How hard is it to Climb Everest?

Everest is the highest mountain in the world and one of the most coveted achievements for mountaineers. It is located in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and China, and stands at 8,848.86 meters (29,032 feet) above sea level. It was first climbed by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, and since then, thousands of people have attempted to reach its summit. But how hard is it to climb Everest?

Is it a realistic goal for anyone who loves adventure and challenge? What are the main difficulties and dangers that climbers face on their way to the top? And what are the best ways to prepare and plan for such an epic journey?

In this article, I will try to answer these questions from my perspective as an experienced travel guide specializing in climbing Everest. I have been to Everest, and I have helped many clients achieve their dream of standing on the roof of the world.

I will share with you some of the insights and tips that I have learned over the years, as well as some personal anecdotes that illustrate the beauty and brutality of Everest.

The challenges and risks of Climbing Everest

Climbing Everest is not a walk in the park. It is a serious undertaking that requires a lot of physical fitness, mental toughness, technical skills, equipment and gear, permits and fees, guides and porters, and luck. It also involves a lot of risks and uncertainties that can make or break your climb.

Some of the main challenges and risks of Climbing Everest are:

Weather:

• The weather on Everest is unpredictable and extreme. It can change from sunny and calm to stormy and windy in a matter of minutes. The temperature can drop below -40°C at night, and the wind can blow up to 200 km/h (124 mph).
• The weather can also affect visibility, making it hard to see where you are going or avoid hazards. The weather can also delay or cancel your climb, as you need a clear window of opportunity to reach the summit safely.

Altitude:

• The altitude on Everest is another major factor that affects your climb. As you go higher, the air becomes thinner and contains less oxygen. This means that your body has to work harder to breathe and function normally.
• This can lead to altitude sickness, which is a condition that causes symptoms such as headache, nausea, fatigue, dizziness, loss of appetite, insomnia, etc. Altitude sickness can range from mild to severe, and can even be fatal if not treated properly.
• You need to acclimatize to the high altitude before you start your climb, which means spending time at different elevations to allow your body to adjust.
• You also need to take medication such as Diamox or Acetazolamide to prevent or reduce the effects of altitude sickness.

Avalanches:

• Avalanches are another threat that climbers face on Everest. Avalanches are masses of snow or ice that slide down the mountain at high speed, crushing everything in their path.
• Avalanches can be triggered by natural factors such as wind, snowfall, temperature changes, etc., or by human factors such as climbers or helicopters.
• Avalanches can occur at any time and at any place on Everest, but some areas are more prone than others, such as the Khumbu Icefall or the Lhotse Face.
• Avalanches can be deadly if they catch you off guard or trap you under tons of snow or ice. You need to be aware of the signs of avalanches, such as cracks or sounds in the snow or ice and avoid them as much as possible.

Crevasses:

• Crevasses are another hazard that climbers encounter on Everest.
• Crevasses are deep cracks or fissures in the snow or ice that can be hidden by a thin layer of snow or ice.
• Crevasses can be very wide or narrow, very deep or shallow, very straight or curved.
• Crevasses can be dangerous if you fall into them or get stuck in them. You need to use ropes and harnesses to cross them safely, and always follow your guide’s instructions.

Crowds:

• Crowds are another challenge that climbers face on Everest. Everest is a very popular destination for climbers from all over the world, especially during the spring season (April-May), which is considered the best time to climb due to favorable weather conditions.
• However, this also means that there are hundreds of people trying to reach the summit at the same time, creating traffic jams and bottlenecks on the route.
• Crowds can slow down your progress, increase your exposure to weather and altitude risks, reduce your chances of finding a good spot to rest or camp, increase your risk of getting infected by diseases or viruses from other climbers (such as the coronavirus), and create conflicts or disputes over resources or priorities.
• You need to be patient and respectful of other climbers and try to avoid the peak days or hours of the summit push.

These are just some of the challenges and risks that climbers face on Everest. There are many more, such as frostbite, hypothermia, dehydration, exhaustion, injuries, etc.

Climbing Everest is not a joke, and you should not underestimate the difficulty or danger of it. According to the Himalayan Database, as of 2020, there have been 10,184 people who have climbed Everest, and 295 people who have died on it.

The success rate is about 56%, and the fatality rate is about 2.9%. These numbers may vary depending on the source or the criteria, but they give you an idea of the odds that you are facing.

The route and itinerary of climbing Everest

The route and itinerary of climbing Everest depend on which side and which season you choose to climb. There are two main sides of Everest: the south side (in Nepal) and the north side (in China).

