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Everest Base Camp Elevation: Journey to 5,364 Meters

Everest Base Camp Elevation: Journey to 5,364 Meters

Situated in the Khumbu region of Nepal, in the Himalayas, Everest Base Camp (EBC) is the most preferred trek in the Everest region. Further, the Everest Base Camp Trek takes you to the bottom of Mount Everest, from where another thrilling and entertaining journey to the summit begins.

Standing at a height of 5,364 meters, Everest Base Camp elevation in feet summarizes at 17,598.5. The trek provides immense satisfaction once you are at such a height.

However, reaching such a height is not sugar. It requires sheer dedication and experience. Hence, one small mistake can become a grotesque experience. In contrast, for the daredevil trekkers, the EBC trek comes first in their thrilling adventure list.

Additionally, the trek offers a sense of achievement, a great view of shining Mount Everest, a scenery of plentiful vegetation, and rich wildlife. For this reason, the EBC trek is no doubt one of the top treks in Nepal.

Elevation of Everest Base Camp with Itinerary

The EBC elevation takes you to the highest elevation of 5,550 meters (18,209 ft) at Kala Patthar. Generally, the trip starts from Kathmandu. However, the actual trekking starts from Lukla, at an elevation of 2840 meters and concludes at Kathmandu (1400 meters).

Let’s discuss the elevation of Everest Base Camp 12-day itinerary.

Day 1: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2840 m/9318 ft) and trek to Phakding (2610 m/8563 ft)
Total Descent: 222 meters (728 ft) from Lukla to Phakding

Day 2: Trek from Phakding to Namche (3440 m/11,286 ft)
Total Ascent: 822 meters (2697 ft) from Phakding to Namche

Day 3: Acclimatization day at Namche (Hike to Hotel Everest View-3900 m/12,795 ft)
Total Ascent: 460 meters (1509) from Namche to Hotel Everest View

Day 4: Trek from Namche to Tengboche (3860 m/12,664 ft)
Total Ascent: 420 meters (1378 ft) from Namche to Tengboche

Day 5: Trek from Tengboche to Dingboche (4410 m/14,468 ft)
Total Ascent: 550 meters (1805.5 ft) Tengboche to Dingboche

Day 6: Acclimatization day at Dingboche (Hike to Nagarjuna Hill Top-5100 m/16,732 ft)
Total Ascent: 690 meters (2264 ft) from Dingboche to Nagarjuna Hill Top

Day 7: Trek from Dingboche to Lobuche (4910 m/16,109 ft)
Total Ascent: 500 meters (1640 ft) from Dingboche to Lobuche

Day 8: Trek from Lobuche to Gorakshep (5140 m/16,863.5 ft) and Hike to Everest Base Camp (5364 m/17,598.5 ft)
Total Ascent: 454 meters (1489.5 ft) from Lobuche to EBC
Total Descent: 224 meters (735 ft) from EBC to Gorakshep

Day 9: Trek from Gorakshep to Pheriche (4240 m/13,911 ft) and Hike to Kala Patthar (5550 m/18,209 ft)
Total Ascent: 410 meters (1345 ft) from Gorakshep to Kala Patthar
Total Descent: 1310 meters (4298 ft) from Kala Patthar to Pheriche

Day 10: Trek from Pheriche to Namche (3440 m/11,286 ft)
Total Descent: 800 meters (2625 ft) from Pheriche to Namche

Day 11: Trek from Namche to Lukla (2840 m/9318 ft)
Total Descent: 600 meters (1968.5 ft) from Namche to Lukla

Day 12: Flight from Lukla to Kathmandu (1400 m/4593 ft)
Total Descent: 1440 meters (4724 ft) from Lukla to Kathmandu

Everest elevation gain from Base Camp

Altogether, there are four Camps on the way to the summit from the Everest Base Camp. So, the journey to the top of Everest is designed in such a way that it gives enough time to acclimatize to the increasing elevation.

Trekker and porter walking on the EBC trail with the view of Ama Dablam in the background
Trekker and porter walking on the EBC trail with the view of Ama Dablam in the background

Everest Base Camp to Everest Camp 1 Elevation

Firstly, the elevation of Everest Base Camp is 5,364 meters, and Everest Camp 1 height is 6,065 meters (19,898 ft). So, the total difference between Everest Base Camp altitude and Camp 1 is 701 meters (2300 ft). This section includes Khumbu Icefall, one of the most difficult sections of the climb.

