Which Side of the World's Highest Mountain?
Plan My Trip →Mount Everest can be approached from two sides: the north side in Tibet (China) and the south side in Nepal. Each offers a radically different experience. This guide compares the two Base Camps to help you choose the right adventure.
The Chinese side offers the famous view of Everest's north face from Rongbuk Monastery — the highest monastery in the world. Access is by vehicle to the North Base Camp at about 5,200 meters, making it the easiest way to get close to Everest without trekking for weeks.
The Nepali side is the classic trekking route to South Base Camp (5,364m) — a 12-14 day trek from Lukla through the Khumbu Valley, past Namche Bazaar and the Everest View Hotel. It's a demanding but iconic high-altitude trekking experience.
For the Tibetan side, you drive from Lhasa or Shigatse to the base camp area (about 2-3 days from Lhasa with stops for acclimatization). For the Nepali side, you fly from Kathmandu to Lukla, then trek. Both require good planning and physical preparation.
The Tibetan side requires a Tibet Travel Permit plus a special permit for the Everest region (arranged by your tour operator). The Nepali side requires a TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park permit, plus accommodation bookings along the trek. A local operator handles all the paperwork.
Choose the Tibetan side if you want a relatively easy vehicle-based approach, prefer solitude, and want to see the majestic north face. Choose the Nepali side if you love trekking, want the classic sherpa-culture experience, and have 2-3 weeks. Many hardy travelers do both.
Both sides reach altitudes above 5,000 meters. Acclimatize properly, know the symptoms of altitude sickness, and build your fitness beforehand. A professional operator with oxygen support and emergency protocols is essential for safety.