Mount Everest Base Camp

Mount Everest Base Camp 

When discussing adventure and treks, it is impossible to overlook the iconic Mount Everest Base camp. This teahouse trek in Nepal is the most renowned destination for trekkers and adventurers from around the world. The world’s highest peak (8,848 meters/29,029 feet), Mount Everest is the most visited region in the Himalayas. This base camp is also quite popular by the name EBC. Every year thousands of tourists visit Nepal for the Everest Base Camp trek and even to reach the Everest summit. The duration of the trekking journey typically lasts for 12 to 16 days, according to the specific itinerary and acclimatization intervals. The Everest Base camp serves as the initial point for climbers aiming to summit Mount Everest. 

Many of us may have yet to learn that since Mount Everest lies on the border between Tibet and Nepal, there are two base camps on Mount Everest. The south base camp is more popular as the peak of the mountain lies on the Nepal border, and it is way easier to climb than the northern one.

 

THE NORTH BASE CAMP- IN TIBET

The North Base Camp in Tibet requires a special permit from the Chinese government, in addition to the permit to enter Tibet itself. The camp sits at an elevation of approximately 5,150 meters (16,900 feet). It encompasses majestic views of Everest North Face, authentic Tibetan culture and their way of life. The Rongbuk Monastery, one of the highest Monasteries in the world is also located in this area.  Pre-monsoon (March to May) and post-monsoon (September to November) seasons are best suited for the visit at this site. Tourists have been unable to access the North Base Camp since Feb 2019. Before the closure, permits were available through travel companies in Lhasa as a part of a package tour. 

 

• How to get to The Mount North Everest Base Camp?

If you want to visit The Mt. North Everest Base Camp, you have to take a 100km/62-mile vehicle ride that diverges south from the Friendship Highway near Shelkar, at the base of the Gyatso La Pass which sits at an elevation of 5,220 meters (17,130 feet). Going further, the road extends to the Rongbuk Monastery, which is the closest monastery to North Everest Base Camp. After approximately 7-8 hours drive through several high-altitude passes and stunning views of the Himalayas, you have to do a short trek or a drive to reach the North Everest Base Camp, situated at an altitude of 5,150 meters (16,896 feet). 

But before you head on please check the updated rules and regulations of the Chinese government as the North Base Camp is not accessible to every trekker and the policy gets changed every once in a while. This is done because of excess unnecessary waste on the base camp and a few other extra reasons.

THE SOUTH BASE CAMP IN NEPAL

The South Base Camp, commonly known as the Everest Base Camp (EBC) is situated at an altitude of approximately 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) portraying stunning views of the Himalayas, the Sherpa culture, monasteries, temples, and, diverse flora and fauna. This is a popular trekking route in the world with more than 40,000 trekkers taking off from Kathmandu to Lukla to reach there.

Similar to the North Base Camp, the best time to visit this camp is pre-monsoon and post-monsoon. The trek begins in Lukla and passes through Namche Bazaar, the Khumbu Valley, and various Sherpa Villages. The South camp is more popular and often visited by trekkers. Since it is located in Nepal, we’ll be discussing it in more detail. 

 

• How to get to Everest South Base Camp?

When trekkers want to save some energy for the trek, they take a 30 to 45-minute flight from Kathmandu to Lukla. If not, you can simply trek to Lukla since there are no roads from Kathmandu to Lukla.  As the trek progresses, the trekkers reach to the Sherpa capital at 3,440 meters of Namche Bazaar while following the valley of the Dudh Kosi river. It takes 2 days to trek from Lukla to Namche Bazaar. You should spend at least 2 days in Namche Bazaar for acclimatization. Then the trek continues to Tengboche which sits at an elevation of 3,867 meters (12,687 feet). On the way, you can visit the Tengboche Monastery too. From Tengboche, the trek proceeds towards Dingboche where you will be spending a day to acclimatize. Then another 5-6 hours trek to Lobuche, which encompasses The Thukla Pass, which has memorials for climbers.

After heading towards Gorak Shep from Lobuche for 3-4 hours, you’ve reached the final stop before reaching base camp. From here, it will take 3-4 hours round trip to The Base Camp which sits at an elevation of 5,364 m or 17,598 ft. You’ll be stunned by the amazing view of Mount Everest and have a sense of achievement.  

Which Mount Everest Camp is better? South Base Camp or North Base Camp?

While both of these base camps are situated in the lap of the same Mount Everest, the trekking routes to reach these base camps are distinctly different. Specifically talking about the popularity when people say the Everest Base Camp they mainly refer to the Southern one which is located in Nepal.

If you are looking for trekking to the Everest Base Camp then the southern Base Camp of mighty Everest is the one you should head for.

In this blog, we’ve mentioned features and facts about both of these base camps to provide you with a better understanding of what to anticipate from each adventure.

 

Here are some differences between them for a clear idea.

