Yes, climbing Mount Everest in 2024 is worth experiencing for the ultimate adventure and several other good reasons. As the highest mountain peak in the world at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet), reaching the top can even be a challenge for experienced climbers. Although the journey possesses some difficulties, the sense of accomplishment and the unparalleled views from the top make it all worth it.
Located in the Khumbu region, the peak stands right between the border of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. It is in the Mahalangur range and situated in the Sagarmatha National Park of Nepal, a UNESCO world heritage site. Considered one of the best geographical wonders to explore, the mountain also holds religious and cultural significance among the local Sherpa people.
Climbing the highest peak is not necessarily the act of getting to the top of a mountain but also about experiencing the unique features and embracing the challenges, making your journey extraordinary. The Everest Base Camp Trek alone offers you breathtaking scenery with deep valleys, Khumbu icefall, and ancient glaciers. As ascending above for EBC, the challenges start to increase with increased altitude, unpredictable weather, and the steep, icy, and snowy route.
Table of Contents
Pros of climbing Mt. Everest Expedition
Sense of Achievement
Wondering what can be the major reason for you to take the challenge of mountaineering to the highest peak? Upon reaching the top, the sense of achievement you get is indescribable. Standing at the top of the tallest mountain above sea level and conquering more than 8000 meters of the journey is not a cup of tea for every individual.
The sense of pride you get from climbing Mount Everest is unparalleled, as your name will be listed among the few people accomplishing this journey. Just imagine your name along with legends like Sir Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay, and others who have conquered the peak. Isn’t it worth giving a shot? Achievement is not about making it to the top, but it also reflects your ability to conquer your fears, doubts, and limitations.
As considered to be challenging, the climb towards Everest will push you beyond your limits. Each step you take to reach the summit of Everest showcases your ability to overcome obstacles, and the motivation you get throughout the journey helps you get it through. Very often in life, you may not know what you are capable of until you are forced to go for it.
Fitness Increment
Do you know that climbing Mount Everest will also help you with your physical strength level? Climbing the tallest mountain definitely requires a good fitness level. Thus it is essential for you to engage yourself in continuous preparation. For this, you will indulge yourself in intense training sessions and work on cardiovascular endurance, muscular strength, flexibility, and balance.
Your session also includes long hours of hiking, weightlifting, and other activities. This will help to push your body to its limits. It is very essential for you to do this prior to 1 year of your climbing to Everest mountain. Continuous exercise and continuous training will definitely help you in increasing your stamina and strength.
You will also notice changes and find yourself in the best shape of your life. Furthermore, the climb requires a healthier lifestyle. You will also focus on having the best dietary foods that offer proper nutrition to your body. Overall, your involvement in continuous exercise and having a balanced diet food will definitely help in increasing the fitness level of your body.
Life-Changing Experience
Climbing Mount Everest is not only an adventure; it is one of the most enlightening experiences you ever come across. The climb to the top of the world’s highest mountain is characterized by events that will challenge your character, strength, and determination. When climbing, you will face harsh weather, high altitude, and physical exhaustion. But these are also the moments that open a prospect for individual development and transformation.
The journey helps you to connect with nature in its raw and untouched form. Taking this trail, you will witness some of the breathtaking views and can also experience the tranquility of the mountains. Moving through it, you will also have a feeling of being connected to the world that surrounds you.
Additionally, the friendships and bonds you make, with the climbers and Nepali Sherpas aside, will be something that you will cherish. Climbing Mount Everest is one of the best things that can ever happen to a man as it alters how one looks at life. The struggles you go through and the accomplishments you make will offer you a fresh outlook on life.
Cons of climbing the Summit of Mt. Everest
Physical and Mental Challenges
Climbing Mount Everest is not for the faint of heart. The physical and mental barriers you will encounter are very real. The climb poses extreme physical fitness and endurance; thus, you need to be in good health and shape. You would be trekking for several hours a day, sometimes in very harsh weather conditions, at a higher altitude.
This in itself can result in a case of acute mountain sickness (AMS), which is associated with symptoms that include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and short breathlessness. The mental challenges are equally demanding. You will need to spend a total of two months time, in conditions, which can be hardly called comfortable.
The constantly low temperature, the threat of an avalanche, and the sheer exhaustion can take a toll on your mental health. You will have to endure and may even have to push, even when your body and mind are shouting for you to stop. The psychological demands of the climb are immense, and many climbers suffer from severe depression and anxiety or have hallucinations.
High Altitude Risks
Another major risk that is associated with climbing Mount Everest is the altitude level. Every time you climb higher, the air becomes thinner, and therefore, your body finds it difficult to get the required amount of oxygen. It can reach a point of hypoxia where your body tissues do not get oxygen and are unable to function. Lack of oxygen affects the brain, making you confused, unable to make sound judgments, or even loss of consciousness, which is fatal in the mountain.
