Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Tingri
elev 4330m
The village of Tingri (Dìngrì or Tingri Gankar), 142km from Lhatse, comprises a gritty
kilometre-long strip of restaurants, guesthouses and truck repair workshops lining the
Friendship Hwy. Sometimes called Old Tingri, it overlooks a sweeping plain bordered by
towering Himalayan peaks and is a usual overnight stop for tours heading to or from the
Nepali border. On clear days there are stunning views of Cho Oyu from Tingri; if you
can't make it to Everest Base Camp, at least pause here and take in the Himalayan eye-
candy. Newcomers from Kathmandu will likely experience some symptoms of altitude
sickness if they have not acclimatised in Nyalam.
You can drive up the hill overlooking Tingri to the ruins that remain of
Tingri Dzong
after it was destroyed by Nepali invaders in the late 18th century. On the plains between
Shegar and Tingri, dozens more ruins that shared the same fate can be seen from the
Friendship Hwy.
It is possible to trek between Everest Base Camp and Tingri or vice versa, though much
of the route now follows a dirt road. If you are heading to Base Camp by vehicle there is a
rough 4WD track from Tingri.
In Tingri, entry tickets to Qomolangma Nature Reserve are available at an office within
the compound of the
Snow Leopard Guesthouse
(
156 9262 6148, 826 3006; rm 110)
.
Sleeping
Most places look like truckers' motels, which fits the mood because Tingri is little more
than a truck stop en route to other places. Expect to see basic double rooms set around a
dusty main courtyard with pit toilets. All are essentially overpriced.
Tingri Snowland Hotel
HOTEL
(, Dìngrì Xuěyù Fàndiàn 152 0801 9009; dm/d/tr ¥35/100/120)
About 800m west of the centre of town, Snowland enjoys fine Himalayan views but the
rooms are poky, with cloth-covered walls and basic mattresses. The restaurant has a large
menu. Showers cost ¥10.
