How High is Everest Base Camp Trek? Well, the Everest Base Camp is 5,364 meters above sea level. It is one of the most popular destinations in the world, and thousands of trekkers go there every year. Your trip begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and continues through the Khumbu glaciers to Kala Patthar.
This is one of the most iconic treks that allows you to explore the richness of Sherpa culture. The Everest Base Camp Trek is the only option for those who love mountains and wildlife. After all, this trek begins in the cultural valley and goes into Sagarmatha National Park. The round trek to and from the base camp is roughly 300 kilometers.
You’ll experience breathtaking mountain views, lush forests, and charming Sherpa villages. You can also see the unique Sherpa culture and visit monasteries. The trek can be challenging but very rewarding, especially when you reach Everest Base Camp, where climbers prepare to climb to the top.
Table of Contents
Elevation gain in EBC Trek and Height of Mount Everest
The altitude gain you’ll face throughout your trek to Everest Base Camp are:
| Location | Elevation |
| Kathmandu | 1,35o meters |
| Lukla | 2,800 meters |
| Phakding | 2,610 meters |
| Namche Bazaar | 3,438 meters |
| Tengboche | 3,870 meters |
| Dingboche | 4,360 meters |
| Lobuche | 4,940 meters |
| Everest Base Camp | 5,364 meters |
Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak covered in snow, is 8,848.86 meters above sea level. Nepal, a landlocked country, has stunning Himalayas covering nearly sixteen percent of its area. This makes Nepal famous worldwide for being home to the tallest mountain on earth.
Here are the comparisons between Everest and some famous structures around the world:
- Everest is 10.6 times taller than the man-made structure, the Burj Khalifa, which stands at 828 meters.
- K2, Everest is about 237 meters taller than the second-tallest mountain.
- Compared to the Eiffel Tower, which is 300 meters high, Everest is 29 times higher.
- Everest towers 2,953 meters above Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Evrest’s elevation above sea level is twice that of Mauna Kea.
Nepal is not only home to Everest but also to seven other peaks among the world’s top ten tallest, including Mt. Kanchenjunga, Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Makalu, Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Dhaulagiri I, Mt. Manaslu, and Mt. Annapurna I.
Highlights of How High is Everest Base Camp Trek
Fantastic view from Kala Patthar
Kalapatthar is a popular Everest Base Camp viewpoint. It is the highest point of the EBC trek, at 5,545 meters. Kalapatthar is notable for its panoramic views of the world’s tallest mountain with its summit. You can hike to Kalapatthar and enjoy the sunrise and sunset views over the highest mountains above 8000 meters, including Mt Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, Makalu, Cho-Oyu, and other surrounding peaks.
Khumbu Glacier
Khumbu Glacier is one of the main highlights of Everest Base Camp Trek. It is the biggest glacier in Nepal, which is in the Khumbu region. It lies between Mt Everest and the Mt Nuptse-Lhotse ridge and is 12 kilometers long. The stunning views of the Khumbu Glacier make your trek even more magnificent.
Tengboche Monastery
Tengboche is a charming town in the Khumbu region. It is a stunning location for close-up views of the world’s most majestic and tallest mountain, such as Ama Dablam. Tengboche is also known for having the oldest and largest monastery in the Khumbu area. The monastery has a nurturing atmosphere due to the daily prayers of Buddhist monks.
Ngozumpa Glacier
The longest glacier, Ngozumpa Glacier, is about 30km long. It is located below the world’s sixth-highest snowy peak, Mt Cho Oyu, one of Everest’s three highest passes that reaches the Gokyo valley. You have to trek to the stunning viewpoint of Gokyo Ri to enjoy the breathtaking views of the Ngozumpa Glacier.
Everest’s Three Highest Passes (Kongma-La, Cho-la, and Renjo-La Pass)
The three highest passes of Everest are another major highlight of the Everest Base Camp Trek. This Everest Three Pass Trek, also known as Everest Circuit Trek, follows the complete trekking route across the Khumbu (Everest region). This Khumbu area journey brings you to the foot of the three highest passes: Kongma-La, Cho-La, and Renjo-La Pass.
Namche Bazaar
Namche Bazaar is one of the highlights of the Everest Base Camp. It’s a major stop for trekkers heading to Everest. The village has shops, cafes, lodges, ATMs, post offices, cyber cafes, and banks, offering stunning mountain views and a chance to experience Sherpa culture. Namche Bazaar is a great place to rest and acclimate before continuing the trek to higher altitudes.
Sagarmatha National Park
Another important attraction of the EBC trek is Sagarmatha National Park, which is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It spans an area of 1,148 square kilometers. Sagarmatha National Park is a protected area in the Himalayas of the Khumbu region. You can explore the park and see the rare flora and fauna. You can also see endangered animals such as Himalayan Thar, Red Panda, Musk Deer, Snow-Leopard, Himalayan Black bear, and many more.
