Quick Overview – How High Is Everest Base Camp One?
Exact Elevation Details (Meters & Feet)
The South Everest Base Camp (EBC), the classic starting point for Everest expeditions in Nepal, sits at an elevation of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level. This measurement is verified by multiple mountaineering and trekking authorities and has remained the standard benchmark for decades. The North Base Camp in Tibet is slightly lower at 5,150 meters (16,900 feet).
The trek to EBC typically begins at Lukla (2,860 meters), making the altitude gain to Base Camp a significant physical challenge for most trekkers.
| Base Camp Location | Elevation (meters) | Elevation (feet) |
|---|---|---|
| South Base Camp (Nepal) | 5,364 | 17,598 |
| North Base Camp (Tibet/China) | 5,150 | 16,900 |
South Base Camp vs. North Base Camp Heights
South Base Camp (Nepal) is about 214 meters (700 feet) higher than North Base Camp (Tibet). This difference matters for acclimatization routines and the style of expeditions: South Base Camp is on the Khumbu Glacier, serving as the launchpoint for the most frequented summit attempts. The North Base Camp, while lower, is accessed via Tibet and supports expeditions on Everest’s North Face.
What “High Altitude” Means Here
Everest Base Camp One is considered very high altitude. High altitude is officially defined as 2,400–3,650 meters, very high altitude as 3,650–5,486 meters, and above 5,486 meters is termed as “extreme altitude.” Oxygen levels at EBC drop to roughly 50% of those at sea level, significantly increasing the risk of altitude-related illnesses and demanding careful slow ascent and acclimatization.
Top 10 Surprising Facts About Everest Base Camp One Elevation
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Fact #1 – The Journey: From Lukla to 5,364 Meters
The trek starts at Lukla (2,860 meters) and covers about 65 kilometers (one way), passing through Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters), Dingboche (4,410 meters), Lobuche (4,940 meters), to the final altitude. The total elevation gain is over 2,500 meters. Most trekkers take 8–12 days to allow for effective acclimatization, reducing Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) incidence by more than 50% with a well-paced itinerary.
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Fact #2 – Higher Than Any City on Earth
EBC’s 5,364 meters is nearly 270 meters higher than La Rinconada, Peru (5,100 meters), which is the highest permanent city on Earth. While trekkers only spend a few days at EBC, the thin air and low oxygen are dramatically more extreme than in any inhabited location!
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Fact #3 – Base Camp One vs. Other Everest Camps (Camp I, II, III, IV)
The classic ascent follows:
- Base Camp (5,364 m)
- Camp I (6,065 m / 19,900 ft)
- Camp II (6,400 m / 21,000 ft)
- Camp III (7,162 m / 23,497 ft)
- Camp IV (7,950 m / 26,082 ft)
EBC is already well above 95% of the world’s mountains, but only about halfway to Everest’s summit (8,849 m).
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Fact #4 – Effects of Altitude on Your Body at Base Camp
At EBC, the oxygen saturation in the air is approximately 50–53% that of sea level. Trekkers often experience headaches, insomnia, nausea, loss of appetite, and shortness of breath. Scientific studies and field data show that gradual ascent and acclimatization days at key stops like Namche Bazaar and Dingboche can reduce serious AMS risk from 40–75% (without acclimatization) down to below 20% (with proper protocol).
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Fact #5 – Shorter Oxygen Supply and Acclimatization Tips
The partial pressure of oxygen is about half that at sea level. Most guides recommend acetazolamide (“Diamox”) for prevention, slow walking, and daily hydration to maintain blood oxygenation. “Climb high, sleep low” is the acclimatization mantra, with rest days frequently scheduled above 3,500 meters to adapt hemoglobin levels.
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Fact #6 – How Altitude Alters Weather and Views at Base Camp
Extreme altitude brings temperature swings from -10°C to 10°C, sudden storms, microbursts, and powerful winds exceeding 100 km/h. The weather shifts quickly, creating unique patterns and intensely clear atmospheric conditions—yielding the world-famous sunrise views of Everest, Nuptse, and the Khumbu Glacier from EBC and nearby Kala Patthar.
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Fact #7 – Historic Expeditions: Successes and Struggles From This Height
Every Everest summit attempt via the south face since the 1950s began at EBC. Notably, the 2015 earthquake triggered an avalanche at EBC killing 19 people, underscoring how seismic risks are magnified by altitude and unstable glacial terrain. Research and retrospective analyses show that 90%+ of summit attempts trace their logistics and acclimatization strategies back to Base Camp One’s unique conditions.
