Where is Mount Everest Base Camp Located? Nepal or Tibet

Where is Mount Everest Base Camp Located?

Where is Mount Everest Base Camp located? This is a common question we hear from those who are looking to either do the EBC Trek or even the Everest Expedition. In simple terms, Everest Base Camp (EBC) is located in the northeastern part of Nepal, in the Solu-Khumbu region of the Himalayas. It lies within Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its towering peaks and Sherpa culture.

When people refer to “Everest Base Camp,” they usually mean the South Base Camp in Nepal – the starting point for climbers attempting Everest via the Southeast Ridge. However, there are actually two Everest Base Camps: one in Nepal and another in Tibet (China) on the northern side of Mount Everest. We’ll explore both of these camps to fully answer where Everest Base Camp is and how each can be reached.

In Nepal, Everest Base Camp’s location is in the heart of the Khumbu Valley, at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall (the first major section of the climb on the south side). This spot is often called South Base Camp. It’s a remote, high-altitude campsite where expeditions assemble in the spring climbing season. EBC Nepal sits at approximately 28.0043° N, 86.8575° E. This places it roughly 160 km northeast of Kathmandu as the crow flies, deep in the Himalayas near the border with Tibet.

On the opposite side of Everest, in Tibet, lies the North Base Camp. This base camp is in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China, just over the crest of the Himalaya from Nepal. Its location is near Rongbuk Monastery in Tingri County and has coordinates about 28.141° N, 86.851° E. The north camp is accessible by road and provides a direct view of Everest’s lofty north face. Both base camps are roughly at the same latitude, with only a small longitude difference between them, essentially sitting on opposite sides of Mount Everest itself.

History of Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp’s history is knotted with the history of Everest climbs. For centuries, the area at the foot of Everest was rarely visited by outsiders. The local Sherpa people regarded the high Himalayas, including Everest, as sacred. Before the expeditions began, the site of today’s base camp in Nepal was simply a barren glacial moraine, a quiet place battered by winds beneath the Khumbu Icefall. This changed when mountaineering interest in Everest surged in the 20th century.

The first Everest expeditions (1921–1938) all approached from the north (Tibet) because Nepal was closed to foreigners. British-led teams set up a base camp on the Tibetan side during the 1920s. Notably, the 1924 expedition with George Mallory and Andrew Irvine established a camp on the East Rongbuk Glacier (north side) during their ill-fated summit attempt. These early base camps were rudimentary and saw few visitors beyond expedition members and their Tibetan and Sherpa support staff.

Everything shifted after World War II. In 1950, China’s takeover of Tibet effectively cut off access to Everest from the north for Western climbers. At the same time, Nepal opened its borders. This led to the famous 1953 British Everest Expedition (led by John Hunt) approaching from the south. Hillary, Tenzing, and team trekked for weeks from Nepal’s lowlands to establish the first South Base Camp on Everest’s Nepal side. On May 29, 1953, Hillary and Tenzing made their historic ascent from that very base camp – putting the South Base Camp on the map, literally and figuratively.

In summary, Everest Base Camp’s location and role have evolved dramatically. From a quiet glacier known only to local yak herders and mountaineers, it became the bustling base for the world’s highest climbs, and eventually a bucket-list trekking destination for thousands. The dual nature of EBC – one camp in Nepal, one in Tibet – is a product of this complex history of exploration, politics, and adventure tourism.

Exact Coordinates of Everest Base Camp

For those looking for the exact coordinates of Everest Base Camp, we can provide the figures for both the Nepal (South) and Tibet (North) base camps:

South Everest Base Camp (Nepal)

Coordinates: 28°0′26″N, 86°51′34″E. In decimal form, that’s approximately 28.0043° N, 86.8575° E. This places the camp in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It’s tucked on the lateral moraine of the Khumbu Glacier, not far from the border with Tibet. If you plot these coordinates on a map, you’ll see it lies within Sagarmatha National Park, roughly south of Mount Everest’s peak.

North Everest Base Camp (Tibet)

Coordinates: 28°8′29″N, 86°51′5″E, roughly 28.1414° N, 86.8514° E. This spot the camp on the Tibetan Plateau side of Everest, within Tibet’s Qomolangma National Nature Preserve. North Base Camp is close to Rongbuk Monastery, a landmark often used to pinpoint the area.

