KATHMANDU: Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak, is more than just a geographical marvel—it’s Nepal’s beating heart, a national treasure, and a global icon. Known locally as Sagarmatha and Chomolungma, Everest towers at a staggering 8,848.86 meters (29,031.69 feet), its snow-draped slopes whispering tales of triumph, tragedy, and human endurance. For Nepal, Everest isn’t just a mountain; it’s a legacy, a symbol of pride etched into the nation’s identity.

Nestled in the Solukhumbu District, among the icy spires of the Mahalangur Range, Everest commands respect and awe. But this legendary peak is under siege—from the very humanity that reveres it. Global warming nibbles away at its icy grandeur, while an endless procession of climbers and thrill-seekers leave behind trails of pollution and disregard. The race for cheap records and overcrowded expeditions threatens not only Everest’s pristine beauty but also its cultural sanctity.

Image/Nepal Tourism Board

To the Sherpas, Everest is sacred ground, their lives intertwined with its rugged landscape. Trekking through their villages is more than a physical challenge; it’s a journey into a world where spirituality and survival coexist in the thin air of high altitudes. The surrounding valleys, glaciers, and trails offer experiences as enriching as scaling the peak itself—a tapestry of culture, endurance, and awe-inspiring natural beauty.

Yet, for many in Nepal, Everest’s purpose must evolve. It’s a symbol of Nepalese resilience and dignity, a reminder that some treasures are too valuable to exploit. Protecting Everest requires bold steps—balancing ambition with respect and profit with preservation. Mount Everest is more than a mountain; it is a testament to human determination, courage, and the relentless pursuit of dreams. For those who dare to climb it, Everest offers an experience unlike any other—a journey to the roof of the world, where the air is thin, the challenges immense, and the rewards unforgettable.

As climbers and dreamers continue to ascend its slopes, Everest faces a challenge of its own: safeguarding its legacy in the face of relentless human encroachment. The world’s highest mountain must not be reduced to a commodity. It is, and always should be, Nepal’s crowning glory.

A Historic Ascent

On May 29, 1953, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal and Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand achieved what many believed impossible: they reached the summit of Mount Everest via the South Col route. Their journey, passing through the Khumbu Glacier and ascending the Southeast Ridge, marked a pivotal moment in mountaineering history. The South Col route remains one of the most popular pathways to the summit.

A Mountain of Many Names

The identity of Mount Everest as the highest point on Earth wasn’t established until 1852, a revelation of the Great Trigonometric Survey of India. Initially referred to as Peak XV, the mountain was renamed in 1865 to honor Sir George Everest, the British Surveyor General of India from 1830 to 1843. Locally, it is celebrated as Sagarmatha (“Peak of Heaven”) in Nepali and Chomolungma (“Goddess Mother of the World”) in Tibetan, reflecting the reverence it commands.

Geography and Location

Mount Everest lies within the Mahalangur range of the Nepal Himalayas, straddling the border between Nepal and the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. The southern face belongs to Nepal, while the northern face is in Tibet. The mountain is situated at latitude 27°59’17” and longitude 86°55’31”, within the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu rural municipality of Solukhumbu District in Nepal. The nearest settlement is Lobuche, located 8.3 kilometers from the mountain.

The Journey to Everest

Reaching Everest involves meticulous planning and preparation. The journey typically begins with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, the gateway to the Everest region. From Lukla, trekkers follow the caravan route through Jorsalle, Namche Bazaar, Khumjung, Pheriche, and Lobuche, eventually reaching the Base Camp. This trek spans approximately 51.2 kilometers, while the climbing route from Base Camp to the summit covers 11.2 kilometers. The entire expedition takes about 75 days, requiring physical endurance, acclimatization, and determination.

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What Are the Necessary Preparations to Climb Mount Everest?

Climbing the world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, is a challenging and complex endeavor that requires more than just a desire for adventure. It involves substantial financial investment, intense training, and meticulous preparation to ensure the best chances of success.

Climbing Mount Everest requires rigorous preparation. Climbers must train for months, building cardiovascular and muscular strength to endure the grueling ascent. Acclimatization to high altitudes is crucial, as is the ability to carry heavy backpacks, including oxygen cylinders and essential gear. Familiarity with rescue techniques and knowledge of avalanche risks further enhance safety.

