Where on earth
Satellite imagery flying in from a world view to Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal. Use the + / − buttons, or click the map to zoom with your scroll wheel; drag to pan and pinch to zoom on touch.
- Region
- Nepal
- Biome
- Himalayan alpine (2,600–5,545 m)
- Best season
- October – November, March – May
- Difficulty
- moderate
- Backpacking
- Hiking
- Climbing
Key takeaways
- Biome: Himalayan alpine (2,600–5,545 m)
- Best season: October – November, March – May
- Difficulty: moderate
- Top activity: backpacking
Photos of Everest Base Camp Trek
Topic summary
The 130-km 12-day trek from Lukla to EBC (5,364 m) — the world's most famous high-altitude walk.
Key takeaways
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best season: October – November, March – May
Intended uses
backpacking
Climate suitability
Himalayan alpine (2,600–5,545 m)
Tools for a trip here
Picked for how, when and where you're going. Free, no signup.
- Sleep System Temp CalculatorCold nights: check your bag and pad add up to a safe sleep.
- Base Weight CalculatorEvery ounce is carried — total your kit and find your base weight.
- Pack Volume SizerSize the pack for your trip length and season.
- Water Purification MatrixTreat water from streams and lakes on trail.
- Layering CalculatorCold-season miles: layer for climbs and camp.
Plan with verified data
Everest Base Camp Trek trip tools
How to get there
Everest Base Camp Trek is in Nepal, Nepal. Its center point is 28.0000, 86.8500. Use these links for live turn-by-turn directions from where you are, then confirm road, trailhead and access conditions with the managing agency before you leave.
- South Base Camp, Nepal
The Nepal hiking destination, at 5,364 metres. Porters and pack animals, usually yaks, carry supplies to the camp. It also serves mountaineers using Everest’s southeast ridge.
- North Base Camp, Tibet
A separate destination on the opposite side of Everest, not an access point for the Nepal trek. A paved road branches from China National Highway 318 to reach the northern camp.
Popular pursuits at Everest Base Camp Trek
- Backpacking
Multi-day travel with everything on your back — see the packing blocks below.
- Hiking
Day miles on marked trail, with route notes and trail links below.
- Climbing
Rock and alpine lines with approach beta.
Animals around Everest Base Camp Trek
Maps, GPS & compass for this trip
Carry a waterproof paper map and a compass you can steer by, and treat the GPS as the backup — not the other way round. Buying links go to Amazon; Wild10 earns a commission at no cost to you.
Waterproof topo maps
- Waterproof topographic map — Everest Base Camp TrekAmazon search for waterproof, tear-resistant topo maps covering this area.
- National Geographic Trails IllustratedThe waterproof Trails Illustrated series — check for a sheet covering this area.
- Waterproof map case & compass lanyardKeep a paper map readable in rain, spray and a swamped boat.
Fishing at Everest Base Camp Trek
Planning to fish Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal? Fishing licences, open seasons and catch limits in Nepal are set by the local wildlife authority and change every year — check the official source before you cast a line.
Do I need a fishing licence at Everest Base Camp Trek?
- A Nepal fishing licence is normally required for anyone over the local youth age.
- Read the current Nepal fishing regulations for special waters, barbless-hook or catch-and-release rules.
- Clean, drain and dry boats and gear between waters to stop invasive species.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Nepal yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
Hunting near Everest Base Camp Trek
Thinking about hunting Everest Base Camp Trek, Nepal? Hunting seasons, tags and draws in Nepal are set by the wildlife authority each year. Confirm the rules for your species and unit before you go.
Is hunting allowed at Everest Base Camp Trek?
- Confirm the land around Everest Base Camp Trek is open to hunting and which management unit it falls in.
What do I need to hunt in Nepal?
- A Nepal hunting licence — most jurisdictions also require hunter education certification.
- Species tags or draw results for big game such as deer, elk, moose or bear where they occur.
- Knowledge of firearm and bow transport rules, which differ by land type and border crossing.
We don't have a verified licensing link on file for Nepal yet — contact the park or land manager listed on this page for current hunting and fishing rules.
The Nepal destination: South Base Camp
The Everest Base Camp destination in Nepal is South Base Camp, at 5,364 metres (17,598 feet). It sits at the base of Mount Everest and serves both visiting hikers and mountaineers preparing for or returning from climbs. This distinction matters when planning: reaching base camp is a hiking objective, while continuing onto Everest’s southeast ridge is a climbing undertaking. Base camp itself is described as a rudimentary campsite, so expectations should centre on a working mountain camp rather than developed visitor facilities. Supplies arrive with porters and pack animals, usually yaks. For a Nepal itinerary, keep South Base Camp as the destination; Everest’s other base camp lies across the mountain in Tibet and has a separate approach.
Altitude should shape the plan
At 5,364 metres, South Base Camp makes altitude a central planning consideration, not simply a number attached to the destination. Climbers commonly rest at base camp for several days to acclimatize and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. That practice illustrates the need for a conservative approach to ascent, but it does not establish a suitable trekking schedule for every visitor. Allow room in the plan for acclimatization rather than treating arrival as a deadline that must be met. Fitness alone should not be the basis for deciding how quickly to ascend. Seek appropriate advice about altitude illness before departure, pay attention to changes in how the body feels, and do not let the goal of reaching camp override a decision to stop ascending.
