
the world. It's worth walking the short kora path around the monastery's exterior walls.
The monastery and its large chörten make a superb photograph with Everest thrusting its
head skyward in the background.
Rongphu was established with the name Dongnga Chöling in 1902 by the Nyingmapa
lama Tsedru Ngawan Tenzin. It has traditionally coordinated the activities of around a
dozen smaller religious institutions, all of which are now ruined. Renovation work has
been ongoing since 1983, and some of the interior murals are superb. Upstairs is a large
statue of Guru Rinpoche. Unusually, the 38 monks and nuns currently share the monastery,
though new accommodation is being built for the nuns next to the monastery guesthouse.
For a great hike follow the walking trail south from the monastery for 30 minutes to the
ruins of
Rong Chong
, Rongphu's former meditation retreat. En route you'll pass a ruined
nunnery, which is still home to a couple of nuns in retreat. If in doubt about the way, fol-
low the electricity poles. Below the ruins, next to the road, is a set of springs.
Tent Camp
CAMP
About 4km beyond Rongbuk in the direction of Base Camp is this messy corral of yak-
hair tents (5050m), parked Land Cruisers and souvenir stalls. This is the furthest point
vehicles can drive to; from here you'll have to walk the final 4km to Everest Base Camp or
