• Last Updated on Sep 6, 2023

A lot of people are curious about the Death records of the Everest Base Camp trek. It is a natural curiosity considering that it is one of the most favored hikes in the world. You will be happy and satisfied to know that we have compiled all the information for you in this comprehensive guide. 

You're about to embark on an epic journey to the Everest Base Camp trek for 12 Days. You will see Namche Bazar, a Glorious view of the Highest mountain, Trial covered with Rhododendron forests, beautiful landscapes, Tengboche Monastery, and many more during your trip. We want to assure you have all the details you need before you go. This includes everything from the most suitable time of year to trek to the record-breaking high altitude at which you'll be traveling. One thing we cannot overemphasize, however, is the importance of understanding the risks involved in this trek. One of those risks is death. The death rate in Everest Base Camp Trek is not as high as you think. Though it may seem like a dangerous trek to some, the truth is that the death rate is relatively low with the proper precautions. In fact, out of the tens of thousands of people who trek in groups or solo to Everest Base Camp each year, only a handful of fatalities are reported. 

Pointing out roughly, the minimum number of deaths on the EBC trek is estimated to be 3 to 5 per year, and the maximum number could range from 12 to 15. The death rate is approximately 0.03% of the 30000 people who trek each year to Everest Base Camp. This is mainly because trekkers are encouraged to get in shape before they embark on the journey and receive detailed information on staying safe.

Trekking in Nepal through the lofty mountains, landscape, and beautiful trails in Nepal is what everyone wants and expects. Many visitors trek in Nepal, from the most popular ones like Everest Base Camp, Annapurna Circuit treks, and Upper Mustang to off-the-beaten-path hiking routes such as Tsum Valley and Narphu Valley hikes. Trekking in the Himalayas broadens one's awareness by combining physical challenge with mental relaxation and spiritual elation inspired by breathtaking scenery and heartwarming human encounters. The lengths and difficulties of different trekking routes vary. Some trekking routes are short day hikes, while others are long and high-altitude explorations over mountain passes. It is entirely up to you to realize your dream. The Everest Base camp trek package is the most popular and highly chosen trek. Though this takes you to one of the highest levels of adventure, trekking into the mountains entails several risks. During the Everest Base Camp trek, you will ascend to an altitude of 5545 meters at Kala Patthar. Also, remember that the mountains' weather is notoriously unpredictable. For several days, you will be exposed to inclement weather and surroundings. As the spring climbing season ends, some climbers suffer frostbite or become seriously ill on Everest Base Camp. Trekkers will experience both tragedy and adventure during their trekking journey. The Everest Base Camp trek is far safer than summiting or attempting Everest peak. However, the Everest Base Camp Trek poses several threats due to its location and high altitude. Travelers marking their way to the camp might capitulate to high altitude sickness. There will be a reduced air pressure and lower oxygen eves while ascending to 5545 meters altitude at Kala Patthar. The quicker you mount to a high altitude, the more likely you will experience acute mountain sickness. The most reasonable method to avoid altitude sickness is to climb gradually.

Visitors can consider going on The Everest High Three Pass trek of 18 Days for more adventure. The tour will take you to high altitudes, crossing the Renjo La pass (5360m), Cho-La pass (5420m), Kongma-La pass (5535m), and Mt. Gokyo Ri (5360m), Mt. Kalapathar (5,545m), and Everest Base Camp. During your trek, you will see Mt Everest, Mt Cho Oyu, Mt Lhotse, Mt Pumori, Mt Ama Dablam, Mt Lobuche, and many more. You will also encounter countless prayer wheels, prayer flags, mani walls, monasteries, suspension bridges, and gompas. Going on the Everest High Three Pass trek does not require special mountaineering equipment, such as hooks or ladders, and is thus relatively safe. Only a few people die on the treks to the Base Camps. And it is usually due to extreme carelessness. In addition, Trekkers can choose trekking packages with low-risk possibilities like Gokyo Lake Trek. 11 Days trek to Gokyo Valley offers breathtaking visions of peaks such as Mt Everest, Cho Oyo, and Lhotse, along with lakes. On this trek, you will cross the Dudh Koshi River via numerous hanging bridges. Moreover, you can also choose the Everest base camp helicopter tour to avoid long trekking. Many people get altitude sickness during their trek to the Everest Base Camp. In this case, a helicopter tour is the best choice, with safeness brought down to a more low altitude to save your life. No one has died while on an Everest helicopter tour to the Himalayan base camp; this is the safest option with helicopters. The Everest Base Camp trek will bring you around Kala Patthar, best known for its sunrise and sunset views. It is likewise known as the most popular Everest Base Camp Trek view. Its name comes from the color of the rock that makes up its peak, a dark black that stands in stark contrast to the snow-capped mountains it surveys. It is located at an impressive 5545m/18192ft above sea level, on the south ridge of Pumori in the Nepali Himalayas above Gorakshep (the last accommodating place before Everest Base Camp/ Kala Patthar). Choosing a Group Everest trek or a solo Everest trek can be an enriching experience that guarantees complete solitude, flexibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Nonetheless, you should be highly concerned about your safety and devote considerable time and effort to research and logistics planning. Altitude sickness is the most dangerous aspect of the Everest Base Camp Trek if you go alone or in a group. However, the trek will be risk-free if you comprehend the symptoms of AMS and know how to adapt appropriately. Due to the accessibility of services and well-marked and well-maintained trails, it is becoming increasingly popular among solo trekkers.