The preparation for an Everest ascent requires months of dedicated effort, including specialist mountaineering training, choosing the right agency for support (including experienced Sherpa guides), and maintaining a laser focus on the goal. Climbers should have at least some experience at high altitudes, ideally having climbed peaks above 7,000 meters. A deep understanding of mountaineering techniques and familiarity with technical challenges are also critical, along with the acquisition of high-quality gear, which can be costly.

A vital aspect of Everest preparation is physical training. Climbers need to develop climbing-specific fitness through high-level physical conditioning to handle the rigorous demands of the climb. However, perhaps the most crucial factor for success is mental preparation. The sustained and stressful environment of Everest’s climb—often lasting up to two months—requires climbers to be resilient, adaptable, and mentally tough to overcome numerous challenges along the way.

Becoming a successful Mount Everest climber is not about being the “best” in the traditional sense, but rather about maintaining focus, discipline, diligence, and passion. While it typically takes many years of dedication—often five or more—some determined climbers may be able to achieve their goal in 3-4 years with the right commitment.

Aspiring climbers can begin their journey with basic mountaineering courses, progressing through climbing introductory and intermediate peaks, and gradually building experience on mountains above 6,000 meters. To qualify for an 8,000-meter peak, climbers need extensive experience in high-altitude expeditions, ideally on peaks ranging from 6,000 to 7,000 meters. The culmination of all this preparation and experience is what allows a climber to finally reach the summit of Mount Everest, realizing a dream that requires years of determination, passion, and perseverance.

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What Are The Costs of Climbing Mount Everest?

Climbing Mount Everest is vary based on nationality and season, with revised rules and fees set to take effect in the coming months. Currently, for Nepali climbers, the fees for the Normal Route are NPR 75,000 in spring, NPR 37,500 in autumn, and NPR 18,250 in winter and summer. For foreign climbers, the fees are USD 11,000 in spring, USD 5,500 in autumn, and USD 2,750 in winter and summer. Fees for alternative routes are generally lower.

Under the revised regulations, every two climbers must hire a guide to climb any mountain over 8,000 meters, including Everest. The royalty fee for foreign climbers on the normal south route during the spring season (March to May) will rise to USD 15,000 per person, up from the current USD 11,000. In the autumn season (September to November), the climbing fee will increase from USD 5,500 to USD 7,500. For the winter (December to February) and monsoon (June to August) seasons, the permit fee will go up from USD 2,750 to USD 3,750. These new rates will take effect on September 1, 2025.

The last royalty fee revision took place on January 1, 2015, when the government switched from a group-based system to a uniform fee of USD 11,000 per climber for the spring season from the normal route.

For Nepali climbers, the royalty fee for the normal route during the spring season has doubled from NPR 75,000 to NPR 150,000 (approximately USD 540 to USD 1,080). Additionally, climbing permits, previously valid for 75 days, will now be limited to 55 days. This reduced validity is intended to streamline climbing activities and manage the influx of climbers.

The government has also increased insurance coverage for high-altitude workers. These measures are designed to improve safety, protect the environment, and boost government revenue. The revised rates will come into effect in September 2025.

The government has raised the royalty fee for Everest by USD 4,000, to USD 15,000, to streamline mountain tourism and manage the growing number of climbers. The move comes amid persistent concerns over the increasing number of fatalities on the world’s highest peak.

The last major revision to the royalty fee occurred on January 1, 2015, when an expedition with a maximum of 15 members cost USD 10,000 per person. In the spring of 2022, a record 658 climbers successfully reached the summit, highlighting both the growing traffic and the demand for more regulation. The increasing instances of traffic jams at the summit have created chaotic situations, garnering negative headlines globally. Viral videos of climbers waiting in long queues for their turn to ascend and descend the world’s tallest peak have caused concern and generated a poor public image of Nepal’s mountaineering sector.

What Are The Challenges of Mt. Everest Climbing?

Every year, around 1,000 climbers attempt to conquer Mount Everest, lured by its grandeur and the promise of standing atop the world. However, the journey is fraught with challenges, including high altitudes, severe weather, and the risk of avalanches. The thin air at higher altitudes reduces oxygen levels by 60-70% compared to sea level, necessitating acclimatization and the use of supplemental oxygen.

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The “Death Zone,” starting above 8,000 meters, is particularly perilous, where even the most seasoned climbers face immense physical and mental strain. Proper training, including cardiovascular and muscular conditioning, as well as rescue techniques, is essential for a successful ascent.

