MOUNT EVEREST

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I have always had a fascination with Mount Everest which is the world’s highest mountain above the mean sea level at (29,029 ft).   I have done some climbing in Colorado and always had the unreachable dream of climbing Everest.

The highest mountain in the world attracts many well-experienced mountaineers as well as novice climbers who are willing to pay substantial sums to professional mountain guides to complete a successful climb. The mountain, while not posing substantial technical climbing difficulty on the standard route still has many inherent dangers such as altitude sickness, weather and wind.  Being without substantial sums of money and also an ex-smoker, Everest just had to remain a dream.

You will need plenty of money for even a low-budget trip costs around $25,000 with some guided package trips rising to as much as $60,000.  $10,000 of any budget for Everest goes to permits alone – the rest is for travel, food, oxygen, equipment, insurance as well as fees for a good Sherpa.  Most serious climbers approach corporations for sponsorship deals to cover their expenses.

Mt. Everest has two main climbing routes, the southeast ridge from Nepal and the northeast ridge from Tibet, as well as many others less frequently climbed routes. Of the two main routes, the southeast ridge is technically easier and is the more frequently used route. It is the first recognized of fifteen routes to the top.

Most attempts to get to the top of Everest are made in April-May because these months have the most days of good weather.  So that is what has sparked my interest to write this article as we are quickly approaching this year’s Everest climbing season.

There is a great website sponsored by the Discovery Channel, Everest Beyond the Limit where an armchair climber can experience an expedition to Everest as never before with excellent videos.  I highly recommend it for further information on Mount Everest – the highest point in the world.

Related Articles

• Mount Everest: Then and Now (theatlantic.com)
• Conquering Your Mount Everest (wealthartisan.com)
• Learn About Mount Everest in 3D (freetech4teachers.com)
• The Rainbow Clouds of Everest (morfis.wordpress.com)
• Update on Everest 2010 (adventuretravelers.org)