There are also two main seasons for climbing Everest: the spring season (April-May) and the autumn season (September-October). Each option has its own advantages and disadvantages, which I will discuss later in this article.

However, for the sake of simplicity, I will describe the most common and popular option, which is the south side in spring. This is the same route that Hillary and Norgay took in 1953, and it is considered the standard route for climbing Everest.

The typical route and itinerary for climbing Everest from the south side in spring are as follows:

Lukla:

• Lukla is a small town in Nepal that serves as the gateway to Everest. It has a small airport that connects it to Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal. Lukla is located at 2,860 meters (9,383 feet) above sea level. You will fly from Kathmandu to Lukla in a small plane that can carry about 15 passengers.
• The flight takes about 40 minutes, and it is one of the most scenic and thrilling flights in the world. You will see the stunning views of the Himalayas, including Everest itself.
• You will also experience landing on one of the most dangerous airports in the world, which has a very short and steep runway that ends with a cliff. You will need to bring all your equipment and gear with you on this flight, as there are no shops or facilities in Lukla.

Base Camp:

• Base Camp is the starting point of your climb. It is located at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet) above sea level. It takes about 10 days to trek from Lukla to Base Camp, passing through beautiful forests and villages along the way.
• You will stay in tea houses or tents during this trek. Tea houses are small lodges that offer basic accommodation and meals. They are a great way to experience local life and culture.
• You will also need to acclimatize to the high altitude during this trek, which means spending time at different elevations to allow your body to adjust. You will need to spend at least two days acclimatizing before you start your climb.

Camp 1:

• Camp 1 is located at 6,065 meters (19,898 feet) above sea level. It takes about 4 hours to climb from Base Camp to Camp 1. The first part of this climb involves crossing the Khumbu Icefall, which is one of the most dangerous sections of the route.
• The Khumbu Icefall is a glacier that moves and changes constantly, creating crevasses and avalanches along the way. You will need to use ladders and ropes to cross it safely, and always follow your guide’s instructions.
• The second part of this climb involves climbing up a steep slope of snow and ice called the Western Cwm or Valley. This part is relatively easier than the Khumbu Icefall, but it can be very hot and exhausting due to the reflection of sunlight from the snow.

Camp 2:

• Camp 2 is located at 6,400 meters (21,000 feet) above sea level. It takes about 3 hours to climb from Camp 1 to Camp 2. This part of the climb is relatively flat and easy compared to other parts. Camp 2 is also known as Advanced Base Camp or ABC because it serves as a base for further acclimatization and rest before going higher.

Camp 3:

• Camp 3 is located at 7,200 meters (23,622 feet) above sea level. It takes about 4 hours to climb from Camp 2 to Camp 3. This part of the climb involves climbing up a steep wall of snow and ice called the Lhotse Face.
• The Lhotse Face is another dangerous section of the route because it is exposed to strong winds and avalanches. You will need to use ropes and crampons to climb it safely, and always follow your guide’s instructions.
• Camp 3 is also known as the Death Zone because it is above the altitude where the human body can survive for long periods of time. You will need to use oxygen tanks and masks to breathe and function normally at this altitude. You will also need to be very careful about your hydration and nutrition, as you will lose a lot of fluids and calories due to the extreme conditions.

Camp 4:

• Camp 4 is located at 7,950 meters (26,082 feet) above sea level. It takes about 3 hours to climb from Camp 3 to Camp 4. This part of the climb involves crossing a narrow ridge of snow and rock called the South Col or the Balcony.
• The South Col is another challenging section of the route because it is very windy and cold, and it has a lot of loose rocks that can fall on you or make you slip.
• You will need to use ropes and anchors to cross it safely, and always follow your guide’s instructions. Camp 4 is the final camp before the summit, and it is where you will rest and prepare for the summit push.

Summit:

• The summit is located at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level. It takes about 8 hours to climb from Camp 4 to the summit.
• This part of the climb involves climbing up a series of steep slopes and ridges of snow and ice, such as the South Summit, the Hillary Step, and the Cornice Traverse.
• This part is also the most difficult and dangerous part of the route because it is very long and exhausting, and it requires a lot of technical skills and courage.
• You will need to use ropes, crampons, ice axes, oxygen tanks, and masks to climb it safely, and always follow your guide’s instructions.
• You will also need to be very aware of your time and weather, as you will have a limited window of opportunity to reach the summit and return safely.
• The summit is the highest point on Earth, and it offers a breathtaking view of the world below. You will feel a sense of accomplishment and joy that few people can experience in their lives. You will also feel a sense of gratitude and respect for Everest and its people.