A Legacy of Exploration

Mount Everest has been a focal point of exploration since the early 20th century. The first British expeditions in the 1920s, led by Charles Bruce, paved the way for future attempts. Tragedy struck when George Mallory and Andrew Irvine disappeared during their 1924 summit bid, leaving their success shrouded in mystery. Mallory’s body was discovered in 1999, sparking debates about whether he reached the summit before his death.

The successful ascent by Hillary and Norgay in 1953 cemented Everest’s place in global history, inspiring countless expeditions. Today, the mountain is both a destination for seasoned climbers and a source of fascination for adventurers worldwide.

How to Climb Mt. Everest

Climbing Mount Everest is a monumental achievement, one that has been the pinnacle of many adventurers’ dreams. At 8,848 meters (29,029 feet), the world’s highest peak demands not only physical strength and mental resilience but also careful planning, precise logistics, and significant mountaineering expertise.

A typical Everest expedition begins in Kathmandu, where climbers prepare equipment and complete paperwork. The journey to Base Camp, taking approximately seven days on foot, offers stunning views of the Khumbu Glacier and the surrounding peaks. While the journey to the summit is arduous and dangerous, with the right preparation, it is achievable for many climbers. Here’s a tentative day-by-day breakdown of how to climb Mt. Everest.

Day 1: Kathmandu to Phakding via Lukla

• Fly to Lukla: Your Everest adventure begins with a 40-minute flight from Kathmandu to the Lukla Airport (2,800 meters). Known as one of the most dangerous airports in the world due to its short runway and difficult weather conditions, this flight is a thrilling start to your journey.
• Trek to Phakding: After landing in Lukla, you will start your trek to Phakding (2,610 meters). The trek typically takes about 3-4 hours (8 kilometers). The path follows the Dudh Koshi River, and along the way, you’ll pass through small Sherpa villages and enjoy lush forests.
• Stay Overnight in Phakding: Phakding is a small village that will serve as your first overnight stop. You will stay in a lodge with basic amenities but cozy surroundings. It’s a good time to start adjusting to the altitude and the rhythm of trekking in the Himalayas.

Day 2-3: Phakding to Namche Bazaar

• Trek to Namche Bazaar: On Day 2, you will embark on a 6-hour trek to Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters), which is located at the foot of the towering peaks of the Himalayas. The trek covers around 11 kilometers, and you’ll begin to feel the effects of the altitude as you ascend. The route involves several steep uphill sections, crossing suspension bridges, and passing through small settlements.
  

  Image/Nepal Tourism Board

• Arrive in Namche Bazaar: Namche Bazaar is the largest village in the Khumbu region and serves as a gateway to Mount Everest. It is a vital rest stop for climbers, where you’ll find a variety of lodges, restaurants, and shops. Namche is known for its market and as a trading hub for the region’s Sherpa community.
• Acclimatization in Namche: Spend two nights in Namche to acclimatize to the high altitude. On the second day, take a short hike up to the Everest View Hotel for spectacular views of Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. It’s essential to let your body adjust to the elevation before continuing further up.
• Explore Local Culture: While in Namche, take time to learn about Sherpa culture and visit the local museums. The Sherpas are known for their resilience in the mountains, and their role as guides and porters has been critical to the success of many Everest expeditions.

Day 4: Namche to Tengboche

• Trek to Tengboche: On Day 4, after breakfast, you will trek for about 5 hours (11 kilometers) to reach Tengboche (3,860 meters). The trek is relatively moderate, though there are some ascents and descents along the way. You will pass through dense forests of pine and rhododendron trees, and the views of the surrounding mountains will continue to awe you.
  

  Image/Nepal Tourism Board

• Visit Tengboche Monastery: The highlight of the day is reaching the Tengboche Monastery, one of the most significant monasteries in the Khumbu region. It sits on a hill with breathtaking views of Everest, Lhotse, and Ama Dablam. The monastery offers spiritual solace, and many climbers stop here to offer prayers before proceeding to the higher camps.
• Overnight in Tengboche: Stay at a lodge in Tengboche, a serene and tranquil place to rest after a long day of trekking.

Day 5: Tengboche to Dingboche

• Trek to Dingboche: From Tengboche, you will continue your trek towards Dingboche (4,250 meters), which takes around 5-6 hours (12 kilometers). Dingboche is located in the Imja Valley and is known for its stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
• Scenic Views: The path will bring you along scenic ridgelines with views of peaks like Ama Dablam, which is one of the most photographed mountains in the Himalayas. You’ll also notice the landscape becoming more barren as you get closer to the high-altitude regions.
• Rest and Acclimatization: Dingboche is another crucial acclimatization stop for climbers, where you’ll spend a night. Here, the effects of altitude can start to be felt more acutely, so it’s important to take it easy and allow your body to adjust.

