Distance From Everest Base Camp To The Summit

The distance from Everest Base Camp to the summit of Mount Everest is 8.8 km/ 5.5 miles in a straight line. However, mountaineers can’t take the straight path to reach the world’s highest peak. Thus, taking an appropriate path with a winding route from base camp to the summit of Everest takes 20.5 km/ 13 miles. Yet, the specific climbing route and established camp location vary the particular distance.  

Doubtlessly, ascending to the Everest summit starts from the base camp at 5,364m; the first stop on the journey is Camp I at 6,065m. Afterward, climbers stay at Camp II at 6,400m and spend some days there for acclimatization. After a few days, mountaineers ascend to Camp III but return to Camp II to adapt to the changed temperature. After some acclimatization, the journey moves to Camp III at 7,162m. Then, after spending some time acclimating, climbers navigate through Camp IV (7,900 meters) and reach the highest mountain in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range.

What are the ways to Reach Everest Base Camp?

Reaching Everest Base Camp has various options and different routes. The base Camp lies within the Sagarmatha National Park in the Khumbu region. Everest Base Camp Trek is one of the iconic destinations and a starting point for the summit of Everest. The iconic destination offers various options to get there. Catering to trekkers with different preferences and fitness levels. Here are the main routes and modes of transportation one can use to get to Everest Base Camp: 

Routes

Trekking from Lukla is one of the most common routes to reach Everest Base Camp. The route is also known as the classical route and is preferred by every trekker. For the route, the journey starts with a flight to Lukla Airport (Tenzing Hillary Airport) and then trekking through Sherpa settlements of Phakding, Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep, and gets to Everest Base Camp. Moreover, the trek takes 12-14 to complete on a round trip. 

Jiri to Everest Base Camp is another popular route to get EBC. For this, the journey begins with a drive to Shivalaya from Kathmandu and walking through Kenja, Junbesi, Nunthala, Bhupsa, Phakding, and the same classical route. The journey generally takes 19-10 days for a round trip.

Transportation

You must catch the flight from Kathmandu’s domestic airport to trek through Lukla. The flight is usually more expensive than ground transportation. However, it is easy, quick, and safest mode, taking just 45 minutes. Moreover, if you prefer ground transportation to Jiri, you can choose either a bus or a Jeep. The option is more time-consuming but less expensive than airfare. 

Distance from Everest Base Camp to Summit

Mount Everest, with its impressive height and mark on the world record for being the tallest mountain of all, welcomes mountaineers worldwide. Yet, a climb to the world’s highest peak is definitely easy. Involving the short treks for acclimatization, the total distance from Base Camp to the summit of Everest is 68.7km/ 42.7 miles. Camp I at 6,065m/ 19,900ft marks the beginning of the ascent to Everest, passing the crevasses of Khumbu glacier using aluminum ladders. The climb from EBC to Camp I covers 10km.

The expedition continues to Camp II at 6,400m/ 21,000ft, which is relatively easier but requires walking across the Western Cwm, a flat, U-shaped glacier valley at the foot of Mt. Lhotse. It is about 2.5km from Camp I to Camp II. The camp also serves as the base for acclimatization, where climbers stay for some days before heading to Camp III. Climbing along the steep snowy terrain, through the face of Lhotse, covering 2km, the journey gets to Camp III (7,200m/ 23,600ft).

Camp IV at 7,950m/26,085ft is the final camp before reaching the summit. The journey is arduous on hard ice with steep inclines and covers 1.5km from Camp III to IV. Climbers face a “death zone” on the ascend where oxygen levels drop 30% of sea level. Camp IV to Everest Summit is the shortest yet most challenging section. Mountaineers face extreme cold and lower oxygen levels during this time, and supplemental oxygen becomes crucial for survival. Camp IV to the summit of Everest is just 1.5km. 

How much does it cost to climb Everest?

The cost of climbing Everest depends on various factors, including whether service is taken from local operators based in Nepal or Western guiding companies, the climbing route, the duration of the expedition, and the level of support provided. Generally, if you take service from local operators in Nepal, the climb costs range from USD 25,000 to 40,000. On the other hand, if you take service from Western companies, they charge around or above USD 6500.

Generally, the trekking agencies of Nepal cover climbing permits, climbing Sherpas, transportation, camping facilities, meals, other logistical support, and royalty fees. Likewise, Western companies also offer the facilities, and they provide pre-expedition training and comprehensive logistical support throughout the climb. Moreover, Nepalese trekking agencies don’t cover personal climbing equipment, insurance, travel expenses to and from Nepal, and other personal expenses. 

Mount Everest’s New Height & Shape

8,848.86m/ 29,032 ft is Mount Everest’s new officially recognized height, measured by a joint survey by Nepal and China in December 2020. Surveyors used trigonometry formulas to calculate the new height of the summit. However, the previous height of the mighty peak was 8,848/ 29,029ft. The latest measurements include snow and ice on the top of the mountain, which had not been accounted for before.

