Climbing Everest Guide
Mount Everest is Earth's highest mountain; the most famous peak in the world and new scientists propose that it is currently about 50-60 million years old. The highest peak in the world was named after Sir George Everest, he was a Surveyor General of India at that time. Kangchenjunga was considered as the highest mountain before 1856.
Everest stands on the Nepal-Tibet border, with its tallest peak in Nepal. For instance, obviously as a peak, Everest had more than one name. Everest is known as Qomolangma (holy mother) to the Tibetans, and Sagarmatha ("Head in the Great Blue Sky") to the Nepalis who live at Daniel's end.
In 1856, Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India on the Great Trigonometrical Directorate declared that Everest was truly higher than any other mountain on earth with a height of 8.840 m (29.002 ft). The Indian survey in 1955 came closer to the actual height after getting its more precise measurement at a precise length of Everest equaling = 8,848 m (29,029 ft). In 2022 a Chinese and Nepalese joint measurement team determined that Mt Everest's Great Peak is slightly higher (8848.86 meters, or 29,031 feet) 69 ft) high.
When Mount Everest was proclaimed the tallest mountain in the world, it inspired mountaineers from across (particularly the British) to dream big. The first British mission to make an attempt on the world's highest peak was in 1922, without bottled oxygen. The first idea to use bottled oxygen came from a scientist-mountain hunter, Alexander Mitchell Kellas.
The ninth British expedition to Mount Everest made history on May 29, 1953, with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary being the first climbers to summit the mountain. CNN has estimated that about four thousand individuals have succeeded in climbing the Everest summit till now.
Everest Region
Mount Everest is in the Greater Himalaya ranges including Lhotse and Makalu for example. Khumjung falls within Sagarmatha National Park, which was classified as a World Heritage site in 1979. Sagarmatha National Park has about 20 villages where approximately 6000 Sherpas live. Sagarmatha National Park spreads across an area of 124,400 hectares which houses a display of mountains exposing deep valleys within the center and marvelous glaciers just over the north to luxuriant alpine forests on wonderful meadows; this park is home to varied uncommon animals including red pandas along with snow leopards.
Highlights of Climbing Everest
Climb the world's highest peak, Mt. Everest
Scenic flight to Lukla
Discover the beauty of Sagarmatha National Park.
Enjoy the sunset views of Mount Everest from Kala Pattar
Visit the Khumjung monastery. It is rumored to have safeguarded a yeti scalp.
Encounter wildlife including musk deer, pheasants, snow leopards, and Himalayan tahrs.
Witness the magnificence of Earth's glaciers. The Khumbu Glacier (4,900m).
Prayer wheels, prayer flags (colorful), mani stones & high suspension bridges
Wide range of flora and fauna
Tengboche Monastery (3,867m / 12,687ft)
Experience views of some of the peaks, such, as Mt. Lhotse, Cho Oyu and Mt. Makalu
When is the best time to climb Mount Everest?
It is best to start climbing Everest around from April-June. It is time to try for the summit. This is the season when everything comes to life, so it can be an extremely rewarding trail-going at this point also due to de biodiversity of plants on offer. Yet, during May - being considered as the hottest month in this area sometimes some clouds can show up that may take away an incredible panorama from you. It's really hard to predict the weather. If you're not a fan of the cold May is a great time. That's why all our Everest expeditions kick off in April and wrap up by the end of May or early June.
How long does it take to climb Everest?
It is not a calm hike. This does not mean quietly walking through beautiful snow-covered slopes that inexperienced ones without illness can go at ease. Therefore, acclimatization in the Base Camp may take a long time and go for 40 days. Sherpas look after mountaineers during this period until their bodies get used to stress and lack of air. Then, one can continue climbing. Normally, the 50th day is considered summit day which is the most exciting part when the weather is favorable. On average, from arrival to Kathmandu until summiting the peak takes around 58 days as far as tourists are concerned. Once things settle down and climbers feel better, it usually takes seven days to reach the top. It will take about five days to get back to Base Camp.
How difficult is it to climb Mount Everest?
Everest climb is without a doubt a difficult task. Everest needs preparations - loads and loads of them (before heading to the Himalayas, climbers have to spend a good amount time of building their stamina by training in harsh conditions like at low temperatures as well in places with lower amounts or quality on oxygen). As mentioned earlier, most importantly you have to survive at 8,000 meters above sea level – in “the death zone”. The body begins to rebel against the deprivation of oxygen. Even the most experienced climbers are at risk of poor decision-making and suffer from strokes and heart attacks to fatal altitude sickness. Yet, nonetheless every year there are a handful of mountaineers who choose to ascend Mount Everest wanting to prove something.
