Rongbuk Monastery Guesthouse is set a short walk above Rongbuk Monastery on the north side of Everest, at roughly 5,000 metres. Almost every stay here is brief: an overnight stop on the way to, or back from, the Everest North Base Camp area. Comfort is limited, but the setting is exceptional – you sleep close to the monastery and wake with Everest filling the end of the valley when the weather is clear.
Rooms are simple, concrete structures with either twin beds or shared dorms. Heating is minimal, typically provided by thick quilts and occasionally supplemented by electric blankets or a central heating system. Toilets are shared and basic, and showers are not available. A small dining room serves hot, plain food and plenty of tea. This is a place you choose for access and atmosphere, not for facilities.
Highlights
- A few minutes’ walk from Rongbuk Monastery on the Everest north approach
- Very close to the Everest North Base Camp road and viewing area
- Approx. 5,000 m altitude: actual high-mountain environment
- Clear Everest views from the courtyard and some rooms in good weather
- Solid-roof lodge alternative to the seasonal tent camp
Features & Facilities
- Basic twin rooms and multi-bed dorm rooms with simple bedding
- Shared squat or basic Western-style toilets; usually no working showers
- Limited heating: quilts, extra blankets, and a central stove in the common area
- Hot water provided in flasks for drinking and light washing
- Simple canteen with Chinese/Tibetan dishes, noodles, rice, and tea
- No Wi-Fi; phone signal can be weak or absent depending on conditions
- Bottled oxygen and thermos flasks are typically arranged through your Tibetan guide at extra cost
