Base Camp Treks to All 14 x 8000m Peaks Compared

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing at the foot of the world’s highest mountains, base camp treks to the 8000ers offer the ultimate adventure. From the legendary Everest Base Camp to the remote wilderness of Kanchenjunga, each route delivers a unique mix of challenge, culture, and awe-inspiring scenery.

As part of our Project Base8000 journey, we trekked to the base camps of all 14 of these eight-thousanders across the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges. Drawing from that firsthand experience, this 8000er base camp trek comparison breaks down all 14 treks—covering difficulty, accessibility, cultural highlights, and more – to help you choose the one that’s right for your first (or next) high-altitude journey.

What are the 8000ers?

The 8000ers are the world’s 14 highest mountains that rise above 8,000 metres (26,247 feet). These peaks are among the most iconic and formidable on Earth. The base camps of the 8000ers are located in Nepal, Pakistan and Tibet.

Why Trek to Base Camp?

Trekking to an 8000er base camp offers an incredible adventure, walking in the footsteps of mountaineers without the extreme risks of climbing to the summit. It’s more than just a hike – it’s a expedition into some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet. A journey which will have a lasting impact on you. Along the way, you’ll experience:

• Immersion in unique mountain cultures
• Stunning natural beauty and biodiversity
• High-altitude trekking challenges
• A glimpse into the world of mountaineering, including it’s rich history

Which 8000er Trek Is Right for You?

Each 8000er base camp trek has its own unique experience – some are teahouse treks with vibrant cultural immersion, others are remote camping expeditions through the wilderness. Whether you’re starting with a classic like Everest or heading off-grid toward K2 or Makalu, this comparison can help you match your goals, experience, and spirit of adventure with the right trail.

Other factors to consider:

• which country you’d like to visit
• the altitude you are prepared to go to
• the length of time you have available
• cost of the trek (including travel to get there, travel insurance, tips for trekking crew etc)

8000er Base Camp Treks Comparison Table

We’ve listed the mountains in descending order from highest (Everest) to lowest (Shishapangma). You can see the altitudes on our mountains page. Some mountains have more than one base camp.

Mountain / Base Camp	Country	Trek Duration (from trailhead)	Difficulty	Base Camp Altitude	Best Season	Highlights
Everest (South BC)	Nepal	12-14 days	Moderate	5,364m	Mar-May* Oct-Nov	Sherpa culture, iconic trek
Everest (North BC)	Tibet	n/a (drive)	–	5,200m	Mar-May* Oct-Nov	Best view of Mt Everest
K2	Pakistan	16 days	Hard	5,150m	Jun-Aug*	Remote, raw and rugged
Kanchenjunga (North BC – Pangpema)	Nepal	19 days	Challenging	5,143m	Apr–May* Oct–Nov	Solitude, biodiversity. See Mt Jannu.
Kanchenjunga (South BC – Oktang)	Nepal	see KBC North	Challenging	4,730m	see KBC North	Usually combined with trek to North BC. Main climbing route
Lhotse	Nepal	see EBC South	Moderate	5,364m	see EBC South	Shares Everest South BC
Makalu	Nepal	14 days	Challenging	4,800m	Apr–May* Oct–Nov	Remote and pristine
Makalu Advance BC	Nepal	1-2 days past BC	Hard	5,700m	Apr–May*	Climbers’ BC
Cho Oyu	Tibet	n/a (drive)	–	4,900m	Sep–Oct*	Tibetan plateau scenery
Cho Oyu Advance BC	Tibet	1-2 days	Moderate	5,800m	Sep–Oct*	Climbers’ BC
Dhaulagiri (North)	Nepal	18-20 days	Challenging	4,700m	Apr–May* Oct–Nov	Climbers’ BC, remote trek
Dhaulagiri (South)	Nepal	6-7 days	Moderate	4,055m	Apr–May Oct–Nov	aka Dhaulagiri Sanctuary Trek
Manaslu	Nepal	14 days	Challenging	4,881m	Mar–May Oct–Nov*	Circuit-style trek, fewer crowds
Nanga Parbat – Herrligkoffer BC (Rupal)	Pakistan	1 day	Easy	3,100m	Jun–Sep	Dramatic scenery, Rupal face
Nanga Parbat – Diamir BC	Pakistan	2-3 days	Easy-Mod	4,200m	Jun–Sep*	Most common BC used by climbers these days
Nanga Parbat – Rakhiot BC	Pakistan	1-2 days	Easy-Mod	3,300m	Jun–Sep	Best views of Nanga Parbat, access from Fairy Meadows
Annapurna I (South BC)	Nepal	7–10 days	Moderate	4,130m	Mar–May Oct–Nov	Amphitheatre of mountains
Annapurna I (North BC)	Nepal	6-8 days	Moderate -Challenging	4,190m	Mar–May* Oct–Nov	Main BC for climbers. Less trekkers.
Gasherbrum I	Pakistan	16 days	Hard	5,150m	Jun–Aug*	Rarely trekked. Diverts from Concordia on K2 trek
Broad Peak	Pakistan	See K2 BC	Hard	5,000m	Jun–Aug*	A stop en route to K2 BC
Gasherbrum II	Pakistan	see G1 BC	Hard	5,150m	Jun–Aug*	Shares Gasherbrum I BC
Shishapangma North BC	Tibet	n/a (drive)	–	5,157m	Sep–Oct*	The only 8000er which is entirely in Tibet
Shishapangma South BC	Tibet	3-4 days	Moderate	5,400m	Sep–Oct*	More remote, the only ‘trek’ to Shishapangma