To meet the target, climbers need to acclimate themselves according to the low percentage of oxygen available in the air before aiming for the peak. This might be achieved by several trips up from Everest Base Camp each time higher. In doing so they enable their bodies to generate more haemoglobin which transports oxygen from the lungs via blood circulation saving it from any further death. Sherpa guides - locals who have spent just about their entire lives trekking the Himalayas will be needed to show you around.
How to prepare for Mount Everest climb
You need to be tough both physically and mentally. It takes about a year of preparation for Everest. Remember, avalanches are just one of a host of other general problems that can occur on Everest - accidents after exhaustion or from high-altitude sickness are way more common. You should be familiar with O2 and mask regulators. Being fit means you consume less oxygen, which counts in your favor when passing slower climbers, and it can enable you to summit early on in the morning catching one of those amazing clear mornings.
One must have experience using climbing gear navigating snow and ice and maintaining a level of fitness. Familiarity, with rope techniques, ice axe handling, crampon usage, ascenders (Jumar) descenders, and proper harness use is essential. Additionally, readiness to deal with inclement weather conditions is crucial.
It would be wise to scale other mountains that are higher than 20,000 feet. As a result, one will acquire practical experience in using equipment and dealing with certain conditions at heights. Additionally, it will help you understand the stamina needed for such an activity and the level of fitness required.
Keep in mind that the higher you climb the higher your odds of an ascent of Everest. It's important to understand that working out at altitudes doesn't necessarily mean you'll be able to maintain the level of activity, at higher altitudes and your cardiovascular fitness may not be sufficient. We recommend practicing carrying 50 60 lbs of weight up, to 4,000 ft. You should also feel at ease hiking 1,500 ft while carrying a 20 kg-pack.
Insurance
Everest expedition is a huge undertaking and comes with several risks associated with high altitudes, such as altitude sickness, landslides, and rough weather conditions. Hence, you need adequate insurance covering helicopter rescue, evacuation, repatriation at altitudes up to 8,000m, and treatment costs.
Climbing Equiments
My advice is to just take what is essential. There’s no need for you to come with all the equipment and gear from your country as they can be purchased at reasonable prices in Kathmandu.
Head
Sun Cap
Items needed for activities, in weather;
Headlamp with spare batteries
Helmet for climbing
Cozy wool hat to keep your ears warm
Fleece beanie for head and ear protection
Balaclava to prevent frostbite and shield from the wind
Neck gaiter, for covering ears and neck
Oxygen mask
Snow glasses
Face
Sunscreen
UV resistant Glaciers glasses
Lip Guard
Hands
Wind stopper gloves
Thin lightweight fleece gloves
Heavy gloves for high altitudes
Insulated summit gloves
Body (Upper)
Clothing items to consider for weather conditions;
A top base layer
A fleece jacket, for extreme cold
A windproof jacket for strong winds and snow
A down jacket
A T-shirt
A jacket, for shielding against rain, snow, and wind
A warm jacket to add an extra layer of warmth
Body (Lower)
Woolen or fleece trousers
A base layer of thermal underwear
Pants made from synthetic fibers that are quite heavy
Trousers at the middle weight range for protection against snowy, rainy, and windy conditions.
Cotton pants that is light to wear when climbing mountains and trails.
Leggings for mountain boots.
Footwear
Liner socks
Hiking boots for mountain trails
Synthetic high mountain sock/ pant
Camp shoes
Wool or synthetic socks
camp shoes (sandals)
Essential gears
A helmet that's lightweight well ventilated and adjustable
Climbing harness for securing yourself to a climbing rope
Jumar/ascender
Tape slings, crucial for climbers to wrap around rocks and secure to other points
GPS tracker
Ice ax with a pointed spike
Satellite phones for communication, in remote areas
Altimeter watch that warns of inclement weather conditions
Trekking poles
Swiss army knife
Toiletries
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Medium-size drying towel
Face and body moisturizer
Female hygiene products for females
Nail clippers
Tissue /toilet paper roll
Anti-bacterial hand wash
Multi-purpose soap
Everest Climb Essential Documents
A copy of your passport, three passport-size photos & travel/health insurance documents with contact details. Additionally, it is advised that you keep a separate photocopy of all important documents including the insurance policy, traveler’s cheques, bank/ATM card contact numbers international flight tickets emergency contact numbers, etc.
Nepal Visa Process
Well, if you are an Indian then Nepal does not need a Visa for us. Most of the other foreign nationals are allowed on-arrival visas and can get them from Tribhuvan International Airport at Kathmandu or from immigration checkpoints in Nepal - India/Tibet borders.
Required documents for visa:
Valid Passport for 6 months of the first and last pages of the passportPast Visa copies if anyPassport-size photographsVisa fees Visa fees for Nepal vary according to how long you intend to stay there. If it is a 63-day course, the cost for the visa page of which costs USD200, and your total bill will be delayed in paying to get a 90-day stay (most likely USD125).
