How High Is Camp 2 on Mount Everest? (The Complete Guide)

How High Is Camp 2 on Mount Everest?

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, and reaching its summit is a major goal for many mountaineers. But before they can reach the top, climbers must first make their way through a series of camps, each of which is located at a higher altitude than the last. Camp 2 is the second highest camp on Everest, and it sits at an elevation of 26,000 feet.

Reaching Camp 2 is a major milestone in any Everest expedition, and it represents a significant increase in difficulty over Camp 1. The air at this altitude is much thinner, and climbers must contend with the effects of altitude sickness. The weather can also be unpredictable, and storms can strike without warning.

Despite the challenges, Camp 2 is a vital stopover for climbers on their way to the summit. It provides a place to rest and acclimatize to the higher altitude, and it offers a stunning view of the surrounding mountains.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at Camp 2 on Mount Everest. We’ll discuss its location, altitude, and conditions, and we’ll explore the challenges that climbers face when they reach this important milestone.

Camp 2 Elevation (m) Location
North Col 7,650 On the North Face of Mount Everest, between the Western Cwm and the summit
South Col 7,900 On the South Face of Mount Everest, between the Khumbu Icefall and the summit

Location of Camp 2 on Mount Everest

Elevation of Camp 2

Camp 2 on Mount Everest is located at an elevation of 6,400 meters (21,000 feet). It is the second highest camp on the standard route to the summit of Everest, after Camp 1 at 6,000 meters (19,700 feet). Camp 2 is situated on the South Col, a large, snow-covered plateau that lies between the Western Cwm and the Lhotse Face. The South Col is the site of the final major camp before climbers attempt to summit Everest.

Surrounding peaks and glaciers

Camp 2 is surrounded by some of the most iconic peaks and glaciers on Mount Everest. To the north, Camp 2 overlooks the Western Cwm, a deep, U-shaped valley that is flanked by the Nuptse Wall and the Lhotse Face. To the east, Camp 2 faces the Lhotse Shar, a 7,980-meter (26,149-foot) peak that is the fourth highest mountain in the world. To the south, Camp 2 overlooks the Khumbu Icefall, a treacherous section of the route to the summit of Everest.

Access routes to Camp 2

There are two main routes to Camp 2: the Western Cwm route and the Lhotse Face route. The Western Cwm route is the most popular route and is typically used by climbers who are attempting to summit Everest from the south side. The Lhotse Face route is a more challenging route that is typically used by climbers who are attempting to summit Everest from the north side.

History of Camp 2

First established in 1922

Camp 2 was first established in 1922 by the British Mount Everest Expedition. The expedition was led by Sir George Mallory and included Andrew Irvine, Edward Norton, and George Finch. The expedition reached an altitude of 8,225 meters (27,000 feet) on the North Col before being forced to turn back due to bad weather.

Use by climbers in subsequent expeditions

Camp 2 has been used by climbers on every successful expedition to the summit of Everest. In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the summit of Everest via the South Col route. They spent two nights at Camp 2 during their ascent.

Improvements to Camp 2 over time

Camp 2 has been improved over time to make it more comfortable and safe for climbers. In the early days, Camp 2 was a simple tent camp. Today, Camp 2 is a permanent structure that includes a mess tent, sleeping tents, and a medical tent.

Camp 2 is a critical location on the standard route to the summit of Mount Everest. It is the site of the final major camp before climbers attempt to summit the mountain. Camp 2 has been used by climbers on every successful expedition to the summit of Everest and has been improved over time to make it more comfortable and safe for climbers.

Conditions at Camp 2

Camp 2 is located at an elevation of 21,300 feet (6,490 meters) on the Khumbu Icefall. This puts it in the Death Zone, where the human body begins to struggle to function due to the lack of oxygen.

The temperatures at Camp 2 can range from -20F to 50F (-29C to 10C), depending on the time of year. The wind speeds can also be very high, reaching up to 50 miles per hour (80 kilometers per hour).

The air quality at Camp 2 is also poor, due to the high altitude and the pollution from the Khumbu Icefall. This can make it difficult to breathe, and can also increase the risk of altitude sickness.

Challenges of Climbing to Camp 2

Climbing to Camp 2 is a major challenge, and it is not something that should be attempted lightly. The physical exertion required to climb to Camp 2 can be very demanding, and it is important to be well-prepared for the challenge.

