We started with a distant view of Everest, from the Pang La pass. The pass is at 5159 meters and offers stunning views on a clear day. And today was clear!

The next shot is a (relative) close-up from the Rongbuk Monastery. This now hosts the so-called “Tourist Base Camp” which is as close as mere tourists are allowed to go to His Highness.

I’m on a two week trip across Tibet.  Rongbuk is at 4965m (16289ft), so I was definitely glad I’d spent a few days to acclimatize along the way. But my trip to Rongbuk was the easy way: by tour company car and then official tourist minibus. I am in suitable awe of those who trek up to the base camp, let alone those who make the actual ascent!