* denotes the main climbing seasons, which are also good for trekking

Note that the ‘Trek Duration’ is the number of trekking days (including acclimatisation/rest days) only. 1-2 additional days will be required at either end to get to/from the trailhead, plus you’ll want at least an extra day or two in the city you start from i.e. Kathmandu, Islamabad, Lhasa. These extra days are usually built into trekking company itineraries.

Which Season to Trek to Base Camp?

If you want to see expeditions camped at base camps, then pick the climbing season for that mountain as shown in the above table. The alternate trekking seasons shown above can be better for weather / clear skies, but the base camps will likely be empty.

Which Base Camp Do Climbers Use?

Some of the 8000er mountains have a variety of base camps for tackling different climbing routes. So if you want to see expedition camps, you’ll also need to pick the relevant climbers’ base camp. The main climbers’ camps are also shown in the above comparison table. In the case of Makalu and Cho Oyu, the main climber’s camp is at Advance Base Camp, which is further and higher than ‘base camp’.

Can You Stay Overnight at Base Camp?

Some trekking companies offer the opportunity to stay a night or two at base camp in climbing season, depending on their logistics for that mountain. It’s also worth enquiring directly with mountaineering expedition companies who will often allow trekkers to accompany climbers to base camp and stay a few nights there to experience expedition life. We did this for treks to Makalu ABC, Cho Oyu ABC and Manaslu BC. A highlight of being with a mountaineering expedition is to be at base camp when they have their puja ceremony, which is conducted by a local Lama to ask for safe passage on the mountain.

Notes on Each Base Camp Trek

Everest Base Camp (Nepal & Tibet)

Nepal: The trek to Everest Base Camp on the south side is a classic trek through Sherpa villages, monasteries, and stunning Himalayan landscapes. Accessible and well-supported, although busy. The Everest Circuit Trek via Gokyo Lakes and Cho La pass is more challenging but less crowded.

For more information: see our Everest page, Everest Base Camp blogpost, Everest & Lhotse Base Camp Trek video

Tibet: There is less trekking to the base camps in Tibet as the road infrastructure is a lot more advanced, crossing high passes and the Tibetan plateau to reach these mountains. The view of Everest is striking from the north side as you see more of the mountain from bottom to top. This is also filled with history of mountaineering expeditions, notably the story of Mallory and Irvine. A visit to Tibet is a chance to visit Lhasa and the Potala palace.

