OUR DESTINATIONS
Let us help you find your perfect holiday by phoning us on
We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
Alternatively, check out some of our holiday offers below.
- Destinations
- Asia
- China
- Tibet
- Mount Everest
Mount Everest
The Shigatse prefecture is the gateway for climbers to the North
Col climbing route of the world's highest mountain, Mount Everest,
towering 29,028 feet (8,848m) on the border between Tibet and
Nepal. The Tibetan name for the peak is Mount Quomolangma, which
means 'the third goddess'. Access to the Everest Base Camp is via
the town of Tinggri. About 20 miles (30km) from the town tracks
take climbers on a 48-mile (78km) trek to the camp. About six miles
(10km) from the base camp is the highest monastery on earth,
Rongbuk Monastery at an altitude of 16,728ft (5,099m). The
monastery is being restored and offers hostel accommodation. Just
south of the monastery is the world-renowned Rongbuk Glacier.
Because of its height, adventurers wishing to climb Mount Everest
will need to allow several weeks simply to acclimatise to the thin
atmosphere. Climbing Mount Everest is not to be attempted without
the aid of a guide, and should only be attempted by experienced
climbers.
Information & Facts
Language
The official language is Mandarin Chinese, but there are
hundreds of local dialects.
Money
The currency used in China is the Renminbi Yuan (CNY). The Yuan
is divided into 10 chiao/jiao or 100 fen. Make sure you exchange
your leftover Yuan before returning home because this currency can
be exchanged only within China's borders. Travellers cheques,
preferably in US Dollars, and foreign cash can be exchanged in
cities at the Bank of China. Banks are closed weekends. The larger
hotels and the special 'Friendship Stores' designed for foreigners
will accept most western currencies for purchases. Major credit
cards are accepted in the main cities at various establishments,
but outside the major cities acceptance is limited. ATMs are scarce
outside the main cities.
Time