Why is Tibet a starting point for expeditions to Mount Everest’s North Face?

Tibet serves as a primary starting point for expeditions to the North Face of Mount Everest primarily due to the region's geography and the historical development of infrastructure on its northern side.12

Key factors include:

• Geographic Accessibility: The North Face of the mountain rises directly above the Plateau of Tibet. Because the mountain is visible and accessible from its northeastern side, it provides a natural approach for climbers targeting the North Ridge and the North Face.1
• Infrastructure: In 1960, the Chinese army constructed a road leading to the Rongbuk Base Camp, which significantly improved logistical access for expeditions approaching from the north.2
• Established Routes: The northern approach features well-documented routes, such as the North Col–North Ridge–Northeast Ridge, which was explored by prewar British expeditions and later utilized for successful ascents. The installation of permanent aids, such as the ladder bolted to the "Second Step" by a Chinese expedition in 1975, has further solidified this as a standard route for climbers.23

Following the reopening of Tibet to noncommunist expeditions in 1979, the region regained its status as a major hub for international mountaineering efforts on the mountain's northern slopes.4