Day 6-7: Dingboche to Lobuche

• Trek to Lobuche: On Day 6, you will continue your trek towards Lobuche (4,930 meters). This section of the trek takes approximately 5-6 hours (12 kilometers). Lobuche is a small settlement, but it sits at the foot of the Lobuche Peak and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain range.
• Acclimatization: Spend a second day in Lobuche for acclimatization. During this time, it’s important to rest and hydrate while preparing for the final push towards Everest Base Camp. You may also do a short acclimatization hike to a higher altitude before returning to Lobuche.
• Mental Preparation: This is also the time to mentally prepare for the challenging section that lies ahead, particularly the final stretch to Everest Base Camp.

Day 8: Lobuche to Everest Base Camp

• Trek to Everest Base Camp: The trek from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters) is one of the most significant and exciting parts of the journey. The trek is long (about 15 kilometers) and challenging, lasting around 7-8 hours. Along the way, you’ll pass through the iconic Khumbu Glacier and get your first glimpses of the massive icefall that climbers must ascend to reach Camp 1.
• Arrive at Base Camp: Reaching Everest Base Camp is an emotional moment for many climbers. The camp is usually crowded with teams preparing for their summit attempt, and you will have time to rest and observe the activities around you. From Base Camp, you can see the Khumbu Icefall and the vast glaciers that surround it.
• Rest and Wait: Climbers typically spend several days at Base Camp to acclimatize to the altitude before making the final ascent to the summit. During this time, you’ll also prepare your gear and check your equipment for the final climb.

Climbers progress through a series of camps:

• Camp 1 (6,050 meters): The ascent starts through the perilous Khumbu Icefall, a section that’s notorious for its shifting ice blocks and crevasses. It is a delicate and dangerous climb, requiring ice axes and crampons.
• Camp 2 (6,500 meters): After crossing the Icefall, climbers move to Camp 2, situated on the western shoulder of Lhotse. This camp is often used as a resting point, and climbers spend several nights here for acclimatization.
• Camp 3 (7,200 meters): Camp 3 sits on the steep face of Lhotse. The climb to this camp is physically demanding, as it involves traversing through steep rock faces and glaciers. This is one of the most technical sections of the climb, requiring excellent mountaineering skills.
• Camp 4 (South Col) (7,900 meters): The final high camp before the summit push, located in the South Col between Everest and Lhotse. It’s here that climbers rest, prepare for the summit, and use supplemental oxygen. The summit bid is usually planned for the next day.
• The Hillary Step (8,790 meters): One of the most difficult parts of the climb, the Hillary Step is a nearly vertical rock face that climbers must ascend to reach the summit. After the 2015 earthquake, the step has been somewhat altered, but it remains a key challenge.
• Summit of Everest (8,848 meters): Reaching the summit is a moment of unparalleled triumph. From the top, climbers are rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding peaks, including Makalu, Lhotse, Cho-Oyu, and Kanchenjunga. The summit offers a rarefied atmosphere and an overwhelming sense of achievement.

 Here are some of the major world records on Mt. Everest

1921: The first Mount Everest Expedition was undertaken, led by Col. Charles Kenneth Howard-Bury. The expedition incorporated a Nepali surveyor, Lal Bir Thapa, under the survey team of Edward Oliver Wheeler.

1953: The first summit on May 29 by Mr. Tenzing Norgay of Nepal and Sir Edmund Percival Hillary of New Zealand via the South-East Ridge Route (Lhotse face is to the South-East Ridge).

1965: Mr. Nawang Gombu Sherpa, on May 20, became the first person to summit Everest twice. Both of his summits were via the South-East Ridge. He was a member of the American Everest Expedition and later of the First Indian Everest Expedition. Out of the first 17 summits of Everest, Nawang achieved two.

1975: Ms. Junko Tabei of Japan, on May 16, became the first woman to reach the summit via the South-East Ridge.

1978: The first ascent without bottled oxygen was completed by Mr. Peter Habeler of Austria and Reinhold Messner of Italy on May 8 via the South-East Ridge.