When someone asks, “Where is Mount Everest Base Camp located?”, they typically refer to the Nepali base camp unless specified otherwise. So the coordinates 28°0′N, 86°51′E (Nepal) are the most relevant.

What is the altitude of Everest Base Camp?

One of the most important facts about Everest Base Camp’s location is its altitude. How high is Everest Base Camp? The answer depends on which base camp we’re talking about:

South Base Camp (Nepal)

Altitude is about 5,364 meters above sea level, which is 17,598 feet. This is the elevation of the base camp area at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. Trekkers who reach EBC Nepal are standing at over 5.3 km above sea level – a height that is higher than the summits of many other famous mountains (for perspective, Mont Blanc in Europe is 4,810 m; Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa is 5,895 m, just a bit taller than EBC!).

North Base Camp (Tibet)

Altitude is about 5,150 meters (approximately 16,900 feet). So, the North Base Camp is slightly lower in elevation than the South Base Camp. The Tibetan camp being 214 m lower might not seem like much difference, but at those heights every meter counts in terms of how thin the air feels.

Which Base Camp is on the Nepal side vs the Tibet Side?

As mentioned, Mount Everest has two base camps: one in Nepal and one in Tibet. Here we clarify which base camp is on the Nepal side and which is on the Tibet side, and highlight the differences between them:

Everest Base Camp (South) – Nepal Side

This camp is located in Nepal, in the Sagarmatha Zone of northeastern Nepal. Often simply called “Everest Base Camp”, it is the endpoint of the popular Everest Base Camp Trek in the Khumbu region. When you hear about people trekking to base camp, they are almost always going to this South Base Camp. It lies at the foot of Everest’s southwest face, adjacent to the Khumbu Icefall. This Nepal-side base camp is inside Sagarmatha National Park, surrounded by famous peaks like Lhotse (to the south of Everest) and Nuptse.

Everest Base Camp (North) – Tibet Side

This camp is in the Tibet Autonomous Region, China. Commonly referred to as North Base Camp, it is on the north side of Everest. It falls within China’s Qomolangma (Chomolungma) National Park. Unlike the Nepal side, North Base Camp is accessible by vehicle – a paved road leads all the way up to a point near the camp.

So, which base camp is on which side? To put it simply: Nepal side = South Base Camp (EBC Nepal), and Tibet side = North Base Camp (EBC Tibet).

Key differences between Nepal EBC and Tibet EBC:

Access: Nepal EBC is a trekking destination – no roads, only footpaths and helicopter access. Tibet EBC is road-accessible; one can drive on a paved and then gravel road right to a camp near the base camp site. This means almost anyone can visit North EBC with relative ease (though altitude is still a challenge), whereas South EBC requires significant trekking effort.

Altitude: Nepal EBC is slightly higher (5,364 m) compared to Tibet EBC (5,150 m). This means trekkers on the Nepal side go just a tad higher in elevation.

Surroundings and View: At Nepal’s base camp, you are right up against the Khumbu Icefall and the surrounding peaks, which obscure the view of Everest’s summit from the camp itself. At Tibet’s base camp, you are on an open plain with an unobstructed view of Everest’s north face looming ahead. In fact, many say the view of Mt. Everest from the North Base Camp is one of the best, because you can see the whole pyramid of the mountain on clear days. On the Nepal side, to get a sweeping view of Everest, trekkers typically hike to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) nearby.

Facilities: Neither base camp has permanent buildings (besides perhaps a basic hut or bunker used by rangers or military). However, during climbing seasons, the Nepal EBC has numerous expedition tents, a makeshift clinic (Everest ER), etc. On the Tibet side, there is a “tourist base camp” area with tent hostels and even a post office (seasonal) at times! Also, Rongbuk Monastery’s guesthouse (at 5,000 m, a few kilometres away) provides shelter for visitors. There is even a big rock with the "Everest Base Camp" sign on the north side, which tourists take photos with.

