Everest
Nepal
Towering at 8,848.86 meters, Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world and the ultimate goal for climbers seeking to test their limits. Known locally as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, Mt Everest is more than just a peak—it’s a symbol of human endurance and determination. Located in the Himalayas on the Nepal-Tibet border, its breathtaking prominence and legendary status make it a dream destination for mountaineers worldwide.
A Mount Everest expedition is an unparalleled test of skill, preparation, and perseverance. Climbers typically attempt the summit via the South Col route from Nepal or the North Col route from Tibet. Both routes present challenges such as extreme altitude, crevassed glaciers, and the notorious Khumbu Icefall. Climbers must establish multiple high-altitude camps to acclimatize and prepare for the final ascent to the Everest summit, often facing brutal weather conditions and the thin air of the “Death Zone” above 8,000 meters.
For those who aspire to climb Mount Everest, the journey is as much about the preparation as it is about the climb itself. Months of physical training, logistical planning, and acclimatization are required for a successful expedition. Beyond the physical demands, the experience offers the chance to immerse oneself in the stunning Himalayan landscape and the rich culture of the Sherpa people. For mountaineers, Mt Everest represents the pinnacle of achievement, offering a life-changing adventure like no other.
Table of contents
Route
- 6,008 m gain over 60 days
- Starting and ending in Lukla
- approach: walk in, fly, helicopter
Walk in
- +2,524 m over a 65 km approach
- 7 - 10 days in
- 3 - 4 days out
Climb
- +3,484 m over 40 days.
- 4 high camps. All four high camps are typically used during the climb for acclimatization and logistical staging.
Difficulty
- AD: Fairly hard (alpine grade 3)
When to go
- April and May
Guide mandatory?
- yes
- Either hiring a guide or being part of an expedition team is mandated by Nepali law.
These are pictures taken while climbing Everest. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Everest, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.
Guide links
Base Camp
Camp 1
Camp 2 (Advanced Base Camp)
Camp 3
Camp 4 (South Col)
Summit
Walk in from Lukla while acclimating. Walk back out (or heli). Plenty of alternate routes if you want to walk both ways and mix things up.
Everest weather
How is the weather on Everest, and when is the best time to go.
The best time to climb Everest is in these months:
- Apr
- May
Everest Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
Accommodation
Above base camp, climbers use high-altitude tents set up at designated camps (Camp 1 through Camp 4). Base camp accommodations include expedition tents with cooking and dining facilities provided by operators.Food
At base camp, operators provide prepared meals tailored to high-altitude nutrition. Above base camp, dehydrated and lightweight meals are the norm, often prepared by climbers or expedition staff using portable stoves.Guides
High-altitude guides, often Sherpas, are essential for navigation, safety, and carrying gear. Costs can range from $5,000 to $10,000 depending on the services provided, with expertise in handling emergencies and route fixing.Porters
Porters are typically used to carry loads to base camp. Above base camp, high-altitude porters or Sherpas may assist with carrying gear to higher camps, charging significantly more due to the altitude and risk.Medical facilities
Base camp often has medical tents staffed by professionals specializing in high-altitude medicine. Above base camp, climbers rely on their training, first aid kits, and emergency oxygen for medical issues.Gear rental
Specialized gear like down suits, crampons, ice axes, and oxygen systems are critical and often provided or rented through expedition operators. It's recommended to bring personal equipment for comfort and reliability.Transport
Climbers typically fly to Lukla and trek to base camp. Helicopters may be used for gear transport or emergency evacuations. Some use helicopters back to Lukla for a faster way out, but on the way in walking is used in order to acclimate.Internet / Phone
Satellite phones and radios are the primary means of communication above base camp. Internet and cell coverage are limited to base camp, where paid Wi-Fi services are available.ATMs
There are no ATMs past Namche Bazaar (which you'll pass walking in from Lukla.Shops
Base camp has limited access to expedition operators' gear and supplies, but climbers are expected to bring all essential gear and consumables with them to the mountain.Everest access - getting there
How to get to Everest
Everest questions
What to know about climbing Everest
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
These climbs are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Everest climb.