Acclimatization is also essential for climbing to Camp 2. This means spending time at lower altitudes before attempting to climb higher, in order to allow your body to adjust to the lack of oxygen.

The risk of altitude sickness is also a major challenge at Camp 2. Altitude sickness occurs when the body is unable to adjust to the lack of oxygen at high altitudes. Symptoms of altitude sickness can include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and shortness of breath. In severe cases, altitude sickness can be fatal.

Camp 2 is a challenging but rewarding destination for climbers. It is a place where you can experience the beauty of the Himalayas and the challenge of mountaineering. However, it is important to be aware of the risks involved before attempting to climb to Camp 2.

How high is Camp 2 on Everest?

Camp 2 on Mount Everest is located at an altitude of 6,400 meters (21,000 feet). It is the second highest camp on the mountain, and is typically used as a staging point for climbers who are attempting to summit Everest. Camp 2 is located on the South Col, which is a large snowfield that sits between the Western Cwm and the Lhotse Face. The camp is situated in a relatively sheltered location, which makes it a popular place to rest and acclimatize before continuing on to Camp 3.

What is the difference between Camp 2 and Camp 3 on Everest?

Camp 2 and Camp 3 are two of the most important camps on the Mount Everest climbing route. Camp 2 is located at an altitude of 6,400 meters (21,000 feet), while Camp 3 is located at an altitude of 7,200 meters (23,600 feet). The two camps are separated by the Lhotse Face, which is a steep and dangerous section of the route.

Camp 2 is typically used as a staging point for climbers who are acclimatizing to the altitude. It is also a place where climbers can rest and prepare for the difficult climb to Camp 3. Camp 3 is located at the base of the Hillary Step, which is the last major obstacle before the summit.

How long does it take to climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3?

The climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3 typically takes between 6 and 8 hours. The route is steep and challenging, and climbers must be well-acclimatized to the altitude in order to safely complete the climb.

What are the risks of climbing from Camp 2 to Camp 3?

The main risks of climbing from Camp 2 to Camp 3 are altitude sickness, avalanches, and rockfall. Altitude sickness can occur when a person ascends to a high altitude too quickly. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, vomiting, and fatigue. Avalanches are a risk on the Lhotse Face, which is a steep and unstable slope. Rockfall is also a risk, as there are many loose rocks on the route.

What is the best way to climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3?

The best way to climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3 is to take your time and listen to your body. Ascend slowly and steadily, and make sure to rest and drink plenty of fluids. It is also important to be aware of the risks of altitude sickness, avalanches, and rockfall.

What are the next steps after reaching Camp 3?

After reaching Camp 3, climbers will typically rest for a day or two before continuing on to Camp 4. Camp 4 is located at an altitude of 8,000 meters (26,200 feet), and is the last camp before the summit. The climb from Camp 3 to Camp 4 is the most challenging section of the route, and climbers must be in excellent physical and mental condition in order to successfully complete it.

Camp 2 on Mount Everest is located at an altitude of 25,500 feet. It is the second highest camp on the mountain, and is used as a staging point for climbers who are attempting to summit Everest. The camp is located in the Western Cwm, a glacial valley that lies between Lhotse and Everest. Camp 2 is a dangerous place to be, as it is exposed to the elements and is subject to avalanches. However, it is also a vital part of the journey to the summit of Everest, and is a place where climbers can rest and prepare for the final push to the top.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

  • Camp 2 is located at an altitude of 25,500 feet.
  • It is the second highest camp on Mount Everest.
  • The camp is located in the Western Cwm, a glacial valley between Lhotse and Everest.
  • Camp 2 is a dangerous place to be, as it is exposed to the elements and is subject to avalanches.
  • However, it is also a vital part of the journey to the summit of Everest, and is a place where climbers can rest and prepare for the final push to the top.

Author Profile

Dale Richard
Dale Richard
Dale, in his mid-thirties, embodies the spirit of adventure and the love for the great outdoors. With a background in environmental science and a heart that beats for exploring the unexplored, Dale has hiked through the lush trails of the Appalachian Mountains, camped under the starlit skies of the Mojave Desert, and kayaked through the serene waters of the Great Lakes.

His adventures are not just about conquering new terrains but also about embracing the ethos of sustainable and responsible travel. Dale’s experiences, from navigating through dense forests to scaling remote peaks, bring a rich tapestry of stories, insights, and practical tips to our blog.