How Many Base Camps Are There on Mount Everest?

AvatarByDale Richard Camping

Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth, and its no surprise that it attracts a lot of attention from climbers and trekkers alike. But did you know that there are actually two base camps on Everest? The South Base Camp (SBC) is located at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), while the North Base Camp (NBC) is located at 6,400 meters (21,000 feet).

In this article, well take a closer look at the two base camps on Everest, including their locations, facilities, and history. Well also discuss the challenges of climbing Everest and the different routes that climbers take to reach the summit.

So if youre ever planning on tackling the Roof of the World, be sure to read on for all the information you need to know about Everests base camps!

Base Camp Altitude (m) Location
South Col 7,945 On the South Col of Mount Everest
Advanced Base Camp (ABC) 6,400 On the Khumbu Glacier, below the Lhotse Face
Base Camp (BC) 5,364 On the Khumbu Glacier, at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, with an elevation of 8,848 meters (29,032 feet). It is located in the Mahalangur Himal range of the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and Tibet. The mountain is a popular destination for mountaineers from all over the world, and each year, hundreds of people attempt to climb it.

In order to reach the summit of Mount Everest, climbers must first establish a series of base camps at different elevations. These base camps provide a place to rest and resupply, and they are essential for the safety of climbers.

There are three main base camps on Mount Everest:

  • South Base Camp (SBC) is located at 5,364 m (17,598 ft) on the Khumbu Glacier, at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. It is the starting point for most expeditions to climb Mount Everest.
  • North Base Camp (NBC) is located at 5,150 m (16,890 ft) on the Rongbuk Glacier, on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest. It is used by expeditions from China and Tibet.
  • Advanced Base Camp (ABC) is located at 6,400 m (21,000 ft) on the Lhotse Face, between the South Col and the summit of Mount Everest. It is used as a staging post for climbers who are attempting to summit the mountain.

The Three Base Camps on Mount Everest

  • South Base Camp (SBC)

South Base Camp is the most popular base camp on Mount Everest, and it is used by the vast majority of expeditions to climb the mountain. SBC is located at an elevation of 5,364 m (17,598 ft) on the Khumbu Glacier, at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. It is a large and bustling camp, with a permanent population of Sherpas and other support staff.

SBC is the starting point for most expeditions to climb Mount Everest. Climbers typically spend several weeks at SBC, acclimatizing to the altitude and preparing for the challenges ahead. The camp is well-equipped with dining halls, sleeping quarters, and medical facilities.

  • North Base Camp (NBC)

North Base Camp is located on the Tibetan side of Mount Everest, at an elevation of 5,150 m (16,890 ft). NBC is used by expeditions from China and Tibet, and it is a smaller and more remote camp than SBC.

The approach to NBC is longer and more difficult than the approach to SBC, and the camp is located in a more dangerous area. As a result, fewer expeditions use NBC than SBC.

  • Advanced Base Camp (ABC)

Advanced Base Camp is located at an elevation of 6,400 m (21,000 ft) on the Lhotse Face, between the South Col and the summit of Mount Everest. ABC is used as a staging post for climbers who are attempting to summit the mountain.

ABC is a small and spartan camp, with limited facilities. Climbers typically spend only a few days at ABC, before making their final push for the summit.

The History of Base Camps on Mount Everest

The first base camp on Mount Everest was established by the British mountaineer George Mallory in 1921. Mallory and his team established a camp at an elevation of 6,500 m (21,330 ft) on the North Col, on the Tibetan side of the mountain.

In 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first people to summit Mount Everest. They established a base camp at an elevation of 5,364 m (17,598 ft) on the Khumbu Glacier, on the Nepali side of the mountain.

Today, there are three main base camps on Mount Everest: SBC, NBC, and ABC. These camps provide a vital support system for climbers who are attempting to summit the world’s highest mountain.

Base camps on Mount Everest are essential for the safety and success of climbers. These camps provide a place to rest, resupply, and prepare for the challenges ahead. They are also a vital source of support for climbers who are attempting to summit the world’s highest mountain.

How Many Base Camps On Everest?

Mount Everest has three base camps:

  • Base Camp (5,364 m) is the lowest and most popular base camp. It is located on the Khumbu Glacier, at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. This is where most climbers begin their ascent of Everest.
  • Advanced Base Camp (6,400 m) is located on the Lhotse Face, about 1,000 meters above Base Camp. This is where climbers typically spend a few days acclimatizing before attempting the summit.
  • Camp 4 (7,920 m) is located on the South Col, the highest point on the route to the summit. This is where climbers spend the night before their summit attempt.

The First Successful Ascent of Mount Everest

The first successful ascent of Mount Everest was made by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. They climbed from the Nepal side of the mountain, using the South Col route.

Hillary and Norgay were part of a British expedition led by John Hunt. The expedition spent several months preparing for the climb, including building a series of camps along the route.

