Everest Base Camp Elevation: What You Need to Know Before You Go

  • Sep 26, 2024
  • Karna Rana

Are You Wondering !!! What is Elevation of Mt. Everest Base Camp?

Everest Base Camp Elevationis the most searched word among Everest trekkers. Before heading to the Mt. Everest Base Camp Trek, it is essential to know its related information for a safe and comfortable journey. If you Google How High is Everest Base Camp, the elevation of the Everest Base Camp shows dissimilarity from every source. Indeed, the glacier cannot be stable in one place due to its peripheral surface pressure and underground movement, so it is moving every year. Consequently, the Everest Base Camp also changes every year. The basement of Mt. Everest is called Everest Base Camp, even though the entire basement can’t say Base Camp. Normally, where the Everest Expedition group sets camp is known as Mt. Everest Base Camp.

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) trek is one of the most famous and exciting treks in Nepal. Nestled on the laps of the world’s tallest mountains, this journey leads you through the beautiful Khumbu region toward the foot of the world’s tallest mountain.

Trekkers from all over the world visit EBC to live the dream of witnessing heaven on Earth. Indeed, the Khumbu is a land of mystical beauty. Being a significant part of the Himalayas, the Khumbu region holds pristine natural beauty and diverse geography and shelters culturally rich communities and marvelous mountains.

The Everest Base Camp Trek is a high-altitude journey. The elevation of the journey begins at 2,860 meters at the Tenzing Hillary airport in Lukla and reaches the highest point at Kala Patthar at 5,643 meters. This trek is moderately strenuous and is suitable for those who have some experience in high-altitude trekking.

If you are planning on doing the EBC trek, you probably have various questions circling your mind. Here are answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about the EBC trek.

Therefore, the Everest Base Camp elevation can be a little bit up and down every year, and as such, different sources define it accordingly. 

Table of Contents

How High is Everest Base Camp?

You will find altitude at Everest Base Camp (5,360 m/17,585 f) and somewhere else (5,380 m/17,651 f) and maybe find it different than this. The most popular Trek maps indicate Mount Everest Base Camp's elevation as 5,364 meters. In conclusion, the lowest EBC height is 5,360 meters and 5,560 meters is the highestelevation of Mt. Everest Base Camp.

Everest Base Camp Elevation Highlights

Elevation (feet)17,585F
Elevation (meters)5,360M | 17,585F
Nearest AirportLukla
ContinentAsia
CountryNepal
Range/RegionKhumbu Himalaya Range in Central Region
Latitude28.007267
Longitude86.858122
DifficultyModerate to Strenuous
Walking Time2 Hours
Hiking FromGorakshep (The last Tea House for Everest Base Camp Trek)
Best Season    Sep, Oct, Nov, Mar, Apr, May

Everest Base Camp Trek Elevation Profile:

Everest Base Camp is the main attraction for trekkers to see the amazing glacier, Khumbu Icefall, and the astonishing scenery of snowcapped mountains around you. The Everest Base Camp Hike starts at Lukla, an elevation of 2,840 meters from sea level, after a scenic flight from Kathmandu. Then gaining height every footstep higher and higher to the historic trading point Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters), the Buddhist sacred place Tengboche (3,860 meters), Dingboche (4,410 meters), Lobuche (4,910 meters), Gorak Shep (5,140 meters) and finally getting in your dream destination, Mt. Everest Base Camp. As the Elevation of Everest Base Camp is very high, you need to be well prepared to face any circumstances that may arise while at base camp. It is advised that you wear warm clothes and have enough drinking water while visiting the Everest Base camp.

Here is the Everest Base Camp Elevation Profile:

S.N.Places Elevation
01Kathmandu  1,300m
02Lukla2,800m
03Phakding2,640m
04Namche Bazaar 3,430m
05Khumjung Village3,790m
06Tengboche  3,867m
07Dingboche  4,410m
08Dingboche/Nangkat Tshang Peak4,330m/5,615m
09Lobuche4,930m
10Gorak Shep / EBC  5,140m/5,360m
11Kalapatthar/ Pheriche 5,555m/4,240m
12Tengboche3,867m
13Namche Bazaar3,430m
14Phakding2,640m
15Lukla2,800m
16Kathmandu  1,350m

To get to Everest Base Camp Elevation, do we need training and physical fitness?

The elevation of the EBC trek begins from 2,680 meters at Tenzing Hillary Airport and ascends to a maximum elevation of 5,643 meters at Kala Patthar. You will travel above 2,500 meters of elevation during the entire trip. Due to this, you are required to be physically fit to at least a certain extent to complete the trek.

In terms of training for Everest Base Camp Elevation, there aren't many technical aspects to it. However, you must be aware of the elevation of the EBC Trek, the risks, and their controlling measures for a safe and enjoyable trip.

