Rongbuk Monastery: Best Time to Visit & How to Get There

If you're making the once-in-a-lifetime journey to Mount Everest Base Camp, you can't miss out on Rongbuk Monastery. At 5,009 meters (16,433 feet), it's the second-highest monastery in the world after Drirapuk Monastery and the ideal place to observe Mount Everest and explore Tibetan culture. You can also spend the night there. Read on to learn everything you need to know about seeing this incredible place for yourself.

Rongbuk Monastery near Mt. Everest in Tibet

About Rongbuk Monastery

At 5,009 meters above sea level, Rongbuk Monastery is one of the most remote places in the world, with stunning views of Mount Everest's north face. Here, you can learn about Tibetan Buddhist culture and practices.

It was built in 1899 by the Nyingma Lama Ngawang Tenzin Norbu and is one of the few monasteries in the world where monks and nuns live together, and at its peak, 500 monks and nuns resided there.

Rongbuk Monastery focuses heavily on tantra and meditation, which is in line with its Nyingma foundations, and you will find many meditation caves and areas throughout the area. It's also an important pilgrimage site and a religious hub for Buddhists in the Nyingma sect.

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit is either between the months of April and May or September and October, when you'll have the best, clearest view of Mount Everest and enjoy milder temperatures.

The months of June and August are also ideal because temperatures are warmer, but there can be monsoons. There also tend to be a lot of domestic visitors in July and August, so prices will be a bit higher.

However, the Saka Dawa Festival celebrating Sakyamuni's birth happens on June 11th. During this time, the monastery comes alive with colorful decorations, traditional Tibetan dance, and historical performances. It's also an important pilgrimage day for Tibetan Buddhists. Note that this festival happens on April 15th of the Tibetan calendar, which is mid-June in the Western calendar.

The Rongbuk Monastery also stays open all winter; between November and March, you'll find far fewer visitors. Be advised that the extreme cold makes staying at and exploring the monastery challenging.

• Entry Cost: 35 RMB per person
• Hours of Operation: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m. daily
• Location: The Rongbuk Monastery is located in Basum Township in Dingri County, just 8 kilometers from Everest Base Camp. It is a must-visit spot for anyone heading to Mount Everest Base Camp.
• Accommodation: You can stay at the Rongbuk Guesthouse, which offers humble rooms with electric blankets and is located next to the monastery. Note that the monastery does not have shower facilities. There's also a restaurant available where you can find basic meals and hot drinks.

Rongbuk Guesthouse

How to Get to Rongbuk Monastery?

The vast majority of people get to Rongbuk Monastery from Lhasa or Shigatse through a private or group tour, but you can also hike there from Tingri County. There is no public transportation running to Rongbuk Monastery. We can help arrange all of the logistics and travel for you.

The journey to Rongbuk Monastery is part of the fun, with glorious views of the Himalayan mountains every step of the way.

• Shigatse to Rongbuk Monastery: 329.3 kilometers, or roughly 5 hours driving.
• Lhasa to Rongbuk Monastery: 580.9 kilometers, or roughly 7 and a half hours driving.
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What Can You Expect at the Monastery?

You'll find a peaceful, spiritual atmosphere and Tibetan art architecture at the monastery. It's also an excellent place to photograph Mount Everest, especially from the Mount Everest Observation Deck at sunrise or sunset - visit during September, October, April, and May for the best views of the mountain.

You can also visit during the Saga Dawa Festival, in June, to have a unique spiritual experience and learn about Tibetan Buddhism and culture. This three-day festival is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is sure to be the highlight of your China trip.

Photograph Mount Everest 

Some Practical Travel Tips

In order to visit the Rongbuk Monastery, firstly you'll need a Chinese Visa if you are not eligible for the China Visa-free entry policy.

Then you will need a Tibet Travel Permit and an Alien Travel Permit. International visitors cannot apply for these permits on their own. We will help you get all the necessary documentation to make your trip.

You'll also want to prepare for Rongbuk Monastery's altitude by acclimatizing, or getting used to thinner air, in places like Lhasa beforehand. Bring altitude sickness medications with you, also. As the monastery is a religious site, proper dress is required.

Experience Rongbuk Monastery: The Gateway to Everest

Rongbuk Monastery is a truly unique destination with access to one of the world's most famous mountains: Mount Everest. We can help you experience it with a customized itinerary and the documentation needed to get there. Visit our contact page or email trip@odynovotours.com today.