There are twobase camps onMount Everest, on opposite sides of the mountains:South Base Camp is inNepal at an altitude of 5,364 metres (17,598 ft) (28°0′26″N86°51′34″E / 28.00722°N 86.85944°E /28.00722; 86.85944), whileNorth Base Camp is inTibet at 5,150 metres (16,900 ft) (28°8′29″N86°51′5″E / 28.14139°N 86.85139°E /28.14139; 86.85139 (North Base Camp)).[1][2][3]
The base camps are rudimentary campsites at the base of Mount Everest that are used bymountain climbers during their ascent and descent. They are also visited by hikers. South Base Camp is used when climbing via thesoutheast ridge, while North Base Camp is used when climbing via thenortheast ridge.[4]
Supplies are shipped to the South Base Camp byporters, and with the help of animals, usuallyyaks. The North Base Camp is accessed by apaved road that branches fromChina National Highway 318. Climbers typically rest at base camp for several days foracclimatization, to reduce the risk ofaltitude sickness.
| South Base Camp (Nepal) | |
|---|---|
Khumbutse overlooks a sprinkling of colored tentsSouth Base Camp in Nepal | |
| Location | Nepal |
| Coordinates | 28°0′26″N86°51′34″E / 28.00722°N 86.85944°E /28.00722; 86.85944 |
| Elevation | 5,364 metres (17,598 ft) |
| Facilities | Rudimentary field hospital, heliport |
The Everest Base Camp trek on the south side, at an elevation of 5,364 m (17,598 ft), is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas and about 40,000 people per year make the trek there fromLukla Airport (2,846 m or 9,337 ft).[5] Trekkers usually fly fromKathmandu toLukla to save time and energy before beginning the trek to the 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 ofNamche Bazaar, 3,440 metres (11,290 ft), following the valley of theDudh Kosi river. It takes about two days to reach the village, which is the central hub of the area. Typically at this point, climbers allow a day of rest for acclimatization. They then trek for another two days toDingboche, 4,260 metres (13,980 ft) before resting for another day for further acclimatization. Most trekkers use the traditional trail via Tengboche monastery, but recently, the high trail via Mong La and Phortse has gained popularity due to the impressive views it offers. Another two days takes them to Everest Base Camp viaGorakshep, the flat field belowKala Patthar, 5,545 metres (18,192 ft) and Mt.Pumori.
On 25 April 2015, anearthquake measuring 7.8 on themoment magnitude scale, struckNepal and triggered an avalanche onPumori that swept through the South Base Camp.[6] At least 19 people were said to have been killed as a result. Just over two weeks later, on 12 May, asecond quake struck measuring 7.3 on theMw.[7] Some of the trails leading to Everest Base Camp were damaged by these earthquakes and needed repairs.[5]
On 17 June 2022, it was announced that the camp would be moved 200 to 400 metres (700 to 1,300 ft) lower, since theKhumbu Glacier, on which the campsite is located, is rapidly melting and thinning out, which makes it unsafe for the trekkers.[8]
In March 2024, a new signboard at Everest Base Camp was unveiled, sparking strong reactions from some trekkers and mountaineers who preferred a graffiti coated rock that had long been considered the base of the climb.[9] The signboard, located at the iconic base camp, featured updated information and an image of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay.[10] Local authorities removed the signboard in May 2024, a move that is speculated to have been due to unpopularity, although the authorities have stated they wish to eventually reinstate the signboard with additional information and with increased protection to help it withstand seasonal ground movement.[11][9]
| North Base Camp (Tibet) | |
|---|---|
A picture of Mount Everest taken from the perspective of base camp, Tibet | |
| Location | Tibet |
| Coordinates | 28°8′29″N86°51′5″E / 28.14139°N 86.85139°E /28.14139; 86.85139 (North Base Camp) |
| Elevation | 5,200 metres (16,900 ft) |
A visit to the North Base Camp requires a permit from theGovernment of the People's Republic of China, on top of the permit required to visitTibet itself. Such permits can be arranged via travel companies inLhasa as part of a package tour that included hiring a vehicle, driver, and guide. The North Base Camp is accessed by vehicle through a 100 km (62 mile) road branching to the South from theFriendship Highway nearShelkar, at the southern foot of the 5,220-metre (17,130 ft) highGyatso La pass. The road leads toRongbuk Monastery, with dramatic views of the north face of Mount Everest. From the Rombuk guest house, all tourists were required to take the horse-drawn carriages or small buses managed by the government to limit the traffic on the last stretch of gravel road to a marked hill at 5,200 metres above sea level, just before the climbers' camp.
Everest base camp 5150 m.
