Mount Everest Expedition FAQS

Q. How High is Mount Everest?

Ans.  It is 8848.86 m / 29032ft.

In 1954, the Survey of India measured Mount Everest's height, establishing it at 8848 meters above sea level. This measurement became globally accepted. However, China disputed this, claiming Everest's height to be 8844 meters. In 1999, a US team sponsored by the National Geographic Society measured it at 8850 meters.

Following the 2015 earthquake, there was renewed interest in determining Everest's precise height. In 2020, after joint efforts by China and Nepal, the new official height was confirmed at 8848.86 meters above sea level, marking an increase of 86 centimeters from the previous measurement. This collaborative effort resolved the longstanding debate over Everest's exact height.

Q. How long does it take to climb Everest?

Ans.  Around 60 Days.

Climbing Mount Everest typically takes around two months or slightly more, involving time for preparation, trekking to the base camp from Lukla, acclimatization to high altitudes, and reaching the summit. Acclimatization at different elevations is crucial for a successful climb, with several days spent at various camps before attempting the summit.

Outward Adventure Treks' Everest expedition itinerary spans 60 days, with climbing activities starting on day 14 and ending on day 54. The journey begins with arrival and preparation days in Kathmandu, followed by trekking to the base camp and acclimatization at different camps before the summit push. The return journey starts on day 58 back to Kathmandu and concludes on day 60.

Different agencies offer Everest expeditions ranging from 50 to 70 days, emphasizing the importance of experience, expertise, mental toughness, and physical strength for a successful climb. The expedition involves acclimatization at various camps like Camp I, Camp II, Camp III, and Camp IV before the final ascent to the summit.

Q. What roles do the Sherpas play during the Everest Expedition?

Ans. Sherpas play a crucial role in mountain climbing, providing invaluable support throughout the expedition. They are responsible for fixing ropes, carrying heavy loads, and undertaking various challenging tasks. Cooks stationed at different camps ensure climbers are well-fed by melting snow and managing supplies at Base Camp and higher altitudes.

Additionally, they assist in setting up and dismantling tents, ensuring climbers are properly equipped for the summit attempt. During the climb, Sherpas take charge of critical tasks like checking gear, assisting with oxygen, and monitoring climbers' safety.

Their presence is essential for a successful ascent, as they offer vital assistance and support throughout the expedition. Climbing Everest without Sherpa assistance is an incredibly daunting task due to its indispensable role in ensuring climbers' safety and success.

Q. When is the best time for the Everest Expedition?

Ans. Spring (March to May)

Mount Everest presents varying weather conditions throughout the year, making it crucial to plan your climb during optimal times for a successful ascent. The best times to climb Mt. Everest are during the spring season, particularly in April and May when the peak is mostly clear and visible with favorable temperatures.

Outside of this season, Mt. Everest remains cold and challenging to the summit. The weather at Everest is extreme, with temperatures rarely rising above freezing throughout the year. The coldest months are from December to February, while the warmest temperatures are in July and August.

During spring temperatures remain favorable with clear skies and good visibility of the summit. It is an ideal time for climbing with bearable temperatures even at high altitudes.  In summary, planning your climb during the spring months of April and May increases your chances of success due to better weather conditions and visibility at Mt. Everest.

Q.  How old is Mt Everest?

Ans: 60 Million Years Old.

Mount Everest's age is a topic of geological interest, with estimates varying. Geologists suggest that Mount Everest is around 60 million years old, dating back to the time when the Himalayas were formed due to the collision of the Eurasian Plate and Indian Plate. Evidence of marine fossils found on Everest indicates that the mountain was once under the ocean, with limestone and sandstone on the summit estimated to be approximately 450 million years old.

The geological age of Mount Everest is believed to be around 500 million years, with multiple layers of rock, including metamorphic rocks at lower elevations and sedimentary rocks at higher elevations originating from ancient marine sea beds of the Tethys Sea.

The collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates that formed the Himalayas began around 50-60 million years ago, during the Eocene Epoch, leading to the creation of the Himalayan range and Tibetan Plateau. This ongoing collision continues to impact Everest's height, with an estimated average uplift of about 10 millimeters per year in certain sections of the range.

Despite being Earth's highest mountain above sea level, Mount Everest is not considered the tallest mountain when measured from base to summit. Mauna Kea in Hawaii holds this title, with much of its height submerged below sea level, making it taller than Everest when measured from base to summit.

Q. What sort of insurance is needed to climb Everest?

Ans. You need to get your insurance in your homeland as it is not available in Nepal. Our valued guests must be protected against inclusive expenses likely to incur due to health issues, accidents, flight cancelation, or trip cancelation (due to pandemic, political riots, or natural calamities), to join any of our trips. The coverage provided can vary depending on the travel package selected.

Thus it is important to carefully review the terms and conditions of your chosen insurance plan to understand the specific coverage provided for incidental trips and end-of-trip scenarios. Additionally, considering options like expatriate health insurance for longer stays in your home country post-travel can ensure continuous health coverage.

Q. Is climbing Mt. Everest suitable for me?

Ans: Yes. If you are physically fit, mentally prepared, and emotionally strong.

Climbing a Himalayan peak that stands at 8000m or above represents a profoundly demanding physical challenge, yet it remains the ultimate pursuit in mountaineering. Reaching the summit of such towering heights undoubtedly ranks among life's most gratifying experiences.

The arduous ascent, navigating steep snow-climbing and icy obstacles, entices climbers to push their limits, refine their skills, and grow as mountaineers. Contemplating an expedition to Mt. Everest necessitates introspection and honesty regarding one's physical fitness, technical proficiency in handling rugged terrains, and mental resilience to endure the harsh conditions at high altitudes.

Achieving success on Mt. Everest demands an exceptional level of physical stamina and a track record of conquering lesser peaks like a 6000-er, a 7000-er, or even an 8000-er before venturing towards the highest summit. Prior experiences on mountains such as Mt. Cho Oyu, Mt. Shishapangma, or Mt. Manaslu are highly recommended as ideal preparation steps before embarking on the formidable challenge of scaling Mt. Everest.

Q. Is life possible in the Everest?

NO.

Surprisingly, life thrives below 6,700 meters on Mount Everest, with unique species like the Himalayan Jumping Spider found at high altitudes. This small and toxic spider is the highest known permanent resident on Earth, showcasing nature's resilience in extreme conditions. Other animals like the Snow Leopard, Himalayan Tahr, and Himalayan Yak can be spotted below 6,000 meters.

Gorakshep, situated at 5,167 meters, serves as the highest human settlement on Everest. However, the summit of Mount Everest remains devoid of life due to harsh weather conditions, lack of oxygen, and freezing temperatures below -20°C. The region above 8,000 meters on Everest is known as the "Death Zone" due to extremely low oxygen levels, making it challenging for life to survive without supplemental oxygen.

Despite the harsh environment at the summit, climbers have reported sightings of bar-headed geese flying over Everest's peak and other bird species at high altitudes. Yaks are commonly used to haul gear for Everest climbs due to their ability to carry heavy loads in such extreme conditions. The geological history of Mount Everest dates back around 60 million years when the Himalayas were formed due to tectonic plate collisions.

The mountain continues to rise gradually by about 40 centimeters per century due to geological processes. The vegetation in the Everest region has been expanding over the years, with researchers discovering plant life in areas previously considered barren. In conclusion, while the summit of Mount Everest remains inhospitable for life, the lower altitudes support a variety of unique species that have adapted to survive in one of the harshest environments on Earth.

Q. Is Mount Everest Safe to Climb?

Ans. Climbing Mount Everest poses various dangers due to freezing temperatures, high altitude, and wild storms. The risks faced by climbers include avalanches, falling rocks/ice, danger when crossing the Khumbu Icefall, hypothermia, falls, severe fatigue, and illness from low oxygen levels.