On 29 May 1953, Hillary and Norgay reached the summit of Everest. They spent about 15 minutes on the summit before descending back to Camp 4.

The successful ascent of Mount Everest was a major achievement in mountaineering history. It showed that it was possible for humans to climb the highest mountain in the world.

Since Then, Thousands of People Have Summited Mount Everest

Since the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953, thousands of people have summited the mountain. The number of climbers has increased in recent years, with more than 500 people summiting in 2019.

The majority of climbers who summit Everest do so from the Nepal side of the mountain. The South Col route is the most popular route, but there are also routes from the Tibetan side of the mountain.

Climbing Everest is a dangerous undertaking. The mountain is located in a remote area, and the weather can be unpredictable. The altitude can also cause health problems, such as altitude sickness.

Despite the risks, climbing Everest is a goal for many mountaineers. It is a challenge that tests their physical and mental strength.

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, and it is a major goal for many mountaineers. The mountain has three base camps, and thousands of people have summited it since the first successful ascent in 1953.

Q: How many base camps are there on Mount Everest?

A: There are three base camps on Mount Everest:

  • The Khumbu Base Camp (KBC), located at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level, is the most popular base camp and is used by most climbers attempting to summit Everest from the Nepal side.
  • The Advanced Base Camp (ABC), located at 6,400 meters (19,982 feet) above sea level, is used by climbers as a staging point for their final push to the summit.
  • The South Col Base Camp (SBC), located at 7,940 meters (25,760 feet) above sea level, is the highest base camp on Mount Everest and is used by climbers who are attempting to summit Everest from the Tibetan side.

Q: Which base camp is used by most climbers?

A: The Khumbu Base Camp is used by most climbers attempting to summit Everest from the Nepal side. It is located at a lower altitude than the other two base camps, making it a more accessible starting point for the climb.

Q: What is the purpose of a base camp?

A: Base camps provide a place for climbers to rest and resupply before and after summiting a mountain. They also serve as a staging area for climbers to prepare for their climb.

Q: What are the challenges of climbing to a base camp?

The challenges of climbing to a base camp include:

  • Altitude sickness: The higher the altitude, the thinner the air and the less oxygen available for the body to use. This can lead to altitude sickness, which can be fatal if not treated.
  • Weather: The weather at high altitudes can be unpredictable and dangerous. Climbers must be prepared for extreme cold, wind, and snow.
  • Technical challenges: The terrain at high altitudes can be challenging, with steep slopes, crevasses, and other obstacles. Climbers must have the skills and experience to safely navigate these challenges.

Q: What are the benefits of climbing to a base camp?

The benefits of climbing to a base camp include:

  • The sense of accomplishment: Reaching a base camp is a major accomplishment that can give climbers a sense of pride and accomplishment.
  • The views: The views from a base camp can be breathtaking, and offer climbers a unique perspective on the surrounding mountains and landscape.
  • The challenge: Climbing to a base camp is a challenging and rewarding experience that can help climbers to grow both physically and mentally.

Q: What are the risks of climbing to a base camp?

The risks of climbing to a base camp include:

  • Altitude sickness: The higher the altitude, the greater the risk of altitude sickness. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
  • Weather: The weather at high altitudes can be unpredictable and dangerous. Climbers must be prepared for extreme cold, wind, and snow.
  • Technical challenges: The terrain at high altitudes can be challenging, with steep slopes, crevasses, and other obstacles. Climbers must have the skills and experience to safely navigate these challenges.

Q: How can I prepare for climbing to a base camp?

To prepare for climbing to a base camp, you should:

  • Get in shape: The physical demands of climbing to a base camp can be significant, so it is important to get in shape before you start your journey.
  • Learn about altitude sickness: Altitude sickness is a serious condition that can be fatal if not treated. It is important to learn about the symptoms of altitude sickness and how to treat it.
  • Pack the right gear: The gear you need for climbing to a base camp will depend on the time of year and the route you are taking. However, some essential items include a sleeping bag, a tent, a stove, and food.
  • Hire a guide: If you are new to mountaineering, it is a good idea to hire a guide to help you prepare for your climb and to lead you safely to the base camp.

    there are three base camps on Mount Everest: the Khumbu Base Camp, the Advanced Base Camp, and the South Col Base Camp. Each base camp serves a different purpose and is located at a different altitude. The Khumbu Base Camp is the lowest and most accessible, and it is used as a staging area for climbers before they begin their ascent. The Advanced Base Camp is located higher up the mountain and is used as a resting point for climbers as they make their way to the summit. The South Col Base Camp is the highest and most dangerous, and it is used as a final resting point before climbers make their summit attempt.

Understanding the different base camps on Mount Everest can help climbers prepare for their ascent and make informed decisions about their route. By understanding the location, altitude, and purpose of each base camp, climbers can better plan their climb and increase their chances of success.

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.