The highest summit of all dreams for those adventure seekers, mountaineers and dreamers in the world is Mount Everest, which has a height of 8,848.86 meters (29,031 ft). The Everest is called Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet not only the highest mountain on Earth, but the embodiment of the struggle, persistence, and victory.
Among the most often asked questions by the potential climbers, curious travelers, and future adventurers are:
How long does it take to climb Mount Everest
The brief response: a trip to Everest normally requires about 6 to 9 weeks. However, the truth of the matter is more complicated. Everest climbing is not like scaling a peak and then doing it in a single climb. It is a serious expedition consisting of walking to Base Camp, several weeks of acclimatization, several ascents and descents of the mountain, and last but not the least, a risky climb to the summit in a limited period of good weather.
Here on this blog we will chronologically chronicle the process of climbing Everest step by step starting with the trek to Base Camp and then all the way to the summit. We shall also give the reasons why the time taken depends, what you are likely to experience during the climb, and why patience is equally critical as strength when it comes to the conquest of the tallest mountain in the world.
And in case you are thinking seriously about this once in a lifetime adventure, our group Nepal Outdoor Expeditions, would be glad to help you through the journey.
Learning the Trip to Everest.
Everest is not a climb, it is a multi-phase expedition. It starts far before you get to the hillside of the very mountain.
- Kathmandu Arrival: The majority of expeditions begin in the capital city in Nepal where expedition members prepare, meet their guides and undergo equipment inspections.
- Flight to Lukla: It is a short but exciting mountain flight and it takes one to Lukla which is the entrance to the Everest region.
- Trek to Everest Base Camp (EBC): Before even reaching the base of everest, the climbers walk around Sherpa villages, monasteries, and high-altitude trails. Even this trek requires 8-14 days, depending on the speed and frequency of acclimatization pauses.
It is not only a stage of arriving to Base Camp, but rather an opportunity to prepare your body to challenges ahead.
The Trek to Everest Base Camp
The trek to the Everest Base Camp is a mythical quest. It can be a trek of 65 km (40 miles) between Lukla and Base Camp and can take a span of 8-12 days depending on the route and acclimatization program.
Typical trekking route:
-
Lukla to Phakding: 3-4 hours.
-
Phakding Namche Bazaar: 6-7 hours, including steep climbs.
-
Namche Bazaar (Rest Days): Acclimatization increases.
-
Namche, Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorakshep.
-
Last walk to Base Camp: Approximately 2-3 hours from Gorakshep.
In this climb, the climbers not only get to enjoy scenic panoramas of such mountains as Ama Dablam, Lhotse as well as Nuptse, but also give their body time to acclimatize itself to the thin air.
After reaching Everest Base Camp (5,364m), it will be two weeks in the Himalayas.
How much time is spent in the Everest Base Camp?
Base Camp is not a mere campsite as it is the center of the expedition. The stay of climbers varies between 2 to 3 weeks that they spend in preparation of the next climb.
Activities at Base Camp:
-
Acclimatization walks and training: Short ascent to adjoining ridges.
-
Gear checks: Last minute ropes, oxygen, and clothing preparation.
-
Rotations: Supplementary trips to altitude camps.
-
Waiting of weather: The summit is only to be approached when the weather is favourable.
Waiting at Base Camp can be a tedious affair but it is a necessary ordeal to improve your chances of success.
Acclimatization Rotations: Sleeping Low, Climbing High.
One cannot reach the summit of Everest without acclimatization. The human body takes time to adapt to the extreme altitudes and its adaptation is undertaken in rotations.
Here's how it usually works:
-
First rotation: Khumbu Icefall climb into Camp 1 (6,000m) and spend the night and make the same way.
-
Second rotation: Reach Camp 2 (6,400m), stayed there a few days and returned.
-
Third rotation: My third rotation is Touch Camp 3 (7,200m) on the Lhotse Face before going back to Base Camp.
The rotations last between 3 to 7 days and the climbers usually conduct numerous rotations before they are totally equipped to the summit push.
This back and forward climbing also contributes to several weeks of the expedition, but it is essential to survive.
The Ascent of the Base Camp to the Summit.
After acclimatizing and having a clear forecast of the weather at the peak, the last climb starts.
Breakdown of Camps:
-
Camp 1 (6,000m): This is where it is after the hazardous Khumbu Icefall.
-
Camp 2 (6,400m): This is the Advanced Base Camp, which is situated in the Western Cwm.
-
Camp 3 (7,200m): It is situated on the steep Lhotse Face.
-
Camp 4 (8,000m): The Death zone where the oxygen levels are extremely scarce.
The Summit Push
Climbers start the last push at midnight, starting at camp 4. The ascending to the top takes 8-12 hours and another 4-6 hours to get back to Camp 4.
It is the top of Everest which one has prepared months, and which he has dreamed years to be, but it is not the end. The falling is also risky and has to be attentive.
How Long Does It Take in Total?
The average length of an Everest expedition is:
-
Trek to Base Camp: 2 weeks.
-
Rotations and acclimatization: 3- 4 weeks.
-
Summit Push and Return: 1-2 weeks.