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Fact #8 – Technology and Communications at High Altitude
Despite location and altitude, EBC supports satellite internet, solar-charged batteries, and advanced weather forecasting equipment as of 2026. Trekking and guiding companies equip their teams with GPS trackers, satellite communicators, and portable hyperbaric (Gamow) bags to treat altitude sickness at the camp—improving safety dramatically from previous eras.
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Fact #9 – Comparing EBC to Other Top Base Camps Worldwide
K2 Base Camp (5,150 meters, Pakistan) is 214 meters lower than Everest’s; Aconcagua (Argentina) base camp is only 4,300 meters. EBC receives about 40,000 trekkers annually, vastly more than K2 due to logistical and technical challenges there. This makes EBC the best-resourced, highest, and most visited trekking base camp in the world.
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Fact #10 – What’s Changed in Trekking to Base Camp One in 2026
Glacial retreat and shifting ice have led authorities to propose relocating EBC slightly lower (200–400 meters) for safety—trails and infrastructure have adapted in recent years to bypass unstable sections. In 2026, stricter permit controls, guided-only access for foreigners, and new waste management rules are standard to protect the high-altitude environment and reduce crowding hazards, based on environmental and safety studies.
How Altitude at Base Camp One Affects Trekking Logistics
Packing and Gear Needs for High-Altitude Trekking
Packing for EBC at 5,364 meters demands specialized clothing:
- Layered system: base layer, fleece, down jacket, windproof shell
- Cold-weather gear: gloves, beanie, balaclava, thermal socks
- Sturdy boots, trekking poles, UV-rated sunglasses
- High-SPF sunscreen, headlamp, reusable water bottles, and purification tablets
Checked luggage for Lukla flights is limited to 10kg; renting gear in Kathmandu or Namche Bazaar is advisable.
Recommended purchases: Mountaineering Clothing at REI
Health and Safety at Over 5,000 Meters
Health risks are dominated by AMS, dehydration, and cold injuries. Guides recommend:
- Rest days at 3,400m+ and 4,400m+ for adaptation
- Slow hiking pace (no more than 500m gain per day above 3,000m)
- AMS medication (with prior consultation), regular monitoring of symptoms, and immediate descent if severe
- Insurance that covers helicopter evacuation
- Carrying a personal first aid kit; reputable expeditions have access to portable hyperbaric chambers
Data from Himalayan Rescue Association and major trek operators show that 85% of serious high-altitude health incidents are preventable with proper logistics.
Top Mistakes Trekkers Make at High Altitudes
- Rapid ascent—skipping acclimatization is the most common error
- Poor clothing—insufficient layers for temperature drops and UV exposure
- Exceeding weight limits—results in missed essential gear or extra fees at Lukla
- Traveling without insurance or rescue coverage
- Ignoring early AMS symptoms, especially in independent treks
Frequently Asked Questions About Everest Base Camp One Elevation
- Q: What is the exact elevation of Everest Base Camp One?
A: 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) for South Base Camp (Nepal); North Base Camp (Tibet) is 5,150–5,200 meters. - Q: How does the oxygen level compare to sea level?
A: About 50–53% of sea-level oxygen, so trekking is much harder and riskier. - Q: How long does it take to adapt?
A: Most trekkers need at least 2–3 acclimatization stops over 11–14 days to safely reach EBC. - Q: Is EBC suitable for beginners?
A: Physically fit trekkers aged 16+ can attempt it, but prior multi-day hiking experience and careful fitness prep are strongly advised. - Q: Are altitude effects the same on both South and North Base Camp?
A: Similar symptoms, but South is higher and often more crowded; North can feel colder and windier. Both require acclimatization and guided support for most visitors. - Q: What about solo trekking?
A: As of 2026, solo foreign trekking is restricted—guided-only for international hikers for safety reasons. - Q: Does the base camp elevation change over time?
A: Slight glacial movement and tectonic uplift can cause minor shifts, but the official elevation remains 5,364 meters for South Base Camp.
Final Thoughts—Why Everest Base Camp One Elevation Matters for Adventurers in 2026
Everest Base Camp One’s altitude of 5,364 meters is a defining feature for adventure trekkers, offering a unique blend of physical, psychological, and environmental challenges. The need to acclimatize, withstand lower oxygen, and prepare for extreme weather causes trekkers to reevaluate their conditioning and resilience. Modern advances in logistics, communication, and rescue support have made EBC more accessible and safer than ever, but the demands of its elevation cannot be underestimated.
Choosing to experience the high altitude at Base Camp One is as much about personal growth as conquering a geographic challenge. Whether as a bucket-list goal or a step toward higher summits, reaching EBC at this elevation in 2026 remains one of the world’s essential adventure travel experiences—requiring respect, preparation, and awe.
Ready for the challenge? Begin your EBC journey with trusted guides: Book your Everest Base Camp Trek (2026)