Explore the Traditional Sherpa villages
You can explore the traditional Sherpa villages and learn about the people, their lifestyle, culture, and tradition. You’ll spend the night at many popular and traditional Sherpa villages during the trek. You can also experience their warm hospitality. These villages offer a glimpse into a simpler, peaceful way of living in the Himalayas.
Climbing Routes and Approaches
Classic Everest Base Camp route
The most popular Everest Base Camp route starts with a Lukla flight. From Lukla, you follow a path along the Dudh Koshi River, passing through lovely Sherpa villages and thick rhododendron forests. The first major stop is Namche Bazaar, a lively Sherpa town at 3,440 meters. Trekkers usually spend an extra day here to get used to the higher altitude. The trail then leads to Tengboche. After climbing higher to the villages of Dingbche and Lobuche, trekkers finally reach Gorak Shep, the last stop before Everest Base Camp. The route usually takes 12-14 days.
Jiri to Everest Base Camp route
For those looking for a quieter and more traditional journey, the trek from Jiri to Everest Base Camp follows the path of the early Everest expeditions before the Lukla airport was built. Starting from Jiri, at 1,905 meters, the trail has many ups and downs, passing through peaceful villages and terraced farmlands. The route gradually climbs through Sete and Junbesi. After several days of trekking, the path joins the classic route at Lukla. This longer trek allows for a better acclimatization day and explores a quieter part of the Everest region. It usually takes 18-21 days.
Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass route
The Gokyo Lakes and Cho La Pass route is a fantastic choice if you’re looking for a more scenic and adventurous route. This path splits from the main EBC route at Namche Bazaar and takes you to the stunning Gokyo Valley. The turquoise Gokyo Lakes, surrounded by tall peaks, highlight this route. Many trekkers climb Gokyo Ri, a viewpoint with some of the best panoramic views of Everest and nearby mountains. The trek continues over the challenging Cho La Pass at 5,420 meters before rejoining the classic Everest Base Camp Trek route. This trek usually takes 17-20 days.
Three Passes Trek
The Three Passes Trek is an adventure travel for those who want to explore the Everest region thoroughly. This challenging route crosses three high passes: Kongma La (5,535 meters), Cho La (5,420 meters), and Renjo La (5,340 meters). Starting on the classic EBC trail, you first diverge to cross Kongma la, leading to a less-traveled path to Everest Base Camp. After visiting EBC, the route goes through Cho La Pass into the Gokyo Valley and then over Renjo La Pass, returning to Namche Bazaar. This trek to EBC offers stunning views and a complete experience of the diverse landscapes and cultures in the Everest region. It typically takes 17-21 days.
Preparation for Altitude for Trek to Everest Base Camp
- Gradually raise your sleeping altitude while avoiding sudden ascents. Health doctors recommend not climbing more than 300 – 500 meters daily until you reach 2,500 meters.
- You should walk at your own pace and take frequent breaks to relax and acclimate.
- You should include rest days in your trek itinerary so that your body can adjust.
- Drink plenty of water to stay hydrated. Avoid alcohol and caffeine, which may lead to dehydration.
- Consuming carbs helps to keep your energy level stable. Focusing on a diet high in complex carbs like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables would be best.
- Keep track of how you and your trekking partners are feeling. Early identification of altitude sickness allows for timely intervention, such as descending to a lower altitude if required.
Conclusion
Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the best treks in the world, focusing on the world’s highest peak, Mt. Everest (8,848.86 meters). This journey will thrill you naturally as you pass through stunning high-altitude landscapes, Buddhist monasteries, traditional Sherpa villages, flora and fauna, and snow-capped mountains. Climbing the base camp of Everest is a significant achievement in mountaineering. Before planning your trip, you must be physically fit and mentally strong.
FAQs
Can I go to Everest Base Camp without training?
No, you cannot go to Everest Base Camp without training. Although this trek does not need previous experience, you must be physically and mentally prepared.
How much money do I need for Everest Base Camp?
An Everest Base Camp trek may cost between $12,00 and $5,000. It includes permits, guides, food, lodging, and transportation.
How much weight do you need to carry to Everest Base Camp?
The weight limit of the porter for your main pack is 15kg in your Everest Base Camp trek. You can usually bring up to 20kg of luggage on your flight.
Is it worth doing Everest Base Camp?
Yes, doing the Nepal’s Mount Everest Base Camp trek is worth it. You’ll see incredible views, experience the culture of the Sherpa people, and challenge yourself with a tough but rewarding trek.
What is the best time to trek to Everest Base Camp?
The best time to trek to Everest Base camp is spring (March-May) and autumn (September-November). The skies are clear, and the weather is stable during these trekking seasons.
