Mt Everest Base Camps- How many base camps are on Everest?

Everest base camp facts

Before we dive deeper, let’s learn some amazing facts about Base Camp on Everest. 

• Everest base camp is open for the trek throughout the year- even during the harsh weather, adventure seekers trek to the Everest base camp
• Everest base camp vs summit has an altitude difference of 3,240m. Mountain climbers complete that distance within 3 to 4 days. 
• The classic path to Everest base camp from Lukla was traced by Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, the first ones to make it to the summit of Mount Everest. 
• Despite the fact that the base camp is in such a remote region, sometimes you might see Everest base camp queue during the peak climbing season
• The base camp is not the highest point during the popular Everest base camp Kala Patthar trek. The rock above the base camp which is called Kala Patthar is at a higher altitude. 
• The world record for fasting climb to Everest peak from the South base camp is 16 hours, and that from the North base camp is 11 hours.
• A 7.8 magnitude earthquake in Nepal on April 25 caused the Chinese to close the North Base camp for over 3 years. But the situation is normal now.

How many base camps are there on Everest?

You might be excited to know that there is not just one but two base camps on Everest. The one on the south falls within Nepal and the other one on the north that located in Tibet, China. Both of the base camps are used by the mountain climber to begin their submit trek from the respective ridge. 

Besides the base camp, mountain climbers also use other camps for the ascend. Each of these camps is the home for climbers and allows them to acclimatize. From the base camp, climbers pass through the Khumbu Icefall and reach Everest camp 2 at 19,900 feet (6065 m). From Camp I, climbers walk through the glacial valley known as Western Camp to 21,300 feet (6492 m). Everest Camp 3 at 24,500 ft (7470 m) is achieved at the Lhotse face and Everest Camp 4, at 26,000 ft (7925 m) is the major push before the submission. From Camp IV, mountain climbers walk to the Balcony, at 27,700 ft (8440 m). So there is a total of 5 camps on the South Ridge of Everest. 

On the northern ridge is considered quite difficult to climb, there are 4 camps including the stay at the peak itself. Camp 2 is located at 7500m while Camp 3 is at 8300m. From there, you will be heading towards the peak itself. 

South Base Camp (Nepal)

• Location: Solukhumbu District, Nepal
• Elevation: 5,364 meters (17,598 ft)
• Access Point: Via Lukla (Tenzing-Hillary Airport), followed by a multi-day trek through the Khumbu Valley

Most people go to Everest from the south base camp, it’s kind of the usual way. First, they take that scary little flight to Lukla, a very small airport. It feels like the plane just lands on a hill. After that, you just walk and pass through Namche Bazaar, where everything is busy and colorful.

Then, Tengboche, with a monastery there, is very peaceful. Later, Dingboche, Gorak Shep, these places are higher and colder. The trail is tough but also beautiful, with mountains everywhere. Going slow is important, not only for the view but also your body needs time, otherwise altitude hits you hard.

Facilities and Life at South Base Camp:

• Tent accommodations for climbers and Sherpas
• Medical tents (Everest ER)
• Satellite communication setups
• Weather forecasting stations
• Cooking and dining tents
• Equipment storage areas
• Support staff, including porters, cooks, and climbing Sherpas

North Base Camp (Tibet, China)

• Location: Tingri County, Tibet Autonomous Region
• Elevation: 5,150 meters (16,900 ft)
• Access Point: Via road from Lhasa or Shigatse

The north base camp is different; you can actually drive there, not like the south one, where you have to walk for days. People usually fly to Lhasa first, then go by car to Shigatse.

After that, the road keeps going, and finally, you reach the camp near Rongbuk Monastery. It’s crazy, the highest monastery in the world, feels so close to the sky. The drive is long, dusty, and windy, but the mountains around are just amazing.

Facilities and Conditions of North Base Camp:

• Chinese authorities regulate access strictly
• Vehicle road access (jeeps and trucks)
• Fewer trekkers and commercial teams
• Known for harsher winds and colder conditions

Climbing Beyond Base Camps: The Higher Everest Camps

Once you reach base camp, climbers don’t just rush to the top. They go up a bit, then come down, then go up again. This rotation thing helps your body get used to the thin air, otherwise, it hits you hard. It’s slow, tiring, but necessary. Every step counts, and every camp is like a little checkpoint before the real climb.