	South Everest Base Camp	North Everest Base Camp
Elevation & Location	South Base Camp is slightly higher than the North Base Camp i.e. 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). Located in Nepal, The Khumbu region. Takes about 8-12 days to reach the base camp, depends on the acclimatization pattern.	North Base Camp is located at an altitude of 5,150 meters (16,896 feet). Located in Tibet Autonomous region of China. Takes about 4-5 days to reach the base camp including acclimatization stops.
Landscape & Views	Lush Green valleys, dense forests and authentic Sherpa culture. Stunning views of peaks like Ama Dablam, Lhotse and the Khumbu Icefall. Potential encounters with yaks, Himalayan tahr and various species of birds.	Drier and more barren terrain characteristic of the Tibetan Plateau. Expansive views of the North face of Everest and the rugged terrain surrounding it. Potential encounters with Tibetan antelope, yaks, and various species of birds.
Trekking Experience	For accommodations, there are multiple teahouses on the trekking routes that provide food and lodging services. Opportunities to visit monasteries, interact with local Sherpas and explore rich Sherpa culture.  A rich combination of natural beauty, cultural immersion, and trekking adventure.	There aren’t many teahouses in comparison with the Southern route. They provide with basic lodging facilities.  Opportunities to visit monasteries, interact with local Tibetans and explore Tibetan Buddhist culture.  A challenging yet less crowded approach to Everest.
Ascent Paths	The journey takes place on the Southeast peak, which was used by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa in 1953.	The journey takes place on the north Col-Northeast peak. It is considered technically less difficult however there may be exposition and subject to harsh winds.
Key Points	The challenging Khumbu Icefall, Western Cwm Lhotse Face The Hillary step.	The North Col The Great Couloir The challenging Second step ( one of the difficult obstacles on the Northeast ridge ).
Permits & Regulations	Sagarmatha National Park Permit, for entry into the national park.  TIMS Card (Trekkers Information Management system) card is a must. Guides and porters are highly recommended for support and security even though independent trekking is allowed.	A Chinese visa is required for entry in china. Tibet travel permit is mandatory for entry into Tibet. It can be arranged through a tour operator. Alien travel permit & Frontier Pass for travel to the Everest Region, also arranged by tour operator. Guided tours only, independent travel is restricted.

How Long Does it Take To Reach The Everest Base Camp?

The question, “How long does it take to reach Everest Base Camp?” often arises among trekkers and adventurers. The duration can vary depending on various factors such as the chosen route, acclimatization needs, and individual fitness levels. 

although the standard itinerary is of 14 days starting from Kathmandu to Kathmandu, trekkers can hike up to the Everest Base Camp and complete the trek within 10 days and may be even earlier if they choose to return to Kathmandu by helicopter.

 

Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu (1,400m/4,593ft)

• Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.
• Transfer to your hotel and rest.
• Evening: Briefing about the trek.

Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,860m/9,383ft) and Trek to Phakding (2,610m/8,562ft)

• Early morning flight to Lukla (35 minutes).
• Begin trek from Lukla to Phakding (3-4 hours).
• Overnight in Phakding.

Day 3: Trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,440m/11,286ft)

• Trek through pine forests and cross the Dudh Koshi River.
• Pass through small villages and arrive at Namche Bazaar (6-7 hours).
• Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day in Namche Bazaar

• Short hikes around Namche Bazaar for acclimatization.
• Visit the Everest View Hotel, Khumjung Village, and the Hillary School.
• Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 5: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Tengboche (3,860m/12,664ft)

• Trek with stunning views of Everest, Nuptse, Lhotse, Ama Dablam, and Thamserku.
• Arrive at Tengboche Monastery (5-6 hours).
• Overnight in Tengboche.

Day 6: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410m/14,468ft)

• Trek through rhododendron forests and cross the Imja Khola.
• Pass through Pangboche village and arrive at Dingboche (5-6 hours).
• Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 7: Acclimatization Day in Dingboche

• Short hikes to nearby hills for better acclimatization.
• Rest and enjoy the scenery.
• Overnight in Dingboche.

Day 8: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4,940m/16,207ft)

• Trek through the Khumbu Valley with views of Cholatse and Tawache.
• Pass by the memorials of climbers at Thukla Pass and arrive at Lobuche (5-6 hours).
• Overnight in Lobuche.

Day 9: Trek from Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,170m/16,961ft) and Everest Base Camp (5,364m/17,598ft)

• Trek to Gorak Shep, have lunch and continue to Everest Base Camp.
• Spend time at EBC and return to Gorak Shep (7-8 hours total).
• Overnight in Gorak Shep.

Day 10: Hike to Kala Patthar (5,545m/18,192ft) and Trek to Pheriche (4,371m/14,340ft)

• Early morning hike to Kala Patthar for sunrise views of Everest.
• Return to Gorak Shep for breakfast and trek down to Pheriche (6-7 hours).
• Overnight in Pheriche.

Day 11: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar

• Retrace your steps back to Namche Bazaar (6-7 hours).
• Overnight in Namche Bazaar.

Day 12: Trek from Namche Bazaar to Lukla

• Trek back to Lukla, enjoying your final day on the trail (6-7 hours).
• Overnight in Lukla.

Day 13: Fly back to Kathmandu

• Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.
• Transfer to hotel and rest.
• Free day for exploring Kathmandu.

Day 14: Departure from Kathmandu

• Transfer to Tribhuvan International Airport for your departure flight.

 

This is a normal standard itinerary to reach the Everest Base Camp by trekking, however, it can be customized depending on the client's preferences and situation.