For information on the north side (Tibet): see our Tibet blogpost and Journey Through Tibet (including EBC North) video

K2 Base Camp (Pakistan)

A remote and rugged adventure for seasoned trekkers. Be prepared for hair-raising jeep rides, washed out bridges and days of hiking up the Baltoro glacier! But it’s worth it – the rewards are simply spectacular views of multiple 8000ers, and the rocky spires all along the Baltoro Glacier, notably the Trango Towers, Cathedral Towers, Nameless Tower, Paiju Peak, Uli Biaho, Muztagh Tower, Masherbrum. Then you reach Concordia – “the throne room of the mountain gods”, as described by Galen Rowell. Here your 360 view is a feast for the eyes – K2, Broad Peak, the Gasherbrum range, Mitre Peak, Marble Peak. If you don’t want to return back down the Baltoro the other, more technical, option is to return via the Gondogoro La pass, offering views over the 4 x 8000ers.

For more information: see our K2 page, Pakistan Base Camps blogpost, K2 & Broad Peak Base Camp Trek video

Kanchenjunga Base Camp (Nepal)

The trek to Kanchenjunga is usually offered as a circuit trek to both North and South base camps. This is a beautiful trek – less frequented, with rich biodiversity and cultural variety. Also see Mt Jannu en route to North BC – a stunning peak near Kangpachen, which you can walk to on your acclimatisation day.

For more information: see our Kanchenjunga page, Kanchenjunga Base Camp blogpost, Kanchenjunga Base Camp Trek video

Lhotse Base Camp (Nepal)

Shares the same camp as Everest Base Camp, located at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall.

For more information: see our Lhotse page, Everest (& Lhotse) Base Camp blogpost, Everest & Lhotse Base Camp Trek video

Makalu Base Camp (Nepal)

A remote and rewarding trek. The standard trek goes to base camp (Hillary camp) via the Shipton La pass, then returns. Incredible views of Makalu, the world’s 5th highest mountain. Option to do a circuit by returning over Sherpani Col, West Col and Amphu Lapcha pass – but this is an added level of difficulty, requiring technical equipment and skills. Trekkers rarely go to the climbers’ base camp (Advance Base Camp). In fact, even climbers often avoid this challenging route, by helicoptering in! For more information see Makalu Base and Advance Base Camp.

For more information: see our Makalu page, Makalu Base Camp blogpost, Makalu Advance Base Camp Trek video

Cho Oyu Base Camp (Tibet)

Accessible from Tibet with broad plateau views as you drive across the high altitude plains. Base Camp is reached by road, so the only trekking is from the higher Interim Camp to Advance Base Camp. Acclimatisation is key, at each point. In recent years, there have been a handful of expeditions who have attempted Cho Oyu from Nepal. However this is not a recognised base camp to trek to.

For more information: see our Cho Oyu page, Cho Oyu Base Camp blogpost, Cho Oyu & Shishapangma Base Camp Trek video

Dhaulagiri Base Camp (Nepal)

One of Nepal’s toughest camping treks, usually done as a circuit trek to North Base Camp, crossing high passes. Spectacular views of Dhaulagiri, Sita Chuchura and the Nilgiri Range.

For more information: see our Dhaulagiri page, Dhaulagiri Base Camp blogpost, Dhaulagiri Base Camp Trek video

Manaslu Base Camp (Nepal)

Part of the Manaslu Circuit trek, offering a quieter alternative to Annapurna. Base Camp is usually an optional side trip. Tsum Valley is also an optional add-on for more Tibetan culture.

For more information: see our Manaslu page, Manaslu Base Camp blogpost, Manaslu Base Camp Trek video

Nanga Parbat Base Camp (Pakistan)

Minimal trekking to see an incredible 8000er, plus travel on the infamous KKH – the Karakoram Highway. We chose Herrligkoffer Base Camp as we wanted to see the dramatic Rupal Face. The Rakhiot Base Camp (via Fairy Meadows) is most popular for its views of the whole mountain, but is a busy route. Climbers mostly use Diamir Base Camp. It’s also possible to do a circuit trek of Nanga Parbat, which is more challenging and technical – over the Mazeno La Pass.

For more information: see our Nanga Parbat page, Pakistan Base Camps blogpost, Nanga Parbat Base Camp Trek video

Annapurna Base Camp (Nepal)

Shorter and more accessible, with dramatic scenery and cozy teahouses. Popular and usually busy. Combine with trek up Poon Hill for sunrise views of Dhaulagiri, Annapurna range and Machhapuchhare.