The shape of the mountain remains the same throughout the year, and it has a three-sided pyramid. Among the three faces, the north and East rise above Tibet, and the Southwest face rises above Nepal. 

Is the climb to the Summit from Everest Base Camp challenging?

Indeed, the climb to the summit from Everest Base Camp is challenging and requires proper training, good physical fitness, and prior climbing experience. Also, it requires physical strength and mental preparedness. Numerous mountaineers dare to get to the summit of Everest yearly, but only some can complete it. Numerous factors make the climb to the Everest summit from EBC, including: 

Extreme Weather Conditions

The weather in the Everest region, significantly above 8000 meters, is known for its harsh conditions and unpredictability. The temperature ranges around −19 ° C even during summer and drops to -60° C in winter. Strong winds, sudden storms, and sub-zero temperature makes the climbing challenging. 

Highest Altitude

As Mount Everest is the tallest peak in the world, its extreme altitude adds to its difficulty. The oxygen level decreases as the climber climbs higher, where the air pressure becomes thin, making breathing difficult. Likewise, the higher elevation causes High-altitude pulmonary edema. Thus, carrying bottled oxygen and acclimatizing properly is crucial. 

Physically & Mental Challenges

The climb to Everest is exhausting, pushing the climber’s body to its limit. Mountaineers should walk daily for long hours in a varied and rugged terrain, making the climb physically tough. Likewise, climbers should be mentally focused, as even one mistake can be death-dealing. 

Others risk

Risks, including the potential for avalanches, crevasses, falls, and other hazards, make the climb to the summit of Everest challenging. The risks can occur at times, making the ascending stop even more fatal. Thus, climbers should be aware of these risks and take necessary precautions to mitigate them.

Overcrowded at Everest Summit

At the peak climbing season, many climbers aim to summit Mount Everest, leading to overcrowding. The overcrowding leads to long waits on narrow ridges, and the delays increase the risk of running out of oxygen or being caught in bad weather. 

Frost Bite

Everest’s temperature is always below minus degrees Celsius, leading to the risk of frostbite. The wind chill equivalent temperature (WCT) near the summit is generally below -30°C year-round in Everest, and a severe frostbite can lead to permanent damage. 

Why Choose Sherpas during your Everest Climbing   

Sherpas are indigenous to the Everest region of Nepal and have lived there for over 500 years. They have many records for mountaineering on Everest, from the first to climb Everest to the highest number of successful ascents to climbing without oxygen. Their expertise, experience, and physical strength at high altitudes make them an ideal choice during Everest climbing.

Often regarded as the real heroes of Mount Everest, Sherpas rarely face acute mountain sickness, and even the harsh weather doesn’t affect them much. If you are also looking for your climbing partner, choose Sherpas as they are reliable guides, risk their lives for their clients, and are skilled at finding safe routes. Likewise, Sherpas not only help you as a guide, but they are also well-known supporter as porters, cooks, fixers, and rescue teams. 

 Best time to climb Mount Everest

Spring and Autumn are the two best times to climb Mount Everest. Spring, from March to May, is when the weather begins to warm up. The stable weather with clear skies reduces wind speeds and offers excellent visibility. The temperature during the time ranges around -15 degrees Celsius. Likewise, Autumn from September to November comes with stable weather with clear skies and moderate temperatures. Generally, the days are dry, with temperatures ranging from -10°C to -20°C. While the spring and Autumn offer ideal times for climbing, they come with challenges like overcrowding.

Furthermore, consider not climbing to Everest during the Monsoon and Winter seasons. The heavy rainfall during the monsoon season makes climbing difficult because of the slippery trail. The Winter season has harsh weather with freezing points, making climbing difficult. 

How to train for Climbing Mount Everest

Climbers should be at the top of physical, emotional, and psychological conditions to summit Mount Everest. Generally, training for a year is ideal for conquering the height of Mount Everest. For the climb, climbers must prepare their body, Mind, and skill. 

1. Fitness Training:

• Involve in cardio training, like running, hiking, and cycling, to strengthen your heart and lungs. 
• Involve in strength training by focusing on legs, core, and upper body by training like squats, lunges, planks, and pull-ups to build muscle. 
• Involve in endurance training by practicing long hikes with heavy backpacks to prepare for carrying equipment at high altitudes. 

2. Skill Training:

• Learn how to use the required equipment for climbing, including crampons, ice axes, and ropes. 
• Train in climbing on snow and steep rocks, if possible. 
• Take a mountaineering course. 

3. Train Mind: 

• Prepare mentally to walk in harsh terrain and face difficulties at each step. 
• Practice staying calm and focused in challenging times. 
• Learn breathing techniques to remain relaxed in low-oxygen areas. 

FAQs