Mount Everest is the main epitome of beauty itself. Standing high at the altitude of 8848m, Mt Everest is the highest peak in the world. It can be reached from both the countries of Nepal and Tibet, China. In Nepal, it is called Sagarmatha, whereas it is known by Chomolungma in Tibet. The one in Nepal is situated at the Khumbu Glacier on the eastern side of the country, whereas the one in Tibet is located at the Rongbuk Glacier.
Stepping on the tallest mountain on earth, Mt Everest is a dream come true which was made possible and achievable by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, who climb the Everest on May 29, 1953.
The Everest Base Camp has two main camping areas at Mt Everest, the North Base Camp, and the South Base Camp. These base camps are located exactly in either direction. South Base Camp is used to climb the southeast ridge, whereas the North Base Camp is used to climb the northeast ridge.
The North Base Camp can be reached through the Friendship Highway on the south point of Shelkar/ Shekar (also called New Tingri). The road is about 100 km from Shelkar to reach the base camp. The North Everest Base Camp is accessible from Tibet, which takes you the maximum point of 5200m/17056 ft. The base camp is situated below the terminal moraine of the Rongbuk Glacier. The North Ridge offers a stunning view of the top 4 highest peaks, such as Mt. Everest (8848m/29029ft), Cho Oyu (8188m/26864ft), Lhotse (8516m/27940ft), Makalu (8485m/27838ft), along with the magnificent at Gawu La Pass (5198m/17054ft).
The South Base Camp is located in Nepal, with the highest point of 5,364m/17,598ft in the Himalayas. The camp is higher than the North Base camp, which offers a journey through the Sagarmatha National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site. Along with the beautiful view of Khumbu Icefall to the base camp area’s right, encounter the Everest and the neighboring peaks on the way. The South Ridge offers beautiful and breathtaking views of Mt Everest (8848m/29029ft), Lhotse (8516m/27940ft), Nuptse (7861m/25791ft), Ama Dablam (6812m/22349ft) and Pumori (7161m/23494ft).
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Everest Base Camp South
You can find more detail about South Everest Base Camp in this blog. The South Everest Base Camp offers beautiful views of Trans Himalayan ranges and Khumbu Icefall on the camp’s right. Nevertheless, stand against the mighty peaks and share incomparable and unforgettable memories back home.
5 Amazing facts about Everest Base Camp
1. Get all the services in Everest Base Camp: Everest Base Camp is like a town at the higher altitude as it has all the services of the hospital, telecom tower, hot shower, electricity, and even a helipad with thousand people living there. You can find dining on a seven-course meal in Everest Base Camp overlooking the beautiful views. Also, during the peak season of spring and autumn, you can find tons of people on the base camp, similar to some market.
2. Busiest place during the peak period: The base camp is on top of the Khumbu Glacier, making it obvious that there is a huge flock of people coming to the area. Also, since the base camp is on top, it is more interesting as you can see ice pinnacles, meltwater pools, sinkholes, or even an avalanche.
3. You cannot see Mt Everest from the base camp: From the base camp, the Mt Everest is hidden behind the eastern point, making it difficult to see Mt Everest. But amazing views of the notorious Khumbu Icefall can be seen.
4. Only climbers are allowed to stay in the base camp: Indeed, general trekkers cannot stay the night at Everest Base Camp. Only climbers to seek to summit the mountains are allowed to set up the tent for a night stay. You can join the Everest Marathon, which is only one exceptional group that is allowed to stay other than the climbers.
5. Get to see beautiful mountain views: From the Everest Base Camp, you can get the majestic peak of Cho Oyu (8188m/26864ft), Lhotse (8516m/27940ft), Nuptse (7861m/25791ft), Ama Dablam (6812m/22349ft), Pumori (7161m/23494ft) and Makalu (8485m/27838ft).
Elevation of Everest Base Camp
The Everest Base Camp, which is located in Nepal, is about 5364m/17598ft high. The oxygen level is at 50%, so more safety measure has to be taken to reduce altitude sickness. People generally get altitude sicknesses such as nausea, heavy breathing, fatigue, blue lips/nails, and many more from the elevation of 2500m. Thus, safety precautions have to be taken properly to avoid any severity.
