Where is Mount Everest Located? A Complete Guide for Travelers

22nd Jun, 2025

- himalayaheart

Mount Everest, the tallest mountain in the world, is located in the majestic Himalayas of Asia. Specifically, it straddles the international border between Nepal in the south and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the north. The summit of Everest marks a natural boundary between these two countries, making it a shared geographical and cultural icon. Everest Base Camp Trek in Everest is well known trekking route to visit Mount Everest.

The Exact Location of Mount Everest

Mount Everest stands proudly in the Mahalangur Himal, a subrange of the greater Himalayas. Its geographic coordinates are 27.9881° N latitude and 86.9250° E longitude. This Everest region is home to several other towering Himalayan giants like Mount Lhotse, Mount Makalu, and Mount Cho Oyu.

• Southern Side (Nepal): Located within Sagarmatha National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its biodiversity and Sherpa culture.

• Northern Side (Tibet): Protected by the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve, which safeguards the environment and supports controlled mountaineering tourism.

Is Mount Everest in Nepal or China?

Mount Everest lies exactly on the border, making it part of both Nepal and China (Tibet). This unique placement has led to the creation of two official base camps:

• South Base Camp (Nepal): The more popular and accessible camp, used for climbing via the southeast ridge.
• North Base Camp (Tibet): A less frequented but equally impressive location, offering a northern approach to the summit.

Despite being shared, Nepal is the preferred gateway for most trekkers and climbers, and the term “Everest Base Camp” typically refers to the southern one in Nepal.

Why Most Tourists Visit Everest via Nepal

If you're wondering which country you should visit to see Mount Everest up close, the answer is almost always Nepal. Here's why:

• Fewer travel restrictions compared to Tibet.
• Easier access to the Everest region via domestic flights from Kathmandu to Lukla.
• Famous Everest Base Camp Trek, which is one of the most scenic and rewarding hikes in the world.
• Strong tourism infrastructure, including teahouses, guides, and helicopter services.

How to Reach Mount Everest

Visiting from Nepal (South Side)

1. Fly into Kathmandu – Tribhuvan International Airport is Nepal’s main international gateway.
2. Take a domestic flight to Lukla – A short but thrilling 30-minute flight into the heart of the Himalayas.
3. Trek to Everest Base Camp – The classic trek usually takes 10–14 days via Namche Bazaar and Tengboche, or
4. Helicopter ride to Base Camp – Ideal for those with limited time or looking for a luxury experience.

Visiting from Tibet (North Side)

1. Fly to mainland China, then take a flight or train to Lhasa, Tibet's capital.
2. Drive overland to North Base Camp, which involves a long but scenic road journey through the Tibetan Plateau.

How High is Mount Everest?

Mount Everest’s official height is 8,849 meters (29,032 feet) above sea level. This measurement was jointly confirmed by China and Nepal in 2020. However, geologists note that Everest is gradually rising due to the ongoing movement of tectonic plates.

If you're curious about Everest's fascinating facts, don’t miss reading: Top 10 Reasons to do Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal 

Final Thoughts

Mount Everest is more than just the highest peak on Earth—it's a destination that symbolizes human endurance, cultural richness, and natural beauty. Whether you're planning to trek to Everest Base Camp in Nepal, explore the Tibetan Plateau, or simply admire the mountain from afar, knowing where Mount Everest is located helps you plan your journey wisely.