Everest Base Camp

There are two base camps on Mount Everest, on opposite sides of the mountains: South Base Camp is in Nepal at an altitude of (), while North Base Camp is in Tibet at ().

The base camps are rudimentary campsites at the base of Mount Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. They are also visited by hikers. 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 risk of altitude sickness.

South Base Camp in Nepal

The Everest Base Camp trek on the south side, at an elevation of , 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 ().4 sections of the trekking route to Mount Everest were damaged by the earthquake, assessment finds
/ref> Trekkers usually fly from Kathmandu to Lukla 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 of Namche Bazaar, , following the valley of the Dudh 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 to Dingboche, 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 via Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar, 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 12 May, a second quake struck measuring 7.3 on the M_w. Some of the trails leading to Everest Base Camp were damaged by these earthquakes and needed repairs.

On 17 June 2022, it was announced that the camp would be moved lower, since the Khumbu Glacier, on which the campsite is located, is rapidly melting and thinning out, which makes it unsafe for the trekkers.

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. The signboard, located at the iconic base camp, featured updated information and an image of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. 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.

File:EverestBasecamp-fromKalarPatar.jpg, Nepal's EBC bottom left, Khumbu Icefall to the right
File:Khumbu Glacier, Khumbu Icefall, Nepal, Asia.jpg, Panoramic view of Khumbu glacier with EBC site on the left above ridge
File:Everest Base Camp from Kala Patther.jpg, Everest Base Camp
File:KhumbuIcefall.jpg, Khumbu icefall
File:South Everest Base Camp sleeping platform.jpg, A temporary tent platform on the Khumbu glacier at South EBC, Nepal.
File:Everest Base Camp sits on top of melting glacier.jpg, Everest Base Camp sits on top of melting glacier

North Base Camp in Tibet

A visit to the North Base Camp requires a permit from the Government of the People's Republic of China, on top of the permit required to visit Tibet itself. Such permits can be arranged via travel companies in Lhasa 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 the Friendship Highway near Shelkar, at the southern foot of the high Gyatso La pass. The road leads to Rongbuk 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.

Image:Tent village at Everest Base Camp, Tibet.JPG, Tent village established for tourists' convenience called Everest Base Camp, in Tibet. It is the furthest that private cars can go. Mount Everest can be seen in the background.
Image:North Mount Everest Base Camp Tea House.png, Tea house at the North Everest Base Camp. Mount Everest is visible in the background.
Image:Interior of tea-househotel at Everest Base Camp.JPG, Interior of tea house/hotel located at Everest Base Camp, Tibet
Image:Everest Tibet Base Camp looking West from hillside August 03 2002.jpg, A view of Everest North Base Camp looking west, August 3, 2002. The permanent structure at left is for mountain climbers, central-left structure is for pit toilets, while the temporary wood-frame, plastic tarpaulin-covered structures below and right are for other visitors and support people
File:Climbers' tents at Mt. Everest Base Camp, Tibet.jpg, Climbers' tents in the restricted area beyond the area open to tourists.
Image:Starry night at Mount Everest.jpg, Camps visible on northeast ridge as seen from north tent village, Tibet on May 20, 2011.

See also

* Gorakshep
* List of Mount Everest expeditions

References

External links

{{DEFAULTSORT:Everest Base Camp
Mount Everest
Buildings and structures in Solukhumbu District
Tingri County