Nepal has diverse landforms and stunning mountains, offering many destinations for exploration. The country offers an infinite array of trails to traverse and mountaineering adventures. Of all these climbs the most adventurous climb is from Everest Base Camp to the summit. Climbing Mount Everest is a phenomenal experience, providing climbers with the stunning views of the snowy mountains and a sense of accomplishment.
Every section of the trail feels dreamlike. The climbers navigate the glaciers, rocky landscape and crevasses and witness the breathtaking sights. However, the climb is far from easy and requires careful navigation, walking long distances.
The distance from Everest Base Camp to the summit, excluding the acclimatization treks that climbers do, is about 20.5 km. The straight path distance from base camp to peak is 8.8 km. However, the climbers don’t follow a direct path, and distances and routes vary based on the chosen climbing route. Following a standard itinerary, the climbers typically progress through a series of camps (I to IV), head for the summit push, and get rewarded with exceptional scenery.
Distance from Everest Base Camp to the Summit
The total distance from the Everest Base Camp to the Mount Everest summit is 68.7 kilometers, including the shorter acclimatization walks along the way. The climbers make their way from base camp to Camp I, which involves trekking on snow and rocks, along the Khumbu Icefall, which lies at 5,486 m. The Khumbu Icefall is a glacier that has deep crevasses and gigantic seracs.
Climbers have to traverse these crevasses using the ladders. Camp I sits atop the glacier. It is a resting point from the Western Cwm and Camp II. Once climbers reach Camp II, they generally spend a day acclimatizing to the high-altitude conditions. While ascending to Camp III, the climbers need to exercise caution because the path has steep walls of ice. The climbers have to ascend on the western flank towards the Lhotse face, where Camp III is located.
The climbers ascend Camp II and Camp III twice for acclimatization. The climbers are tied to fixed lines and harnesses for the ascent to the final camp. From Camp IV, climbers have to take a steep incline, and they can finally reach the summit of Mount Everest.
About Everest Base Camp
Everest Base Camp (5,364 m) is one of the most traveled routes in the Himalayas. It is a point every Mount Everest climbing attempt begins technically. From this point, the climbers get ready with their climbing gear to begin their exciting expedition. From Base Camp, you can gaze straight up at the Khumbu Icefall and also get a glimpse of the rocky ridges and steep ice structures of this Himalayan region.
Most of the climbers fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and trek through varied terrains to make it to the base camp. The route goes up along the Dudh Koshi River into the mountains to Namche Bazaar in about two days. In the trekking phase, the travelers have to spend a rest day in this scenic village to acclimatize before continuing.
Another destination where people generally spend an acclimatization day is at Dingboche (4,260 m). The stunning scenery can be seen on the way to the base camp. Trekking through the Gorakshep village on rocky paths, the climbers arrive at Everest Base Camp.
Once the climbing team reaches Everest Base Camp, the team sets up the camp. The support crew will have everything in place, managing individual sleeping tents and communication stations. In addition, the kitchen tents, toilet facilities will all be fully set up, making the stay for the climbers comfortable. This scenic destination is the dream of several trekkers. Many of them walk through the diverse terrains of the Khumbu Region to see the magnificence of this base camp, from which many climbers embark on the incredible climbing adventure.
Training Sessions at the Everest Base Camp and Khumbu Ice Fall
During the stay on the base camp, our main focus is to prepare for the climb ahead. We will focus on tackling the Khumbu Icefall as it is one of the challenges on the route that requires technical skills. To build confidence and skills the climbers will practice ladder crossings. This skill is essential for navigating the deep crevasses of the Icefall.
In addition, we will also train on nearby glaciers close to the base Camp. In these sessions we will mainly learn how to ascend the ice walls using ice axes and fixed ropes. The training sessions will help climbers become more comfortable with the kind of terrain they will have to navigate when they go higher up. Thus, by the time climbers head toward Camp I, they will be familiar with the techniques needed and have confidence because of the training sessions provided by the expert climbing guides.
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Everest Base Camp to Summit
There are four camps en route from Base Camp to the summit.
Base Camp to Camp I
Distance: 6.4 km.