This is the typical route and itinerary of climbing Everest from the south side in spring. However, this may vary depending on your personal preferences, abilities, budget, etc. You should always consult with your guide or agency before you decide on your route and itinerary.

The requirements and preparations for Climbing Everest

Climb Everest is not something that you can do on a whim or without proper preparation. It requires a lot of planning, training, equipment, money, etc. Here are some of the main requirements and preparations for climbing Everest:

Physical Fitness:

• You need to be in excellent physical shape to climb Everest. You need to have a high level of endurance, strength, flexibility, balance, etc.
• You need to be able to walk for hours on uneven terrain with a heavy backpack, climb steep slopes with ropes and crampons, carry oxygen tanks and masks, etc.
• You also need to be able to cope with high altitude, low temperature, low oxygen, etc. You need to train for at least six months before your climb, preferably longer.
• You need to do cardio exercises such as running or cycling, strength exercises such as weightlifting or yoga, altitude exercises such as hiking or skiing at high elevations, etc. You also need to do medical check-ups regularly to make sure that you are healthy and fit for the climb.

Mental toughness:

• You need to be mentally tough to climb Everest. You need to have strong motivation, determination, discipline, confidence, etc.
• You need to be able to overcome fear, doubt, boredom, frustration, loneliness, etc. You need to be able to cope with stress, pain, fatigue, hunger, thirst, etc.
• You need to be able to make smart decisions, solve problems, adapt to changes, etc. You need to be able to work well with your team, your guide, your porters, etc.
• You need to train your mind as well as your body before your climb. As well as the need to do mental exercises such as meditation or visualization, read books or watch videos about Everest or climbing, talk to experts or previous climbers, etc.
• You also need to do psychological check-ups regularly to make sure that you are mentally ready for the climb.

Technical Skills:

• You need to have some technical skills to climb Everest. And also need to know how to use ropes and harnesses, crampons and ice axes, oxygen tanks and masks, etc.
• You need to know how to climb on snow and ice, rock and mixed terrain, steep and exposed slopes, etc. You need to know how to deal with crevasses and avalanches, weather and altitude, etc. And also to learn these skills from a qualified instructor or guide before your climb.
• You need to practice these skills on lower mountains or indoor walls before your climb. You also need to refresh these skills during your climb with your guide or team.

Equipment and Gear:

• You need to have all the necessary equipment and gear for your climb. You need to have items such as climbing boots, crampons, harnesses, carabiners, jumar, etc.
• You also need items such as warm clothing, a sleeping bag, a backpack, etc. You also need items such as a camera, a phone, a GPS, etc.
• You also need items such as food, water, medicine etc. You need to make sure that all your equipment and gear are of good quality and condition before your climb.
• You also need to make sure that you know how to use them properly and safely during your climb.

Permits and Fees:

• You need to have all the required permits and fees for your climb. You need to have a climbing permit from the Nepal government or the China government depending on which side you choose to climb.
• You also need a visa from the respective country depending on your nationality. You also need an insurance policy that covers your medical and evacuation expenses in case of an emergency.
• You also need a membership fee from the Nepal Mountaineering Association or the China Tibet Mountaineering Association depending on which side you choose to climb.
• You also need a royalty fee from the Sagarmatha National Park or the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve depending on which side you choose to climb. These permits and fees can cost you thousands of dollars depending on various factors such as the season, the route, the number of people, etc.
• You need to apply for these permits and fees well in advance before your climb.

Guides and Porters:

• You need to have guides and porters for your climb. Guides are experienced climbers who can lead you safely and successfully on the mountain.
• They can provide you with technical advice, logistical support, medical assistance, etc. Porters are local workers who can carry your equipment and gear on the mountain.
• They can provide you with physical help, cultural insight, etc. Guides and porters are essential for your climb because they can make your climb easier and more enjoyable.
• They can also save your life in case of an emergency. However, guides and porters are not cheap either. They can cost you thousands of dollars depending on their qualifications,

The comparison of the different seasons and sides of climbing Everest

As I mentioned earlier, there are two main seasons and two main sides for climbing Everest: the spring season (April-May) and the autumn season (September-October), and the south side (in Nepal) and the north side (in China). Each option has its own pros and cons, and you should consider them carefully before you choose your option.

Here are some of the main differences between the different seasons and sides of climbing Everest:

Weather:

• The weather is one of the most important factors that affect your climb. The weather on Everest is unpredictable and extreme, but it also varies depending on the season and the side.
• Generally speaking, the spring season has better weather than the autumn season, and the south side has better weather than the north side. The spring season has more stable and clear weather, which means more chances of finding a summit window.
• The autumn season has more unstable and cloudy weather, which means fewer chances of finding a summit window.
• The south side has warmer and calmer weather, which means more comfort and less exposure. The north side has colder and windier weather, which means less comfort and more exposure.

