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Written by Zao 2025-06-19 15:40:42
Everest in 5 Days: Surviving the World’s Highest Road Trip
Where thin air bites at 5,200m, Chinese checkpoints outnumber yaks, and helicopter evacuations cost $8,000+ – this Tibet-side Everest adventure demands military-level planning. No summit dreams here; just surviving the base camp selfie.
✦ 2024 Realities for Foreigners
No independent travel – tours mandatory (+guide +driver +licensed vehicle)
Permits cost $300+ – require 20+ days advance booking
Altitude deaths: 3 tourists in 2023 (cardiac arrest/HAPE)
🗓️ 5-Day Everest Execution Plan
Day 1: Lhasa (3,650m) → Shigatse (3,840m)
07:00: PSB checkpoint – show permits (NO photos allowed)
12:00: Yamdrok Lake pitstop – avoid horseback rides (scams)
Sleep Rule: Take Diamox before Shigatse – 93% report headaches
Day 2: Shigatse → Tingri (4,300m)
Death Zone Prep: Buy oxygen cans (¥150/6hr) at Tingri Supply Depot
Critical Stop: Get border pass stamped at Lhatse PSB (GPS: 29.686°N, 87.126°E)
Sleep Hack: Demand hotel with oxygen outlets (¥100/hr extra)
Day 3: Tingri → Rongbuk (5,000m) → EBC (5,200m)
06:00: Depart – beat military convoys blocking roads 9AM-12PM
Photo Trap: "Last Summit Viewpoint" – real EBC is 8km further
Survival Move: Limit EBC exposure to <45 mins – 37% vomit here
Day 4: EBC → Gyirong Border (Nepal option)
Escape Route: Descend to 2,800m Gyirong (7hr drive)
Nepal Detour: Cross to Rasuwa for flights to Kathmandu
Day 5: EBC → Lhasa (Marathon Return)
16-hour drive with armed PSB escort – no stops after 7PM
📸 Photo Rules: What’s Allowed
✅ Permitted
Everest peak from Rongbuk Monastery
Base Camp marker stone (no flags)
Distant shots of North Face
❌ Confiscation + Fine
Drones (military zones)
Chinese border posts
Road construction sites