The essential thing to do is to start doing cardiovascular exercises to increase your stamina. You will be covering great distances during the trek. Thus, to avoid getting tired and feeling pain in your legs, cardiovascular exercises can be of great help. Next, you can also practice strengthening exercises. While exercising for strength, make sure to focus on your legs primarily. Some examples of strength exercises are squats, lunges, pushups, sit-ups, etc.

For training, as mentioned above, you do not need technical skills for this trek. However, you should have thorough knowledge about the elevation of the EBC trek and altitude sickness. This is the only training you will need for the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Where is Everest Base Camp located?

Mt. Everest is located in the Everest (Khumbu) region in the northeastern region of Nepal. When someone refers to EBC, there are two locations: South Base Camp and North Base Camp. The South Base Camp lies on the Nepalese side, whereas the North Base Camp lies on the Tibetan Chinese side. The South Base Camp on the Nepalese side is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). The geographical coordinates of the location are 28°0′26″N 86°51′34″E.

Everest Base Camp Trek Video:

Can we see the view of Everest from the Base Camp?

No! Unfortunately, you cannot see a clear view of Everest from Everest Base Camp. Many tall mountains block your view of Everest. However, during the journey from Lukla, you get marvelous views of Everest as you are walking towards it. Even further from the base camp, you will be reaching Kala Patthar, the best place to view Everest. After observing the environment surrounding the Everest Base Camp, which is amazing and close to the Khumbu Glacier, you won't regret walking there. Mountains are in every direction. Likewise, Khumbu Icefall and Glacier Marine. 

Reaching the base camp gives you a feeling of victory standing atop the foot of the world’s tallest mountain. Whereas reaching Kala Patthar gives you outstanding views of Everest and neighboring peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, etc.

Mount Everest Base Camp Trek: Essential Tips and Information for Your Successful Trip on the Base of the World “Mt. Everest 8,848.86m”

Here is a list of some tips that will help make your trip successful. Kindly go through it.

  1. Experience the Ultimate Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour:A Comprehensive Guide
  2. Daily Bus and Jeep Service from Kathmandu to Lukla: Private and Shared Options Available
  3. 7 Money-Saving Tips to EnhanceYour Everest Base Camp Trek Experience
  4. Experience the Adventure of a Lifetime: The Ultimate Guide to Everest Base Camp Trek in 2023-2024
  5. 14-Day Everest Base Camp Trek Itinerary: A Step-by-Step Guide for a Memorable Journey
  6. Unlocking the Secrets of Everest Base Camp Trek: Top 7 Insider Tips You Need to Know
  7. 30 Mind-Blowing Facts About Mount Everest: Discovering the World's Tallest Mountain
  8. 15 Essential Tipsfor a Safe and Enjoyable Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp
  9. Lukla Airport: Your Gateway to the Top of the World Adventure
  10. Where is Mount Everest Located? Exploring the Geographic Wonder of the World
  11. The Best Time to Trek to Everest Base Camp: A Guide to Choosing the Perfect Season
  12. How Much Does an Everest Base Camp Trek Cost? A Breakdown of Expenses and Savings Tips
  13. Getting to Everest Base Camp: A Comprehensive Guide to Transportation and Routes
  14. Your Ultimate Everest Base Camp Trek Packing List: Essentials and Recommendations
  15. Kalapatthar: Experience the Best Views of Mount Everest on Your Trek
  16. Understanding Flights from Kathmandu to Lukla: Why Departure from Ramechhap is Recommended

How can we get to Mt. Everest Base Camp?

The most popular way to get to EBC is by trekking. But first, to get to EBC, you will need to reach the Khumbu region. The easiest way to reach here is via a flight to Lukla airport. There are also other alternatives, but there is no other direct way to get here. For road travel, you can drive to Phaplu and then trek to Lukla.

From Lukla, you can follow the standard route of the EBC trek, which is: Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, and EBC. If you do not have the time to reach here by trekking, you can also opt for a helicopter flight. The EBC helicopter flight will take you directly to Kala Patthar.

Similarly, there is road access near Lukla. So, the jeep can drive to Thamdanda, from where it takes a 4 to 5-hour walk to get to Lukla. If you are looking to escape the Lukla flight, then driving Kathmandu to Lukla by Jeep is the best option. 

The most popular trek in the Everest Region

  1. Everest Base Camp Trek -14 Days
  2. Everest Base Camp Trek and Fly Back Helicopter -9 Days
  3. Everest 3 Passes Trek -21 Days
  4. Everest Base Camp Trek -8 Days
  5. Gokyo Chola Pass Trek -19 Days

Everest Base Camp Trek difficulty due to the elevation of Everest base camp?

The EBC trek is a high-altitude trek. The difficulty of this trek is moderately strenuous. It is suitable for those who have experience in high-altitude trekking. One of the major reasons for the demanding nature of the trek is the altitude. The course of the EBC trek lies in a range of 2,680 meters to 5,545 meters.