The South Route (Via Nepal) – “South Col Route”

The South Col route is the one most people use. Hillary and Tenzing first made it in 1953, super famous. The path is crazy, Khumbu Icefall with its shifting ice, glaciers everywhere, steep icy slopes, and some ridges so narrow that it makes you nervous. It’s scary sometimes, exhausting too, but the views are wow, nothing like it.

Camps on the Everest South Side:

Camp I (6,065 m / 19,900 ft)

• Located above the Khumbu Icefall
• Lies in the Western Cwm, a broad glacial valley
• Known for its high solar radiation during the day
• Temporary resting point before moving to Camp II

Camp II (6,492 m / 21,300 ft)

• Located at the upper end of the Western Cwm
• More permanent with larger tents and better food
• Used for several days during acclimatization

Camp III (7,470 m / 24,500 ft)

• Situated halfway up the Lhotse Face
• Steep and icy; climbers use fixed ropes to ascend
• Supplemental oxygen is sometimes used from this point onward

Camp IV (7,925 m / 26,000 ft)

• Located on the South Col, between Everest and Lhotse
• Considered the edge of the “Death Zone”
• Final staging area before the summit push
• From here, climbers attempt to summit late at night or early morning

Key Landmarks on Summit Day:

• The Balcony (8,440 m / 27,700 ft) – Rest point with a view of both sides
• South Summit (8,749 m / 28,700 ft) – A false summit near the top
• Hillary Step (historically) – A vertical rock face (now altered by an earthquake)
• Everest Summit (8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft) – Highest point on Earth

The North Route (Via Tibet) – “North Ridge Route”

This route is steeper and more technically demanding. It was first summited in 1960 by a Chinese team. The North Side features long, exposed ridges, high winds, and fewer natural protections from the elements.

Camps on the Everest North Side:

Intermediate Camp / Advanced Base Camp (6,400 m / 21,000 ft)

• Climbers pass through here after Base Camp
• Not always counted as an official camp, but used for acclimatization

Camp I / North Col (7,000 m / 22,965 ft)

• Located on the ridge connecting Everest to Changtse
• Features strong winds and harsh temperatures

Camp II (7,500 m / 24,606 ft)

• Higher up the North Ridge
• Exposed location; very cold and windy

Camp III (8,300 m / 27,230 ft)

• Final camp before summit push
• Climbers begin their final ascent from here around midnight

Key Landmarks on Summit Day

• First Step (8,500 m)
• Second Step (8,610 m) – Features a ladder bolted to the rock by the Chinese in 1975; the most technically difficult part
• Third Step (8,710 m)
• Then onward to the summit

Where is Camp 1 on Everest?

• South Side (Nepal): Camp I is at about 6,065 m / 19,900 ft, just above the Khumbu Icefall. It lies in the Western Cwm, a broad glacial valley known for intense sunlight and heat during the day.
• North Side (Tibet): Instead of a Camp I in the lower valley, climbers use the North Col (Camp I) at about 7,000 m / 22,965 ft. It’s on the ridge connecting Everest to Changtse, exposed to fierce winds and bitter cold.

Is there a Camp 4 on Everest?

• South Side (Nepal): Yes. Camp IV (South Col) lies at about 7,925 m / 26,000 ft, on the pass between Everest and Lhotse. It is firmly in the Death Zone and serves as the final staging area before the summit attempt.
• North Side (Tibet): Traditionally, climbers stop at Camp III (8,300 m) before summiting. While some expeditions set up a temporary Camp IV, it’s not always standard on this route.

What Is the "Death Zone"?

Any height above 8,000 meters, people call it the “Death Zone.” Sounds scary, and it is. There’s just not enough oxygen up there to stay alive for long. Your body starts breaking down, and everything feels harder.

Altitude sickness hits, lungs can fill with water, the brain can swell, and you get completely exhausted fast. On Everest, both sides have at least one camp in the Everest Death zone; the South has Camp IV, and the North has Camp III. Just being there is dangerous, every step counts, and you can’t rush.