Two camps, different approaches
Everest has two base camps, and their access arrangements should not be confused. South Base Camp is in Nepal and supports climbs using the southeast ridge. North Base Camp is in Tibet, at 5,150 metres (16,900 feet), and supports climbs using the northeast ridge. The northern camp has access by a paved road branching from China National Highway 318; that road is not an approach to the Nepal trek. Both camps are rudimentary sites used during climbing ascents and descents, and both receive hikers. When checking transport, access requirements, or trip arrangements, specify the country and camp rather than asking only for Everest Base Camp. Confirm current access requirements with the managing agency before committing to a Nepal itinerary.
Route options
- South Base Camp hiking objective
Visit the Nepal base camp at 5,364 metres. This is a hiking destination distinct from the southeast-ridge climb that mountaineers undertake from the camp; allow altitude and acclimatization to guide planning.
- North Base Camp alternative, Tibet
A separate base-camp destination at 5,150 metres, visited by hikers and accessible by a paved road branching from China National Highway 318. It is not a route variation within the Nepal trek.
Sample itineraries
- Acclimatization-focused day · 1 day
A rest-day module, not a complete trek itinerary. Keep activity light and assess how the group is handling altitude before continuing toward Nepal’s South Base Camp. One rest day does not guarantee adequate acclimatization.
- South Base Camp visit · 1 day
A destination-day module for trekkers already acclimatized and positioned nearby, not a one-day trek from a roadhead. Visit South Base Camp at 5,364 metres, allow time for the return, and avoid extending the day if altitude symptoms develop.
Seasonal conditions
Spring
Spring; confirm local conditions before departure
Plan for high-altitude exposure rather than assuming mild conditions. Check the current forecast and walking conditions, and keep the schedule flexible enough for acclimatization.
Summer
Summer; confirm local conditions before departure
Summer does not remove the risks of a 5,364-metre destination. Carry protection against cold and wet weather, and base daily decisions on current conditions and the group’s health.
Fall
Fall; confirm local conditions before departure
Do not assume dependable weather or access. Verify conditions locally and retain spare time rather than committing to a fixed base-camp arrival regardless of symptoms or weather.
Winter
Winter; confirm local conditions before departure
Treat cold-weather preparation as essential at this elevation. Confirm that current conditions and available support suit the group’s experience before committing to the trek.
| Season | Window | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Spring; confirm local conditions before departure | Plan for high-altitude exposure rather than assuming mild conditions. Check the current forecast and walking conditions, and keep the schedule flexible enough for acclimatization. |
| Summer | Summer; confirm local conditions before departure | Summer does not remove the risks of a 5,364-metre destination. Carry protection against cold and wet weather, and base daily decisions on current conditions and the group’s health. |
| Fall | Fall; confirm local conditions before departure | Do not assume dependable weather or access. Verify conditions locally and retain spare time rather than committing to a fixed base-camp arrival regardless of symptoms or weather. |
| Winter | Winter; confirm local conditions before departure | Treat cold-weather preparation as essential at this elevation. Confirm that current conditions and available support suit the group’s experience before committing to the trek. |
Permits, fees & closures
Confirm current trekking permits, entry requirements, and charges with the managing agency before departure.
Confirm current permits, fees, and closures with the managing agency before you go.
Hazards & regulations
- Altitude sickness: South Base Camp stands at 5,364 metres. Allow time to acclimatize; do not continue ascending with symptoms, and seek help or descend if they worsen.
- High-altitude weather exposure: carry insulating and weatherproof layers, and be prepared to change plans when conditions deteriorate.
- Limited shelter: base camp is a rudimentary campsite, not a substitute for confirmed accommodation or a suitable shelter plan.
- Supply animals: yaks help carry supplies to South Base Camp. Give animals and their handlers space and avoid obstructing their passage.
What to pack for Everest Base Camp Trek
- Insulating layers
- Weatherproof outer layer
- Warm hat and gloves
- Water containers and a drinking-water treatment method
- Personal medications and a first-aid kit
- Sun protection
- Comfortable trekking footwear
- Headlamp with spare power
- Daypack for layers, water, and food
Everest Base Camp Trek FAQ
- Which Everest base camp is in Nepal?
- South Base Camp is in Nepal at 5,364 metres. North Base Camp is in Tibet at 5,150 metres; it is a separate destination on the opposite side of Everest.
- Is base camp only for mountaineers?
- No. Hikers also visit the base camps. South Base Camp supports climbers using Everest’s southeast ridge, but visiting the camp is distinct from climbing the mountain.
- Can South Base Camp be reached by the paved road described for Everest?
- That paved-road access belongs to North Base Camp in Tibet. Do not use North Base Camp access information to plan a trek to Nepal’s South Base Camp.
- Why does acclimatization matter?
- South Base Camp’s elevation creates a risk of altitude sickness. Climbers commonly rest at base camp for several days to acclimatize, but trekkers also need a gradual ascent and a willingness to stop or descend.
- What facilities should be expected at base camp?
- Expect a rudimentary campsite rather than a developed visitor facility. Confirm sleeping arrangements and support separately. Supplies reach South Base Camp with porters and animals, usually yaks.
- Are the one-day plans complete trekking itineraries?
- No. They are planning modules for an acclimatization day and a base-camp visit day. Arrange the full approach, overnight stops, acclimatization schedule, and return before departure.