How Many Miles From Base Camp to Everest Summit? (The Ultimate Guide)

AvatarByDale Richard Camping

Standing at 29,032 feet above sea level, Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth. It is located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. The summit of Everest is the final destination for many mountaineers who dream of conquering the roof of the world.

But how many miles is it from base camp to the summit of Everest?

The answer to that question is not as straightforward as you might think.

In this article, we will explore the different routes to the summit of Everest, and we will calculate the total distance from base camp to the summit. We will also discuss some of the challenges that climbers face on their journey to the top of the world.

So if you are thinking about climbing Everest, or if you are just curious about how far it is to the top, read on!

Camp Elevation (m) Distance from Base Camp (km)
Base Camp 5,364 0
Camp 1 6,065 5.5
Camp 2 6,440 9.3
Camp 3 7,400 16.6
Camp 4 7,940 25.8
Camp 5 8,300 34.6
Summit 8,848 53.6

The Distance from Base Camp to Everest Summit

The distance from Base Camp to Everest Summit varies depending on the route taken. The most common route, the South Col Route, is 5.5 miles (8.8 km). The North Col Route is 7.5 miles (12.1 km), the West Ridge Route is 8.8 miles (14.2 km), and the Kangshung Face Route is 13.1 miles (21.1 km).

The North Col Route

The North Col Route is the most popular route to Everest and is the one taken by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. It starts at the Khumbu Icefall, which is a chaotic jumble of ice blocks and crevasses. The route then follows the Western Cwm, a wide valley, to the Lhotse Face, a steep and dangerous section of the climb. The route then crosses the South Col, a high pass between Everest and Lhotse, and ascends the Southeast Ridge to the summit.

The North Col Route is a long and challenging climb, but it is also the most straightforward and reliable route to the summit. It is typically attempted in spring, when the weather is more stable.

The South Col Route

The South Col Route is the second most popular route to Everest and is the one taken by Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler in 1978. It starts at the Khumbu Icefall, like the North Col Route, but then follows the East Rongbuk Glacier to the South Col. The route then ascends the Southeast Ridge to the summit.

The South Col Route is a shorter and less technical climb than the North Col Route, but it is also more dangerous. The Khumbu Icefall is one of the most dangerous places on the mountain, and the South Col is a high and exposed area that is prone to storms. The South Col Route is typically attempted in spring, when the weather is more stable.

The West Ridge Route

The West Ridge Route is the third most popular route to Everest and is the one taken by Wang Fuzhou and Gongbu Dorje in 1985. It starts at the Khumbu Icefall, like the other two routes, but then follows the West Ridge of Everest to the summit.

The West Ridge Route is a difficult and dangerous climb, but it is also a very scenic route. It offers stunning views of the Khumbu Icefall, the Western Cwm, and the Lhotse Face. The West Ridge Route is typically attempted in spring, when the weather is more stable.

The Kangshung Face Route

The Kangshung Face Route is the least popular route to Everest and is the one taken by Ang Rita in 1986. It starts on the Kangshung Glacier, on the eastern side of Everest. The route then follows the Kangshung Face, a steep and dangerous section of the climb, to the summit.

The Kangshung Face Route is a very challenging climb and is not recommended for inexperienced climbers. It is typically attempted in autumn, when the weather is less stable.

The Elevation Gain from Base Camp to Everest Summit

The elevation gain from Base Camp to Everest Summit is 29,032 feet (8,848 m). This is the highest elevation gain of any mountain in the world.

The elevation gain is divided into three sections:

  • The Khumbu Icefall: 4,000 feet (1,219 m)
  • The Western Cwm: 7,000 feet (2,134 m)
  • The Lhotse Face: 9,000 feet (2,743 m)

The Khumbu Icefall is the most dangerous section of the climb, with many crevasses and seracs. The Western Cwm is a wide valley that offers stunning views of Everest and Lhotse. The Lhotse Face is a steep and exposed section of the climb that leads to the South Col.

The elevation gain from Base Camp to Everest Summit is a significant challenge, but it is one that many climbers have overcome. The feeling of reaching the summit of Everest is one that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

3. The Time Required to Climb from Base Camp to Everest Summit

The time required to climb from Base Camp to Everest Summit varies depending on the route taken, the climber’s fitness level, and the weather conditions. The North Col Route is the most popular route and takes about 20 days to complete. The South Col Route is slightly longer, taking about 22 days. The West Ridge Route is the most challenging route and takes about 28 days. The Kangshung Face Route is the least popular route and takes about 30 days.

The following table provides a more detailed breakdown of the time required to climb from Base Camp to Everest Summit on each of the four routes:

| Route | Days |
|—|—|
| North Col Route | 20 |
| South Col Route | 22 |
| West Ridge Route | 28 |
| Kangshung Face Route | 30 |

Note: The time required to climb from Base Camp to Everest Summit is only an estimate. The actual time may vary depending on the factors listed above.

