Rongbuk

Rongbuk is a village and Tibetan Buddhist monastery complex in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It lies in Tingri County, Shigatse Prefecture, near the northern approach to Mount Everest.

Rongbuk Monastery sits at approximately 4,900–5,000 meters above sea level, overlooking the Rongbuk Glacier on the north face of Everest. The monastery complex includes temple buildings and living quarters for a small monastic community, with a simple guesthouse for travelers. The surrounding area is part of the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve.

Rongbuk Monastery was established in the early 20th century and is affiliated with the Gelug tradition of Tibetan Buddhism. It gained status as a landmark on the northern Everest route and became a staging point for climbers and trekkers approaching Everest’s north face. During the Cultural Revolution (1960s–70s) the monastery suffered damage and much of its artefacts were destroyed; it was rebuilt in the 1980s and remains an active religious site.

Access to Rongbuk is via road from the Lhasa–Xigazê corridor through Tingri toward the Rongbuk area, commonly associated with National Highway 318, the Friendship Highway. Conditions can be weather-dependent, and services remain modest, with the site serving as a popular stop for visitors heading to Everest North Base Camp.