Qomolangma

Qomolangma (Chomolangma/Chomolungma) is the Tibetan name for Mount Everest and translates to "Goddess Mother of Snows". It's the world's highest peak at 8,848 m. The border between Nepal and China passes through the peak of Mt. Qomolangma.

History

• It was first climbed by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, summitted from the Nepalese or southern side of the mountain.

Landscape

Flora and fauna

Climate

The best season to visit is May to October, but the peak is often covered in clouds from July to August. Snow can be found on the Tingri Route around October.

The Everest Base Camp (EBC), elevation 5200 m, is about 800 km (500 mi) southwest of Lhasa. Due to the distance and the high elevation of EBC, it takes a few days to drive from Lhasa. There are two main trekking routes and an access road for Land Cruisers (which can be arranged in Lhasa or Shigatse).

• Peruche Route - Shelkar - Checkpoint on Friendship Hwy - 200 m after 5145 km Marker on Friendship Hwy - Chay Village - Pang La Pass - Peruche Village - Paksum village - Choesang Village - Rongbuk Monastery - Jomolangma (Everest) Base Camp (this route mainly follows the roadway to Base Camp from the Friendship Hwy)
• Tingri Route - Tingri - Lungjang Village - Lamma La Pass - Zommug Village - Rongbuk Monastery - Jomolangma (Everest) Base Camp (recommend a guide for this trek)

Permits cost $7,000 per person from Tibet compared to $11,000 from Nepal. Note that the permit fee only gives permission to climb and does not cover insurance. As a general rule and best practice, most guide companies will require evacuation insurance and medical coverage. It is also recommended to take an insurance policy that includes trip cancellation.

Tibet is known to offer a different and interesting view of the mountain's North Face. The view of Everest or Qomolangma, from the Tibetian side gives a clear, sweeping view of the mountain. Notable places to visit are:

• Rongbuk Monastery (Dzarongpu Gompa) - located at the foot of the glaciers on north face of Mt Qomolangma, highest monastery in the world.
• Qomolangma (Everest) Base Camp - start location for climbers up the north side of Mt. Qomolangma.

Food is available at Benba Guesthouse in Tashidzom and the Snowman Hotel in Pasum.

Lodging

Staying at private houses, teahouses, or lodges is the most common practice. You can also choose an agency that provides camping accommodation throughout the trek. At Rongbuk Monastery, lodging is available but you must bring your own food.

Camping

Lodging in tents is available at Jomolangma (Everest) Base Camp. Picking a good tent can sometimes be an issue. There is no problem when there is no snowfall. Some tents are not maintained well and get leaks when the snow melts.

Backcountry

Learn to recognize signs of altitude sickness before going and descend immediately if you or anyone in your party shows symptoms of this condition.