SAARC (India, Pakistan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, Bhutan, and Bangladesh) countries, Chinese nationals get free visas un-renewable with some conditions.
Citizens from a few countries cannot get an on-arrival visa, like Nigeria, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Swaziland etc, Cameroon, Somalia, Liberia, Ethiopia, Iraq, Palestine, and Afghanistan. Therefore if you are from any of these nations, then approach the respective Nepali embassy nearest to your place.
The government reserves the right to change the Visa Policy without prior notice and you are advised to apply for a visa at https://www.immigration.gov.np please check in time.
Everest Climb Permits
For the Everest Base Camp (EBC) you require two permits:
Khumbu Rural Municipality Permit
Sagarmatha National Park Permit Fee
whereas for climbing you will need a climbing permit
Garbage deposit is also mandatory to Nepal government liaison officers as well.
But fear not - if you are climbing with Tour operators, they will generally take care of all the permits and paperwork for your climb so that it is done hassle-free.
Language
And, you need not worry at all about the Language Problem in Nepal. While the national language of Nepal is Nepali, in cities a large part of the population also speaks English. In terms of those traveling with tour operators, they will allocate the guides for English, Japanese, and Spanish speaking.
Communication
While on trek, you can connect to Wi-Fi by paying a little service charge at the lodges/hotels where you will be staying. Alternatively, you can purchase a local sim in Kathmandu before the journey which may have weak signals for mobile/cell phones. For a small charge, you can even access the internet (even if it is only 1 Mbps) at Everest Base Camp.Bean BehaviorSubject Public Field Your climbing GuidevSherpas will communicate with other camps and bring along a satellite phone for emergencies.
Food & Water
During your stay in Kathmandu before heading off for the Everest expedition, or after coming back to Kathmandu too, you will find good food options so eat up all of those tasty dishes that you like. Meanwhile, en route to and from Lukla for the Everest Base Camp journey your meals that are available will be nutrient-rich as well as tasty and hygienically prepared. The two together give you quick and cheaper foods when you are climbing up but less variety of different choices as well.
While you stay at the camps, cooks and helpers to prepare your meals. The trained cooks will provide you with tasty and nutritious food. In addition to meals, we advise you to bring extra dietary supplements, preferably from Kathmandu.
There is availability of bottled water while on the route to Everest, but we recommend you buy boiled water at teahouses and keep it in water bottles. It will help in environmental conservation, and you might not be allowed to carry plastic bottles in some expedition regions. During the climbing period, we will boil water in tent camps and provide you with boiled water. For precaution, we advise you to use water purification pills before drinking water.
Accommodations
You are accommodated in a similar category hotel with private facilities while staying at Kathmandu. You will have rooms with attached bathrooms during the expedition area at Lukla, Phakding, and Namche. Retracing your steps, you will be staying at teahouse lodgings in Tengboche, Dingboche Lobuche, and Pheriche.
While Climbing Mount Everest Accommodation in tent camps Your tents will be set up by your guides even before you arrive at the camp itself. These tent camps will even include basic amenities such as pillows and mattresses for a comfortable stay.
Oxygen
Oxygen equipment is always used for ascent to the high mountains, it allows you to avoid a significant number of critical situations + save your life. Most tour operators provide multiple bottles of oxygen with modern masks & regulators for each climber. Running oxygen at a higher flow (2L /min) also helps you to climb with more efficient by reducing the work on summit day.
Altitude Sickness problem
Many climbers heading to the summit of Everest often experience altitude sickness, an ailment, in high altitudes. To avoid altitude sickness also called mountain sickness here is a preventive measure you can take.
Listen to your Sherpa guide
Never skip acclimatization days
Drink More than 4 Litres of Water every day
Sleep After Your Daily Hike
Carry ample food when you trek
Walk/climb at your own pace
Keep your body warm
Drink garlic soup
Common Symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Headache
Nausea and vomiting
Appetite loss
Tiredness and dizziness
Difficulty in sleeping
This will cause his heart rate to increase, and he will feel breathless.
Once any of these symptoms bother you, inform your guide at once.
Severe symptoms of Altitude Sickness
Severe headache
Confusion and Discoordination among team members
Breathless even after adequate resting
Frequent vomiting
Does a rapid heartbeat
Problem in vision
Dry, tickly or chesty cough
Difficulty in walking
Irrational behavior
Difficulty in sleeping
Mild altitude sickness will go on to generate these symptoms if it is ignored or not treated. Therefore, as soon as you identify them, ensure that you communicate them to your guide. In case of extreme conditions like HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) or HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema), Sherpa may decide to descend immediately so as not to jeopardize life.
Once you feel better and Sherpas give you permission to move up, then he/she can proceed with his/her journey. As such we are most concerned about your safety. The best way for us to be safe during this expedition is following one principle – “climb high and sleep low.”
