Rongbuk Glacier in Shigatse

Rongbuk Glacier, situated on the north slope of Mount Everest in Tingri County, Shigatse, Tibet, is a remarkable natural wonder. Let’s delve into its fascinating details:

  1. Introduction:
    • The Rongbuk Glacier is distributed across a vast region at the foot of Mount Everest.
    • It stands at an impressive altitude of 5,300 meters (17,388 feet) above sea level.
    • This glacier is renowned for being the most fully developed and well-preserved unique glacier valley form in the world.
  2. Features and Attractions:
    • The glacier is composed of three glaciers: the East Rongbuk Glacier, the Middle Rongbuk Glacier, and the West Rongbuk Glacier.
    • These glaciers converge and extend northward, providing crucial support to the mighty Mount Everest.
    • The glacier tongue of Rongbuk Glacier is approximately 1.4 kilometers wide and averages 120 meters thick, with the thickest point exceeding 300 meters.
    • The landscape features magnificent ice towers, ice bridges, ice mushrooms, and ice caves.
  3. History and Cultural Significance:
    • The famous Rongbuk Monastery is located at the northern end of the Rongbuk valley.
    • Founded in 1899, this Ningmapa temple is the highest monastery in the world.
    • It serves as the base camp for climbers approaching Mount Everest from the north slope.
    • From Rongbuk Monastery, you can witness the awe-inspiring view of Mount Everest, which appears like a giant pyramid towering among the peaks.
  4. How to Visit:
    • You can fly to Lhasa Kongga International Airport and then take a bus to Shigatse.
    • From Shigatse, drive to Rongbuk Glacier, which lies just 300 meters away from Rongbuk Monastery.
    • The gradual altitude acclimatization is essential due to the high elevation.

To reach the majestic Rongbuk Glacier in Shigatse, follow these steps:

  1. Fly to Lhasa Kongga International Airport (拉萨贡嘎国际机场).
  2. Take a bus to Shigatse (日喀则).
  3. From Shigatse, drive by yourself or follow a tour leader to the Base Camp.

The road from Lhasa to Shigatse is well-paved, making it easy to access this stunning glacier. Rongbuk Glacier lies at an altitude of 5,300 meters (17,388 feet), so gradual altitude acclimatization is essential. Once there, you’ll be greeted by the awe-inspiring beauty of this glacial wonder!