Total Duration: 6-9 weeks
Naturally, some climbers might complete it a bit sooner (when the weather is ideal and there are no health problems with their bodies) and those who can do it slower because of the delays or some medical complications.
Factors That Affect the Duration
The time taken to climb Everest depends on several factors:
Weather: Harsh weather such as strong winds or snow-storms may postpone climbs to days or weeks.
-
Acclimatization: How different climbers adapt. Rushing is dangerous.
-
Physical Fitness: The fitter climbers can cope with rotations more effectively.
-
Route Choice: South (Nepal) route is more preferable; the North (Tibet) route may be of varied timing.
-
Crowds: It can take hours to get through bottlenecks such as the Hillary Step.
Preparation Before Coming to Nepal
Climbing Everest is not something you decide overnight. Mostly preparation begins a year or more ahead.
-
Physical Training: Cardiovascular endurance, strength and altitude training.
-
Climbing Experience: Before the Everest, most of the climbers have tried smaller 6,000m or 7,000m peaks.
-
Gear & Equipment: High altitude clothing, boots, oxygen, equipment.
-
Psychological Preparation: Be Patient. This journey is equally a mental battle as a physical one.
Why climbing Everest need Patience
Most people question the time it takes for Everest to take in contrast to other mountains. The solution: Patience is the key to life.
-
Hurrying the process of acclimatization causes altitude sickness.
-
Postponing weather minimises risks.
-
It is better to come back with safety rather than a fast ascension.
Everest is an ordeal of strength, stamina and choice.
Climbing Everest with Nepal Outdoor Expeditions.
Nepal Outdoor Expeditions is a company that focuses on helping climbers to reach the summit of the world safely.
-
Experienced Sherpa guides: The Sherpas are experienced and born and raised in the Himalayas region, which means they offer invaluable knowledge.
-
Safety first strategy: The well-being of our customers is our first priority.
-
Complete package: Logistics, gear support, complete expedition management.
-
Local Expertise: As a company located in Nepal, we offer true, trustworthy and affordable services.
When you do Everest with us, you are not really buying a ticket but an entire team who will work towards ensuring that you realize your dream.
Conclusion
An average of 6 to 9 weeks, weather, acclimatization and personal fitness.
It is a life-long experience but more than a number to climb Everest. It is an exercise of bravery, patience and perseverance. To every tourist who wants to be on top of the world, the experience in the Everest is an element of a fairy tale that they would like to keep throughout their lives.
When you are willing to go that far, Nepal Outdoor Expeditions will be glad to make it happen in the most safe, professional and adventure-spiritual way.
15 FAQs About Climbing Mount Everest
1. What is the number of days required to reach the top of Mount Everest starting at the Base Camp?
It can be accomplished in 4-6 weeks with acclimatization rotations and summit push, all the way to Base Camp.
2. What is the time taken to hike to Everest Base Camp, before the climb?
The journey to Base Camp normally lasts 8-12 days, based on the acclimatization pauses.
3. Is it possible to reach Everest within less than a month?
Only very experienced climbers on pre-acclimatization plans and expeditions with fast-track logistical support can do so, but it is uncommon and dangerous.
4. What is the duration of stay of climbers in the Death Zone?
The amount of time that most climbers spend in the Death Zone (above 8,000m) is less than 48 hours because of the very low oxygen concentration.
5. What is the least time to the top of Everest?
The guided expeditions may last approximately 35-40 days though the majority takes more time due to safety.
6. Does the weather postpone the Everest climb?
Yes, there are days or weeks spent by climbers at Base Camp waiting a favorable weather window.
7. What is the duration of your stay at every camp in Everest?
Typically:
Camp 1: 1 night
Camp 2: 2-3 nights
Camp 3: 1 night
Camp 4: There are a few hours to the summit push.
8. Are expeditions of equal duration?
No, time will depend on weather conditions, fitness and the route the climbers use the North (Tibet) or the South (Nepal) route.
9. What is the distance between Lukla and Base Camp?
It covers a distance of 65km (40 miles) and takes 8-12 days.
10. What is the number of rest days required in the climb?
Several rest days are incorporated, particularly at Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, and Base Camp, to ensure possible acclimatization.
11. What is the time required to complete the Everest climb?
The older Sherpas are already used to the altitude and hence can ascend at a much higher rate, in as little as a few days at the Base Camp to the summit.
12. Will I be able to get to the top of Everest in the shortest time possible?
Fitness is not useless, but it requires time to acclimatize, regardless of the degree of fitness. There is no way to avoid altitude adaptation.
13. What is the level of training before climbing Everest?
The majority of climbers train a minimum of 6-12 months, even for minor high altitude climbs.
14. Should climbers wait somewhere at Base Camp till the summit window?
Yes, this is one of the biggest waits. Because of changing unstable weather, climbers usually spend 2-3 weeks at Base Camp.
15. What will become of me, should I not be able to follow the expedition rate?
Famous organizations such as Nepal Outdoor Expeditions can offer help and can possibly organize a descent, in which the climbers are assisted down. It is always more important to be safe rather than to reach the summit.