Altitude sickness is a significant concern due to low oxygen availability at high altitudes, leading to conditions like acute mountain sickness, high-altitude pulmonary edema, and high-altitude cerebral edema. Oxygen deprivation above 8,000m can impair cognitive function and lead to brain cell damage. Climbers also face challenges like overcrowding, substandard mountaineering management, climate change impacting glacier stability, and the dangers of slippery ice and subzero temperatures.

Despite these risks, advancements in climbing gear and communication technology have increased the success rate of climbers from 18% to 56% over the past decades. Cell service availability allows for two-way communication, enhancing safety during climbs. However, overcrowding remains a significant issue on Everest expeditions, affecting climbers' safety and causing fatigue and disorientation among climbers.

In conclusion, while climbing Mount Everest has become safer with improved gear and communication options, climbers still need to prioritize physical training, equipment preparation, and weather awareness to mitigate the inherent dangers of this challenging ascent.

Q. What is the average age of the Mount Everest Expedition?

Ans. Oxygen is crucial for human survival, especially at high altitudes where its levels drop significantly. Climbers, particularly those ascending above 7,000 meters, require supplemental oxygen due to the decreased oxygen levels. The Nepal National Mountain Guide Association emphasizes the necessity of oxygen for climbers, with each climber using an average of 7 bottles during their ascent and descent.

The association has highlighted that at altitudes above 7,300 meters, oxygen becomes essential for climbers to prevent health risks associated with low oxygen levels. The human body relies on oxygen to function properly, as it plays a vital role in oxidizing food and releasing energy for bodily functions. When oxygen levels decrease, individuals may experience heavy breathing, and headaches, and in severe cases, it can lead to brain and heart malfunctions.

At high altitudes like Everest where oxygen levels are significantly lower than at sea level, climbers face challenges due to the reduced availability of oxygen. Sherpas, however, exhibit remarkable abilities at high altitudes without the need for excessive red blood cell production like lowlanders. Studies have shown that Sherpas' muscle cells are more efficient in converting oxygen into energy compared to lowlanders, allowing them to perform better in low-oxygen environments.

Q. How much does Expedition Everest cost?

Ans. There are two routes to climb Mt. Everest; North from China and South from Nepal. The price for climbing Everest varies according to the company, service chosen and so forth. Including all the services from lodging, food, and others it costs around 45000 if you choose from the southern route. Choosing from the northern side is a bit cheaper but always unpredictable; there is the problem of visa, and other logistics choosing from there.

Q. Why is Expedition Everest so expensive?

Ans. The cost of a Mount Everest mountaineering expedition varies significantly depending on the guiding service chosen, travel expenses, permits, and insurance requirements, as well as supplies and gear needed for the climb. Climbers must consider these factors carefully when planning for such an expedition.

Four main factors contribute to the pricing of a Mount Everest mountaineering expedition: type of guide, travel, permits and insurance, and supplies and gear. There are two types of guiding services usually offered for Mount Everest expeditions: all-inclusive or logistics only.

Q. Can you do Everest without Sherpas?

Ans. Climbing Everest without Sherpas is indeed possible, although challenging. The assistance of Sherpas is crucial due to the support they provide in terms of safety, cooking, gear carrying, and overall assistance during the climb. While climbing Everest without oxygen is a difficult challenge that not every climber can achieve, some have succeeded in reaching the summit without supplemental oxygen, such as Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler in 1978, Sherpas, like Ang Rita Sherpa, have also climbed Everest multiple times without using supplementary oxygen.

The importance of Sherpas in Everest expeditions is highlighted by their physical fitness and expertise in navigating the challenging terrain at high altitudes. Climbers planning to ascend Everest are required by Nepalese law to engage a native Sherpa guide for their expedition.

Despite the risks involved, climbing Everest without Sherpas is feasible for those who are well-prepared and experienced climbers like David Goettler, who summited Everest without Sherpa support by carrying his gear up and down the mountain. In conclusion, while it is possible to climb Everest without the assistance of Sherpas, their expertise and support greatly enhance the safety and success rate of such expeditions.