Usage: Nepal’s base camp is used by dozens of expeditions each year and thousands of trekkers. It’s lively in spring (March-May) and to a lesser extent in autumn (Oct-Nov for trekking). Tibet’s base camp, while used by climbers on the north route, also sees tourists via overland tours. The climbing activity in the north has been less in recent years compared to the south, but it still hosts expeditions in spring. Tourists can visit in spring, summer, and early autumn before winter closes the area.

How close is Everest Base Camp to the Tibet Side?

If you’re wondering how “close” Everest Base Camp is from the Tibet side – in terms of proximity and viewpoint – the answer is: very close in a visual sense. On the Tibet side, the base camp (or rather the tourist camp near it) is located only about 4 kilometres south of Rongbuk Monastery, and just a few kilometres away from the actual foot of Mount Everest’s North Face. Standing at the North Base Camp, you are staring straight at Mount Everest (Chomolungma), looming directly ahead. The peak feels almost within arm’s reach, because there are no big intervening peaks blocking your view. In fact, from the North Base Camp area, you can see the entire upper portion of Everest, including the famous Northeast Ridge, the snow plume off the summit, and the North Col route. The mountain’s summit is roughly 20 km (12.5 miles) in a straight line from North Base Camp, and it’s an awe-inspiring sight.

How to reach South Everest Base Camp?

Reaching Everest Base Camp (South) in Nepal is a grand adventure – it’s not as simple as driving up to a location or taking a short hike. Here’s a breakdown of how to reach Everest Base Camp in Nepal, step by step:

1. Getting to the Trailhead (Lukla): Most trekkers begin their journey with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a small mountain airstrip in the Khumbu region. Lukla’s Tenzing-Hillary Airport is famously short and surrounded by mountains. This dramatic 30-minute flight saves many days of walking (historically, expeditions in the past had to trek for weeks from the roadhead). There are no roads to Lukla – flying is the primary way in. (It is possible to trek in from Jiri/Phaplu, but that adds several days and is less common now.) Once at Lukla (2,860 m), you’re officially in the Everest region of Nepal.

2. Trekking from Lukla to EBC: The journey from Lukla to Everest Base Camp is typically a 130 km round-trip trek (about 65 km one-way). Trekkers usually take 8 days or more to ascend to base camp and around 3–4 days to descend, making the total trekking time 11-14 days, including rest days for acclimatisation. The trail is well-marked and goes through stunning alpine scenery and Sherpa villages.

Key stops along the route include: - Phakding (2,610 m): A half-day walk from Lukla, the first overnight stop for many. - Namche Bazaar (3,440 m): Reached on day 2, this is the bustling Sherpa town where most trekkers take an extra day to acclimatise. Namche is perched on a mountainside and has shops, cafes, and museums. - Tengboche (3,860 m): Famous for its monastery with a backdrop of Everest, usually visited on day 4. - Dingboche (4,410 m): A high-altitude village where another acclimatisation day is often spent (day 5-6). - Lobuche (4,940 m): A small settlement of lodges near the Khumbu Glacier. - Gorak Shep (5,164 m): The last outpost (a frozen lakebed with a few lodges). Trekkers typically spend the night here and then make the final ascent to Base Camp from Gorak Shep. - Everest Base Camp (5,364 m): You usually reach EBC on day 8 or 9 of the trek. Trekkers might spend an hour or two at the site taking photos and soaking in the atmosphere, but there are no lodges at base camp – you return to Gorak Shep to sleep.

The trek is not easy – the terrain is rugged, and the altitude gain is significant – but it’s doable for people with good fitness and determination. Along the way, there are suspension bridges to cross (including the famous Hillary Bridge), yak caravans to yield to, and countless uphill sections. We, the Mountain Eco Trails team, manage logistics for trekkers on this journey, ensuring safe pacing and acclimatisation.

3. Permits: To trek to EBC in Nepal, you’ll need permits: a Sagarmatha National Park entry permit and a Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality permit (as of recent regulations). These are checked along the route (usually at Monjo and Namche). We assist our clients in obtaining these before or during the trek.