3.1 The North Col Route

The North Col Route is the most popular route to climb Mount Everest. It is also the shortest and easiest of the four routes. The North Col Route begins at Base Camp, which is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). From Base Camp, climbers ascend to the North Col, which is located at an altitude of 7,020 meters (22,970 feet). The North Col is a saddle between Mount Everest and Changtse, the fourth highest mountain in the world. From the North Col, climbers ascend to the summit of Everest via the South East Ridge. The summit of Everest is located at an altitude of 8,848 meters (29,032 feet).

The North Col Route is a challenging climb, but it is not as difficult as the other routes. The main challenges of the North Col Route are the altitude, the weather, and the crevasses. The altitude can cause problems such as altitude sickness, pulmonary edema, and cerebral edema. The weather on Mount Everest can be unpredictable and dangerous. The crevasses on the North Col Route can be difficult to navigate.

The North Col Route is usually climbed in the spring, from April to May. The weather is generally more stable during this time of year. The North Col Route is also less crowded during the spring.

The following table provides a more detailed breakdown of the time required to climb from Base Camp to Everest Summit on the North Col Route:

| Day | Activity | Altitude (m) |
|—|—|—|
| 1 | Arrive at Base Camp | 5,364 |
| 2 | Acclimatization hike | 6,000 |
| 3 | Acclimatization hike | 6,500 |
| 4 | Acclimatization hike | 7,000 |
| 5 | Rest day | 5,364 |
| 6 | Climb to the North Col | 7,020 |
| 7 | Rest day | 7,020 |
| 8 | Climb to the South East Ridge | 8,000 |
| 9 | Rest day | 8,000 |
| 10 | Climb to the summit | 8,848 |
| 11 | Descent to Base Camp | 5,364 |

3.2 The South Col Route

The South Col Route is the second most popular route to climb Mount Everest. It is also the second shortest and easiest of the four routes. The South Col Route begins at Base Camp, which is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). From Base Camp, climbers ascend to the Khumbu Icefall, which is a dangerous and challenging section of the route. The Khumbu Icefall is located at an altitude of 6,000 meters (19,685 feet). From the Khumbu Icefall, climbers ascend to the South Col, which is located at an altitude of 7,940 meters (25,760 feet). The South Col is a saddle between Mount Everest and Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain in the world. From the South Col, climbers ascend to the summit of Everest via the South Summit and the Hillary Step. The summit of Everest is located at an altitude of 8,848 meters (29,032 feet).

The South Col Route is a challenging climb, but it is not as difficult as the other routes. The main challenges of the South Col Route are the altitude

How many miles is it from Base Camp to the summit of Mount Everest?

The distance from Base Camp to the summit of Mount Everest is 29,032 feet, or 5.5 miles.

How long does it take to hike from Base Camp to the summit of Mount Everest?

The average time it takes to hike from Base Camp to the summit of Mount Everest is 8-10 days. However, this time can vary depending on a number of factors, such as weather conditions, physical fitness, and altitude sickness.

What is the highest altitude reached on the Mount Everest climb?

The highest altitude reached on the Mount Everest climb is 8,848 meters (29,032 feet), which is the summit of the mountain.

What are the risks of climbing Mount Everest?

There are a number of risks associated with climbing Mount Everest, including altitude sickness, avalanches, crevasses, and falling ice. It is important to be aware of these risks and to take precautions to mitigate them.

What is the best time of year to climb Mount Everest?

The best time to climb Mount Everest is during the spring and autumn seasons, when the weather is more stable.

What is the cost of climbing Mount Everest?

The cost of climbing Mount Everest can vary significantly, but it typically ranges from $25,000 to $100,000. The cost includes the cost of permits, equipment, food, and transportation.

What is the minimum age requirement to climb Mount Everest?

The minimum age requirement to climb Mount Everest is 16 years old.

What is the highest altitude you can reach without supplemental oxygen?

The highest altitude you can reach without supplemental oxygen is around 8,000 meters (26,247 feet).

What is the most common cause of death on Mount Everest?

The most common cause of death on Mount Everest is altitude sickness.

What is the best way to prepare for climbing Mount Everest?

The best way to prepare for climbing Mount Everest is to train physically and mentally, and to become familiar with the risks and challenges of the climb.

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, and reaching its summit is a major mountaineering challenge. The journey from base camp to the summit is approximately 29,000 feet (8,848 meters), and it takes most climbers around 6 weeks to complete. The route is divided into three main sections: the Khumbu Icefall, the Western Cwm, and the Lhotse Face. Each section presents its own unique challenges, and climbers must be prepared for altitude sickness, weather conditions, and technical difficulties. Reaching the summit of Everest is a major accomplishment, but it is also a dangerous undertaking. However, for those who are willing to put in the hard work and dedication, it is a journey that will stay with them for the rest of their lives.

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.