Crowds:

• The crowds are another important factor that affects your climb. The crowds on Everest are huge and growing, but they also vary depending on the season and the side.
• Generally speaking, the spring season has more crowds than the autumn season, and the south side has more crowds than the north side.
• The spring season is the most popular time to climb Everest, which means more competition and congestion on the route.
• The autumn season is a less popular time to climb Everest, which means less competition and congestion on the route.
• The south side is the most crowded side of Everest, which means more traffic jams and bottlenecks on the route.
• The north side is the less crowded side of Everest, which means fewer traffic jams and bottlenecks on the route.

I will continue to write the article for you. Here is the next part of the article:

Cost:

• The cost is another important factor that affects your climb. The cost of climbing Everest is very high and rising, but it also varies depending on the season and the side.
• Generally speaking, the spring season has a higher cost than the autumn season, and the south side has a higher cost than the north side. The spring season has higher demand and supply for climbing Everest, which means higher prices for permits, fees, guides, porters, etc.
• The autumn season has lower demand and supply for climbing Everest, which means lower prices for permits, fees, guides, porters, etc. The south side has higher expenses and taxes for climbing Everest, which means higher costs for permits, fees, guides, porters, etc.
• The north side has lower expenses and taxes for climbing Everest, which means lower costs for permits, fees, guides, porters, etc.
• According to some estimates, the average cost of climbing Everest from the south side in spring is about $45,000 per person, while the average cost of climbing Everest from the north side in autumn is about $35,000 per person. However, these costs may vary depending on various factors such as the quality of service, the size of the group, the exchange rate, etc.

Difficulty:

• The difficulty is another important factor that affects your climb. The difficulty of climbing Everest is very high and challenging, but it also varies depending on the season and the side.
• Generally speaking, the spring season has lower difficulty than the autumn season, and the south side has lower difficulty than the north side.
• The spring season has more favorable weather and snow conditions, which means easier and safer climbing. The autumn season has less favorable weather and snow conditions, which means harder and riskier climbs.
• The south side has a more gradual and direct route to the summit, which means less technical and physical climbing. The north side has a more steep and indirect route to the summit, which means more technical and physical climbing.
• According to some ratings, the average difficulty of climbing Everest from the south side in spring is about 5 out of 10 (moderate), while the average difficulty of climbing Everest from the north side in autumn is about 7 out of 10 (hard).

These are some of the main differences between the different seasons and sides of climb Everest. However, these differences are not absolute or definitive.

There are exceptions and variations that can change or influence your climb. You should always do your own research and consult with your guide or agency before you choose your option.

Conclusion

In conclusion, climbing Everest is one of the most amazing and rewarding experiences that you can have in your life. It is also one of the most difficult and dangerous challenges that you can face in your life.

Climbing Everest requires a lot of preparation, training, equipment, money, etc. It also involves a lot of risks and uncertainties that can make or break your climb.

There are different options for climbing Everest such as different seasons and sides that have their own pros and cons. You should consider them carefully before you decide on your option.

Climb Everest is not a joke or a game. It is a serious undertaking that requires a lot of respect and responsibility. You should not underestimate or overestimate yourself or Everest. You should be realistic and honest about your abilities and limitations.

Climbing Everest is not a solo or selfish adventure. It is a team effort that requires a lot of cooperation and communication. You should be supportive and respectful of your team members, your guide, your porters, etc.

Climbing Everest is not a guaranteed or easy success. It is a hard-fought and uncertain achievement that depends on many factors such as weather, altitude, etc. You should be flexible and adaptable to changes and challenges.

Climb Everest is not an end or a goal in itself. It is a means or a tool to learn more about yourself and the world around you. You should be humble and grateful for what you have done and what you have seen. Climbing Everest is not for everyone or anyone. It is for those who have a passion and a dream to reach the highest point on Earth.

How hard is it to climb Everest? It depends on how you look at it. For me personally, as an experienced travel guide specializing in climbing Everest, I can say that it is hard but not impossible. It is hard because it tests your physical fitness mental toughness technical skills equipment gear permits fees guides porters luck etc.

It is not impossible because it rewards your motivation determination discipline confidence courage creativity teamwork respect responsibility humility gratitude etc. It teaches you more about yourself and the world around you. This is hard but not impossible because it makes you feel alive.

How hard is it to climb Everest? You tell me.