About Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, stands at an impressive 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level.  It is located in the Himalayas, forming a natural border between Nepal and Tibet (China). Everest is a global icon of adventure, attracting climbers and explorers from around the world. Mount Everest holds deep cultural and spiritual importance. In Nepal, Mount Everest is known as Sagarmatha, meaning “Goddess of the Sky” and in Tibet, it is called Chomolungma, meaning “Goddess Mother of the World”. And Mount Everest as an English name was given in honor of Sir George Everest, a British surveyor in 1865.

Everest is renowned for its beauty, extreme weather conditions, and the ultimate challenge it presents to climbers worldwide. The first successful ascent of Mt Everest was achieved on May 29, 1953, by Sir Edmund Hillary (New Zealand) and Tenzing Norgay (Nepalese Sherpa). Since then, thousands of climbers have attempted to reach the summit, but only a portion success due to the mountain’s extreme challenges.

Climbers take one of the two main routes to Mount Everest, which are the Southeast ridge (Nepal) and North Ridge (Tibet) but the most commonly used route is the Southeast Ridge of Nepal, which starts from Everest Base Camp (5,364 m). Thousands of adventurers attempt to conquer summit of Mountain Everest each year, while trekkers and tourists visit Everest Base Camp to experience the breathtaking landscapes of the Everest region. Everest Base Camp is a dream destination for trekkers, offering stunning views of the Khumbu Icefall, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Everest itself. The journey to Everest Base Camp takes visitors through picturesque Sherpa villages, Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site home to rare Himalayan wildlife line snow leopards and red pandas.

Major Attractions of Mount Everest

Mountain Everest is not just about climbing, it offers numerous breathtaking spots for travelers. Everest Base Camp (5,364m) is the ultimate trekking destination, attracting adventurers from around the world. For those seeking the best view of the summit, Kala Patthar (5,545m) provides a stunning vantage point. The surrounding Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is home to rare Himalayan wildlife and diverse landscapes. Another popular attraction of Mount Everest is the Gokyo Lakes, a scenic trekking alternative featuring pristine glacial lakes. Additionally, the Tengboche Monastery, a renowned Buddhist monastery offers panoramic Himalayan views and a peaceful retreat for visitors.

Where is Mount Everest Located?

Mount Everest is part of the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. Mt Everest southern side lies in Nepal, while its northern side is in Tibet (China). The Nepalese government oversees Everest’s Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site, while Tibet’s side is managed under the Qomolangma National Nature Reserve. Furthermore, the two main starting points for Everest expeditions are: Everest Base Camp (Nepal) – 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) and for Tibet – 5150 meters (16,896 feet).

About Base Camps on Mount Everest – Everest Base Camp

The Southeast Ridge Route is the most commonly used path to ascend Mount Everest, starting from Everest Base Camp (5,364m) in Nepal. This route is preferred by climbers due to its better accessibility, established trekking lodges, and reliable rescue services. The journey to the summit follows a series of strategically placed camps that help climbers acclimatize to the extreme altitude and harsh weather conditions.

There are various base camps on Mount Everest for climbing expeditions form Nepal.

Base Camp (5,364m): The starting point for climbers of Mount Everest, where they spend weeks acclimatizing and preparing for the ascent. It serves as a bustling hub with colorful tents, a communications station, and experienced guides.

Camp I (6,065m): Located just above the Khumbu Icefall, this camp marks the beginning of the high-altitude climb. Climbers navigate dangerous crevasses and shifting ice formations before reaching this point.

Camp II (6,400m): A safer resting spot situated at the base of the Lhotse Wall, offering some protection from harsh winds. Climbers replenish their energy here before making a steeper climb ahead.

Camp III (7,200m): Positioned midway on the Lhotse Face, this camp is extremely steep and challenging which requires the use of fixed ropes for support. Oxygen levels drop significantly, making acclimatization essential.

Camp IV (7,925m): Also known as the South Col, this is the final camp before the summit push. Climbers spend minimal time here due to extreme winds and dangerously low oxygen levels. They wait for a favorable weather window before attempting the final ascent.

Submit (8,848.86m): The highest point on Earth, where climbers experience the breathtaking view from the top of the world. Reaching this point is a lifelong dream for mountaineers, but the descent is just as dangerous, requiring careful navigation back to safety.

Reaching to the Mount Everest is considered challenging due to unpredictable weather, freezing temperatures and the risk of altitude sickness. However, with the help of experience guides, support facilities, well-established infrastructure and proper safety make it the preferred choice for most climbers attempting to conquer Mount Everest.

Mount Everest Summit History

The first successful ascent of Mount Everest was achieved on May 29, 1953, by Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay from Nepal. Since then, thousands of climbers have attempted to reach the summit, with varying degrees of success.

How to reach Mount Everest Base Camp?

There are several ways to experience Everest without climbing to the summit in Nepal. The most popular options to reach Mount Everest Base Camp include:

1. Everest Base Camp Trek via Lukla

The Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal is a 12-14 day round-trip adventure, offering breathtaking views and a journey through the heart of the Himalayas. The Everest Base Camp Trek via Lukla is the most popular and shortest route to reach Everest Base Camp (5,364m) which begins with a scenic flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek through picturesque Sherpa villages such as Namche Bazaar, Tengboche, Dingboche, and Lobuche, before reaching Everest Base Camp. Along the way, trekkers experience panoramic views of Mt Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, while immersing themselves in the rich Sherpa culture, Budhhist monasteries, and traditional mountain villages. The route takes travelers through diverse landscapes, from lush forests and rhododendron-covered hills to high-altitude glaciers and rocky terrain, making it one of the most iconic and rewarding trekking experiences in the world.

