Where is Everest Base Camp

Is Mount Everest in Nepal or china?

Even as a child, you must have heard about majestic Everest and often wondered where is Everest Base Camp located. Today, let’s answer this query in detail.

Everest Base Camp is one of the most beautiful places on Earth that captivates thousands of tourists each year. Other hundreds of mountaineers journey to Mount Everest hoping to successfully ascend to the apex of the world’s highest peak. As a matter of fact, the majority of their time is spent on acclimatizing, resting, and preparing in the base camps. Surrounded by the snowy Himalayan Peak in all directions, the moment in Base Camp is a lifetime treasure. Life in base camp is an awesome mix of logistical challenges, mundane domesticity, and the occasional life-or-death drama. Without a doubt, this will be a life-changing moment for many travelers. Both of the base camps- one on the side of Nepal and another in Tibet are equally prodigious.  

If you are planning a trek to Everest Base Camp, knowing its facts and features is going to be extremely helpful. Here are some details about where is EBC located.

Where is Mt. Everest Base Camp Located?

There are two different answers to "Where is Mount Everest Base Camp Located?”

Everest North Base Camp- Everest base camp location on the map for the north side is located in Tibet. The GPS coordinates for Everest Base Camp via Tibet are Latitude- 28°8′29″N, and Longitude- 86°51′5″E. This site can be reached as you drive via the Friendship Highway that completely branches in the south at Shekar. After a 100km drive on the Highway, you will need a special tourist bus that is arranged to drive tourists to the base camp. Also, one can trek from Shigatse in Tibet via Tingri, Sakya, and Rongbuk Monastery. From Shigatse, the EBC is about 337 km far. Having the option of both driving and trekking is a popular route for tourists. Tour to the North Base Camp of Everest will be out of a world experience. 

Everest South Base Camp- Now, this is the most popular side of the base camp that is located in Nepal. The GPS coordinates for Everest Base Camp location via Nepal is Latitude- 28°0′26″N and Longitude- 86°51′34″E. One needs to trek for about a week from the nearest airport of Lukla. The exciting flight to Lukla can be arranged from Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Then one can trek through the classic trail to the village of Namche along the Dudh Kosi River Valley. Trekking to Dingboche and Gorakshep finally takes you to the south camp of Everest. The south camp offers a view of other high peaks like Lhotse, Cho Oyu, and Makalu. 

What is Everest Base Camp elevation?

How high the Everest Base camp is a frequent question among tourists. The most popular side of the Base Camp, i.e. south camp is located at an altitude of 17,900 feet (5,500 m). Such an attitude can be achieved via a week-long trek only. Interestingly, this is not the highest one achieved at Everest Base Camp trek altitude. Kalapatthar, a notable landmark above Gorakshep recorded at 5,643 m (18,514 ft) is the highest altitude one can climb during the trek. 

Lukla the starting point of the trek is 2,860 meters (9,383 ft) whereas the popular village of Namche bazaar is 3,440 meters (11,286 ft) above sea level at its low point. Once the trekkers reach above 3,000m, they start to be affected by the symptoms of altitude sickness. So it's important to take enough rest and keep yourself hydrated at this altitude. Dingboche village, another stop for the trek is at 4,260 meters (13,980 ft) above sea level. 

Another base camp that can be accessed from Tibet is at 5,150 meters (16,900 ft) above sea level. Since the permit for this trek should be issued by both Tibet and the Chinese Government, one might face obstacles to go for the trek. 

How crowded is Everest Base Camp?

You must be aware that Everest Base Camp is the most popular trekking trail in Nepal. It is also listed among the best in the world. So it’s obvious that the Khumbu region welcomes a considerable number of tourists each year. As per data, about 40k+ tourists trek to Everest base camp from Lukla airport each day. Also, the number is increasing every passing year.

The number of tourist dwellings in the Everest region mostly depends on the season. Autumn (September, October, and November) is mostly crowded and you might have to pre-book your stay in the Everest region. Spring (March, April, and May) is reasonably crowded with fewer trekkers on the trail. For the rest of the months, the number of visitors is a minimum. 

Since the trek to Everest base camp needs tons of preparation, experience, and cautions, only a few aim to make it to the top. So you shouldn’t be worried about the region being crowded for the most part of the year. 

How long does it take to climb Everest Base Camp?

Everest Base Camp trek usually begins after you fly to Lukla from Kathmandu. On average, the entire trek takes between 11 and 14 days. People usually complete the round trek along the classic path in 12 days. On the first day, 30 minutes flight from Kathmandu takes you to Lukla and then you can hike to Phakding. Then you can trek to Namche Bazzar and take a rest for a day. Then you stop across the village of Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep before making it toEverest Base Camp. On the 8th day, you can hike to Kala Pattar and stay in Gorakshep. Then, you can trek back to Lukla in two to three days. This path was traced by Sir Edmund Hillary who successfully climbed the Everest summit for the first time. 

