Visiting Everest Base Camp is something truly you need to know. There are trekking options, helicopter flights, and even mountain flight options available. Instead, you can head to the North Base Camp in Tibet, too.
How to Get to Base Camp of Mount Everest?
Table of Contents
The frequently asked question to us is "How to get to Base Camp of Mount Everest".
Reaching the base camp of Mount Everest is a dream for many. There are two main base camps to explore. The South Base Camp is in Nepal. It offers stunning views of the Khumbu region. The North Base Camp is in Tibet. It is less crowded but requires special permits. Nepal is better for trekkers seeking adventure. Tibet is ideal for those who prefer road access.
The South Base Camp in Nepal is a trekker’s favourite, named Everest Base Camp Trek or the EBC Trek. It starts with a flight to Lukla. The trek takes 12-14 days to complete. You pass villages like Namche Bazaar along the way. The North Base Camp 5,150 metres (16,900 ft) in Tibet is reachable by vehicle or a short walk.
The Northern option is best for non-trekkers. Nepal offers cultural experiences and scenic trails. Tibet provides easy access and amazing views of the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest (8848).
This article explains routes, accessibility, and planning tips for both Everest Base Camp. Additionally, we will also discuss the different Everest Base Camp Tours available.
How To Get To South Base Camp of Mt. Everest (Nepal)?
The South Base Camp of Mount Everest is in Nepal at 17,598 feet (5,364 meters). It lies in the Khumbu glacier, home to Mount Everest, which rises to 29,032 feet (8,848.86 meters).
The most popular way to Everest Base Camp is by trekking. However, you can also fly over close to the Base Camp of Mount Everest by helicopter. It is a fast and great experience. However, landing is almost impossible to get there unless you are a climber heading fr the Everest Climbing.
For a longer and more traditional experience, you can take the Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek.
Reaching Everest Base Camp by Trekking (Classic Route)
The trek to Everest Base Camp starts with a flight to Lukla Airport. From there, trekkers pass through Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the Himalayas. Next, the route takes you to Tengboche Monastery, known for its stunning mountain views. The final stops are Gorakshep and Kala Patthar, at 18,192 feet (5,545 meters), offering breathtaking views of Mount Everest.
A unique stop along the way is the Pyramid International Laboratory/Observatory. It is one of the oldest high-altitude research centres. However, its operations have declined due to reduced funding from the National Research Council of Italy (CNR) since the early 2010s.
The trek also passes through Sagarmatha National Park. This park is home to rare wildlife, including red pandas, snow leopards, and musk deer. Over 118 bird species live here, such as the Impeyan pheasant and snow cock.
Customise your trip with Himalayan Scenery Treks to explore these natural and scientific landmarks. It will make the journey even more special.
Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek (Traditional Route)
The Jiri to Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the most authentic routes, first trekked by Sir Edmund Hillary. This traditional trek takes 20-21 days to complete. It is longer but offers rich cultural and scenic diversity. The route passes through remote villages, and lush forests, and offers a glimpse of local life.
Though more challenging due to the added distance, this trek provides a deeper experience of Nepal's countryside. If you're short on time, you can shorten the trek by driving to Salleri or Bupsa to start the journey.
Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tours
Helicopter tours to the base camp start from Kathmandu. These tours do not land at the base camp. Only rescue flights are allowed to land there. The helicopter flies over the camp and Khumbu Icefall for close views of Mount Everest.
Landings are allowed at Kala Patthar for panoramic Everest views. This option is perfect for travellers with limited time or physical challenges. The tour offers a stunning aerial perspective of the world’s highest mountain.
Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp Trek (Alternative Route)
This trek combines the Gokyo Valley with Everest Base Camp. You will see the Khumbu Glacier and the Ngozumpa Glacier, the longest and most prominent glaciers in the Himalayas. The trek crosses the Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters (17,782 feet). This pass offers an adventurous challenge.
The trek also includes the beautiful Gokyo Lakes and amazing views of Mount Everest. Proper acclimatisation and permits are required. The trek is moderately difficult but very rewarding.
The journey takes 14-16 days to complete. Trekkers can reverse the route. Start at Everest Base Camp and return via Cho La Pass and Gokyo Lakes. This adds variety to the trek and offers stunning views.
Everest Base Camp Trek with Side Trips
The Everest Base Camp Trek has exciting side trips. Here are the major side trips:
Cultural and Scenic Experiences
The trek offers rich cultural and scenic experiences. Khumjung Village (3,790m/12,434ft) is home to the famous Hillary School, built by Sir Edmund Hillary. This village provides a glimpse into the Sherpa way of life.
A visit to Hotel Everest View (3,880m/12,730ft) offers panoramic views of the surrounding mountains, including Mount Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Ama Dablam (6,312m/20,700ft), and other Eastern peaks. These side trips enrich the trek with both natural beauty and cultural heritage.