Everest Camp 1 to Everest Camp 2 Elevation

Secondly, Camp 2 is at an altitude of 6,400 meters (20,997 ft), compared to Camp 1’s at 6,065 meters. Therefore, the total elevation gain from Everest Camp 1 to Everest Camp 2 is 335 meters (1100 ft). This is an easier and flat section of the climb.

Everest Camp 2 to Everest Camp 3 Elevation

Moreover, the elevation of Everest Base Camp 3 is 862 meters (2828 ft) higher than that of Camp 2, at a staggering height of approximately 7,162 meters (23497 ft). Hence, this part of the trek includes steep climbing on Lhotse Face.

Everest Camp 3 to Everest Camp 4 Elevation

The difference between Everest Camp 4 elevation and Camp 3’s is 788 meters (2585 ft). Camp 4 reaches an elevation of 7,950 meters (26,083 ft). It is the final camp before the summit that traverses through the South Col.

Everest Camp 4 to Summit

Finally, the final section of the climb, Everest Camp 4, to the summit of Mount Everest, gains an elevation of 898.86 meters (2949 ft). The final height of the summit is 8848.86 meters, the world’s highest point.

This section of the climb is also referred to by the name “Death Zone”. Particularly this section of the expedition is notoriously known for various casualties, including ‘Green Boots’ and ‘Sleeping Beauty’.

Everest Base Camp to Summit route map
Everest Base Camp to Summit route map

Difficulty due to Elevation of Everest Base Camp

With the increase in elevation of Everest Base Camp, the climatic conditions, ecosystem, and air thickness vary. Apart from effects on ecological factors, elevation also affects personal physical status.

Therefore, you need to be prepared for changes in Everest Base Camp hike elevation. Thus, you can follow various approaches to overcome Everest Base Camp challenges.

Some of the challenges that trekkers face due to elevation in EBC trek are:

Altitude Sickness: With an increase in elevation, the breathable oxygen level at Everest Base Camp becomes thin. Due to this reason, trekkers might fall victim to altitude sickness during the EBC Trek.

Harsh Weather Condition: Increase in Mt Everest Base Camp elevation weather conditions change frequently in high mountains. With every 100 meters of gain in altitude, 1°C of temperature drops. Therefore, to tackle this problem, we must wear proper warm clothes and pack equipment for the EBC Trek accordingly and ascend.

Physical and Mental Effects: High-altitude treks are a strenuous task. So, if you are not physically strong, you might encounter various problems. You might even not be able to complete the trek. In the worst-case scenario, Everest helicopter evacuation might be necessary.

A view of Khumbu Glacier with the view of Tibetan mountain at the elevation of EBC
A view of Khumbu Glacier with the view of Tibetan mountain at the elevation of EBC

How to avoid altitude sickness?

  • Trekkers need to ascend gradually with proper acclimatization.
  • Stay hydrated, drink at least 3 litres of water.
  • Be aware of early symptoms of altitude sickness to avoid worsening the situation.
  • Give proper rest to the body, so proper sleep is essential, especially at higher altitudes.
  • Avoid alcoholic drinks and smoking.
  • Use medication if necessary.
  • Descending to lower altitude can help in tackling altitude sickness.

FAQ Related to Everest Height

What height is Everest Base Camp?

The height of Everest Base Camp is approximately 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). It is the starting point for climbers aiming to summit Mount Everest.

How high is Everest from Base Camp?

The Everest is 3484.86 (11,434 feet) meters high from the Base Camp.

How high is Base Camp 1 on Everest?

Base Camp 1 on Everest is located at an altitude of 6,065 meters (19,900 ft). So, it is a temporary camp where most of the climbers tend to stay overnight.

What is the Everest Camp 2 elevation?

The Everest Camp 2 elevation is 6400 meters (about 21,000 ft).

What is Camp 3 Everest’s height?

The Camp 3 Everest height is at an altitude of about 7,162 meters (about 23,500 ft).

What is Everest Camp 4 elevation?

The Everest Camp 4 elevation is 7,950 meters (about 26,000 ft).

UNSURE WHERE TO GO? WE CAN HELP

Based on your preferences, location, timeframe, and budget, our team can design your dream trek based on our extensive knowledge and experience of the Himalayas. Get in touch with us for detailed information and assistance planning your dream trek. With our 97% success rate on trekking and climbing trips in 2022 and 2023 spring season, we will answer any questions you may have and guide you for an unforgettable experience.
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