Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
take a minibus (¥25 return). A small post office (surely the world's highest?) offers the
chance to send a postcard from Everest.
Don't come expecting an isolated camp of welcoming nomads - Tibetans from Tashi
Dzom and other nearby villages run the tents like small hotels. It's a scrappy location for
sure but the views towards Everest's north face are amazing.
So that no one tent gets too much business, each tent is allowed a maximum of five
tourists. Large groups are divided into different tents, and some groups have reported that
they were not even allowed to eat together in the same tent. A few tents have beer for sale
if you are in the mood to celebrate but be very circumspect about drinking at this altitude.
Everest Base Camp
CAMP
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Endowed with springs, Everest Base Camp (5150m) was first used by the 1924 British
Everest expedition. Tourists are not allowed to visit the expedition tents a few hundred
metres away but you can clamber up the small hill festooned with prayer flags for great
views of the star attraction.
Most people have their photo taken at the 'Mt Qomolangma Base Camp' marker, which
indicates that you are at 5200m above sea level. (Other measurements have it at 5020m or
5150m.) The springs are just to the left of this marker.
Note that you can get mobile phone reception at Base Camp. Phone a friend. They'll be
thrilled.
