Climbing Mount Everest is a life-long dream for many people, but rare are those who manage to make it a reality. You need to overcome many hurdles to even get a shot at attempting the climb, and that’s nothing compared to the challenge of reaching the summit and making your way back.
If you’re thinking about making an attempt to stand at the “top of the world”, there are several things you need to know about climbing Mount Everest.
There Are Two Routes
There are multiple ways to reach the summit of Mount Everest, but almost everyone who climbs uses Southeast Ridge from Nepal’s side of the mountain or the North Ridge from Tibet.
Experience and Physical Fitness
You will need to have at least one year of experience in climbing and using climbing equipment in order to even think about doing the climb. Also, you’re required to be in excellent physical condition, and people usually start training at least one year before attempting to conquer Mount Everest.
Money is Important
Climbing Mount Everest isn’t just a great physical challenge; it’s also a financial one and will cost you anywhere from $40,000 to $100,000 according to National Geographic. This includes getting the permit to climb, which costs around $11,000, buying the equipment, hiring the guides, and much more.
Choosing the Time of the Year
The best time to climb Mount Everest is the second part of May. Most people choose this period as the temperatures are not super low and the wind is bearable.
The Success Rate
Even if you clear all the hurdles and get all the help you can, you’re still not guaranteed to make it to the top. According to official records, only 50 percent of people who attempt the climb actually make it to the summit.