The base camp elevation for Mount Everest is 17,600 feet (5,364 meters) above sea level. This is located on the south side of the mountain in Nepal. The base camp on the north side of the mountain in Tibet is at an elevation of 16,900 feet (5,150 meters).
Base camp is the starting point for climbing expeditions to Mount Everest. It is where climbers and their teams set up base camp and begin their acclimatization process before attempting to summit the mountain. The base camps are also used as a final stop for climbers on their descent from the summit. The south base camp in Nepal is more popular among climbers, as it is considered to have a more favorable climbing route. The base camps on both sides of the mountain can only be reached by trekking, and it takes several days to reach them from the nearest roadheads.
Additionally, it’s worth noting that Base Camp is not just one location, but rather a series of camps that are established at different elevations along the climbing route up Mount Everest. The Base Camp referred to in the previous answer is the South Base Camp, which is the starting point for the southern route up the mountain and is located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. Climbers will then establish other camps at different elevations, such as Camp 1, Camp 2 and so on, as they progress up the mountain. This is necessary for acclimatization and logistics reasons.
It’s also worth noting that Base Camp is not just for the climbers, it’s also a hub for support staff and logistics. Sherpas, who are local climbers, set up and maintain the camps, carry gear and supplies, and fix ropes and ladders on the mountain. Base Camp is also where you will find medical staff, communication equipment, and other support facilities.
Additionally, Base Camp can be a crowded place during peak climbing seasons. The south base camp in Nepal can accommodate hundreds of climbers and their teams at a time. The base camp is also a destination for trekkers and other visitors who come to see Mount Everest and the surrounding area. Base camp is equipped with basic amenities such as toilets, showers, and food and drink stalls, but they are still very basic, and the environment can be harsh due to the high altitude and cold temperatures.
It’s also worth mentioning that Base Camp is not only for Mount Everest, but also for other Himalayan peaks as well. Many climbers who are attempting other peaks in the region, such as Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, also set up base camps in the same area.