1980: The first winter ascent was achieved by Mr. Krzysztof Wielicki and Mr. Leszek Cichy of Poland on February 17.

1988: The first ascent by a woman without oxygen was accomplished by Ms. Lydia Bradey of New Zealand on October 14.

1990:

• The first married couple, Mr. Andrej and Mrs. Marija Štremfelj of Slovenia, summited together on October 7. Marija also became the first Slovenian woman to summit Everest.
• The first father-and-son duo, Mr. Jean Noel Roche and his son Roche Bertrand (Zebulon), summited together. They descended from the South Col on a tandem paraglider, landing at base camp on October 7. Roche Bertrand, aged 17, became the youngest non-Nepalese climber to summit Everest.

1992: The first two brothers, Mr. Alberto and Mr. Felix Iñurrategui, reached the summit together on September 25.

1993: Pasang Lhamu Sherpa became the first Nepalese woman to summit Everest but tragically died descending on April 23.

1998: Mr. Thomas Whittaker of the USA became the first person with an artificial leg to climb Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest).

2000:

• Mr. Babu Chhiri Sherpa of Nepal spent over 21 hours on the summit without oxygen and became the first and only climber to sleep on the summit on May 21.
• Miss Lhakpa Sherpa of Nepal became the second Nepalese woman to successfully summit Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) on May 18.
• Mr. Davo Karničar completed the first ski descent.
• Miss Pemba Doma Sherpa became the third Nepalese woman to summit Everest and the first to climb it from both sides. She first climbed Everest from the north side on May 29.

2001:

• Mr. Temba Chiring Sherpa (aged 16) of Nepal became the youngest mountaineer to summit Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) from the north side on May 23.
• Mr. Erik Weihenmayer of the USA became the first blind person to summit Everest on May 25.

2002: Miss Pemba Doma Sherpa summited from the south side on May 16.

2003:

• Mr. Ang Chhiring Sherpa of Nepal, a journalist from Kantipur Daily, successfully climbed Everest on May 22, becoming the first Nepalese journalist to reach the summit.
• Mr. Lakpa Gelu Sherpa set the fastest ascent record of 10 hours, 56 minutes, and 46 seconds on May 26.
• Three brothers—Mr. Lakpa Gelu Sherpa, Mr. Da Nuru Sherpa, and Mr. Jangbu Sherpa—summited Everest together on May 26.

2004: Mr. Pemba Dorjee Sherpa of Nepal set a new record for the fastest climb from Base Camp to the summit in 8 hours and 10 minutes on May 21.

2005: Ms. Moni Mulepati (24 years) and Mr. Pem Dorjee (23 years) of Nepal were married at the summit on May 30.

2006: Mr. Lakpa Tharke Sherpa (25 years) of Solukhumbu climbed Everest and briefly exposed his upper body at the summit despite temperatures of minus 40 degrees Celsius.

2007: Seven brothers from the same family, the Sherpas, achieved the unique record of all summiting Everest at least once.

2008:

• Mr. Appa Sherpa summited Everest for the 18th time on May 22.
• Mr. Min Bahadur Sherchan, at 76 years and 11 months, became the oldest climber on May 5.
• The First Inclusive Women’s Sagarmatha Expedition succeeded in summiting Everest.
• On May 22, 135 climbers reached the summit, setting a new record for the highest number of summits in a single day.

2010: Mr. Appa Sherpa achieved his 21st summit on May 11.

2011: Nine Nepalese civil servants summited Everest as part of the Nepal Civil Servants Everest Expedition, led by Secretary Lilamani Paudel, on May 18.

2019:

• On May 22 and 23, a record 223 and 212 climbers reached the summit, respectively.
• The Sagarmatha Height Measurement Expedition, led by Chief Survey Officer Khim Lal Gautam, summited Everest on May 22. Gautam became the first surveyor to summit twice and installed equipment for height measurement.
• Mr. Nirmal Purja climbed all 14 peaks above 8,000 meters in 6 months and 6 days.

2020: On December 8, Nepal and China jointly announced the new height of Sagarmatha as 8,848.86 meters.

2022: Mr. Kami Rita Sherpa summited Everest for the 26th time on May 15.

2024:

• Mr. Kami Rita Sherpa scaled Everest for the 30th time on May 22.
• Mrs. Phunjo Jhangmu Lama set the fastest female ascent record of 14 hours and 31 minutes on May 23.
• Ms. Purnima Shrestha summited three times in May.