 Is Camp 3 in the Death Zone?

• South Side (Nepal – South Col Route): Camp III sits at about 7,470 m / 24,500 ft on the steep Lhotse Face. It is below the Death Zone (which starts at 8,000 m), but climbers often begin using supplemental oxygen here due to thin air and harsh conditions.
• North Side (Tibet – North Ridge Route): Camp III is at about 8,300 m / 27,230 ft, making it inside the Death Zone. This is the final camp before the summit push, where climbers face extreme oxygen deprivation and dangerous winds.

Is Camp 4 in the Death Zone?

• South Side (Nepal): Yes. Camp IV (7,925 m / 26,000 ft) is located in the Death Zone, where oxygen is dangerously low and survival time is limited. Climbers leave from here late at night for the summit push.
• North Side (Tibet): There is no permanent Camp IV. However, if a temporary Camp IV is set above 8,300 m, it would also be in the Death Zone.

How Many Camps Are There on Everest? | Summary

Where are Everest base camps?

Everest Base Camp North is located in Tibet, a distinct region of China. It is located at the Latitude of 28°8′29″N and Longitude of 86°51′5″E. The base camp is pitched between two mighty glacial valleys that are located below the moraine of the Rongok Glacier. The northern base camp is about 504km away from Kathmandu. 

The other Everest base camp from Kathmandu is located in Nepal at Latitude- 28°0′26″N and Longitude- 86°51′34″ELL. It is located in the eastern region of Nepal in the Sagarmatha Zone. The camp is suited right on top of the rock-covered Khumbu Glacier. Nepal’s capital Kathmandu lies exactly 161.2 kilometers from the peak of the massive Everest. Reaching Lukla, the starting point for the Everest Base Camp trek in packages is around 139 kilometers away from the camp. 

Which base camp on Everest is popular?

Around 50,000 trekkers from all around the world go for Everest base camp walk each year. Many of them trek to the South base camp at 5,364 meters above sea level. The stunning beauty of Mount Everest and other tallest peaks in the world, the unique mountain landscape, and the diverse vegetation together make the Everest base camp expedition a wonderful journey. 

The south base camp of Everest is popular among adventure seekers. Since the camp is in the south and can only be reached on foot, trekkers prefer to walk in the Everest region. On another hand, the Everest base camp in China has easy access. For those who want to enjoy the beauty of base camp and yet avoid the weeks of the hectic walk, this is an ideal option. Since North Everest base camp is accessible via bus, some travelers visit this side of the mountains. The Everest base camp road in the North is quite good and well-paved.  

Can we see both Everest base camps from Nepal?

The south base camp of Everest and the Everest base camp in China are located in two distinct regions. One is in the south of the majestic Mount Everest and the other one is in the north. With the world’s tallest mountain in between, you cannot see both base camps from Nepal. Well, if you take a helicopter tour above Everest, you might be able to witness both of them at the same time. But traveling to either one of these regions doesn’t provide you with a view of both sides of Everest. 

Everest Base Camp elevations

The peak of Everest at 8848.86m is the highest point on the entire planet. You cannot expect the foothills of the world’s tallest mountain to be in the lower elevation. Both of the base camps are at dangerously high altitudes. The south camp of Everest is located at a slightly higher elevation i.e. 17,900 feet (5,500 m) above sea level. The other one in Tibet is located at a slightly lower altitude of 5,150 meters (16,900 ft) above sea level. 

Everest base camp trek difficulty

The Everest base camp trek in Nepal has been marked as moderately difficult. If you ask “Is Everest base camp dangerous” in general, the answer would be NO. You will be trekking for 5-6 hours each day and covering about 12 to 13km is the distance which is pretty achievable with the right kind of preparation. Everest base camp temperature and Everest base camp trek itinerary are two major factors that determine the difficulty of your journey. The trekking journey can be an Everest Base Camp yoga tour, an Express Everest base camp trek, an Everest base camp Kala Patthar trek, an Everest base camp Gokyo lakes trek, a short Everest base camp trek, and so on. 

