Hundreds of well-trained mountaineers spend weeks acquiring required gear, acclimatising or simply waiting for good weather.
Since Tenzing Norway and Edmund Hilary climbed Mount Everest in 1953, climbing to the highest point on Earth has changed significantly. Due to the advancements in technology and knowledge sharing, hundreds of individuals are daring to reach the summit each year. These individuals are supported by a vast network of commercial guides and the infrastructure needed to make the trip up the mountain risky but a rewarding experience. Hundreds of well trained mountaineers spend weeks acquiring required gear, acclimatising or simply waiting for good weather.
The hostile environment and topography that mountaineers face
Due to the high air pressure at the summit of Mount Everest, which is around one-third of the sea level's air pressure, the body is unable to breathe in enough oxygen.
Moreover, as the altitude increases, the body's oxygen supply falls. This has led to an increase in the risk of various ailments, such as blood clots and pulmonary edema. In addition, frostbite is also more likely to occur due to the increased effort by lungs to deliver oxygen to the body.
How long does it take to reach the summit
The best time to reach the summit of Mount Everest is usually in the second half of May. However, preparations for the trek start months before the actual climbing season. Most teams arrive in Kathmandu in late March to start with being familiar with the weather. As they prepare for the trip, their high-altitude staff members and support personnel carry loads and prepare the route for ascend.
By the second week in May, most teams have established a trail that will lead them to the summit from the well-stocked base camps. If all goes well, most of the expedition participants leave the mountain by June.
How dangerous is the climb now
The number of people dying while climbing Mount Everest has decreased significantly over the years due to the development of better equipment and the increasing number of commercial expeditions on the mountain. The overall death rate on the mountain is around 1.2 percent, which means that if you try to climb the mountain, your chances of dying is one in a hundred.
How does the Mt.Everest summit look like
The summit of Mount Everest is a dome of snow just about the size of a dining table. It's also a great vantage point for people to enjoy the view from the top of the world. However, as thesummit get crowded, on busy days, most of the expedition participants have to take turns to stand on top of the mountain