Everest Base Camp weather
The best time at the Everest Base Camp is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). The South Base Camp is mostly visited during these seasons due to clear weather and less cold. It is perfect for photography, where the sky is clear and blue. The visibility of the peaks is perfect for observing and soaking in the beauty. The clear blue sky and better road conditions attract trekkers from all over the world.
The weather has a moderate climate during the peak season of spring and autumn; there is a huge flock of people worldwide. However, at the altitude of 5,364m/17,598ft from the sea level, Everest Base Camp has a mountain plateau climate which can be cold all-round the year.
Everest Base Camp in four seasons
Spring (March to May): The spring is one of the best times of the year where the climate is warm with bright and clear skies. The mountain can be seen clearly along the trails.
The temperature profile is given as:
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Day time: | 15°C / 59°F |
| Night time: | -1 °C / 30.2°F |
| Wind Speed: | 10.5km per hour |
| Precipitation per month: | 7mm |
| Sunshine hours: | 9 hours per day |
Monsoon (June to August): During this season, there are higher chances of rainfall than any season of the year, making the trails wet and slippery. The foggy climate makes the visibility of the mountains less clear.
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Day time: | 22°C / 71.6°F |
| Night time: | 4 °C / 39.2°F |
| Wind Speed: | 9.75km per hour |
| Precipitation per month: | 172mm |
| Sunshine hours: | 7-8 hours per day |
Autumn (September to November): The autumn season is another best time to visit the Everest Base Camp where the skies are clear, and the landscape is greener and lush. The cold and strong winds make the temperature cooler, and the summits of the peak can be seen clearly.
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Day time: | 18°C / 64.4°F |
| Night time: | -8°C / 17.6°F |
| Wind Speed: | 23km per hour |
| Precipitation per month: | 2.5mm |
| Sunshine hours: | 9-10 hours per day |
Winter (December to February): This is the coldest season at the Everest Base Camp. The skies are clear with bright sunshine.
| Title | Description |
|---|---|
| Day time: | -5°C/23°F |
| Night time: | -15 °C/5°F |
| Wind Speed: | 8km per hour |
| Precipitation per month: | per month: 5mm |
| Sunshine hours: | 7-8 hours per day |
How to reach Everest Base Camp?
You can reach Everest Base Camp in two ways:
1. Trekking routes/trails
2. Helicopter
Everest Base Camp trekking routes
If you prefer a challenging yet exciting journey, then you can opt for trekking, which has three main routes, as given below.
8 Days journey to Everest Base Camp from Lukla
The traditional Everest Base Camp route includes a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. Walking through Namche Bazaar, Sagarmatha National Park, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep lead you to Everest Base Camp.
This route takes 9 to 15 days to complete depending on your choice of attractions and places to visit. Generally, the trek starts and ends with a drive from/to Kathmandu with 2 days for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. An average of 6-7 hours of the daily walk is done to reach the Everest Base Camp. An outline is given below:
Day to day outline itinerary:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | 35 minutes of flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2840m/9318ft) Trek for 2-3 hours to Phakding (2610m/8563ft) |
| Day 2 | Hike for 5-6 hours from Phakding to Namche Bazar (3440m/11286ft) |
| Day 3 | At Namche Bazaar: 1st Acclimatization Day (3440m/11286ft) |
| Day 4 | Ascend for 5-6 hours from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m/12664ft) |
| Day 5 | Ascend for 5-6 hours from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m/14469ft) |
| Day 6 | 2nd Acclimatization Day at Dingboche (4410m/14469ft) Stroll for 4-5 hours to Nagarjun Hill (5100m) |
| Day 7 | Ascend for 6-7 hours from Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m/16109ft) |
| Day 8 | Trek for 7-8 hours to Gorak Shep (5140m/16864ft) from Lobuche Visit to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17598ft) |
12 Days trek from Phaplu to Everest Base Camp
Alternate to the traditional route is Phaplu Everest Base Camp Trek. The trek starts from a drive to a scenic village of Phaplu from Kathmandu. Continuing from Nunthula, Bupsa, reach Phakding from the Everest Base Camp Trek starts. You get 2 days for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. You have to walk for an average of 5-6 hours daily.