 If you find trekking overwhelming, you can also go for the Everest base camp helicopter tour which is an ideal journey for capturing the best Everest base camp pictures. The other alternative is Everest base camp by car which is only possible for the north base camp. 

Everest base camp trek maps

South base camp in Nepal is a popular destination among adventure seekers and mountain climbers. The base camp can only be reached on foot. The Everest Base Camp trek begins from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. First, you can take a flight to Lukla (9,383 ft). Then you trek to Phakding (8,562 ft )and head to the popular village of Namche bazaar (11,286 ft). Now, you slowly walk towards Tengboche (12,850ft), Dingboche (13,980 ft), and Lobuche (16,175 ft). Finally, you reach Ghorak shep (17,010 ft) which is the resting point for the Everest base camp trekkers. They explore the base camp and return back to Ghorak Shep while the mountain climbers continue to the higher camp. These villages cover the major places for the Everest Base camp trek map. 

Most of the travelers who wish to explore the Everest base camp in Tibet on the bus also first arrive in Kathmandu and then drive to Tibet before they begin the real journey. The road along the Friendship Highway branches in the south at Shelkar. A special tourist bus will then drive you to the base camp. The North base camp is also accessible via a trek from Shigatse. Walk along Tingri, Sakya, and Rongbuk Monastery to the camp. Due to the availability of transportation, the Everest base camp trek cost is lower for the North camp. 

North Everest Base Camp

Everest base camp from Tibet is also equally popular for the best Everest base camp views. The approach to North Base Camp takes the historic route that was pioneered by Mallory & Irvine. While the Everest Base Camp tour in the North is easily accessible via drive, the North Ridge Route is somehow difficult to climb. It is technically harder to climb and needs a long descent at high altitude in comparison to the Southern Route. The plus point of climbing via the North route is to avoid the danger of the Khumbu Icefall. In total, there are 15 different paths to the top of Everest.

South Everest Base Camp

Everest base camp south is the first among five base camps that mountain climbers need to ascent. The Base Camp is located at 17,600 feet is the warmest place they can feel before the climb. It's important that you are informed about Everest base camp weather for different seasons. Temperatures tend to drop by 1.5 degrees C as they climb per 150 meters. 

It’s illegal to simply walk to the base camp build a tent and climb a mountain. Before you do so, make sure you look for the Everest Base camp requirements. You will need a climbing permit and then climb the mountain with the accompany of a locally licensed logistics company that supplies base camp accommodations, meals, and other basic bathrooms. But you won't need a climbing permit to simply visit and take pictures at the south base camp. Everest base camp to submit is only about 4 days of the walk but it’s not as easy as it sounds. 

During the spring, the base camp houses about 300 people. They are not just the climber but Sherpa’s, company staff, doctors, and scientists. For every one foreign mountain climber, there is a team of three to four local workers who live in the base camp to facilitate the climb. These small armies of workers from the service industry are the engine that makes base camp humming and lively. 

Everest base camp weather

At an altitude of 5,200 meters above sea level, the base camp of Everest has a climate characterized as a mountain plateau- it can be cold throughout the year. The average temperature at night is about -17 degrees Celsius. It is considered to be coldest during winter (mid-December to January). In the spring months, the surrounding warms but the night still remains cold and chilly with the temperature dropping to below freezing. The temperatures can range from around 22 degrees in summer to as low as -5 degrees in the day during winter. The time nighttime temperature can range from -15 in the winter to 4 degrees in the summer. 

Here are the details for the weather at the base camp for Everest for a different season.

Monsoon Season (June, July, August)

• Nighttime temperature: 4°C
• Daytime temperature: 22°C
• Wind speed: 10km/h
• Sunshine hours/day: 7-8
• Precipitation/month: 170mm

Autumn (September, October, November)

• Nighttime temperature: -8°C
• Daytime temperature: 17°C
• Wind speed: 22km/h
• Sunshine hours/day: 9-10
• Precipitation/month: 2.5mm

Winter (December, January, February)

• Nighttime temperature: -20°C
• Daytime temperature: -5°C
• Wind speed: 7-8km/h
• Sunshine hours/day: 7-8 
• Precipitation/month: 5mm

Spring (April, March, May)

• Nighttime temperature: -3°C
• Daytime temperature: 15°C
• Wind speed: 11km/h
• Sunshine hours/day: 9
• Precipitation/month: 7mm

The views of the mountains are at their best during the month of Autumn while Spring is popular for the beautiful surrounding. Mountain climbers often prefer Spring climbs while Autumn month is popular among trekkers.