Apart from hypoxia, it is also possible for you to experience altitude sickness. Some of its symptoms include headache, nausea, and vomiting. While at the extreme end of Altitude sickness, there is a chance for High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE). HAPE and HACE are a serious and potentially fatal condition that demands early descent and medical treatment.
The high altitude also puts a tremendous strain on your heart and lungs. Even the fittest climbers can struggle with the lack of oxygen, causing fatigue, shortness of breath, and an increased heart rate. The risks associated with high altitude cannot be underestimated. If you are climbing Mount Everest, the are significant factors you should consider.
High Cost
The two month expedition towards Mount Everest is definitely an expensive endeavor starting from $30,000. The cost of climbing permit fees, gear, guides, porters, and transportation can add up to tens of thousands of dollars. To complete this trek successfully, you will need to invest in specialized equipment, including high-quality boots, clothing, and climbing gear, which can be very costly.
Furthermore, to maintain safety and have the proper guidance throughout the trek, you should also hire an experienced guide and Sherpa, increasing the cost. The cost doesn’t stop there. You will also need to factor in the expenses of training, meals, and accommodation before and during the climb.
Many climbers spend years saving up for the opportunity to climb Everest, and the financial burden can be overwhelming. For some, the high cost is a barrier that makes climbing Everest unattainable. Even if you have enough money, the climb makes you think twice about whether the investment is worth it or not, along with the risks and challenges involved.
High Risk
Going to climb Mount Everest is an inherent risk. These are the severe conditions you can encounter, such as unpredictable weather with sudden storms and avalanches. Heavy injury or death may also occur because of the poor climatic conditions, altitude, and physical exertion that results from the climbing phase.
Many climbers have lost their lives while trying to scale the mountain. The route has some remains of those who never descended from the mountain. Well, the risks are not only of the kind that would involve physical harm. It also involves psychological harm and mental stress.
This can result in burnout, sleep deprivation, and loneliness, which can cause anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorders. The danger that comes with climbing Everest is something that every climber must seriously consider before they set off for the journey.
Conclusion
Climbing Mount Everest presents an experience of a lifetime and a worthwhile achievement with improved fitness. However, it comes with a number of physical, mental, and financial challenges. Furthermore, the high altitude for many days also inherent dangers.
However, whether the trip was an amazing experience or not definitely depends upon personal preferences, risk tolerance, and passion for mountaineering. No matter what your sense of worthiness is, upon reaching the summit of Mount Everest, the views you see are spectacular. If you want some thrill and adventure in your life, try considering climbing Mount Everest.
FAQs
How much does it cost to climb Mount Everest?
The cost to climb the mount Everest ranges between $30,000 and $100,000 or more. Several factors determine the overall cost of your trip. This includes the agency you opt for, trekking gear, your accommodation and meal plan, your itinerary, and your travel insurance. Make sure you budget properly before making your final cost plan.
What are the physical requirements for climbing Everest?
If you want to climb Everest, make sure you are physically fit to endure all the changes that come by. This includes strong muscles and flexibility in your body. For this, your training should incorporate hiking, weightlifting, and some cardiovascular training.
What is altitude sickness, and how can it be prevented?
Altitude sickness happens when your body doesn’t get enough oxygen up high. Some symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, or dizziness. To prevent it, you should slowly get used to the high altitude, stay hydrated, and avoid overdoing it. The perfect way to reduce the chance of altitude sickness is proper acclimatization.
How dangerous is climbing Mount Everest?
Climbing Everest is very dangerous. Some of the risks involved during the journey include avalanches, falls, and severe weather. The death rate is about 1% to 2%, so it’s a serious challenge. For safe completion of your journey, make sure you are well prepared and know about certain measures to follow when you encounter those challenges.
Can anyone climb Mount Everest?
Technically, anyone can try to climb Everest. But it can be one of the toughest journeys you can have in your life. The high involvement of risk factors increases the difficulty. To tackle this, you should be physically and mentally fit and have some prior climbing experience.
How long does it take to climb Mount Everest?
Technically, anyone can try to climb Everest. But it can be one of the toughest journeys you can have in your life. The high involvement of risk factors increases the difficulty. To tackle this, you should be physically and mentally fit and have some prior climbing experience.
What is the best time of year to climb Everest?
The best times to climb Everest are during the pre-monsoon season (April-May) or the post-monsoon season (September-October). During these times, the weather is more favorable, offering you a better chance of reaching the summit. For safety, make sure you check the weather conditions before planning your climb.
What kind of gear is needed to climb Everest?
If you are planning to climb Everest, your backpack should have proper gear and essentials. This includes high-quality clothing, boots, climbing harnesses, crampons, ice axes, and supplemental oxygen tanks. You will also need a high-altitude tent and sleeping bag for a night stay.
