Mount Everest Base Camp


The Mount Everest base camp trek will take you through tiny mountain villages and pine forests, alongside topaz rivers and across staggeringly-high suspension bridges to the foot of the world’s highest mountain. However, with sub-zero temperatures and altitude sickness to contend with this isn’t a challenge for the faint-hearted.

Everest base camps refers generally to two base camps on opposite sides of Mount Everest:  South Base Camp is in Nepal at an altitude of 5,364 metres, while North Base Camp is in Tibet, China at 5,150 metres (16,900 ft) .

The base camps are rudimentary campsites on Mount Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent; they are also visited by tourists. South Base Camp is used when climbing via the southeast ridge, while North Base Camp is used when climbing via the northeast ridge.

Supplies are shipped to the South Base Camp by porters, and with the help of animals, usually yaks. The North Base Camp is accessed by a paved road that branches from China National Highway 318.  Climbers typically rest at base camp for several days for acclimatization, to reduce the risks and severity of altitude sickness.

South Base Camp in Nepal

The Everest Base Camp trek on the south side is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas and about 40,000 people per year make the trek there from Lukla airport.. Trekkers usually fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to save time and energy before beginning the trek to this base camp.  However, trekking to Lukla is possible. There are no roads from Kathmandu to Lukla and as a result, the only method of transporting large and heavy goods is by plane.

From Lukla, climbers trek upward to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, 3,440 metres (11,290 ft), following the valley of the Dudh Kosi river. It takes about two days to reach the village, which is a central hub of the area. Typically at this point, climbers allow a day of rest for acclimatization. They then trek another two days to Dingboche, 4,260 metres (13,980 ft) before resting for another day for further acclimatization. Another two days takes them to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar, 5,545 metres (18,192 ft) and Mt. Pumori.

On 25 April 2015, an earthquake measuring 7.8 on the moment magnitude scale, struck Nepal and triggered an avalanche on Pumori that swept through the South Base Camp. At least 19 people were said to have been killed as a result. Just over two weeks later, on May 12, a second quake struck measuring 7.3 on the Mw. Some of the trails leading to Everest Base Camp were damaged by these earthquakes and needed repairs.

North Base Camp in China

A visit to the North Base Camp currently requires a permit from the Chinese government, on top of the permit required to visit Tibet itself. Such permits must be arranged via travel companies in Lhasa as part of a package tour that include hiring a vehicle, driver, and guide. The North Base Camp is accessed by vehicle through a 100 km road branching to the South from the Friendship Highway near Shelkar. From the Base Camp, all tourists must take the buses managed by the government to limit the traffic in the last stretch of gravel road to a marked hill at 5,200 meters above sea level just before the climbers’ camp. It is also possible to trek up from the tourist camp, but only when properly acclimatized. The "tourist Base Camp" is located about halfway between Rongbuk Monastery; the actual climbers' Base Camp is at the foot of Rongbuk glacier.

Client’s Reviews

  • Where_Next_Baby

    Reviewed 29thDecember2018

    So there I was, minding my own business, trying to take a selfie because that’s what all the cool kids are doing. And this mountain just comes up out of nowhere and photobombs my shot. My vacation was literally ruined. Yeah, yeah, someone said Mount...More

  • nepalvisittreks

    Reviewed 27thDecember2018

    for all visitors, its necessary to see close to Everest and more... the most beautiful place in the world where thousand of visitors over the world visit here to spend their best holiday. the organizer was great that Nepal Visit Treks & Expedition Pvt. Ltd,...More

  • Arkoz2015

    Reviewed 27thDecember2018

    EBC is one of the dream trek for any trekker/mountaineer! The whole trek from Lukla and back to Lukla is filled with wonderful landscapes that keeps on changing with altitudes. Obviously you need to be highly physically fit in order to complete a successful trek....More

  • Tom C

    Reviewed 14thDecember2018

    There are a couple of things that I found surprising about this trek, which I will share below. I took the "Ultimate Everest" trip from Wilderness Travel (Berkeley, CA) which also included the Cho Oyo Pass and Gokyo Ri (both of which were incredible and...More

  • FranzH408

    Reviewed 2ndDecember2018

    If you are attracted to high mountain ranges this is the place to visit. Thin air makes the walk a bit slower but the body reacts perfectly to the changes, amazing landscape, and if "Qomolangma" is free of clouds and clear like in our case,...More

  • jamlajatt

    Reviewed 1stDecember2018

    Visited Everest Tent Camp and then managed to drive a further few km to Everest Base Camp. It is low season so very quiet. Breath taking view. We were privileged as the Head Monk of Rongbuk Monastery opened up the meditation cave which is underneath...More

  • widi_84

    Reviewed 20thNovember2018

    What tour operators now promote as the „everest base camp“ is neither a camp nor is it close to mount everest. The real base camp has been closed for some time now for tourists. What you get instead is a fake tourist camp: no climbers,...More

  • R C

    Reviewed 15thNovember2018

    It is practically impossible to prepare fully for this trek. We were at times exhausted but the scenery is so spectacular/breathtaking that it takes away the minor pains and problems that you may encounter over a 12 day trek in high altitude.We used Nepal Eco...More

  • UrsulaHans

    Reviewed 6thNovember2018

    A strenuoous walk from our guest house to the EBC. Wonderful views of Mt. Everest. Really avery special place. The high altitude does take its toll - very exhausting!

  • TrevorCrichton

    Reviewed 3rdNovember2018

    At 5,200 metres, this is not for the faint hearted! Fortunately you can be driven right to the camp and then take a very short stroll to the viewing point to overlook Everest. This camp is not the true base camp as used by mountaineers...More

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