How much does the Everest base camp cost?

Everest base camp trek price is the first thing many people are worried about before they head for the trek. The Everest base camp experience is definitely fun, but the altitude of the Everest base camp makes it expensive to trek to the top. The cost of the Everest base camp permit (TIMS card and Sagaramatha Nation park permit) cost is around $50 per person. Everest base camp guide and Everest base camp porter can cost you up to $20 to $30 per day. Then you can add about $40 dollars for each Everest base camp day (likely to be 12-14 days if you don’t want to rush). That's the cost of the meal and accommodation in the tea house. But the major part of expenses goes on the Everest base camp packing list that includes sleeping bags and maps, trekking boots, down jackets, clothes, and so on. With all these requirements, you can expect the Everest base camp hike cost to be pretty reasonable. 

The neatly arranged trekking packages to Everest cost around $1000 to $2000 depending on the kind of luxury you would prefer during the trek. 

Is Everest base camp worth it?

Knowing that the Everest base camp trek is difficult and can also be expensive, you might be having second thoughts. But the trek is not just about mountains. Here are many other things you will explore during the Journey that will make the trek worth it. Here is some highlight of the journey. 

• The Exiting Scenic Flight to Lukla- one of the most dangerous airports in the world 
• Sagarmatha National Park- A UNESCO world heritage that is rich in diverse flora and fauna
• Unreal Mountains Including Everest- The panoramic exciting view of more than 14 mountain peaks that are 6000m above sea level
• Namche Bazar- Opportunity to explore beautiful villages such as Namche and explore the Culture and Lifestyle of people living in the mountain region 
• Panoramic View From Kalapatthar- The view from Kalapatthar is distinct and even better than the ones from the Everest base camp itself 
• Other- Tengboche Monastery, Edmund Hillary school, museums, and local farms visit 

Everest base camp gear list

The climate in the Himalayas is greatly unpredictable. In a couple of minutes, the warm sun can disappear and the area can be filled with wind. And since the trail is mostly remote, you cannot buy important gear in a time of need. Most Himalayan trekking routes of Nepal have a remote settlement where you should spend your night in a tea house. You will only be provided with basic food and room. So, it’s crucial that you carry everything beforehand. Here is the detailed Everest base camp packing list. 

• Important Personal Documents: valid passport, visa, 2 extra passport size photos; Photocopies of bank cards; Travel insurance proof; Credit cards, ATM cards
• Clothes- Trekking Shoes and cotton hocks; Base layer of wool; Second a fleece type Insulating layer; Fleece Jacket; waterproof jacket; trouser; Trekking shorts; pack 5-6 shirts; 4-5 pairs of breathable underwear 
• Other clothes list: Hat; Neck gaiter; Beanie; Inner gloves 
• Bags and bag packs: 80L duffle for the porter; a small bag for yourself to carry personal items; rain cover for all the bags. 
• Sleeping Gear: Light, warm sleeping bags and sleeping mats 
•  Other: Trekking poles; Earplugs; Sunglasses; sunscreen, toiletries; Headlight; charger and extra batteries; first aid kit 

Everest base camp female packing list:

Add 2 to 3 sports bras, menstrual hygiene packages, and your cosmetics 

Conclusion

Without the slightest doubt, the Everest Base Camp climb is one of the most exciting, adventurous, and also dangerous experiences in the world. The thrill of trekking in the remote mountain landscape before you reach the core of the Himalayas is a fun experience. Eventhough  the base camp experience is not as fulfilling as climbing the summit of Everest itself, this is definitely a close second. With such an attitude and landscape, you are totally detached from the world and feel the connection to your mind and soul like never before. So, are you ready to make the most memorable journey of your life?