Rongbuk Monastery

　　Built in 1899 by Ngawang Tenzin Norbu of the Nyingma sect, Rongbuk Monastery is the highest monastery in the world. It is located at the end of the Rongbuk Glacier on the northern side of Mount Everest, at an altitude of 5,154 meters, approximately 20 kilometers from the summit of Everest. The monastery consists of both old and new sections. The old monastery is situated 3 kilometers south of the new one, closer to Mount Everest, and still houses the meditation cave of Guru Padmasambhava, as well as stones and stupas bearing his hand and footprints. The new monastery was built in 1902 and was once quite large, with over ten branch monasteries, some even located within Nepal, but these were destroyed due to historical reasons. Today, there are eight small affiliated temples beneath the main monastery, including a nunnery. Due to its proximity to Everest—about 20 kilometers away—Rongbuk Monastery has become the base camp for climbers ascending Everest from the north side. From here, one can enjoy and photograph the majestic views of Everest to the south.

　　Food/Accommodation/Shopping: In addition to a guesthouse, the monastery also offers accommodation inside the temple complex. Both inside and outside the monastery charge 25 yuan per person. The guesthouse has restaurants run by local Tibetans, where typical meals cost around 10 yuan each.

　　Transportation: The best way to get to Rongbuk Monastery is by hiring a private car, starting from New Tingri. Hitchhiking is rare along this route.

　　Address: On the summit of Drolma Mountain, east and west sides of Rongbuk Valley, Tingri County, Shigatse City (near the Everest Base Camp)

　　Type: Temple

　　Recommended Visit Duration: 2 hours

　　Ticket

　　Ticket: 35 RMB

　　Opening Hours

　　9:00–16:00