Alternatively, you can trek to Lukla instead of taking a flight. You need to walk for about 3-4 days to reach Lukla. Also, you can extend your hike to three-pass of Everest or around Gorakshep as well. Even if you trek around the Khumbu region for a month, you will still have new things and places to explore. The region is full of mystery and hidden beauty. 

How is the weather and Temperature at Everest Base Camp?

At an elevation of 5,200 meters asl, Everest base camp has a climate that is mostly characterized as a mountain plateau climate. To be precise, the weather is cold throughout the year at such an altitude. The average temperature of base camp at night time is around -7 degrees Celsius while it’s above 5 degrees Celsius in the daytime. The temperature is above the freezing point in summer and autumn when the layer of snow is thin. In Autumn (October - November) the daytime temperature can go up to 17°C while the nighttime temperature can be -8°C. Summer receives rainfall of about 170mm while winter mostly receives snowfall. The speed of the wind is highest i.e 22km/h during evening time.

In the month of December to January, the temperature is very low. With a daytime temperature of -5°C and a nighttime temperature of -15°C, winter on Everest is quite harsh. During the spring months (April - May) the daytime temperature is about 15°C while the nighttime temperature: is -1°C. In summer, even the nighttime temperature is above 4°C. 

Remember that at such an altitude, the temperature and weather are constantly changing within hours. Before you head for the trek ask yourself “How is the weather at Everest Base Camp”. So you should be prepared to face all kinds of climates during the trek. 

Is the trek to Everest Base Camp hard?

It’s obvious that about two weeks of the trek on the remote mountain trail sounds difficult. But you might be amused that the Everest Base Camp trek is only considered moderately hard. Anyone with sound health and little experience can trek to Everest Base Camp without much difficulty. The round trek of Everest from Lukla is about 130km. Usually, a trekker covers about 15 km of distance in 5 to 6 hours of walking. You will need to take enough rest and walk slowly as you gain altitude. After every 2 to 3 days of the trek, you can give your body a chance to acclimatize. 

Despite the fact that the Everest region is a remote place, the trekking trail has an impressive number of tea houses for accommodation and food. You can find a different kinds of cuisine and drinks even at 5,000m above sea level. Such experience also contributes to an easy trek. The difficulty also depends on the season- Autumn trek and Spring trek are quite achievable while Everest Base Camp in winter is difficult due to snowfall. 

Why Everest Base Camp is the Most Popular Trek?

Everest base camp is the most popular trek in Nepal due to multiple reasons. The out-of-the-world beauty of the Himalayas and the popular myths of Yeti make the trek to Everest base camp an exciting experience. 

First, the trek begins with a most amazing and thrilling flight to Lukla- one of the most dangerous airports in the world. Then you get to explore Namche bazaar-the gateway to the Himalayas where warm-hearted Sherpa people are always delighted to welcome you. Getting to live in a remote village and enjoying the awesome Nepalese hospitality is a lifetime memory for all. You get to explore cultural heritages like Tengboche Monastery, the largest Gompa in the Khumbu region, and Edmund Hillary's health post and school. Last but not the least, one gets to explore the diverse alpine vegetation and rear animals like snow- Leopard, and the musk deer. 

How is the Everest Base Camp Trail?

First things first –you should know that journey to Everest Base Camp is not a climb! Reaching EBC is just a trek and most of the mountain trail on the lateral moraine is covered in the last two days. As you start walking from Lukla, you will find the trek to Namche Bazaar easy and fun. Then it might slightly get steep but it’s not that difficult. The most challenging part will be exploring Kalapatthar from Gorakshep. The most challenging part is Mount Everest Base Camp's height. 

On the trail, there are a couple of steep hills you need to tackle. Thankfully, most of the paths are zigzagged to make the trek easier. Also, there are plenty of places where you can stop for a rest and chit-chat. On the moraine, the path can sometimes be slippery with ice, but you will not need any technical equipment or skills. Basically, it is a straightforward trek with few ascents and decent. The only item you need is mini spikes to help you walk. 

Is the Everest base camp trek worth it?

DEFINITELY!! Trek to Everest Base camp can be a rejuvenating moment for many. Leaving the luxurious city life, internet connection, and hectic work schedule, one gets to roam deep into nature. As you climb closer to the mountains and enter the thick alpine forest, you start to look for peace of mind and heart. There are many other best places to see Everest from Valley, but the experience is totally different. 

Everest trek is not just about a panoramic mountain view. You will get to live the life of Sherpa people in the region who follow a very unique Buddhist tradition. Their simple lifestyle and belief will make you amused. Also, you get to explore the vegetation that ranges from sub-tropical to alpine. This is your chance to connect with the best of nature and the best of mankind. 