4. Reaching Everest Base Camp: Unlike a climb, reaching base camp doesn’t require technical mountaineering skills. On arrival at the site (usually marked by prayer flags and a sign or rock painted with “Everest Base Camp”), you’ll find yourself on a rocky, icy terrain with jaw-dropping surroundings. If you’re there during the spring climbing season (April-May), you might see the colorful tents of expedition teams spread out across the glacier. You can literally walk among the edges of the camp (being respectful of climbers’ spaces). Many trekkers celebrate this moment as the culmination of days of effort. It’s also popular to take a photo with the big boulder that says “5364m, Everest Base Camp”.

5. Getting Back: After visiting EBC, most trekkers hike back down to Gorak Shep and then retrace their steps to Lukla over 3-4 days. Descending is faster as you lose altitude and your body has adjusted. Once back in Lukla, you fly to Kathmandu.

Alternate ways to reach EBC (Nepal):

Helicopter: If you cannot trek or are short on time, a very popular option is to take an Everest Base Camp helicopter tour. These heli tours typically fly from Kathmandu (or Lukla) and land at or near Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar for a brief period to allow you to witness the grandeur of Everest up close. AnEverest Heli Tourgives you stunning aerial views of the Himalayas and a chance to set foot at high altitude without the multi-day trek.

In summary, the primary way to reach Everest Base Camp (Nepal) is by trekking – an awe-inspiring hike through the Khumbu Valley. It’s a journey through lush valleys, pine forests, across rivers, and up to barren alpine heights. The sense of accomplishment on reaching EBC after days of trekking is immense. As a trekking company, we emphasise proper acclimatisation, guidance, and support so that our clients can successfully and safely reach base camp, enjoying the experience rather than just rushing through it.

How to visit the North Everest Base Camp?

Visiting the North Everest Base Camp in Tibet is a completely different adventure, with its own logistics and requirements. Here’s how one can visit Everest Base Camp on the north side (Tibet):

1. Entry into Tibet: Foreign travellers cannot travel independently in Tibet. You must be part of an organised tour with a licensed Tibetan guide. The journey usually starts in Lhasa, the capital of Tibet, or from the Nepal-Tibet border. Most people either fly into Lhasa from another city in China (Beijing, Chengdu, etc.) or travel overland from Kathmandu to Lhasa or to the Everest region via the Gyirong border. In any case, you will need a China visa plus a Tibet Travel Permit arranged in advance.

2. Required Permits for Everest Region (Tibet side): To specifically go to Everest’s base camp, additional permits are needed: - The Tibet Tourism Bureau (TTB) Permit – a standard permit to travel in Tibet (your tour company gets this). - The Aliens’ Travel Permit – required for restricted areas like the Everest region (arranged through the tour guide usually in Lhasa or Shigatse). - The Mount Everest National Park Entry (sometimes called the Qomolangma National Park permit) – for the Everest region. - Occasionally, a military permit is mentioned for the Everest area because of its sensitive border location.

Thankfully, if you go with a reputable tour operator, they handle all these. As a traveller, you mostly just need to provide documents and let them do the paperwork.

3. Getting to Everest Base Camp (Tibet): The journey from Lhasa to EBC is typically done by vehicle (jeep or bus) over several days as part of a guided tour. A common route: - Lhasa (acclimatise and sightsee for a couple of days at 3,656 m). - Drive to Shigatse (overnight at 3,800 m). - Drive towards Tingri/Shelkar. The Friendship Highway (main road) branches off near Shelkar (New Tingri). Here, you take the EBC access road, a roughly 100 km road that leads to Everest Base Camp. - Along this road, you pass through the Tseringma (pang-la) pass with epic views of Everest and other peaks, and eventually reach the Rongbuk Monastery area (around 5,000 m altitude).

The road literally goes most of the way to base camp. It used to be dirt, but it has been improved a lot (paved in parts). There is a checkpoint where your permits are checked before you continue into the Everest zone.

4. Tourist Base Camp vs Climbers’ Base Camp: In Tibet, there are two base camps: - Tourist Base Camp – the furthest point tourists can go to. The road leads here. It’s typically around 5,200 m altitude near a spot with a bunch of tent camps (in peak season) and a marked area with prayer flags, which people call the “base camp” for tourists. There’s even a famous marker stone that says “Everest Base Camp” in English and Chinese. - Climbers’ Base Camp – this is a bit further in, closer to the foot of Rongbuk Glacier. Only climbers with permits can go here. It’s off-limits to regular tourists.

