How Long Does It Take to Climb Mount Everest?
Climbing Mount Everest is a monumental feat that requires extensive preparation, endurance, and time. If you’re curious about how long it takes to climb Mount Everest, let’s dive into the below detailed information.
How Long Does It Take to Climb Mount Everest: Know Before You Go
Have you ever wondered what it’s like to gaze at the surroundings from the highest mountain peak in the world? Climbing Mount Everest is a dream for many, but even professional trekkers find it a back-breaking task. This is because it takes more than 60 to 70 days to climb and complete the journey to the world’s tallest mountain peak.
Mount Everest – the world’s highest peak mountain, standing at 8,849 meters (29,032 feet) above sea level, lies between the boundaries of Nepal and Tibet. No wonder every mountaineer dreams of climbing to its top at least once. Every year, hundreds and thousands of adventure enthusiasts pack their bags and head to this 8849 m (29,000+ ft.) high peak. But only some of them are fortunate enough to reach there.
How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Everest?
2 months or more. Yes, you read that right. It takes about 60+ days to reach the top of Everest. Mountaineers have to spend a few weeks in base camps for training so that they can get adjusted to the environment.
It takes almost two months to climb Mt. Everest because the body adjusts to the low temperatures and environmental changes gradually. The oxygen level on the peak is said to be one-third of that in the normal environment. That’s why mountaineers use oxygen cylinders.
Although it takes about 5 to 6 days to get to the summit (or top), the maximum time goes in acclimation so that one can adjust to the surroundings and climb with all the heavy gear and food. There are 10+ routes in total to go to the peak of this mountain, however, Southeast Ridge and Northeast Ridge are the most taken. Whichever route you take, completing the training at the Basecamp (South or North) is mandatory for mountaineers which takes several weeks.
How Long Does It Take to Climb Mount Everest – The Total Time Needed for an Everest Expedition
The entire journey to climb Mount Everest typically takes about two months or more. This includes preparation, acclimatization, and the climb itself. Below is a detailed breakdown of the timeline:
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Preparation and Travel (7-10 Days)
- Arriving in Nepal: Most climbers begin their journey in Kathmandu, the capital of Nepal, which serves as the gateway to Everest.
- Journey to Base Camp: Climbers either trek from Lukla (after a short flight) or use helicopter transport to reach the Everest Base Camp. The trek from Lukla takes about 8-10 days.
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Acclimatization at Base Camp (14-20 Days)
- Acclimatization is essential to prevent altitude sickness. Climbers spend 2-3 weeks at Everest Base Camp (17,598 feet/5,364 meters) to adjust to the thin air.
- During this time, climbers practice technical skills and undertake short hikes.
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Climbing the Mountain (25-35 Days)
The ascent is divided into stages, with climbers gradually moving up and down the mountain to higher camps for acclimatization. Key stages include:
- Base Camp to Camp I (19,500 feet/5,943 meters): Climbers traverse the dangerous Khumbu Icefall.
- Camp I to Camp II (21,300 feet/6,492 meters): A less technical but still challenging stage.
- Camp II to Camp III (23,950 feet/7,285 meters): Climbers navigate the steep Lhotse Face.
- Camp III to Camp IV (26,000 feet/7,925 meters): Known as the Death Zone, this stage requires careful pacing and oxygen support.
- Camp IV to the Summit (29,032 feet/8,848 meters): The final push to the summit begins at midnight and takes around 10-12 hours. Climbers typically descend back to Camp IV the same day.
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Descent and Return (7-10 Days)
After reaching the summit, climbers descend to Base Camp over 3-4 days. They then return to Kathmandu to conclude their journey.
When Is The Best Time To Climb Mount Everest?
The best time to set your foot out for an expedition to Everest is in May. Most people plan their trip at this time because the weather is most warm there.
Equipments Needed
All the gear that one needs on their way up to Everest includes but is not limited to: gloves, jackets, boots, glacier glasses, sleeping bags, etc. Along with that, you’ll be equipped with oxygen cylinders, ice axes, climbing harnesses, and much more once you reach the Base Camp.
Food
If climbing to 29,000 ft high, then how long does it take to climb Mount Everest shouldn’t be the only question in your mind. For one thing, almost all the energy produced by your body will be spent on tackling breathing issues this high, so what you eat will impact your journey. On higher altitudes, food that takes minimal energy to digest is the most advisable by the experts for mountaineers. It includes trail mix, granola bars, nuts, oats, cookies, noodles, etc. anything that has a low proportion of protein but more of simple carbs and fat.
Why Climbing Mt. Everest Is So Difficult?
Mount Everest is 29031 feet high. In such a cool temperature, and so high where oxygen levels dwindle drastically, the view from the summit is beautiful but also a journey full of dangers. Let’s discover how long does it take to climb Mount Everest and also learn some interesting facts about this mountain.
Difficulties Of Routes
The route and journey to the world’s tallest peak aren’t a park of roses that you can cross smilingly. You’ll need to have great willpower to conquer all the tiredness and horrible sights on the way. How long does it take to climb Mount Everest depends on the route you take as well.