Time: 4 to 6 hours
Camp I: 6,065 m
The climb from Everest Base Camp to Camp I (5,943 m) is the technical phase of climbing Mount Everest. The climbers have to cross the Khumbu Ice Fall first. Then, the Camp I will be established, and climbers successfully navigate the Khumbu Icefall.
One of the most challenging parts because of the huge crevasses. Camp I is set up beneath the face of Nuptse. Climbers typically have to stay 1 or 2 nights at Camp I to acclimatize before pushing higher up the mountain. To minimize risk, climbers typically begin the climb early. The climb across this section can take anywhere from 4 to 6 hours, depending on the weather and route conditions.
Although not a very considerable distance of merely 6.4 kilometers. The elevation gain is considerable at around 701 m. The climbers have to make multiple rotations to acclimate to the altitude. During the nights, it can be bitterly cold due to strong winds. This camp is a stopover before going on to Camp II, which is a resting place before moving further.
Camp I to Camp II
Distance: 4 km
Time: 3 to 4 hours
Camp II: 6,400 m
The hike from Camp I to Camp II is one of the more gradual sections of the entire expedition. The route follows a relatively even path through the Western Cwm. It is nestled between the towering peaks of Nuptse and Everest. Camp II is set at the bottom of the west ridge. From this point, the stunning views of Mount Lhotse can be seen.
The route from Camp I to Camp II requires you to navigate the steep terrain. You will traverse ice cliffs and crevasses on the way. The hike from Camp I to Camp II is considered one of the more gradual and manageable. Camp II is an acclimatization camp for ascending to Camp III, where climbers acclimate before ascending higher.
Camp II to Camp III
Distance: 2.5 km
Time: 5 to 7 hours
Camp III: 7,162 m
Camp III is on a sharply inclined section of the Lhotse Face. The journey from Camp II to Camp III is one of the physically demanding parts of the climb. Camp III is reached by ascending the fixed ropes anchored to the steep Lhotse Face. For safety purposes, all climbers are highly advised to make sure that their safety ropes are tied to the main fixed safety ropes to prevent falls. especially at night to prevent falls and incidents.
The altitude gain is rapid, resulting in a decrease in oxygen level. To get to Camp III, you will have to ascend roughly 600 m on a 40-degree slope through snow on the right side of the glacier. This phase can be challenging due to the icy terrain and steep slope. Physical resilience and mental determination are necessary in order to make this portion of the climb. Camp III is the 2nd temporary stop. The climbers spend a few nights at Camp III before making their way up to Camp IV.
Camp III to Camp IV
Distance: 1.2 km
Time: 5 to 7 hours
Camp IV: 7925 m
South Col, also called Camp IV, is the final camp before the summit of Mount Everest. It of the most strenuous parts of the ascent. The climb to this camp is steep and consists of snow and rocky sections. The entire route is safeguarded by fixed ropes for safety purposes.
This place is at a very high altitude, so almost all climbers use supplemental oxygen. It is also the entry point into the notorious “Death Zone”. The weather is generally unpredictable, making this section of the climb especially risky.
The ascent from the South Col to the summit usually takes 6 to 9 hours or longer, depending on the weather. The ascent to the summit begins about midnight with a steep ascent up the southern face of Everest.
Rotation Phases During the Everest Expedition
- Khumbu IceFall: Training phase, cross the ice fall each time when navigating through the base camp to Khumbu IceFall.
- Camp I: 2 rotations
- Camp II: 2 rotations
- Camp III: 2 rotations
- Camp IV: No rotation
The climb to the summit of Everest begins at Base Camp (5,364 m). The first part of the climb is to Camp I, which generally involves two rotations. Afterwards, the climbers proceed to Camp II, and at this point, the climbers acclimatize for a couple of days. They also stay here while acclimatizing for rotations. Generally, there are two rotations at this camp.
After the period of acclimatization at Camp II, the climbers will have their first ascent to Camp III. Generally, climbers make it to Camp III and again head back to Camp II for further acclimatization. Once the climbers are well-acclimatized, they head towards Camp III. Here, the climbers generally have two rotations. The final leg of the climb is ascending to Camp IV at 7,900 m, and they don’t have any rotations at this camp. It is located right below the death zone area and is the last camp before attempting the push to the top.
