If you want to conquer the peak or looking for the way to Everest Base Camp, it is important to understand what to expect along the way. The road to Mount Everest on the Tibetan side is a well-paved highway leading directly to the base camp, while the road to Everest Base Camp in Nepal is almost trekking trail. And both sides of Mount Everest offer climbing routes to the summit, each with different levels of difficulty and price.

Here, we will explore the road conditions to Everest Base Camp and the route to the summit. Let’s discover the way to Mount Everest together.

Road & Road Condition to the Everest Base Camp of China Tibet and Nepal Side

The road to Everest Base Camp on the northern side of China Tibet follows the famous Friendship Highway, connecting to the Zhufeng Road at Tingri, Shigatse. Whether you are traveling to Tibet Everest Base Camp from Lhasa or Kathmandu, you can drive along the well-paved asphalt road directly to the base camp.

You can drive directly to Everest Base Camp in Tibet along the well-paved road.

The Friendship Highway, connecting China and Nepal, is in good condition, with mostly asphalt roads that are flat and easy to travel, especially the sections in China. If you travel from Lhasa to Everest Base Camp, you will pass by the turquoise Yamdrok Lake, the ancient town of Gyangtse, and Shigatse, the second largest city of Tibet, which is the most popular travel route in Tibet. After one night stay in Shigatse, you will head to Tingri to join the route to Everest Base Camp.

If you start your Tibet Everest Base Camp tour from Kathmandu, you will enter China Tibet at Gyirong Port and follow the Friendship Highway to Tingri.

Once you arrive in Tingri, you will turn into the Zhufeng Road, a smooth but winding road leading directly to the base camp. After entering the Qomolangma Nature Reserve, you’ll take an eco-bus for a 40-minute drive to the northern Everest Base Camp - no trekking or hiking needed.

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In contrast, there is no road leading directly to Everest Base Camp in Nepal. However, there are world-class trekking trails to the southern Everest Base Camp on the Nepal side. Even though there is a rough road connecting Kathmandu and Lukla, most trekkers and tourists prefer to fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, where to start the Everest trek in Nepal.

The Everest trekking trail from Lukla passes through picturesque Sherpa villages and dense forests, offering a lively and vibrant scene of the Himalayas. Along the trekking trail, there are teahouses and guesthouses offering simple food and accommodations for trekkers from around the world. Generally, the trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp in Nepal takes about 12 to 14 days.

The roads to Mount Everest on the Nepal side are more like trekking trails.

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Road & Road Condition to the Summit of Mt.Everest of China Tibet and Nepal Side

There is no traditional road to the summit of Mount Everest but mainly relies on climbing routes. For a lifetime Mount Everest climbing expedition, you need to have sufficient physical fitness, technology, and high-altitude adaptation ability, and find the best route according to your experience and budget.

The southern climbing route to the summit of Everest from Nepal is an extension of the Everest Base Camp trekking trail from Lukla. It takes more days to acclimatize to the increasing altitude.

The South Col Route of Everest is more developed, making commercial mountaineering services in Nepal better established. Although the famous Khumbu Icefall on the way is dangerous, professional Sherpa teams set up ropes and ladders, which further reduces the difficulty of climbing.

The southern route to the summit of Mt.Everest in Nepal is heavily affected by the monsoon, which makes the climbing window for Everest in Nepal quite short, only from late April to mid-May.

Climb Mount Everest from the Nepal side with experienced Sherpa teams.

On the other hand, the Northeast Ridge Route of Everest in China Tibet is more direct. Since the altitude rises faster and the adaptation time is shorter, the risk of high-altitude sickness is higher. The physical fitness and experience required for climbing the Everest summit from the northern side are more stringent.

Compared with the southern route, the commercial mountaineering service and logistical support of the northern route are relatively simple at a lower price. Since the northern slope of Mount Everest in China Tibet is less affected by the monsoon, the window period is longer with relatively stable weather.

Climbing Mount Everest from Tibet (China) is more challenging than from the southern route in Nepal.

Can Foreign Tourists Drive the Road to Everest Base Camp?

Yes, it is! The self-drive tour in Tibet is now available for foreign tourists. You can now enjoy a self-drive tour to Everest Base Camp in Tibet either from Lhasa or Kathmandu.

The required travel documents for a self-drive journey to Everest Base Camp in Tibet include a Chinese Visa, the Tibet Travel Permit, the Aliens’ Travel Permit, and a Chinese Temporary Driving License.

With local offices in both Lhasa and Kathmandu, we, at Tibet Vista, ensure an easy and comfortable self-driving experience with guaranteed travel permits and hassle-free tour arrangements. We offer local vehicle rental services with well-conditioned vehicles and experienced local travel guides offering co-pilot driving services.

You can also drive your own car or ride your motorcycle to Everest Base Camp after completing the relevant procedures. Just feel free to share your travel ideas with us, and we will assist in arranging the seamless self-driving experience at Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

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Can Regular Tourists Get to the Summit of Mt.Everest?

Regular tourists can attempt to summit Mount Everest from the Nepal side, where well-established commercial mountaineering services are available and the route is relatively less challenging compared to the northern side in Tibet, China.

However, it is restricted for foreign tourists to summit Mount Everest from the northern side. You don’t only need a Chinese Visa, the Tibet Travel Permit, and local travel documents to visit the Everest region, but also need a specific mountaineering permit.

As a regular tourist, the highest point you can reach in Tibet is Everest Base Camp at around 5,200 meters above sea level.

Ordinary tourists can easily reach Everest Base Camp by vehicle, without the need for hiking or trekking.

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It’s Much Easier to Get Closer to Mount Everest in Tibet, China

If you are looking for a journey close up to Mount Everest, it is best to choose the road to Everest from Tibet, China. At over 5,000 meters above sea level, the Everest Base Camp in Tibet offers a breathtaking view of the peak of Mount Everest. And with the high-quality road to Everest Base Camp in Tibet, you can reach up to the base camp without trekking or hiking. Less physical demands as even kids can get a close view of Mount Everest from the base camp.

The popular Lhasa to Everest Base Camp tour takes only 8 days, covering all essentials along the way with a night stay at the base camp. While standing at the northern base camp in Tibet, you can see the top of the world is just in front of you like a huge pyramid. En route, you can also enjoy a panoramic view of the highest peaks of the Himalayas at Gawula Pass and witness Mount Everest from different perspectives at several viewpoints.

The best time to visit Everest Base Camp in Tibet is April, May, September, and October, which offers the finest weather and clear views of mountain peaks.

Even families with kids can enjoy a hassle-free trip to Everest Base Camp in Tibet.

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Conclusion

The road to Everest Base Camp in Tibet is better with good asphalt roads leading to the base camp directly, while only trekking trails reach the Everest Base Camp in Nepal. However, for Mount Everest climbing, the South Col Route of Everest is easier and more accessible for foreign mountaineers to conquer Mount Everest.

As the only Tibetan travel agency with local offices in both Lhasa and Kathmandu, we are here to help you find the best way to Mount Everest. Whether looking for a close look up to the summit of Mount Everest or seeking a classic trek to the base camp, we ensure a worry-free Everest travel experience with reliable local services at the most reasonable price. Feel free to contact us to make your Everest dream come true.