Soaring to 8.848 meters in elevation – the altitude at which commercial pilots fly – Mount Everest is unquestionably the ultimate mountaineering challenge.
Sitting on the border running between Nepal and the independent Chinese region of Tibet, fearless climbers have been attempting to climb the world’s highest mountain for the last 70 years. Climbing Everest is likely to be at the top of every mountaineers’ bucket list, particularly those attempting to summit each of the Seven Summits. But not everyone who attempts the climb makes it to the top.
Not everybody who wants to climb the mountain gets the opportunity either. Price and schedule are the main limiting factors. Hiring a guide is a costly undertaking, particularly with no guarantee of success. In addition you must apply for a permit – or risk being arrested if you are caught climbing the mountain without one – and there is no guarantee of getting that.
Below, we’ve outlined the most important things that people, who want to climb Mount Everest, need to know before they start climbing.
When Is The Best Absolute Time To Climb Mount Everest?
Most mountaineers try to ascend the world’s largest mountain in May. There’s a fleeting window of time – normally after 15 May – when temperatures are warmer and the high-altitude winds (which are known as the jet stream) have moved from the mountains.
In addition, it’s also just before monsoon season. Climbers normally try to avoid visiting the Everest region if there’s regular rainfall, as it can make the trail conditions slippery and dangerous. It’s the time of the year when you have the best chance of getting to the summit.
Having good weather is crucial for climbers. Climbers won’t try to seek the summit without the correct weather conditions. Many spent weeks at base camp just waiting without guarantee they’ll actually reach it.
What Are The Beginning Points For Climbing Mount Everest?
From the Nepalese side, you will start your Mount Everest climbing adventure from Kathmandu. Most guides will arrange to meet their clients at the Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), which offers direct flights from most main Asian international airports and Istanbul.
From the Tibetan side of the mountain, you will start your expedition from Lhasa. Most guides will arrange to meet their clients at the Lhasa Gonggar Airport (LXA), which offers direct flights from Chinese international airports in addition to Kathmandu.
How Much Time Will It Take For You To Climb Mount Everest?
It takes about two months to climb Mount Everest. Most mountain climbers spend months or even years before even thinking about making it to the Himalayas. Guides only take climbers to Everest who have successfully reached one or two other challenging peaks.
What Are The Possible Climbing Routes To Reach Mount Everest?
The two main routes towards the summit of Mount Everest are from the southern face (in Nepal) as well as the northern face:
- Beginning from base camp the route up the southern face of the Mountain is the most direct and steepest route.
- From the northern side, you start at that base camp and trek across the East Rongbuk Glacier, before starting the ascent.