Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp is a term that is used to describe two base camps on opposite sides of Mount Everest. South Base Camp is in Nepal at an altitude of 5,364 metres (17,598 ft) (28°0′26″N 86°51′34″E / 28.00722°N 86.85944°E / 28.00722; 86.85944), and North Base Camp is in Tibet at 5,150 metres (16,900 ft)[1][2][3] (28°8′29″N 86°51′5″E / 28.14139°N 86.85139°E / 28.14139; 86.85139 (North Base Camp)). These camps are rudimentary campsites on Mount Everest that are used by mountain climbers during their ascent and descent. South Base Camp is used when climbing via the southeast ridge, while North Base Camp is used when climbing via the northeast ridge.[4]

Supplies are shipped to the South Base Camp by sherpas or porters, and with the help of animals, usually yaks. The North Base Camp has vehicle access (at least in the summer months). Climbers typically rest at base camp for several days for acclimatization to reduce the risks and severity of altitude sickness.

South Base Camp in Nepal

Short Rest on Everest Base Trail

The Everest Base Camp trek on the south side is one of the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas and is visited by thousands of trekkers each year. Trekkers usually fly from Kathmandu to Lukla to save time and energy before beginning the morning trek to this base camp. However, trekking to Lukla is possible. There are no roads from Kathmandu to Lukla and as a result, the only method of transporting large and heavy goods is by plane.

In 2015, it was noted that about 40,000 people per year take the trek from the Lukla airport to the Nepal Everest Base Camp.[5]

Everest Base Trek Route Map from Nepal side

From Lukla, climbers trek upward to the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, 3,440 metres (11,290 ft), following the valley of the Dudh Kosi river. It takes about two days to reach the village, which is a central hub of the area. Typically at this point, climbers allow a day of rest for acclimatization. They then trek another two days to Dingboche, 4,260 metres (13,980 ft) before resting for another day for further acclimatization. Another two days takes them to Everest Base Camp via Gorakshep, the flat field below Kala Patthar, 5,545 metres (18,192 ft) and Mt. Pumori.

On 25 April 2015 an earthquake measuring 7.8 Mw struck Nepal and triggered an avalanche on Pumori that swept through the South Base Camp.[6] At least 19 people were said to have been killed as a result. Just over two weeks later, on May 12, a second quake struck measuring 7.3 on the moment magnitude scale. [7] Some of the trails leading to Everest Base Camp were damaged by these earthquakes and needed repairs.[5]

Panoramic view of Sagarmatha National Park-Gorak Shep to Pheriche from Everest Base Camp

North Base Camp in Tibet

A visit to the North (China-side) Base Camp currently requires a permit from the Chinese government, on top of the permit required to visit Tibet itself. Such permits must be arranged via travel companies in Lhasa as part of a package tour that include hiring a vehicle, driver and guide. The North Base Camp is accessed by vehicle through a 100 km road branching to the South from the Friendship Highway near Shelkar. The "tourist Base Camp" is located about half-way between Rongbuk Monastery; the actual climbers' Base Camp is at the foot of Rongbuk glacier.

Looking south at the North face of Everest

See also

References

  1. ↑ Foster, Simon; Jen Lin-Liu; Sherisse Pham; Sharon Owyang; Beth Reiber; Lee Wing-Sze; Christoper D. Winnan (2010). Frommer's China. John Wiley & Sons, 2010. p. 5. ISBN 9780470526583. Retrieved 2012-04-03.
  2. ↑ Reynolds, Kev (2006). Everest - A trekker's guide. Cicerone Press Limited. p. 231. ISBN 978-1-84965-076-2. Retrieved 2012-04-03.
  3. ↑ Buckley, Michael (2008). Shangri-La: A Travel Guide to the Himalayan Dream. Bradt Travel Guides. p. 165. ISBN 9781841622040. Retrieved 2012-04-03.
  4. ↑ Mayhew, Bradley; Bindloss, Joe (2009). Trekking in the Nepal Himalaya. Lonely Planet. ISBN 978-1741041880.
  5. 1 2 4 sections of trekking route to Mount Everest were damaged by earthquake, assessment finds
  6. ↑ "Everest Base Camp a ‘War Zone’ After Earthquake Triggers Avalanches". National Geographic. Retrieved 26 April 2015.
  7. ↑ "Avalanche triggered by quake kills 18 on Mount Everest access-date=26 April 2015".

External links

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