'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 travellers, 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 acclimatised 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.