| 'As the biggest/highest natural structure on
the planet everyone should visit Mount Everest in order to appreciate
how nature has created a structure that man will never emulate. The
experience of being on top of the world must excite everyone.'
--Karl Easthorpe
Qomolangma is a transliteration from Tibetan, meaning "goddess of
mountain." The 8,848-meter Qomolangma is the main peak of the Himalayas.
Situated on the border between China and Nepal, it is the highest
mountain in the world. It is some 60 million years old. This majestic
peak has long attracted mountaineers, scientists, and ordinary tourists.
The Tibetan approach to Mt Everest, or Qomolangma (8848m/29,021ft),
provides far better vistas of the world's highest peak than those on the
Nepal side.
Some 27,000 sq km (10,422 sq mi) around Everest's Tibetan face have been
designated as the Qomolangma Nature Preserve, aiming to protect the
environment and the cultural traditions of the local people. For foreign
travelers, the Everest Base Camp has become the most popular trekking
destination in Tibet, but this does not mean that the region is exactly
swarming with hikers.
The two access points are Shegar and Tingri, along the Friendship
Highway to Nepal, but be warned that neither trek is an easy three- or
four-day stroll. Take your time getting acclimatized and be prepared for
a strenuous climb. If it all sounds too much, 4WD vehicles can lurch all
the way to Base Camp along the Shegar track.
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Mount Qomolangma 