Over 4,000 people had followed in Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay's footsteps since 1953 when they first scaled the summit. They faced harsh climates and dangerous terrain for s lifetime glory. However, some people attempting to reach the summit did not make it. The "death zone" refers to the top portion of the mountain, roughly everything above 26,000 feet. Regarding the death record in Everest,Wikipedia states that at least 310 people lost their lives while attempting to reach the peak of Mountain Everest (29,031.7 feet). But going to the mountain's peak is different than going on an Everest base Camp Hike. There are assumed to be over 200 bodies left on Mount Everest, but you will find no dead bodies in the Everest base camp.

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Everest base camp trek Risk factor

The Everest Base Camp trek is a remarkably prevalent and challenging hike. The trekking season runs from March to May, and the altitude at Everest base camp can be as high as 5364m! This can be a challenging experience for anyone not used to high altitudes, but most people can do the trek without any problems. However, it is essential to remember that your fitness level is vital in determining whether or not you will complete the trek safely. Taking all the necessary safeguards to minimize the risk of altitude sickness during the trip is also a good idea. Altitude sickness can affect anyone at any time, but it is more common at higher altitudes. It can be a severe or life-threatening condition if it is not treated quickly. You should be aware of a few risks and try to respond in a way that has the most negligible negative impact on us.

  1. Altitude Sickness (AMS)- Altitude sickness is the most severe risk and the easiest to avoid. Plan your journey so that once above 3,000 meters (10,000 feet), you sleep no more than 300 meters higher each night. Altitude sickness occurs when only half of the oxygen in a lungful of air is present. The body requires time to adapt, which takes different amounts of time for other people, but most people will need a week, some a little longer, to climb to EBC.

  2. Stomach/gut infections:- This is most likely the second most serious risk. For the duration of the trip, treat all water and eat vegetarian. There is no facility for refrigeration, and nonveg foods are carried in on the backs of yaks and porters. 

  3. Unpredictable Weather:- Base Camp on Mount Everest faces highly volatile Weather. Most of the time, it's cold and windy. Typically, the temperature ranges from a high of 15°C during the day to 0°C at night and early in the morning. As a result, depending on the Weather, you may need to change your plans or itinerary.

  4. Possibility of Injuries, Bruises, and Sprains: Injuries, Bruises, and Sprains are always possible on EBC and other short or long journey treks. It is sometimes unavoidable when trekking through rough terrain. Severe injuries on the Everest trail are uncommon because it has been widely used for many years and is relatively safe.

  5. Stupidity and Carelessness:- Extreme Stupidity and Carelessness will cost you your life during the trek. It would help if you took some preventive measures like Selfies, and photos should never be taken while standing on the edge of a cliff or from a location with a high risk of falling. Never try to tease the ferocious Himalayan Yak or other animals, especially if you meet them along the trail.

  6. Hypothermia:- It occurs when your body temperature descends below 95 degrees Fahrenheit and can be caused by openness to cold weather or immersion in cold water. Symptoms include shivering, confusion, slurred speech, and drowsiness. Hypothermia can also lead to cardiac arrest and respiratory failure.

  7. Exhaustion:- This is caused by overexertion and can lead to dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, and muscle cramps. Symptoms include fatigue, lightheadedness, and nausea. If not treated quickly, exhaustion can lead to organ failure.

A Comprehensive Guide to High Altitude Sickness

High altitude sickness is a severe illness caused by being at an altitude of more than 2,500 meters for an extended period. It is one of the most typical problems affecting people traveling in high altitudes. It usually affects the respiratory system and can be fatal if not treated immediately.

The lack of oxygen causes it to be in the atmosphere at high elevations. This can push the blood to thicken and cause fluid to build up in the body's tissues. This can lead to several problems, so it needs to be treated correctly. In some circumstances, it can also lead to death if left untreated. The best method to prevent this condition is by avoiding exposure to high altitudes and exercising regularly. This will allow you to train your body to adapt more quickly to the increased oxygen levels found at high altitudes. Moreover, exercise will also help improve the oxygen supply to your lungs. This will help to minimize the effect of high altitude sickness and make it less likely that you will be affected while trekking at high altitudes.

