Nepal
Kathmandu 44600
There are two main base camps on Mount Everest: the South Base Camp in Nepal and the North Base Camp in Tibet.
Everest base camps are the starting points for climbers and trekkers who are either preparing to summit the mountain or exploring the region. Each base camp offers a unique experience and serves a different purpose.
South Base Camp (Nepal)
South Base Camp is located at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) in Nepal. It can be reached by trekking from Lukla Airport. It serves as the starting point for climbers using the southeast ridge route and is very popular among trekkers. About 40,000 people visit the camp each year.
Camp 1 (6,065 meters / 19,900 feet)
Location: Above the Khumbu Icefall
Description: Camp 1 is located above the dangerous Khumbu Icefall. Climbers must carefully navigate through icefalls, deep crevasses, and shifting ice towers to reach this camp.
Key Details:
- Elevation Gain from South Base Camp: 701 meters (2,300 feet)
- Time to Reach: 4-6 hours
- Risk Factors: Icefall maze and crevasses, making it a dangerous part of the climb.
Camp 2 (6,400 meters / 21,000 feet)
Location: The Western Cwm
Description: Camp 2 is situated in a relatively safer area known as the Western Cwm. This camp is the first real resting point after the dangerous Khumbu Icefall. Climbers often spend several days here to acclimatize before continuing their journey.
Key Details:
- Elevation Gain from Camp 1: 335 meters (1,100 feet)
- Time to Reach: 3-4 hours
- Purpose: Provides climbers with a resting phase and a chance to acclimatize to the increasing altitude.
Camp 3 (7,162 meters / 23,500 feet)
Location: Lhotse Face
Description: Camp 3 sits on the Lhotse Face, a steep and challenging section of the mountain. The terrain is icy and requires climbers to be physically and mentally prepared for tough conditions.
Key Details:
- Elevation Gain from Camp 2: 762 meters (2,500 feet)
- Time to Reach: 4-7 hours
- Weather Conditions: Extreme cold, high winds, and the risk of altitude sickness.
Camp 4 (7,925 meters / 26,000 feet)
Location: The South Col
Description: Camp 4 is located at the South Col, just below the summit. This camp marks the start of the “Death Zone” where oxygen levels are dangerously low, and climbers spend minimal time here before making the final push to the summit.
Key Details:
- Elevation Gain from Camp 3: 788 meters (2,585 feet)
- Time to Reach: 4-6 hours
- Purpose: To prepare climbers for the final push to the summit, with very little time spent here due to dangerous conditions.
Weather at South Base Camp for Different Seasons
The weather at South Base Camp changes throughout the year. It can be cold in the winter, mild in the spring and autumn, and wet during the summer monsoon season.
Weather Summary by Season of South Base Camp
Here’s the table showing the weather conditions at South Base Camp for different seasons.
North Base Camp (Tibet)
North Base Camp is located on the northern side of Mount Everest, in Tibet, at an elevation of 5,150 meters (16,896 feet).
It offers a unique perspective of Mount Everest’s north face, making it a remarkable destination for adventurers and mountaineers.
Reaching the North Base Camp involves a scenic drive from Tibet’s capital, Lhasa, followed by a trek.
Unlike the South Base Camp in Nepal, which is more popular among trekkers, the North Base Camp is less crowded.
This base camp serves as the starting point for climbers attempting to summit Mount Everest via the north ridge route.
Camp 1 (6,200 meters / 20,341 feet)
Location: North Ridge
Description: Camp 1 sits on the North Ridge and is the first major stop for climbers on the north side of Mount Everest. The terrain is rocky, with steep ascents and narrow ridges. The climb to this camp requires climbers to have excellent technical skills as they navigate through rocky sections and occasional ice patches.
Key Details:
- Elevation Gain from North Base Camp: 1,050 meters (3,445 feet)
- Time to Reach: 4-6 hours
- Risk Factors: The steep ridge can be tricky, with falling rocks and high winds being common.
Camp 2 (7,000 meters / 22,965 feet)
Location: North Ridge, above the icefall
Description: Camp 2 is positioned above the North Col Icefall and is where climbers rest before moving higher on the mountain. This camp is more exposed to the wind and cold, but it provides crucial acclimatization time. Climbers often spend a couple of days here to adjust to the high altitude.
Key Details:
- Elevation Gain from Camp 1: 800 meters (2,625 feet)
- Time to Reach: 4-6 hours
- Purpose: To acclimatize and prepare for the next stage of the climb.
Camp 3 (7,800 meters / 25,590 feet)
Location: Near the East Rongbuk Glacier
Description: Camp 3 is located higher up the North Ridge and is a challenging stop before the final push to the summit. Climbers encounter a more technical section of the climb here, with rocky terrain and steep ridges.
Key Details:
- Elevation Gain from Camp 2: 800 meters (2,625 feet)
- Time to Reach: 5-7 hours
- Weather Conditions: Strong winds and extreme cold are common, making it a tough section of the journey.
Camp 4 (8,300 meters / 27,230 feet)
Location: Summit Push Zone
Description: Camp 4, located near the final summit push, marks the beginning of the “Death Zone.” Oxygen levels are extremely low, and the weather is harsh. Climbers spend the least amount of time here as they prepare for the summit.
Key Details:
- Elevation Gain from Camp 3: 500 meters (1,640 feet)
- Time to Reach: 3-4 hours
- Purpose: To rest briefly before making the final ascent to the summit.
Weather at North Base Camp for Different Seasons
The weather at North Base Camp changes throughout the year. It can be cold in the winter, mild in the spring and autumn, and wet during the summer monsoon season.
Weather Summary by Season of North Base Camp
Here’s the table showing the weather conditions at North Base Camp for different seasons.
Conclusion
Mount Everest has two main base camps South Base Camp in Nepal and North Base Camp in Tibet.
Both serve as starting points for climbers, but they differ significantly in terms of access, terrain, and experience.