      For detail itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek via Lukla, you can find it in the link below:

Everest Base Camp Trekking

2. Everest Trek via Phaplu

The Everest Trek via Phaplu is an alternative route for those who want a more scenic and less crowded experience. Instead of flying to Lukla, trekkers take a drive or flight to Phaplu, a small town in the Solu region. From here, the trek gradually ascends through lush forests, traditional Sherpa villages, and picturesque landscapes before joining the main Everest Base Camp route near Namche Bazaar. Everest Trek via Phaplu route adds a few extra days to the trek but provides a richer cultural experience, allowing trekkers to explore the remote Solu region before heading toward Everest.

      For detail itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek via Phaplu, you can find it in the link below:

Salleri Everest Base Camp Trek

3. Everest Trek via Jiri

The Everest Trek via Jiri is the original trail used by early mountaineers, including Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, before the Lukla airport was built. This longer and more challenging trek begins with a drive from Kathmandu to Jiri, followed by a journey through beautiful lowland villages, terraced fields, dense forests, and High Mountain passes before reaching Namche Bazaar and joining the main Everest route.  Mount Everest Trek via Jiri is perfect for those who want to experience the traditional approach to Everest, fewer crowds, and gradual altitude gain for better acclimatization. ths Everest Trek via Jiri, it usually takes 18-21 days round trip and is considered one of the most rewarding ways to reach Everest Base Camp.

      For detail itinerary of Everest Base Camp Trek via Jiri, you can find it in the link below:

Jiri Bhadara Everest Base Camp Trek

4. Helicopter Ride to Everest Base Camp

For those short on time, a helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp offers an incredible aerial view of the Himalayas, glaciers, and surrounding peaks. This is one of the most luxurious and quickest ways to witness Everest up close. Helicopter Ride to Everest Base Camp allows travelers to witness the beauty of Everest without the physical demands of trekking. The helicopter ride departs from Kathmandu and during the ride, you can view the Sagarmatha National Park, the Khumbu Glacier, and iconic peaks like Ama Dablam and Lhotse, before landing at Everest View, where passengers can step out and admire the breathtaking surroundings. This experience is ideal for those seeking an once-in-a-lifetime adventure with minimal physical exertion.

The detail itinerary for Helicopter Ride to Everest Base Camp is below:

Mount Annapurna Base camp helicopter tour

Everest related activities

1. Everest Trekking

Everest Trekking is one of the most popular activities in the region, attracting thousands of adventure seekers each year. The Everest Base Camp Trek is the most famous route which offers breathtaking views of Mount Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam, and many more mountains, along with a change to experience Sherpa culture, Buddhist monasteries, and high-altitude landscapes. Other trekking routes include the Gokyo Lakes Trek, Everest Three Passes Trek, and Everest View Trek where each Everest Trekking provides unique scenery and challenges.

2. Everest Scenic Flight by Plane (Mountain flight)

For travelers who prefer to witness Mount Everest without trekking or landing at high altitudes, an Everest scenic flight by plane is a perfect alternative. Everest Scenic Flight by Plane departs from Kathmandu which offer a close-up aerial view of the world’s highest peak and the surrounding Himalayan range. Passengers can enjoy panoramic views of Mt. Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Makalu, as the plane circles the region, providing a spectacular perspective of the snow-covered summits and deep valley below. With large windows designed for sightseeing, this one-hour flight is a comfortable and breathtaking way to admire Mount Everest and the Himalayas which is a popular choice for tourists of all ages.

For detail itinerary of Everest Scenic Flight by Plane, you can find it in the link below:

Everest Panoramic Flight

3. Helicopter Ride to witness Mount Everest

For those looking for a luxurious and time-saving way to witness Mount Everest, a helicopter ride to Everest Base Camp or Kala Patthar is a fantastic option. Helicopter Ride offers aerial views of Everest, glaciers, and surrounding peaks, with the opportunity to land near Base Camp for a short exploration. This is an ideal choice for travelers who want to experience Everest without long trekking days.

4. Peak Climbing

Apart from trekking, the Everest region is also known for peak climbing, attracting mountaineers for technical and non-technical climbs. Some of the most popular climbing peaks include Island Peak (6,189m), Mera Peak (6,476m), and Lobuche Peak (6,119m). These climbs offer a thrilling experience for those who want to go beyond trekking and test their mountaineering skills.

5. Expedition

For experienced climbers, a full Mount Everest Expedition (8,848.86m) is the ultimate challenge. Mount Everest Expedition is a demanding journey that takes several weeks and required high-attitude training, technical climbing skills, and strong endurance. Climbers overcomes extreme weather conditions and altitude risk to reach the world’s highest summit. Everest expeditions are supported by professional guides, Sherpas, and oxygen supplies, making it an once-in-a-lifetime achievement.

FAQs

How high is Mount Everest?

Mount Everest is 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) tall which makes it the highest mountain in the world.

Where is Everest base camp?

Everest Base Camp has two locations: the South Base Camp (5,364m) in Nepal and the North Base Camp (5,150m) in Tibet, China.

What are the 5 facts about Mount Everest?

Mount Everest is the highest peak on Earth, standing at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet). Mt Everest is located between Nepal and Tibet (China) where the southern side is in Nepal and the northern side is in Tibet (China). Mountain Everest was first climbed in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay from Nepal. In Mount Everest, above 8,000 meters, oxygen levels are extremely low, making it dangerous for climbers without oxygen support. In Mount Everest, the summit experiences winds up to 200 km/h and temperatures as low as -60 degree Celsius or 76 degree Fahrenheit.

Is Mount Everest in China or Nepal?

Mount Everest is on the border of Nepal and Tibet (China), with the southern side in Nepal and the northern side in Tibet.

How was Mount Everest discovered?

In 1856, a British survey team identified it as the world’s highest peak. It was originally called” Peak XV” before being named Mount Everest after Sir George Everest.