The Three High Passes
The Three High Passes trek is a challenging extension of the Everest Base Camp trek. It includes Kongma La (5,535m/18,159ft), Cho La (5,420m/17,782ft), and Renjo La (5,360m/17,585ft). These passes offer stunning views of surrounding peaks, including Mount Everest (8,848m/29,029ft), Lhotse (8,516m/27,939ft), and Makalu (8,485m/27,838ft).
The trek is physically demanding and requires proper acclimatisation. It usually adds 3-4 days to the standard trek. This route provides a unique perspective of the Khumbu region, with fewer crowds compared to the main trail.
How To Get To North Base Camp of Mt. Everest (Tibet)?
The North Base Camp of Everest is in Tibet. It is at an altitude of 5,150 meters (16,896 feet). The camp is on the northern face of the mountain. It provides a unique view of the Northern side of Everest. Travellers can reach it by road. Visiting requires strict permits and meeting group requirements.
Usually, the trip to the North Base Camp takes 8–10 days. It begins in Lhasa (3,656 meters / 11,995 feet). The route includes cultural stops like the Potala Palace in Lhasa. Travelers also visit Gyantse Kumbum in Gyantse. The Rongbuk Glacier (4,980 meters / 16,339 feet) near the base camp is a key highlight.
How Easy or Tough Is Reaching North Base Camp?
Reaching the North Base Camp is easier than trekking to the southern camp. So, it falls under moderate difficulty level. Visitors can drive from Lhasa, stopping at key locations like Shigatse (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet) and Tingri (4,300 meters / 14,108 feet) for acclimatisation.
However, travel requires strict permits in Tibet side. You must have a group of at least four travellers or join a fixed departure tour.
Reaching Everest Base Camp by Road from Lhasa
The North Base Camp of Mount Everest is accessible by road. The journey begins in Lhasa and follows the Friendship Highway. This route offers stunning views and cultural landmarks.
Travellers stop at Gyantse (4,040 meters / 13,255 feet) and Shigatse (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet). The next major stop is Rongbuk Monastery (4,980 meters / 16,339 feet), close to the base camp.
The drive to the North Base Camp (5,150 meters / 16,896 feet) is smoother than trekking. The road is well-maintained, ensuring a safe journey. Travellers can enjoy panoramic views of Everest without additional hikes.
Unlike the southern side, the view is unobstructed by surrounding peaks. Visitors should plan for stops for acclimatisation.
Private Jeep Tours to North Base Camp
Private jeep tours are a convenient way to reach the Everest North Base Camp. These tours offer comfort during the journey. They are ideal for families or those seeking an easy option. Experienced drivers navigate the mountain roads safely.
Travellers can stop at cultural sites along the route. Scenic locations are also part of the experience. Private tours let you enjoy the trip at your own pace.
North Base Camp Trekking Option
The trek from Rongbuk Monastery to North Base Camp is 8 kilometres long. It usually takes one day to complete. The trek is challenging due to the high altitude of 5,150 meters (16,896 feet). Proper acclimatisation is essential for this hike. The trail offers close-up views of Everest and nearby glaciers. This short but tough trek is perfect for any traveller visiting Tibet.
Comparison Between Nepal and Tibet Routes of Everest Base Camp
Exploring Mount Everest’s base camps offers two distinct routes, each with its own challenges and rewards. Let’s dive into factors that distinguish the Tibetan’s Everest and Nepal’s Everest.
Accessibility and Logistics
Getting to the base camp of Mount Everest is an adventure filled with unique logistical challenges.
The Nepal route starts with a flight to Lukla. From there, trekkers follow trails to the base camp of Mount Everest. Permits are easy to obtain and include the TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park entry.
The Tibet route begins in Lhasa, accessible by flight or train. Travelers require multiple permits, including a Tibet Travel Permit. Road travel to the North Base Camp is possible but takes time to organise.
Cost Overview for Both Routes
The cost of trekking to the base camp of Mount Everest differs significantly between the Nepal and Tibet routes.
In Nepal's Everest region, permits are relatively affordable, with the TIMS card and Sagarmatha National Park entry costing around $50. Hiring a guide costs about $30-$35 per day. Teahouse accommodations are budget-friendly, ranging from $5–$10 per night, while meals typically cost $20–$30 daily. For a 12-day trek, the total expenses amount to approximately $1,200-$1500.
In contrast, the Tibet route is more expensive due to mandatory group and guided tours and higher travel costs. Organised tours cost between $1,200 and $2,500. Travel permits add another $100–$200 to the total.
Private transport to the North Base Camp can cost $500–$800, while accommodations average $30–$50 per night. Meals are pricier, ranging from $30–$50 daily. The overall cost for an 8–10 day trip is around $2,000–$3,500.
Cultural and Scenic Highlights
Both the Nepal and Tibet routes to Mount Everest’s base camp offer unique cultural and scenic experiences.
