A post office for one at the base of Mount Qomolangma

"My job is very meaningful," says Tsomo in response to people who say her job is boring. "Tourists trek several hundred kilometers to have a look at the sacred mountain. They also want to send blessings to their friends and families by mailing postcards."

"They cannot leave anything at the base camp for environmental reasons, but they can bring something meaningful home," said Tsomo.

The base camp is suitable for year-round travel with a record 114,000 visitors in 2017. Staying at private houses, tea houses, or lodges is the most common practice at the base camp.

The busy work leads to irregular mealtimes for Tsomo. "I usually don't eat my meals during 'normal' times. Several tourists have to leave the base camp before sunset. I need to postmark their postcards as soon as possible so they can descend early," said Tsomo.

During the peak season, Tsomo's colleagues will come from Tingri two or three times a week to the post office to collect the postcards waiting to be mailed to every corner of the world.

"Sometimes I feel tired and bored. But every time I see visitors writing down their blessings, I can imagine how happy their families will be when receiving them from the sacred mountain," said Tsomo. "I become refreshed and energetic again."