The summit of the world—the majestic Mount Everest—is found along the boundary of Tibet and Nepal. Hence, if you want to get a glimpse of Mount Everest, you can either go via Tibet and then trek to the Everest Base Camp (EBC) or view it from the other side via Nepal. The trek to EBC is definitely one of the most exhilarating and fascinating hikes you can ever take on in your life and getting there is no mean feat. In fact, it is one of the most challenging adventures you can ever undergo. It is likewise not an exploit for the weaklings, but for those who are persistently courageous. Why? Because it would require you to make a full-gear preparation. Before you can even enjoy your RV camping tour and learn how to camp with your RV at Everest Base Camp, you would be required to secure several permits.
What Would You See in the So-called “Roof of the World?”
Tibet is known to be the “Roof of the World” simply because its average altitude is around 4,000 meters above sea level. This means that you would be literally walking in the clouds when you visit this place. Aside from the Everest Base Camp, Tibet is also replete with historical and religious sites, and these heritage sites are surely worth exploring. Hence, the first moment you set foot in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, for example, you would surely be awestruck by the unique ambience of the city. It’s like stepping into a different zone or dimension!
Of course, you will see upon your arrival at Lhasa the world-famous Potala Palace on the northwest side of the city. It is a majestic building complex which was once the residence of the Dalai Lama. It was also once the religious center of Tibet. There is also the Jokhang Temple situated in Barkhor Square, which is considered to be the most valuable temple of the Tibetans.
Awesome natural wonders also abound in Tibet, like that of Namtso, or Heavenly Lake, which is truly a lake in the sky. Namtso, together with the Yamdrok Lake—the Sacred Lake—should also be on your bucket list of places to visit when in Tibet.
Necessary Permits for the EBC Tour
As a tourist, you can never really enter Tibet if you are not a part of a tour group. Hence, prior to your scheduled tour of that place, you must arrange an organized tour package from a reputable or recognized touring agency. This agency will help you secure the necessary Tibet Travel Permit which will be handed over to you upon your arrival in China or Nepal.
You must secure five permits before you can visit EBC. These permits include the Tibet Entry Permit, a Chinese Visa, Alien’s Travel Permit, Tibet Trekking Permit, and Mountaineering License. The Tibet Entry Permit is provided by Tibet Tourism Bureau and you would need this permit to enter Tibet. The Chinese Visa, on the other hand, is needed because Tibet is under the Chinese Government, while the Alien’s Travel Permit is usually issued by the Public Security Bureau in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet. You also need to secure the Tibet Trekking Permit if you would like travel above 6,000 meters within Tibet. Lastly, you must secure a Mountaineering License if you want to scale the summit of Mount Everest.