In Nepal, the trek goes through Sherpa villages like Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Lukla, Dingboche, and more. The villages are vibrant and full of life. Trekkers see colourful prayer flags fluttering across the mountains.
The route includes Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The park is home to wildlife like musk deer and snow leopards. Local legends tell stories of the Yeti, a mythical snow creature. Lush valleys and thrilling suspension bridges add excitement to the journey.
In Tibet, travellers visit Rongbuk Monastery. It is situated at 4,980 meters (16,339 feet). This is one of the highest monasteries in the world. The monastery is a spiritual site with breathtaking Himalayan views.
The Tibetan Plateau features stark and dramatic landscapes. From the North Base Camp, located at 5,009 meters (16,434 feet), visitors see Everest’s full north face. Unlike in Nepal, no additional hiking is required to view the mountain’s grandeur.
Difficulty Levels and Acclimatization
Adapting to high altitude is essential when visiting the base camps of Mount Everest, as it prevents serious health issues.
Nepal’s Everest Base Camp
Trekkers pass through Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters / 11,286 feet) and Tengboche (3,867 meters / 12,687 feet). These stops allow gradual acclimatisation. Common altitude sickness symptoms include headaches, nausea, and shortness of breath.
Dingboche (4,410 meters / 14,468 feet) is a key acclimatisation point. Rest days here help the body adjust. Drinking water, eating well, and walking slowly are vital for prevention.
Tibet's Everest Base Camp
Travellers start at higher altitudes. Lhasa (3,656 meters / 11,995 feet) is the first stop for acclimatisation. However, rapid elevation gains on the way to Shigatse (3,800 meters / 12,467 feet) and Tingri (4,300 meters / 14,108 feet) increase risks. Symptoms may escalate quickly. Severe cases can lead to High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE).
Diamox (acetazolamide) is commonly used to prevent and treat high-altitude sickness. It helps the body adjust to lower oxygen levels. Trekkers often start taking it 24 hours before ascending and continue during the climb.
Aspect | Nepal Route | Tibet Route |
Accessibility | Flight to Lukla, trekking to base camp | Road trip from Lhasa to base camp |
Permits | Easy to obtain | Multiple permits, time-consuming |
Cost | Affordable | Expensive |
Culture | Sherpa villages, lush valleys | Tibetan monasteries, stark landscapes |
Difficulty | Gradual acclimatisation | High-altitude travel |
Practical Information for Both Routes of Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp is a dream destination for many adventurers. Planning is key to having a safe and enjoyable experience. This section provides practical tips for packing, timing your visit, ensuring safety, and choosing the right tour option.
Packing List for Everest Base Camp
Packing the right gear is essential for any side of the Everest Base Camp trek.
Thermal Layers: Crucial for both routes, but especially vital in Tibet due to harsher winds.
Down Jacket: Essential for both; temperatures drop significantly at night, particularly at the North Base Camp.
Gloves and Hat: More important for the North Base Camp due to its higher altitude and colder climate.
Trekking Poles: South Base Camp trekkers need these for steep ascents, especially on rocky trails.
Sleeping Bag (Sub-zero Rated): Vital for South Base Camp where tea houses may not have adequate heating.
Comfortable Shoes: Necessary for North Base Camp's jeep and short hikes; trekking boots are critical for the South.
Sunscreen and Sunglasses: Both routes require these due to intense UV rays at high altitudes.
First Aid Kit: This is especially crucial for the South route, where medical facilities are harder to access quickly.
Best Time to Visit Everest Base Camp
The best time to visit Nepal's Everest Base Camp is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). These months offer clear skies and mild weather. In Tibet, late spring and early autumn are ideal for visiting the northern base camp.
Always check the latest travel advisories before planning your trip.
Travel Insurance and Safety
In Tibet, helicopter evacuations require high-level government approval, making them time-consuming and rare. Ground transportation is the primary evacuation method, often taking longer to reach medical care.
This contrasts with Nepal, where helicopter evacuations are quicker and widely available for emergencies. Travellers to North Base Camp must prepare for delays in emergency response due to these strict regulations.
Which Route to Choose: Nepal or Tibet?
Both routes to the base camp of Mount Everest offer incredible experiences. If you love trekking, Nepal’s South Base Camp is the perfect choice. The journey includes lush valleys, Sherpa villages, and breathtaking trails. It’s ideal for those seeking adventure and gradual acclimatisation.
Tibet’s North Base Camp is famous for panoramic Everest views. You can see the entire face of Everest without other mountains blocking the view. It’s more accessible by road, making it popular for non-trekkers.
Conclusion
Planning your trip to the base camp of Mount Everest is essential for a safe and rewarding experience. Choosing the right route depends on your preferences. How To get to Base Camp of Mount Everest should not be an issue to be answered anymore.
