Everest base camps facts for kids
Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain, has two main base camps where climbers and trekkers stay. These are like temporary villages set up at the bottom of the mountain. One is called South Base Camp and is in Nepal. The other is called North Base Camp and is in China.
These base camps are important places for mountain climbers. They use them to rest and get ready before climbing higher up the mountain. Hikers also visit the base camps to experience the amazing views. Climbers stay for several days to get used to the high altitude. This helps prevent altitude sickness, which can make people very sick.
Supplies for the South Base Camp are carried by porters and animals like yaks. The North Base Camp can be reached by a paved road.
South Base Camp in Nepal
The South Base Camp is in Nepal at an altitude of about 5,364 metres (17,598 ft). It's a very popular spot for trekkers. About 40,000 people visit each year. Most trekkers fly from Kathmandu to Lukla Airport, which is at 2,840 metres (9,320 ft). Flying saves a lot of time and energy. There are no roads to Lukla, so planes are the only way to bring in heavy supplies.
From Lukla, trekkers walk uphill to Namche Bazaar, the main town for the Sherpa people. This town is at 3,440 metres (11,290 ft). It usually takes about two days to reach Namche Bazaar. People often rest here for a day to help their bodies get used to the higher altitude.
After Namche Bazaar, trekkers continue for two more days to Dingboche, which is at 4,260 metres (13,980 ft). They usually rest here again for another day of acclimatization. Most people follow a traditional path past the Tengboche monastery. However, a newer path through Mong La and Phortse has become popular because it offers amazing views. Finally, it takes another two days to reach Everest Base Camp. This path goes through Gorakshep, a flat area below Kala Patthar, a viewpoint at 5,545 metres (18,192 ft).
In April 2015, a big earthquake hit Nepal. It caused a huge avalanche (a large slide of snow and ice) on Pumori mountain. This avalanche swept through the South Base Camp. Sadly, at least 19 people died. Just over two weeks later, another earthquake struck. These earthquakes damaged some of the trails leading to Everest Base Camp, and they needed to be repaired.
In June 2022, it was announced that the South Base Camp would be moved. The camp is currently on the Khumbu Glacier, which is melting quickly. This melting makes the area unsafe for trekkers, so the camp will be moved to a safer spot a bit lower down.
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Nepal's EBC at the bottom left, Khumbu Icefall to the right
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Panoramic view of Khumbu glacier with EBC site on the left above ridge
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Everest Base Camp
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Khumbu icefall
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A temporary tent platform on the Khumbu glacier at South EBC, Nepal.
North Base Camp in China
The North Base Camp is in China at an altitude of about 5,150 metres (16,900 ft). To visit this camp, you need special permission from the Chinese government. You also need a permit to visit Tibet itself.
Since February 2019, tourists have not been allowed to visit the North Base Camp. Before that, you could arrange permits through travel companies in Lhasa. These companies would set up a tour that included a vehicle, driver, and guide.
The North Base Camp is reached by a 100 km (62 mile) road. This road branches off the Friendship Highway near Shelkar. The road leads to Rongbuk Monastery, which offers amazing views of Mount Everest's north face. From the Rongbuk guest house, tourists used to take special government-managed buses or horse-drawn carriages. This was to control traffic on the last part of the road to the tourist camp. It was also possible to walk from the tourist camp if you were used to the high altitude. The "tourist Base Camp" is about halfway to the actual climbers' Base Camp, which is closer to the Rongbuk glacier.
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A tent village for tourists at Everest Base Camp in China. This is as far as private cars can go. Mount Everest is in the background.
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A tea house at the North Everest Base Camp, with Mount Everest visible.
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Inside a tea house/hotel at Everest Base Camp, China.
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A view of Everest North Base Camp looking west, August 3, 2002. The permanent building on the left is for climbers.
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Climbers' tents in the special area beyond where tourists can go.
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Camps visible on the northeast ridge from the north tent village in Tibet on May 20, 2011.
See also
In Spanish: Campo Base del Everest para niños
- Gorakshep
- List of Mount Everest expeditions
