Everest Base Camp (south side) lies at about 5,364 m on the rubble-covered Khumbu Glacier, at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall — the chaotic river of ice that climbers must pass through on their way to the summit. It is not a village: trekkers sleep an hour or two away at Gorak Shep (5,164 m) and walk to Base Camp and back.
What you find depends on the season. From about April to late May the glacier fills with the yellow tents of climbing expeditions, making Base Camp a temporary town. In autumn and winter it is quiet — a large rock painted with "Everest Base Camp" and draped in prayer flags. Either way, standing here, beneath the icefall and the walls of Nuptse, is the emotional high point of the trek.
What to do at Everest Base Camp
Walk the glacier to Base Camp
From Gorak Shep, a rough, undulating path follows the moraine and then drops onto the glacier. Allow 2–3 hours each way, and set off early enough to be back before afternoon wind and cloud.
Look at the Khumbu Icefall
The icefall is the first obstacle on the climbing route and one of the most dangerous places on the mountain. From Base Camp you can watch its seracs glow in the afternoon sun.
Respect the expedition camp
In spring, expedition camps are working spaces. Keep to the paths, do not enter tents or kitchens uninvited and keep noise down — some climbers are resting between rotations.
Getting to Everest Base Camp
- From Lobuche: 2–3 hours to Gorak Shep, then 2–3 hours each way to Base Camp — a long 7–8 hour day in total.
- From Kathmandu: the classic trek takes 8 days up from Lukla. See our itinerary.
- By helicopter: tours fly over Base Camp and usually land near Kala Patthar rather than at the camp itself.
Trekker tips
- You cannot actually see Everest’s summit from Base Camp — Nuptse blocks it. For the summit view, climb Kala Patthar.
- Carry water, snacks and warm layers; the glacier is colder and windier than it looks.
- Sleeping at Gorak Shep is hard for most people. Expect a rough night, and descend promptly if you feel unwell.
- Take your photo at the marker rock, then take a moment without the camera.
Treks & tours that include Everest Base Camp
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to reach Everest Base Camp with a licensed guide:
Guided trek from €850 From Kathmandu: 12-Day Everest Base Camp Guided Trek
A compact but properly paced trek from Kathmandu to Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar with a licensed guide, lodges along the route and the two rest days your body needs. Consistently top-rated by trekkers.
- Licensed guide from Kathmandu to Base Camp and back
- Acclimatisation days in Namche Bazaar and Dingboche
- Sunrise climb of Kala Patthar (5,644 m)
Guided trek from €1100 Kathmandu: 14-Day Everest Base Camp with Kala Patthar Trek
The textbook Everest Base Camp trek: fly to Lukla, climb gradually through Namche, Tengboche and Dingboche, reach Base Camp and watch the sun rise over Everest from Kala Patthar before descending to Lukla.
- The classic 14-day itinerary from Kathmandu
- Tengboche Monastery and the Khumbu Glacier
- Everest Base Camp plus Kala Patthar viewpoint
Helicopter tour from €1519 Everest Base Camp Helicopter Tour with Kala Patthar Landing
See the upper Khumbu in a single morning: fly from Kathmandu via Lukla into the Everest region, land briefly near Kala Patthar for close-up views of Everest, then stop for breakfast at Hotel Everest View before flying back.
- Fly over the Khumbu Glacier and Everest Base Camp
- Short landing near Kala Patthar with Everest views
- Breakfast stop at Hotel Everest View
Guided trek from €387 Everest Base Camp Trek from Lukla
A budget-friendly guided trek that begins in Lukla, ideal if you already have your Lukla flights or are reaching the Khumbu by jeep. The full classic route to Base Camp and back, with a licensed guide.
- Starts and ends in Lukla — arrange your own flights
- Guide for the full Lukla-to-Lukla circuit
- Very low starting price with excellent reviews
