For most of us, a trip to Mount Everest—better called by its Tibetan name, Qomolangma—means a stay at Everest Base Camp (EBC) and a few tentative forays in the general direction of the world's highest peak, which towers 8,848 meters (29,028 feet) above sea level. The famed mountain is known as zhūmùlǎngmǎfēng (珠穆朗玛峰) in Mandarin.
If you're fit enough and have acclimated to the altitude, you might manage to make it to a higher camp, though this level of adventuring is only advised for those with serious mountaineering experience and equipment, not to mention the necessary permissions from the regulating authorities.
Regardless, Qomolangma is a sight to behold, and EBC is a fine place from which to view the mountain whose Tibetan name translates as "Goddess Mother of the Universe." Most arrive at the camp via Land Rover from Shigatse (a two-day drive); a newly constructed road (and a rather controversial one, considering cultural and environmental sensitivities) provides easy access from nearby
Rongphu Monastery (4,890 m above sea level), which boasts a commanding view of Qomolangma's north face as well as a popular guesthouse, the
Monastery Guesthouse.
Another approach—and a more spectacular one—is to trek in from Tingri on the Friendship Highway, a three or four day hike.
From Rongphu, you can either pay for a ride or make the roughly hour-and-a-half hike to EBC, though you should definitely give yourself time to acclimate if you intend to make this—or any—hikes without problems (adjusting generally takes a couple of days).
EBC itself is home to a spring, post office, and a slew of tents, some of which serve tea and snacks, and others of which belong to climbing expeditions.
Climbing Everest is no joke—over 200 climbers have lost their lives attempting the feat. But, since sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary made the first documented ascent in 1953, over 3,000 climbers have successfully topped Qomolangma.
If you're interested in climbing, if only to a higher camp, the best time is in May before the monsoon season brings storms. Between May and November the temperature is most pleasant. July and August are the best months for the Tibet-side north face, during its brief respite from subzero temperatures.