Day to day outline itinerary:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive for 11 hours from Kathmandu to Phaplu (2469m/8100ft) |
| Day 2 | Hike for 7 hours Phaplu to Nuntala (2345m/7694ft) |
| Day 3 | Ascend for 6 hours Nuntala to Khari Khola (2194m/7198ft) |
| Day 4 | Hike for 6 hours Khari Khola to Puiyan (2890m/9482ft) |
| Day 5 | Hike for 6 hours Puiyan to Phakding (2610m/8563ft) |
| Day 6 | Hike for 5-6 hours from Phakding to Namche Bazar (3440m/11286ft) |
| Day 7 | At Namche Bazaar: 1st Acclimatization Day (3440m/11286ft) |
| Day 8 | Ascend for 5-6 hours from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m/12664ft) |
| Day 9 | Ascend for 5-6 hours from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m/14469ft) |
| Day 10 | 2nd Acclimatization Day at Dingboche (4410m/14469ft) Stroll for 4-5 hours to Nagarjun Hill (5100m) |
| Day 11 | Ascend for 6-7 hours from Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m/16109ft) |
| Day 12 | Trek for 7-8 hours to Gorak Shep (5140m/16864ft) from Lobuche Visit to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17598ft) |
14 Days walking from Jiri to Everest Base Camp
Jiri to Everest Base Camp trek is the route used by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa to summit the peak during the 1950s. The trek starts from Kathmandu to Jiri to Lukla, where the traditional route adds up. This is the longer trekking trail where you get 2 days for acclimatization in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. You have to walk for an average of 5-6 hours daily.
Day to day outline itinerary:
| Day | Activities |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Drive for 8-9 hours from Kathmandu- Jiri- Bhandar (2190m/7185ft) |
| Day 2 | Ascend for 4-5 hours to Sete village (2575m/8448ft) |
| Day 3 | Hike for 6-7 hours over Lamjura pass to Junbesi (2670m/8759ft) |
| Day 4 | Hike for 5-6 hours to Nunthala (2220m/7283ft) |
| Day 5 | Ascend for 5-6 hours to Khari Khola Village (2360m/7742ft) |
| Day 6 | Trek for 5-6 hours to Surkhe (2290m/7513ft) |
| Day 7 | Trek for 4-5 hours to Phakding (2610m/8563ft) |
| Day 8 | Hike for 5-6 hours from Phakding to Namche Bazar (3440m/11286ft) |
| Day 9 | 1st acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar (3440m/11286ft) |
| Day 10 | Ascend for 5-6 hours from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3860m/12664ft) |
| Day 11 | Ascend for 5-6 hours from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410m/14469ft) |
| Day 12 | 2nd Acclimatization day at Dingboche (4410m/14469ft) Stroll for 4-5 hours to Nagarjun Hill (5100m) |
| Day 13 | Ascend for 6-7 hours from Dingboche to Lobuche (4910m/16109ft) |
| Day 14 | Trek for 7-8 hours to Gorak Shep (5140m/16864ft) from Lobuche Visit to Everest Base Camp (5364m/17598ft) |
Everest Base Camp by helicopter
For individuals who prefer a relaxed journey can opt for a Helicopter.
Everest Base Camp is accessible through a day Helicopter tour package that takes you to places like Kathmandu, Everest Base Camp, Kala Patthar, and Everest View Hotel and back to Kathmandu. It will take 3-4 hours for a complete Everest helicopter tour.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour is easy and great for people who do not have much time to trek for many days. The thrilling tour rewards you with close views of mountains peaks. The flight gives you a chance to enjoy the 360-degree views of Everest and neighboring peaks and landscapes.
Do I need permit to visit the Everest Base Camp?
Yes, you need to issue two permits to visit the Everest Base Camp i.e., Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality Permit at US$20 and Sagarmatha National Park Permit at US$34.
These permits can be issued at Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu, or can be available in various checkpoints on the routes.
However, if you want to continue your journey and climb Mt. Everest, you need to issue a Special Expedition Permit, which costs around US$11000. The climbers must have previous experience of high-altitude mountaineering and demonstrable training. They should also submit proof of good physical and mental health and be accompanied by a licensed Nepalese guide.