Gyawu La Pass | Enigmatic Tibet Travel

Gyawu La Pass: The Only Viewpoint for Five 8000m+ Peaks
Gyawu La Pass, at an elevation of 5,210 meters, lies en route from Dingri to Mount Everest Base Camp, and features the world’s only viewpoint to see five peaks above 8,000 meters. At sunrise, this location offers a jaw-dropping panoramic view of the Himalayan giants, making it an essential stop for any Everest-bound journey.

There are two viewing platforms:
The main platform at the summit provides the most expansive views;
A roadside platform offers easy access for visitors.

On clear mornings, the “Golden Summit” phenomenon occurs as sunlight bathes the snowcapped peaks in gold. In China, there’s a saying: “Those who witness golden peaks will be blessed with good luck.” Locals believe that “the sacred mountains will hear your wishes.”

As you watch the sunlight spread across the snow-covered ridges, you’ll feel the power and warmth of nature, leaving you deeply inspired. One traveler wrote:

“Once again, overwhelmed by nature. I leave a piece of my soul here—may your wishes be fulfilled too.”

Gyawu La Pass in Tingri County, Tibet, stands at an altitude of 5,210 meters and is a must-pass gateway to the Mount Everest National Nature Reserve and Everest Base Camp. It is the world’s only viewpoint where visitors can see five majestic peaks above 8,000 meters: Makalu, Lhotse, Mount Everest, Cho Oyu, and Shishapangma (from left to right). In this sense, the largest mountain-viewing platform in China is not Niubei Mountain, but the awe-inspiring Gyawu La Pass.

Gyawu La Pass is a breathtaking mountain pass located en route from Shigatse, Tibet to the Everest Base Camp in Tingri County. The experience of viewing the snow-covered peaks from the mountaintop is vastly different from looking up at them from the valley below—only from a distance can one truly appreciate the vast and majestic scale of the Himalayas stretching for hundreds of kilometers.

On clear days, the view from Gyawu La Pass is simply breathtaking — clouds seem to float beneath your feet, and all five of the towering 8,000-meter peaks come into full view. It’s a truly spectacular, world-class panoramic experience.

Gyawu La Pass, at an altitude of around 5,200 meters, is accessible only by traversing the famous “108 Turns” road. Resembling a series of hairpin turns on an F1 circuit, these sharp bends are perfectly aligned in a spiral up the mountain. Drivers ascend nearly 800 meters through this series of 180-degree switchbacks — an unforgettable adventure on the roof of the world.

Gyawu La Pass ranks among the world’s top scenic viewpoints. Its ideal distance from the Himalayan giants, combined with its elevated vantage point, allows visitors to enjoy a breathtaking panorama of closely clustered snow-capped peaks. The alignment and spacing create a truly spectacular visual effect — a perfect spot to witness the majesty of the Himalayas.