Punam Phuyal
Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world with the highest dimension of energy. It is a tectonic mountain formed from the collision of Indian subcontinental plate with Eurasian plate since 50 million years ago. The lateral compression of Indian continental plate gives rise to Himalaya and the height is in progress with continuous collision between the plates. Mount Everest is a part of Mahalangur Himal, a sub Himalayan range. It is a boarder Himalaya that separates two countries Nepal and China. There are two base camps on each country side. South base camp lies in Nepal and North Base camp in China. The highest peak in the world lies in Nepal. It is pride of Nepalese and a symbolic mountain to recognize the country in the world.
Nepal is also known as the country of Mount Everest. Sherpa and Tibetan named it as “Chomolungma” or “Qomolangma”- the goddess mother of the world. In english it is called Holy god. It’s Nepali name is Sagarmatha.
Base camp refers to the foot of mountain. It is the beginning point of Expedition. Both face of Mountain Everest are attraction points for a mountaineer. This article tends to give detailed information of basecamps and higher camps of Everest.
There are two base camps of Everest: South Base camp and North Base camp. The south base camp is located at 5364 meters above sea level. It is the most popular for adventurous trek in the world. The exact location where the first climber of Mount Everest: Edmund Hillary and Tenjing Norgay Sherpa made their camp before starting summit push is called base camp for trekkers today. It takes 8 days to reach there from Lukla. We should cover Approximately 55 km to reach the base of Everest. Only Expedition team can stay there. Trekkers need authorized permission to settle camp whereas expedition team stay many days on Everest base camp for preparation and acclimatization.
How to reach south Everest base camp (EBC)?
Trekking and helicopter tour are two methods to reach south Everest base camp. 12 days EBC trek from Lukla is the best option to explore the unique Sherpa culture, Sagarmatha national park, Ancient monasteries, Chorten, Gumba and diverse landscape. It is necessary to acclimatize on Namche and Tengboche to adjust with changing climatic condition. Following the itinerary of Everest base camp trek , we can complete our journey to South base camp.
Beside trekking, heli tour is the best alternative to reach south base camp and explore the highest mountain in the world.
North base camp is in Tibet Autonomous region, China. It’s elevation is 5150 meter above sea level. Driving from Rongbuk monastery is the best way to reach North base camp. Trekking to North base camp is less popular as we can drive to the base whereas Advanced base camp trek is more popular to gain higher elevation.
Beside base camps both face of Everest have different camps:
Camps on South side (Nepal)
Camp I (5364 m / 17,598 ft)
Camp II (6, 065 m / 19900 ft)
Camp III (6400 m / 21,000 ft)
Camp IV ( 7950 m / 26,000 ft)
Camps on North side (China)
Camp I (7000 m – 7020 m)
Camp II (7500m -7800 m)
Camp III ( 8,230 m – 8300 m)
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