The Khumbu icefall is one of the deadliest spots before you even reach Camp 1. Then, reaching the Death Zone, which is no less than biting a bullet kind of a task. This zone starts right after Camp 4, and the level of O2 drops to the extent that the body gets exhausted, producing enough red blood cells to cope and survive there even with Oxygen cylinders.
With a drained energy bank, as you gather all your will to proceed further, it’ll take around 15 to 20 hours to climb to the summit after Camp 4, where you’ll see people queued.
Reaching the summit, you’ll barely get any time to enjoy your victory because: (i) there will be other people lined up to see the top, (ii) the oxygen level is relatively low to breathe. That’s when you’ll head back and find rest for just a few hours at all four camps on your way down, crossing the gut-wrenching difficult spots that you crossed while climbing. Although Sherpas are there to fix the problems of routes and provide the necessary items, it isn’t a walk in the park. It is believed that those who can come down to Camp 4 from the summit have higher chances of survival all along the way.
Difficulties In The Temperature
How long does it take to climb Mount Everest also depends on the temperature. Within the gusty chilled winds and less than minus 70 degree temperature, it’s no picnic even for an hour to withstand on the way to the summit. Even though you’ll be with all your gear and packed in jackets, surviving the cold is not child’s play.
People with breathing problems must think at least a thousand times before deciding to go on this fatal journey. Others are at risk of developing frostbite or hypothermia, in which your skin can get swollen, and your body temperature can alter drastically. Obviously, oxygen cylinders will be provided as you step up to the stratosphere, it is a pretty big deal to manage survival there.
Interesting Facts About Mt. Everst
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Everest Is 50 to 60 Million Years Old
Did you know that? As per National Geographic, Mt. Everest is fifty to sixty million years old. It was reportedly built during the times when the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collided. This is how the world’s highest mountain peak came into existence.
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2015 Earthquake Affected Its Height
The magnificent Mt. Everest has witnessed the wrath of several earthquakes. Everest is 8849 m high today. In 1955, the Indian Govt. recorded an escalation of 8 m as it recorded its height at 8848 m, previously 8840 m in the 17th century. It was in 2015 when this massive snow-covered mountain experienced a modification in its height because of an earthquake. Historians believe that Mt Everest’s height dwindled after the major movements in the tectonic plates that occurred due to the 2015 earthquake.
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Sir George Everest Named It As Peak 15
If you are not aware, here is the first name of Mt. Everest- Peak 15. Sir George Everest found Mt. Everest in 1841 and named it Peak 15. Later on, in 1865, it was renamed ‘Everest’ in honor of Sir George Everest. It is called ‘Sagarmatha’ in Nepal, which means ‘Goddess of the Sky.’ Furthermore, Tibetans call this mountain- ‘Chomolungma’ which means ‘Goddess of the Mountains.’
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Its Height Grow Every Year
Believe it or not, Mt. Everest grows 1/3rd in height with every passing year. This is another wonderful fact that leaves many stunned. This happens because of the movement of tectonic plates that push the mountain higher. Remember we earlier mentioned that the height of Mt. Everest increased from 8840 m in 1856 to 8848m in 1955. It happens just like that!
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People Follow The 2 PM Rule To Trekk On Mt. Everest
The cool and bone-screeching temperature of Mt. Everest makes climbing a biting a bullet kind of task. This is why mountaineers are advised to follow the 2 PM rule to reach the peak of Everest. Simply put, they are advised to try to reach the summit (or peak) by 2 PM. If you do not reach the peak by this time, you’re advised to come down to the nearest camp as the temperature drops drastically after this time.
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Climbing Everest Costs A Fortune
Last but not the least. If you dream of climbing Mt. Everest, be sure that you’ve saved enough to afford it. This snow-covered mountain is not only difficult to climb physically and emotionally, but it is also a pretty hefty financial task. You must possess a bank balance of several thousand lakhs to climb Mt. Everest.
Yes, you read that right! Climbing on Mt. Everest is estimated to cost around 70,000 USD or more.
Frequently Asked Questions
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How Many Days Does It Take to Summit Everest?
From Base Camp to the summit and back, it typically takes about 5-7 days, depending on weather and individual pacing.
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Can You Climb Everest in Less Time?
Elite climbers have completed speed ascents in under two weeks, but this requires extensive prior acclimatization and experience.
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What Is the Best Time to Climb Everest?
The climbing seasons are pre-monsoon (April-May) and post-monsoon (September-October). Most expeditions occur in the spring due to more stable weather.
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How Long Do Climbers Stay on the Summit?
Due to extreme conditions, climbers usually spend only 15-30 minutes at the summit.
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What Are the Risks of Prolonged Stays?
Extended exposure to high altitudes increases the risk of frostbite, hypothermia, and altitude sickness.
Conclusion
Climbing Mount Everest is an onerous task even after so many advancements in technology, types of equipment, and ways. People have many questions in their minds, including how long does it take to climb Mount Everest. It takes about 60+ days to climb Mt. Everest. which includes, the Base Camp training and deep planning to cut down on the baffling way. In case you’re planning on getting to this high, you must be a believer in Almighty and yourself, a fitness freak with an endurance matching military personnel levels, and an exquisite climber who has experience in successful trekking or mountaineering to other mountains.