Yeah, the Everest base camp hike can sometimes be hard and sometimes expensive to our budget. But in the end, it is definitely worth it. You will feel the closeness to nature, culture, and eventually yourself. 

What is the best time to go to Everest Base Camp?

To be honest, the Everest Base Camp trek is achievable at any time of the year. But some months of the year- September, October, and November have been considered the best time for the Everest Base Camp trek. These months mark the Autumn season in Nepal with stable weather and clear skies. Another best time for the Everest Base camp trek is Spring (April- May) when most of the trail is covered with beautiful blooms of Rhododendron. 

Winter and summer is the least popular month for the Everest Base Camp trek. With the flexible itinerary, a monsoon trek is also possible. Since most of the rain pours in the evening, you can trek during the morning and daytime. Winter, especially January and early February is the least visited month due to the thick layer of snow that is seen on the trail. You might need additional clothes and additional equipment for the Everest base camp trek in winter. 

What is the cost of the Everest Base Camp trek?

Nepal is, without a doubt, the most affordable destination for trekking. Unfortunately, the high altitude and lack of transportation make the EBC trek quite expensive than other trekking destinations. Most of the trekking packages that arrange the tour charge around $1200 to $1500. The cost can go higher as per your demand. 

The cost mostly depends on your itinerary, per day cost for food and accommodation can range somewhere between $29 to $58 based on the luxury you prefer and the climate. Independent trek costs around $700 from Kathmandu and back while trekking with a guide and a porter costs around $14,000.

• Permits Cost: Local Government fee (US$17 pp.)
• Sagarmatha National Park permit (US$25 pp.)
• Kathmandu to Lukla flight: US $350 to USD $380.
• Food cost: $8 to $10 per meal.
• Water cost: $1 per bottle to $4 per bottle.
• Room cost: $5 to $10 per night.
• Porter cost:  $15-  $20 per day.
• Guide cost: $20 to  $25 per day.
• Hot shower: $5 per hot shower.
• Phone charging:  $2-$5  per charge.

 Everest Base Camp Trekking Cost Chart

How to get to Everest Base Camp? 

There are three ways you can reach Everest Base Camp in Nepal. The first one, also the most popular one is landing at Lukla airport and trekking on a classic route for seven to eight days. Or one can take the bus to Jiri from Kathmandu and then Phaplu (2,413m) from Jiri. Three to four days of the trek from Phaplu takes you somewhere around Lukla where you can join the classic path. And lastly, you can take a helicopter tour to Everest base camp from Kathmandu which is about an hour's flight in total. This last option is fun, luxurious,

You cannot drive to the Everest base camp in Nepal. But you take the bus to North Everest Base camp from Tibet but unfortunately has been closed since February 1, 2019, and exciting but quite expensive. 

12 days Everest trek

The classic trail of Everest from Lukla to base camp can be completed by trekkers with moderate health conditions. As usual, the trek begins from Lukla and takes you deep into the Khumbu region. Here are 12 days of Itinerary for Everest Base Camp.

• Day 1: Morning flight from TIA to Lukla( at 2,830 m.) and then trek to Phakding (at 2,640 m., a 4-hour trek)
• Day 2: Early morning trek from Phakding to Namche Bazaar (at 3,440 m., 6-hour trek) 
• Day 3: Rest day at Namche Bazaar and visit Everest View Hotel
• Day 4: Morning Trek from Namche to Tengboche (at 3,800 m., 5-hour trek) 
• Day 5: Morning Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (at 4,200 m., 5-hour trek)
•  Day 6: Hike from Dingboche to Lobuche (at 4,920 m., 5-hour trek). 
• Day 7: Hike from Lobuche to Gorakshep (at 5,170 m.) and then trek to Everest Base Camp and back (at 5,356 m., 8-hour trek)
• Day 8: Hike to Kalapathar (5,545 m.) and trek back to Gorakshep 
• Day 9: Trek from Gorakshep to Pheriche( at 4,240 m. 5-hour trek).
• Day 10: Trek from Pheriche to Namche Bazaar (at 3,450 m., 6-hour trek).
• Day 11: Trek from Namche to Lukla (at 2,840 m., a 6-hour trek).
• Day 12: Morning flight from Lukla to Kathmandu.

Short Everest Base Camp Trek 10 Days

Everest base camp trek can be achieved by slightly experienced trekkers in 10 days. The itinerary for 10 days Everest base camp trek is similar to the one mentioned above. But you cannot take a rest day in Namche and also need to trek back to Pheriche after you explore Kalapathar on the same day. 

If you aim for 10 days Everest base camp trek, it’s important that you keep yourself hydrated and walk very slowly on the path. You should make sure that your body gets enough time to adjust to the increasing altitude. 