The road ends at the tourist base camp, which is about 4 km before Rongbuk Monastery and a few kilometres short of the climbers’ camp. From the road-end (tourist camp), all visitors are required to take a shuttle bus operated by the park authorities for the last stretch to the viewpoint area near the climbers’ base camp. This is done to limit traffic and pollution. The shuttle drops you near a flagged viewpoint hill (at 5,200 m), which offers the prime view of Everest’s north face.

Alternatively, if you’re properly acclimatised and up for it, you can trek that last distance instead of taking the shuttle. It’s a short hike (around 2 hours one-way) from Rongbuk Monastery or the tent camp up to the base camp site. Some prefer hiking to savor the approach and the sweeping views.

In summary, to visit North Everest Base Camp, you will: - Arrange a guided trip with the necessary permits. - Travel overland through Tibet to the Everest region (via vehicle). - Stay near Rongbuk Monastery or at the tent camp. - Either hike or take a shuttle to the base camp viewing point. - Enjoy an incredible view of Everest’s north face and the high-altitude experience. - Keep in mind the entire journey is at high elevation (even Lhasa is high), so acclimatisation is key.

Visiting North EBC is more about the spectacle of Everest’s view and the cultural experience of Tibet, whereas visiting South EBC is more about the journey of trekking through Nepal’s mountains. Both are unforgettable, but they require very different approaches to get there.

FAQs

Is Everest Base Camp in Nepal or Tibet?

Everest Base Camp is actually in both Nepal and Tibet. There are two base camps on Mount Everest – one on the southern side in Nepal and one on the northern side in Tibet (China). The South Base Camp in Nepal is the one most people refer to when talking about trekking to Everest Base Camp.

How long does it take to hike to Everest Base Camp?

The trek to Everest Base Camp typically takes about 12 days round-trip for a standard itinerary. Most trekkers take 8-9 days to ascend from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, including two acclimatisation rest days (usually at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche). Reaching base camp is often done on the 8th or 9th day. Then it takes around 3 days to hike back to Lukla (as descending is quicker). In total, you’re looking at roughly 11-14 days of trekking, depending on the exact route and how you pace it.

How far is the Everest Base Camp trek in distance?

The Everest Base Camp trek covers a distance of approximately 130 kilometres round-trip. In one direction, from Lukla to Everest Base Camp, it’s about 65 km (40 miles) give or take, depending on any side trips.

Can you see Mount Everest from Base Camp?

From the South Base Camp in Nepal, ironically, you cannot see the summit of Mount Everest directly from base camp. This surprises many trekkers. The view at Nepal’s EBC is dominated by the Khumbu Icefall and the surrounding peaks like Nuptse, which block the view of Everest’s peak. To actually see Mount Everest’s summit on the Nepal side, trekkers typically climb Kala Patthar, a nearby viewpoint (5,545 m), either at sunset or sunrise, which offers a panoramic view including Everest’s top.

Can you take a helicopter to Everest Base Camp?

Yes, it is possible to visit Everest Base Camp by helicopter, and this has become a popular option for those who cannot trek or are short on time. Mountain Eco Trails offers an Everest Base Camp Heli Tour that departs from Kathmandu and flies into the Everest region, giving you aerial views of the Himalayas. However, the Helicopter will fly over EBC and Kala Patthar and land at places like Syangboche or Everest View Hotel for breakfast with a view.

Conclusion: Experience Everest Base Camp with Us

In conclusion, Mount Everest Base Camp is located in the Himalayas with one camp on the Nepal side (South EBC in Khumbu, Nepal) and another on the Tibet side (North EBC in Tibet, China). At Mountain Eco Trails, we specialise in making these adventures safe, accessible, and memorable. We are a local team of experienced Sherpa guides and travel experts, and we have been to Everest Base Camp countless times!

If the thought of standing at the foot of the world’s tallest mountain excites you, we invite you to embark on this journey with us. We offer guided trekking packages for the classic Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal, ensuring you have proper acclimatisation, comfortable teahouse accommodations, and knowledgeable guides by your side to enrich your experience. Contact us for more details via email or WhatsApp us at +9779849790153.