For more information: see our Annapurna I page, Annapurna Base Camp blogpost, Annapurna Base Camp Trek video

Gasherbrum I Base Camp (Pakistan)

Not often on trekking itineraries, this trek takes you to the Upper Baltoro Glacier and beyond. Walk alongside the jagged peaks of the Gasherbrum range.

For more information: see our Gasherbrum I page, Pakistan Base Camps blogpost, Gasherbrum I & II Base Camp Trek video

Broad Peak Base Camp (Pakistan)

On the Godwin-Austen Glacier, about 3.5hrs before reaching K2 Base Camp (see above). Stunning views of both Broad Peak and K2.

For more information: see our Broad Peak page, Pakistan Base Camps blogpost, K2 & Broad Peak Base Camp Trek video

Gasherbrum II Base Camp (Pakistan)

Shared base camp with Gasherbrum I – see above.

For more information: see our Gasherbrum II page, Pakistan Base Camps blogpost, Gasherbrum I & II Base Camp Trek video

Shishapangma Base Camp (Tibet)

The only 8000er which is wholly in Tibet. Like Cho Oyu, the road infrastructure means that there is little trekking to do.

For more information: see our Shishapangma page, Shishapangma Base Camp blogpost, Cho Oyu & Shishapangma Base Camp Trek video

Best Treks by Category

• Best for Beginners: Annapurna, Everest South
• Most Remote: Makalu, Dhaulagiri, K2 & Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II
• Most Scenic: Kanchenjunga, Manaslu, Nanga Parbat, K2 & Broad Peak
• Best Cultural Experience: Everest (Sherpa), Manaslu (Tibetan), Cho Oyu & Everest North (visit Tibet)
• Best Opportunity to Stay at Base Camp with a Mountaineering Expedition: Everest, Manaslu
• Shortest Treks: Annapurna, Nanga Parbat
• Longest/Most Challenging: Kanchenjunga, Dhaulagiri, K2 & Broad Peak, Gasherbrum I & II

Which Base Camp Trek Should You Do First?

• If it’s your first Himalayan trek: Everest Base Camp (South) is a great place to start to get a good combination of Sherpa culture, teahouse trekking and stepping in the footsteps of mountaineers to the world’s highest mountain
• If it’s your first high altitude trek: Annapurna Base Camp (South) is one of the lower altitude base camps, with a good opportunity to acclimatise early at Poon Hill for sweeping Himalayan views including 2 x 8000ers
• If it’s your first base camp trek: decide what appeals to you most about visiting a base camp, then pick which one matches your preference – see the section on categories of treks above
• If you want to trek to all 14 x 8000er base camps: logistics is key, as this will involve many different trips to plan. A simple start is Everest Base Camp (South) which is is very accessible and shares it’s base camp with Lhotse – so you’ll complete 2 x 8000ers in one trip! Alternatively if you’re an experienced trekker, the base camps in Pakistan will get you up to 5 base camps in the one trip.

Which is our Favourite Base Camp Trek?

We knew you’d ask that! It’s very hard to pick, as they all left an indelible impression and many happy memories. So we actually have 3 favourites for different reasons:

• Kanchenjunga: for it’s diverse landscapes
• Manaslu: for the camaraderie of its bustling base camp
• K2 & Broad Peak: for the raw, rugged beauty of Pakistan’s peaks

Planning Tips for Your First 8000er Base Camp Trek

• Train for multi-day trekking, elevation, and long walking days
• Be smart with your packing – take the right gear and test it out first
• Go with a guided group for logistics and safety
• Mentally prepare for your trek, and the challenges you’ll face
• Learn about high-altitude sickness – how to prevent, symptoms, how to treat
• Respect local cultures and Leave No Trace principles

Find all our tips on our trekking website here.

Final Thoughts: Base Camp Trekking

We highly recommend trekking to 8000er base camps. Every trek we did for Project Base8000 was fulfilling in its own way and we discovered that the mountains always have something to teach you.

We hope this base camp comparison has you reaching for your hiking boots, dreaming about new adventures, and even sparking your own project.

Ready to choose your base camp adventure? Let the journey begin.

Explore more: Watch the Project Base8000 Short Film | How to Prepare for Your High-Altitude Trek / High Altitude Trekking Tips