Safety Way of Doing Everest Base Camp Trek

Trekking to Everest Base Camp is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that is generally very rewarding. Trekking is not inherently dangerous, but your health and safety should be your first and foremost priority. Whether you want to trek EBC or any other trek in Nepal, you should be extra careful to have the best and safest trekking experience possible. Safety begins long before the hiker sets foot on the trial. Many hazards can be avoided with the help of precautions, proper planning, and research. 

  1. Follow the organized itinerary:- Following the itinerary will not allow you to waste traveling between places, activities, or accommodations because all essential details are included. With a more practical view of how much one can fit into each day, you will have a safer trek to the base camp. The most prominent mistake people make when getting ready for the Everest Base Camp trek is thinking it will be like a regular hike. It will not be your regular hike, so prepare an organized Itinerary according to your capacity and follow it.

  2. Go with a potter and guide:- Many people would not be able to travel between Nepal's remote magical villages with porters because they could not carry all their supplies by themselves. Going will a potter and guide will make your journey much more comfortable and pleasant. A trekking guide leads trekkers along the route while imparting local information and Knowledge of the Himalayas and mountain Everest. 

  3. Have Safety water and food:- Start by choosing only clean drinking water and vegetarian food to eat if you want to avoid altitude sickness while traveling and trekking. Alcoholic beverages harm the body while trekking, so avoid them. Being a vegetarian is the best method to keep oneself safe on the walk because nonveg products will be stored longer. Avoid cheese and dairy products, especially at higher altitudes.

  4. Buy good travel insurance before the trip starts:- Traveling to Everest Base Camp without travel insurance is possible, but it's not advised. Since you will be responsible for all costs if you get sick or hurt, miss a flight, or mislay your luggage, your budget might experience significant expense increases. Make sure you buy good travel insurance before the trip, which will cover your medical rescue evacuation if needed.

  5. Smaller steps are better than large ones:- Talking larger steps and moving fast will lead you to Overexertion and dehydration. Overexertion and dehydration are the two main contributors to altitude sickness. One thing leads to another. So smaller steps are preferable to big ones while trekking to Everest Base Camp. Also, let th way to Yaks and horses on the trails. 

  6. Always start with the right attitude:- always start your trek with the right attitude because you are there for the experience, not the destination. You can prevent problems without carrying stress and culture shock. The trek is breathtaking, and the people are welcoming, knowledgeable, and fascinating. As long as you become physically fit and give yourself enough time, it should be more manageable. 

  7. Proper Knowledge about altitude sickness:- If the preventive measures for altitude sickness are not followed while ascending higher, it could be life-threatening. So, get adequate Knowledge on altitude sickness before starting your trek.

  8. Choose the Best Company's Trekking Package:- For an excellent trekking experience, look for the ideal tour operator, business, or travel agency with the best packages. From the traveler's perspective, cost-effectiveness is crucial for a specific trip. So choose tour packages that will give you the best travel experience with comfortable rates.

  9. Be mentally and physically fit before the trek:- Getting prepared for a walk is crucial so you can complete it comfortably and with no injuries or problems. Being unprepared exposes you to a variety of issues. Underprepared individuals typically struggle more on treks, from self-doubt to exasperated fatigue. Physical injuries from mental and physical weariness can end your adventure and journey to Everest Base Camp early.

  10. Climb high during daylight and sleep at lower altitudes:- A trekker's odds of suffering from altitude sickness while sleeping or after waking up are very high. Thus one should ascend to a higher altitude during the day and descend to a lower height to sleep. It is best to maintain the sleep elevation below 300 meters each day once an elevation of 3000 meters has been reached.

Most people who die on Everest are inexperienced climbers who attempt to summit Mount Everest without proper training and equipment. Others die from altitude sickness, which can be deadly if not treated quickly. Traffic accidents fall, and avalanches are common causes of death among trekkers. And while the risk of death is relatively small, it's essential to be aware of the dangers involved in trekking to Everest Base Camp. Trying to Everest Base Camp Trek without any previous experience is a death wish. Sure, some people might be able to make it up the mountain without any issues. But most people who try to do this end up dying. So, if you're planning on doing the Everest Base Camp Trek, I recommend getting some experience first. There are many other hikes like the Langtang valley trek, Kilimanjaro Trek, Rolwaling Valley Trekking, Ghorepani Sunrise Trek, and Manaslu Region Trek, you can do that will help you prepare for the Everest Base Camp Trek.

Reecha Thapa

Reecha Thapa

I’m a growth-focused content editor with a deep knowledge of content writing/editing, a strategic mindset, and hypothesis-based content creation. I am an Experience writer with a demonstrated history of working in the entertainment, information technology, and services industry.