Changtse
Mountains High Tibetan peak north of Mount Everest
A high peak on the northern flank of the Everest massif in Tibet, Changtse features glaciated slopes and alpine views; mountaineers, expedition teams and northern Everest trekkers pass through the area for logistics and high-altitude scenery.
Changtse is a mountain peak on the northern side of the Mount Everest massif in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It forms the northern summit area of the Everest massif and is part of the Mahalangur Himalaya.
The peak and its slopes are primarily of interest to mountaineers, high-altitude scientists and expedition teams operating from the Tibetan side of Everest; the area is glaciated and austere, with views across the northern approaches to Everest. There are no developed tourist facilities on the mountain itself.
Changtse has been mapped and described during the course of Everest exploration and surveying; its ridges and faces have been traversed in connection with mountaineering and scientific work on the Everest massif. It is treated as a secondary summit relative to Everest’s main summit.
Located immediately north of Mount Everest on the Tibetan Plateau, Changtse sits within Tibet’s high mountain terrain and is accessed by expeditions operating from the north side of the Everest region.
- Part of the Everest massif: A subsidiary summit of the Mount Everest massif located on the Tibetan (northern) side of Everest, forming part of the Mahalangur Himalaya.
How to Get to Changtse #
Access to Changtse is via the Everest region. Most expeditions stage from Lhasa (Tibet side) or Lukla (Nepal side) depending on the route; permits are required from authorities in Tibet/China for northern approaches. Travel requires coordination with licensed expedition operators.
Tips for Visiting Changtse #
- Changtse is a technical high-altitude objective; climbers should acclimatize thoroughly on Everest or nearby peaks before attempting any ascent.
- Permits and coordination with Nepal/Tibet authorities (depending on route) are mandatory; use a registered expedition operator.
- High-altitude weather changes rapidly; only experienced mountaineers with appropriate gear should consider attempts.
Best Time to Visit Changtse #
Best attempted in pre- or post-monsoon windows (April-May, Sept-Nov) when climbing conditions on the Everest massif are most favorable.
Weather & Climate near Changtse #
Changtse's climate is classified as Ice Cap - Ice Cap climate with freezing summers (peaking in July) and freezing winters (coldest in January). Temperatures range from -28°C to -1°C. Semi-arid with limited rainfall with a pronounced dry season.
January
January is the coldest month with highs of -16°C and lows of -28°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
February
February is freezing with highs of -16°C and lows of -27°C. Light rainfall and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
March
March is freezing with highs of -12°C and lows of -24°C. Almost no rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
April
April is freezing with highs of -9°C and lows of -20°C. The driest month with just 1 mm, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
May
May is freezing with highs of -6°C and lows of -16°C. Almost no rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
June
June is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -11°C. Almost no rain, partly cloudy skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
July
July is freezing with highs of -1°C and lows of -9°C. The wettest month with 60 mm of rain, mostly overcast skies, and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
August
August is freezing with highs of -2°C and lows of -9°C. Moderate rainfall (57 mm) and mostly overcast skies.
Comfort
Weather
September
September is freezing with highs of -4°C and lows of -12°C. Moderate rainfall (32 mm) and partly cloudy skies.
Comfort
Weather
October
October is freezing with highs of -8°C and lows of -17°C. Light rainfall and breezy conditions.
Comfort
Weather
November
November is freezing with highs of -13°C and lows of -23°C. Almost no rain.
Comfort
Weather
December
December is freezing with highs of -14°C and lows of -26°C. Light rainfall.
