Everest Base Camp Elevation: How High Is the EBC?

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If you are planning to take the Everest Base Camp trek, you must already know the fact that there are essentially two Everest Base Camps that mountaineers have to choose from. One of them lies in the north, that is in Tibet while the other base camp is located on the southern part, that is in Nepal.

In the general sense of the term, if someone mentions Everest Base Camp (EBC), it usually refers to the one that lies in the north. In fact, the North EBC is chosen by the majority of the tourists who wish to trek up to the base camp of the world's highest peak.

The best spot that can be freely enjoyed by most the explorers is from the Tibetan tent Camp and the Rongbuk Monastery. The Rongbuk Monastery is situated in the highest elevation of the Tibetan Autonomous Region and is also the highest monastery in the world.

Altitude of Everest Base Camp

The Everest Base Camp in Tibet was originally established to be a zone that is guarded against pollution. Now, it is the best place from where tourists and trekkers can enjoy the best view of the Mt Everest standing lofty right in front of them, in all its glory. The Everest Base Camp is also the mark from where mountaineers embark on their journey to the summit of the world's highest peak.

Altitude of Everest Base Camp

The altitude of the EBC is 5,200 meters which translates to 17,060 feet from the sea level. Moreover, the direct distance of the summit of Mt Everest from that point is 19km which is about 62,335 feet. This makes it a chosen spot for all those who have started out on their journey to climb up the Mt Everest and achieve a significant milestone in their lives. Situated in the Everest National Nature Reserve, the Everest Base Camp is also a scientific base for observers of nature studies apart from being a tourist attraction.

Altitude Changes from Lhasa to EBC

The Everest Base Camp (EBC) stands at an elevation of 5200 meters which is nearly 800 km. It is located approximately on the southwestern part of Lhasa which is the capital of the Tibetan Autonomous Region.

With its average altitude ranging at around 3500m from the sea level, Tibet, also known as the Roof of the World, is perhaps the most popular choice among foreigners who plan to summit the Mt Everest. Overall, it would take you around 8 to 12 days, to travel to the EBC from Lhasa and return to the starting point.

Let us take a look at the route to the Everest Base Camp from Lhasa with the altitude changes.

Lhasa to Yamdrok

Lhasa itself is situated at an elevation of 3658 m from the sea level. After spending a suitable amount of time in Lhasa, which includes exploring the town too, the route takes you up to 3977m to Gyantse via Yamdrok. The main highlights of this route are the Karola Glacier, the Yamdrok Lake and the Kumbum Stupa.

Yamdrok Lake

Gyantse to Shigatse

From Gyantse, the next stop is after driving for 2 hours, up to Shigatse, which has got an altitude of 3836 m from the sea level. Along your way to Shigatse, the Tashi Lunpo Monastery is a must visit for a breathtaking view of the snowy surroundings and clear blue skies.

Shigatse to Shegar

Shigatse to Shegar is another 6 hours drive with the elevation rising steeply up to 4300m to Shegar. Tourists are taken to this place from Shigatse via Sakya. The Shegar Fort and the Sakya Monastery are truly worth a visit while on this route.

Shegar to EBC

Shegar is the final stop before the explorers head to the final destination of EBC. From Shegar to EBC is a big leap in the elevation, since the altitude of the Basecamp is 5200 m, as already mentioned before. It takes just 2 hours to reach EBC from Shegar, by car. And if the weather permits, explorers can behold one of the most magnificent views ever in this world. The world’s highest peak Mt Everest can be viewed in full glory from the pristine surroundings and fascinating locales of the EBC.

>> Join in the Most Popular Everest Base Camp Small Group Tour from Lhasa

How to Avoid High Altitude Sickness When Visiting Everest Base Camp

Tibet is now open to foreigners who wish to take a closer look at Mt Everest from the Base Camp in Tibet. But travelling to Tibet comes with several regulations – not only in terms of the permits and papers for the perusal of the Chinese government but also in terms of keeping one healthy and preventing high altitude sickness.

The best time to visit the EBC in Tibet is from April end to October. Now, owing to the drastic changes in altitude on way up to the Everest Base Camp in Tibet, the best way up would always be the route from Lhasa. Why this route is chosen by the majority of the explorers is due to the fact that it allows one to ascend slowly up the elevations, letting enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude and also soak in the spectacular natural beauty in the meantime. Starting from Lhasa is, therefore, a safer route to choose too.

Visit EBC during the Best Seasons
Visiting EBC during April to October can help avoid altitude sickness

In order to prevent being afflicted by this terrible sickening feeling due to the low oxygen saturation in the air at very high altitudes, the best is to make your ascent gradually. This allows your system to get adjusted to the weather conditions better and acclimatize so that you can move ahead on your route safely and healthily.

Apart from making slow progress up the steep altitude, you must always keep appropriate medication with you. High altitude sickness is usually characterized by nausea, lightheadedness in milder forms and acute respiratory troubles and problems with normal vision in severe cases. This is why having medicines handy is essential even before you start off for Tibet.

Moreover, you must not engage in very strenuous physical activities that consume a lot of energy. Physically demanding activities might cause breathing trouble at high altitudes, so you must also travel light.

Conclusion

Over the years, for most of the explorers, the chief reason why they travel to Tibet is to get catch the breathtaking view of the Northern face of Mt. Everest. The view of the north face of Mt Everest that once can behold from the Base Camp in Tibet, offers a panoramic and majestic view of the mountain that is worth one’s lifetime.

The best way to make the most of your Everest Base Camp tour would be to firstly ensure that you are physically fit to travel to such great elevations. And then when you have sorted out your tickets and permits and required documents, you are ready to gear up for the best expedition in your life!