Itinerary of Mount Everest Expedition
- Day 01: Arrival at Kathmandu (1400 m)
- Day 02: Sightseeing day in Kathmandu
- Day 03: Flight from Kathmandu to Lukla (2,860 m) and Trekking to Phakding (2,640 m); 6.5 km
- Day 04: Trekking to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m); 8 km
- Day 05: Exploration Day at Namche Bazaar (3,440 m)
- Day 06: Namche Bazaar (3,440 m) to Tengboche (3,867 m); 9.5 km
- Day 07: Trek to Dingboche (4,260 m) from Tengboche (3,867 m); 11 km
- Day 08: Trek from Dingboche (4,260 m) to Lobuche (4,930 m); 12 km
- Day 09: Trek from Lobuche (4,930 m) to Gorak Shep (5,164 m); 11.7 km
- Day 10: Trek to Kala Patthar (5,545 m) and Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
- Day (11 to 13): Preparing for the ascent at the Everest Base Camp (5,364 m)
- Day (14 to 60): Mount Everest Climbing Phase
- Day 61: Trek to Pheriche (4,243 m); 13 km
- Day 62: Trek to Tengboche (3,867 m); 16 km
- Day 63: Trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 m); 9.5 km
- Day 64: Trek Namche Bazaar to Lukla (2,860 m ); 16km
- Day 65: Flight back to Kathmandu
- Day 66: Transfer to the Airport
About the Death Zone
Mount Everest, which lies at 8,848.86 meters, draws adventurers and mountaineers from all over the globe. The summit offers breathtaking views. The climbers will have an overwhelming sense of accomplishment reaching the top of this peak. However, Everest also presents the notorious “Death Zone.”
The “Death Zone” is above 8,000 meters. It is a term used by mountaineers to describe high-altitude areas where the air lacks adequate oxygen for breathing. The experts advise climbers not to remain in the Death Zone longer than 16 to 20 hours. At Everest’s summit, air pressure is so low that one breathes only 30% of the oxygen breathed at sea level. At this zone, a typical person, who is unaccustomed and without an oxygen supply, would faint within minutes.
The lack of oxygen in the death zone severely affects judgment and choice of action. The rescue operations at this altitude are extremely difficult. It is the most difficult section of the mountain. More fatalities are reported while descending then ascending.
According to Sherpas, the fatalities in this zone have also been linked to overcrowding. The window of favorable weather is short, and due to overcongestion, many were forced to remain in the Death Zone for a long period, which is risky.
The “Death Zone” on mountains is where oxygen levels drop to about a third of what they are at sea level. At high altitudes, the air is thin and the oxygen level goes down drastically. Even if there are oxygen bottles, the climbers still may get suffocated because their bodies take time to adapt. Climbing becomes more challenging in such areas. Each step becomes tiresome as the body needs more oxygen, making it harder to maintain a steady pace. Non-acclimatized climbers can have an even tougher time adapting to the lower oxygen in such areas. Thus, breathing is almost impossible without supplemental oxygen in this area.
Hillary Steps
The Hillary Step was a 40-foot vertical rock wall at 8,790 m on the southeast ridge of Mount Everest. It is located between South Summit and the true summit. It is the most technically challenging section of the classic route from the Nepalese side. It was described as the final great hurdle on the path to the summit. It made ascent and descent even tougher. The step was destroyed in the 2015 Nepal earthquake.
It was located in the death zone. The Hillary Step was graded as a Class 4 climb in the climbing difficulty grade. May describe climbing up this step as exhausting and one of the daunting parts of the expedition.
This step was named after Sir Edmund Hillary. The Hillary Step was traditionally climbed via fixed ropes. In ideal weather conditions, it took about 2 hours to climb from the South Summit to the Hillary Step. Then climbers had to spend two hours climbing the cliff, and an additional 20 minutes from the Hillary step to the summit.
After the April 2015 Nepal earthquake, the Hillary Step was thought to have been altered, though the exact changes were not yet clear. Later, after reviewing photos taken between the years 2006 and 2016, the chairman of Nepal Mountaineering Association admitted that the top section of the Step had changed.
The climbing community realized that parts of the iconic rock formation were missing, and the color difference in the fresh rock made it clear that something had changed. Although the changes in the climbing have become less demanding and more secure. The Everest region has lost one of its most legendary landmarks. The disappearance of the Hillary Step has altered it from a formidable obstacle into a more manageable slope.
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