 Express Everest Base Camp Trek -9 days

If you wish to complete the Everest base camp trek in 9 days, you would be giving yourself a huge challenge. Instead of the classic EBC route, you need to take a different route from Namche to Ghorakshep to complete the trek. Here is the Express Everest Base camp trek 9 days Itinerary.

• Day 1: Kathmandu to Lukla by flight and Trek to Phakding- about 4/5 hrs walk approx
• Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche- 5/6 hrs walk approx
• Day 3: Trek from Namche to Pangboche- 3990 m - 5/6 hrs
• Day 4: Trek from Pangboche to Thukla- 4620 m - 6/7 hour
• Day 5: Trek from Thukla to Gorakshep and then Everest base camp (5364 m)
• Day 6: Hike to Kalapathar (5545m), back to Gorakshep, and then to Periche (4,250 m) 6-7 hrs
• Day 7:Trek from Pheriche to Namche 3,450 ft 6 hrs
• Day 8:Trek from Namche to Lukla 2,850m- 6 hrs
• Day 9:Fly from Lukla to Kathmandu for 25 minutes.

Since this trek is challenging, make sure you have previous experience of trekking at a higher altitude and regular training. Also, make sure that your insurance covers any risk during the period.

Everest Base Camp Trek Helicopter Ride Back – 8 Days

The Everest Base Camp trek combined with a helicopter ride back to Kathmandu is a full experience. First, you get to explore the remote Khumbu region and enjoy nature to its full. And then you can experience the luxury of an Everest helicopter ride as you return back to the capital.

The itinerary for this particular tour is similar to 12 days EBC trek mentioned above. But on the 8th day, you will fly back to Kathmandu from Gorakshep. This particular trek might be expensive but it eventually saves you a lot of pain and time.

Gokyo lakes and Everest Base Camp trek- 14 days

Everest Base Camp trek is already a fun and exciting experience. But combined with Gokyo lakes, the trek gets even more adventurous. The five magnificent Gokyo lakes suited in the beautiful Gokyo Valley can be explored during the trek. One needs to cross Cho La Pass from Base camp before they get into Gokyo Valley.

You can cross the majestic Cho La pass and reach Thangkok in a day and then reach Gokyo Valley another day. To complete the trek in 14 days, you need to explore the Valley and get back to Dole on the same day. With such a strict schedule, 14 days Gokyo lake trek is challenging and fun.

Everest three passes including EBC – 18 days

Everest three pass trek takes you to the most spectacular passes of Cho-La (5,400m), Kongma La (5,535m), and Renjo La (5,300m). The journey provides an epic view of Everest, Cho Oyu (8,201m), Makalu (8,463m), Lhotse (8,516), and other surrounding peaks. Here is a short Everest three passes itinerary. 

• Day 1: Arrival in Kathmandu
• Day 2: Fly to Lukla and then Trek to Phakding
• Day 3: Trek to Namche Bazaar
• Day 4: Acclimatization day at Namche Bazaar
• Day 5: Trek to Thame
• Day 6: Trek to Lungden
• Day 7: Trek to Renjo La (5,340m) – Gokyo
• Day 8: Climb Gokyo Ri (5360m)
• Day 9: Trek to Dragnag
• Day 10: Trek to Cho La 5420m- Dzonglha
• Day 11: Trek to Lobuche
• Day 12: Trek to Gorekshep and Everest Base Camp
• Day 13: Early morning hike to Kala Pattar
• Day 14:  Trek Kongma La- Chukung
• Day 15: Trek to Pangboche
• Day 16: Trek to Namche Bazar
• Day 17: Trek to Lukla
• Day 18: Lukla-Kathmandu

Everest Base Camp Kalapatthar Helicopter Tour

Everest Kalapatthar Heli flight tour is a rare treat; a once-in-a-lifetime- opportunity to unfold the Himalayan beauty of the Khumbu region. Enjoy the luxury of the 21st century as you explore the best of nature. During the tour, you get to fly over the fascinating village of Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, Gorakshep, Tengboche, and Khumbu glacier. Also, you get to land in Kala Patthar to enjoy the awesome view and at Everest View Hotel for the breakfast. 

During this exciting flight, you get to view the breathtaking mountain peaks from the top. Besides the view of Everest, one gets to witness other peaks like Kangtega, Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam, Nuptse, and Tawoche

Conclusion

Everest base camp trek in Nepal is the purest form of nature one can experience in this century. The trek certainly has its own challenges- being long and strenuous but the rewards are more than that. This can be the best of your personal achievement and also make a fantastic album of glorious photographs! Even more, this wonderful journey to the Himalayas is cleansing to the heart and mind. 

Any queries? Let us know in the comment section below. You can book our economic and well-planned Everest base camp tour and make an awesome experience in the mountains of Nepal.

Happy trekking!!