Everest Base Camp

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Everest Base Camp is a term that is used to describe two base camps on opposite sides of Mount Everest. South Base Camp is in Nepal at an altitude of 5,364 metres (17,598 ft) (Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.), and North Base Camp is in Tibet at 5,150 metres (16,900 ft)[1][2][3] (Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.). These camps are rudimentary campsites on Mount Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. South Base Camp is used when climbing via the southeast ridge, while North Base Camp is used when climbing via the northeast ridge.[4]

Supplies are shipped to the South Base Camp by sherpas or porters, and with the help of animals, usually yaks. The North Base Camp has vehicle access (at least in the summer months). Climbers typically rest at base camp for several days for acclimatization to reduce the risks and severity of altitude sickness.

South Base Camp in Nepal

File:Short Rest on Everest Base Trail.jpg
Short Rest on Everest Base Trail

The Everest Base Camp trek on the south side is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas and is visited by thousands of trekkers each year. Trekkers usually fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to save time and energy before beginning the morning trek to this base camp. However, trekking to Lukla is possible.

In 2015, it was noted that about 40,000 people per year take the trek from the Lukla airport to the Nepal Everest Base Camp.[5]

File:Everest Base Trek Route Map.svg
350px

From Lukla, climbers trek upward to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, 3,440 metres (11,290 ft), following the valley of the Dudh Kosi river. It takes about two days to reach the village, which is a central hub of the area. Typically at this point, climbers allow a day of rest for acclimatization. They then trek another two days to Dingboche, 4,260 metres (13,980 ft) before resting for another day for further acclimatization. Another two days takes them to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar, 5,545 metres (18,192 ft) and Mt. Pumori.

On 25 April 2015 an earthquake measuring 7.8 Mw struck Nepal and triggered an avalanche on Pumori that swept through the South Base Camp.[6] At least 19 people were said to have been killed as a result. Just over two weeks later, on May 12, a second quake struck measuring 7.3 on the moment magnitude scale. [7] Some of the trails leading to Everest Base Camp were damaged by these earthquakes and needed repairs.[5]

  • South Everest Base Camp sleeping platform.jpg

    A temporary tent platform on the Khumbu glacier at South EBC, Nepal. Note the ice layer under the unstable rock surface. The Khumbu Icefall is seen in the background.

  • EverestBasecamp-fromKalarPatar.jpg

    Nepal's EBC bottom left, Khumbu icefall to the right

  • Khumbu icefall

  • Everest Base Camp

Panoramic view of Sagarmatha National Park-Gorak Shep to Pheriche from Everest Base Camp

North Base Camp in Tibet

As of 2010, a visit to the North (China-side) Base Camp required a permit from the Chinese government, on top of the permit required to visit Tibet itself. At this time such permits must be arranged via travel companies in Lhasa as part of a package tour that include hiring a vehicle, driver and guide. The North Base Camp is accessed by vehicle through a 100 km road branching to the South from the Friendship Highway near Shelkar. The "tourist Base Camp" is located about half-way between Rongbuk Monastery; the actual climbers' Base Camp is at the foot of Rongbuk glacier.

  • Approach to Everest Base Camp, Tibet.jpg

    Gravel road leading to north EBC after leaving Friendship Highway, Tibet, with first close view of Mt. Everest

  • Tent village at Everest Base Camp, Tibet.JPG

    Tent village established for tourists' convenience called Everest Base Camp, in Tibet. It is the furthest that private cars can go. Mount Everest can be seen in the background.

  • North Mount Everest Base Camp Tea House.png

    Tea house at the North Everest Base Camp. Mount Everest is visible in the background.

  • Interior of tea-househotel at Everest Base Camp.JPG

    Interior of tea house/hotel located at Everest Base Camp, Tibet

  • A view of Everest North (Tibet-side) Base Camp looking west, August 3, 2002. The permanent structure at left is for mountain climbers, central-left structure is for pit toilets, while the temporary wood-frame, plastic tarpaulin-covered structures below and right are for other visitors and support people

  • Climbers' tents at Mt. Everest Base Camp, Tibet.jpg

    Climbers' tents in the restricted area beyond the area open to tourists.

  • Starry night at Mount Everest.jpg

    Camps visible on northeast ridge as seen from north tent village, Tibet on May 20, 2011.

Looking south at the North face of Everest

See also

References

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External links

  1. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 4 sections of trekking route to Mount Everest were damaged by earthquake, assessment finds
  6. ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
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