Everest North Base Camp

The Rongbuk valley runs due south from the Tibetan plateau to the north face of Everest, so the mountain stands at the head of it, framed and unobstructed, which is why this view is the most photographed of the peak from any side. Rongbuk monastery, at around 4,980 metres, is generally described as the highest monastery in the world, and the tourist base camp lies a few kilometres beyond it at about 5,150 metres, reached now by shuttle rather than private vehicle. The valley holds a glacier below the face, and the mountain is clear far more often in the pre-monsoon and post-monsoon windows.

The landscape

• The north face - Everest at the head of the Rongbuk valley.
• Rongbuk monastery - generally described as the highest monastery in the world, below the peak.
• The glacier - the Rongbuk ice descending from the face.
• The night sky - exceptional stars at 5,000 metres in clear weather.

When to go

April to May and September to October give the clearest views; the summer monsoon covers the mountain for weeks and winter brings extreme cold and wind. Access arrangements change and should be checked.

What to expect

Altitude above 5,000 metres is a serious health risk and many visitors sleep badly or become ill. Access rules, shuttle arrangements and how far visitors may go have changed repeatedly. Accommodation is basic tented lodging.

Nearby

Tingri lies north; Shigatse is northeast.