Walking long distances during the trek itself is a challenge. However, high altitude also invites various risks. One particular risk is altitude sickness. It is generally perceived that altitude sickness is more likely to happen above 2,500 meters. The EBC trek follows a route above this mark. Therefore, the difficulty level of the journey is elevated due to this risk. Also, you will be walking uphill for the majority of the journey to ascend the altitude. Walking uphill can be strenuous for the legs and tiring.

Everest Base Camp Elevation with Trekking Itinerary

The standard Everest Base Camp trek alone is a 14-day journey. The itinerary of the EBC trek along with the elevation of different places, is as follows:

Day 1: Arrival at Kathmandu, trekking preparation and Permit work.

Day 2: Fly to Lukla (2,680 m) and trek to Phakding (2,700 m)

Day 3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3,400 m)

Day 4: Acclimatization day, hike to Everest View Hotel (optional) (3,962 m)

Day 5: Namche to Tengboche (3,860 m)

Day 6: Tengboche to Dingboche (4,410 m)

Day 7: Acclimatization Day hike to climb to Nangkartshang Peak (5,615 m): 2 Hours.

Day 8: Dingboche to Lobuche (4,910 m)

Day 9: Lobuche to Gorak Shep (5,180 m), hike to Everest Base Camp (5,364 m), and night at Gorak Shep

Day 10: Gorak Shep to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) and back to Pheriche (4,210 m)

Day 11: Pheriche to Namche (3,440 m)

Day 12: Namche to Lukla (2,680 m)

Day 13: Flight to Kathmandu

Day 14: Final departure for home destination.

Everest Base Camp Elevation Map Chart

The EBC trek has varying levels. However, the altitude ascends until Kala Patthar and descends after that. Everest Base Camp Trek 1 Day begins at 2,680m and maps towards 2,700m, 3,440m, 3,962m, 3,860m, 4,410m, 4,910m, 5,180m, 5,364m, and 5,545m. From here, it descends towards 4,210 m, 3,440 m, and 2,680 m.

Everest Base Camp Elevation in Meters and feet

Everest Base Camp Elevation in meters is 5,364 meters, and in feet is 17,594 feet above sea level. Everest Base Camp is the second-highest point of the trek after Kala Patthar.

Everest Base Camp Elevation Gain

The EBC trek begins from 2,680 meters or 8,792 feet at Lukla and reaches its maximum point at 5,545 meters or 11,283 feet at Kala Patthar. The total altitude gain is about 2,865 during the entire trip. The average elevation gain during ascending is about 600 meters.

Everest Base Camp Trek: Altitude Sickness

One of the significant safety issues of the EBC trek is altitude sickness. Altitude sickness due to high elevation is a common issue that can be avoided. Altitude sickness is a sickness when the body is not able to adapt to the change in oxygen levels as the altitude increases. The atmosphere of high-altitude regions has a meager oxygen quantity. Thus, while ascending, there is less oxygen for the body to take in.

If you do not follow proper trekking techniques, you might get altitude sickness. Some common symptoms of altitude sickness are nausea or headache, vomiting, loss of appetite, sleeplessness, confusion, disorientation, weakness, swelling of hands and face, and shortness of breath with breathing irregularity. If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately inform your partners and seek medical attention.

Altitude sickness has no immediate cure. Thus, descending is the only way to survive. Medicines such as Diamox can help slow down effects, but the results are only temporary. It is better to avoid altitude sickness than to seek its cure. There are various ways you can prevent this sickness.

First, it is crucial that you maintain a good pace that your body can handle. Do not rush while ascending and let the body adapt to the altitude. Taking acclimatization days is very important, as these breaks give your body more time to adjust to the oxygen levels. Staying hydrated, getting enough sleep, consuming enough nutrients, and avoiding alcohol and tobacco are also a few ways to prevent altitude sickness.

If you require any further information regarding Everest, please feel free to Contact Nepal Mother House. Or you may drop your own experience below the comments box as well. We are here for your assistance.

Karna Rana

Karna Rana

Namaste!

I hearty welcome to Nepal, known as the Kingdom of Himalayans, and the roof of the World “Mt. Everest.” Nepal has been named a Heaven on Earth and is a wonder in the Himalayan. It is the Shangri-La, a cultural Museum, the Birthplace of the Lord Buddha, and the country of the living Goddess “Kumari.”

I am Karna Rana Trekking Tour Operator and Mountain Guide, specializing in Trekking, Tour, Travel in Nepal, Hiking in the Himalayan and other Outdoor Activities, Peak Climbing, Expedition, Adventure Trekking, Rafting, etc. applying for my field expiring in 2000. Meanwhile, I have completed my Master’s degree in Rural Development (2016) from the Tribhuvan University of Kathmandu, Nepal’s leading educational institution. I have been applying my field experience in tourism, especially in remote areas of the country, for sustainable eco-tourism for local empowerment. I enjoyed writing my blog own word sharing my travel experience in the Himalayan, aiming to provide the right information and help to the Nepal Traveler.

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