Tsang - Tibet - page 318

Sleeping & Eating
Rongphu Monastery Guesthouse GUESTHOUSE
(, Róngbù Sì Zhāodàisuǒ 136 2892 1359; dm ¥60, tw without bathroom ¥200)
The monastery-run guesthouse at Rongphu is probably the most comfortable place to stay
at Everest. The private rooms with proper beds tend to be warmer than the tent camp and
there's certainly more privacy. The best value is a bed in a four-bed room. All rooms share
the pit toilets. Come the evenings everyone huddles around the yak dung stove in the cosy
restaurant (dishes ¥25 to ¥40).
Tent Camp TENTS
(dm ¥60; end Mar-mid-Oct)
The main alternative to staying at Rongphu is this motley collection of yak-hair tents.
Don't expect much privacy: tents sleep six people (your host and perhaps one or two of
their relatives will be sharing the space with you) in an open area around the central stove.
Even with the fire going it's still bloody cold. Simple meals (¥25) and drinks are available.
Bear in mind that in July and August up to 500 people bunk down here at night, with
everyone sharing the two pit toilets, so it's no surprise that they rank as some of the worst
in Tibet. Be careful with your belongings as the tents are open all the time and offer no se-
curity. It's best to leave everything in your 4WD if possible. Some tents can get smoky in-
side.
Blankets are provided but you're better off with a sub-zero sleeping bag.
Chomolongma Benba Guesthouse GUESTHOUSE
( 139 0892 0952; Tashi Dzom; dm ¥60, d ¥160)
If you want to break up the drive to Everest, or want to avoid sleeping at high elevation,
this family home in the village of Tashi Dzom has several rooms and a cosy restaurant. At
4150m, it's 1000m lower than Base Camp, which will make a vital difference if you are
experiencing symptoms of AMS. A large, modern hotel is due to open in the village in
2015.
Guāngjǐngtái Bīnguăn HOTEL