Conquering the Roof of the World: Scaling Mount Everest’s Majestic Peak

Mount Everest

Mount Everest, also known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan, is the highest
peak the Earth surface. Rising majestically in the Himalayas, it stands at an awe-inspiring height
of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level. This colossal mountain is located on the
border between Nepal and China's Tibet Autonomous Region.
The allure of Mount Everest lies not only in its staggering height but also in its challenging and
treacherous terrain. The mountain is surrounded by an unforgiving landscape of ice, snow, and
rock, making it a formidable and daunting challenge for climbers from around the world.
The base of Mount Everest is enveloped by lush greenery and picturesque valleys, creating a
stark contrast to the icy heights that tower above. As climbers begin their ascent, they encounter
various camps strategically placed at different elevations to aid their acclimatization and rest
during the expedition.
Climbing Mount Everest requires months of preparation and a high level of physical and mental
endurance. The journey to the summit demands facing extreme weather conditions, strong winds,
freezing temperatures, and low oxygen levels, which add to the risks and complexities of the
climb.
The summit of Mount Everest, known as the "roof of the world," offers a breathtaking panoramic
view that stretches for miles in all directions. The sense of accomplishment and triumph that
climbers experience upon reaching the summit is unparalleled, making it a coveted achievement
among mountaineers.
However, Mount Everest also bears the solemn reminders of the challenges it presents. Over the
years, many climbers have lost their lives while attempting the climb, turning the mountain into a
sacred resting place for those who dared to conquer its heights.
Despite its challenges, Mount Everest continues to draw adventurers, explorers, and climbers
who are driven by the quest for human endurance, the thrill of exploration, and the desire to
stand atop the world's highest point.
As a symbol of nature's grandeur and human determination, Mount Everest remains an iconic
and legendary peak, inspiring countless individuals with its sheer majesty and allure.
The Mount Everest expedition starts from Kathmandu. The journey begins with a flight from
Kathmandu to Lukla. Lukla serves as the entry point to Sagarmatha, and the airport there is
considered the gateway to Mount Everest. From Lukla, the trekkers continue on foot. It takes
about 9 days for trekkers to reach the Everest Base Camp from Lukla. The first day of the
journey involves a three-hour walk to Phakding from Lukla. Phakding is situated at an altitude of
approximately 2,800 meters.

On the second day, we will trek from Phakding to Namche. Namche Bazaar is situated at an
altitude of 3,400 meters, which is approximately 34 kilometers above sea level. It takes about 6
hours to walk the 11-kilometer distance from Phakding to Namche Bazaar. Namche Bazaar is
often compared to Thamel which is named as "Mini Thamel."
We will take a rest day in Namche. Resting is essential to acclimatize to the higher altitude. After
gaining a thousand meters of elevation each day, it is good to take a rest. Therefore, we will
spend two nights in Namche to acclimatize properly.
On the fourth day, we will begin the journey towards Tengboche. The trek from Namche to
Tengboche is about 11 kilometers, and it takes approximately 5 hours to reach there. Tengboche
is situated at an altitude of 3,860 meters. On the fifth day, we will continue the journey to
Dingboche, which is about 12 kilometers away from Tengboche. It takes about 5 hours of
walking to reach Dingboche, which is located at an altitude of 4,410 meters. From Dingboche, it
takes 5 hours to walk the 11 kilometers to reach Dughla. Dughla is situated at an altitude of
4,600 meters. The total elevation gain from Namche to Dughla is approximately 38 meters.
On the sixth day, we will continue the trek to Lobuche. Lobuche is about 10 kilometers away
from Dughla. It takes around 5 hours to walk to Lobuche, which is situated at an altitude of
4,940 meters. We will spend two nights in Lobuche to acclimatize properly.
On the eighth day, we will head towards Gorak Shep, which is about 3 kilometers away from
Lobuche. Gorak Shep is situated at an altitude of 5,164 meters. From Gorak Shep, we will finally
trek to the Everest Base Camp, which is located at an altitude of 5,364 meters. The total distance
from Lobuche to Everest Base Camp is about 4 kilometers.
After reaching the Everest Base Camp, we will start the descent back to Lukla through the same
route. The entire expedition usually takes about 16 to 18 days, depending on the pace and rest
days. The journey to Lobuche takes around four to nine days. Lobuche is located at an altitude of
4,900 meters. Here, climbers also spend two nights to acclimatize properly. This place serves as
a base camp for climbers practicing to ascend the higher Himalayan peaks, some reaching as
high as 6,119 meters for acclimatization purposes before attempting to climb Mount Everest.
To reach the Everest Base Camp, which is around 15 kilometers away from Lobuche, it takes
about 8 hours of trekking. The Everest Base Camp is the starting point for climbing Mount
Everest. During the climbing season, there are about two thousand people at the base camp. The
base camp looks colorful with all the tents pitched there. Climbers usually rest in the base camp
for about a week.

On the way to Everest Base Camp, there is a tradition of making a Kshama Puja, asking for
forgiveness, and receiving blessings from the Lama for a successful ascent. Moreover, it is
essential to purify water before drinking it, and in some places, climbers have to dig a hole in the
snow to build a camp. Camp two and beyond are established by the Sherpas from the Icefall

Doctors' team, belonging to the SPCC (Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee). Climbers'
teams then further mark the trail and fix ropes with the assistance of these Sherpas, allowing
other climbers to attempt the ascent. The first camp is located at an altitude of 6,100 meters. To
reach Khumbu Icefall, one has to walk from the Everest Base Camp, which takes around 3 to 5
hours and covers a distance of approximately 4 kilometers. The path from Banggotinggo, Ubda
Khapda, and Nagbeli is quite challenging, with steep climbs. Khumbu Icefall is considered one
of the most dangerous sections of the climb, and climbers have to navigate through crevasses and
unstable ice formations. They need to use fixed ropes and ladders to cross some of the
treacherous sections.

The path from Camp One to Camp Two is relatively easier. From Camp Two to Camp Three, the
distance is around three kilometers. The path becomes even more challenging, with steeper
ascents, and climbers need to take extra precautions due to the risk of altitude sickness camp.
Three is at an altitude of 7,300 meters, and climbers have to camp in the thin air, as it is a critical
location for their acclimatization process. During the journey to Camp Four, climbers also need
to use oxygen support. The climbers have already attached the oxygen cylinders to themselves.
The distance to Camp Four is estimated to be around three kilometers, and it takes about 6 hours
to ascend that distance. As they go higher, breathing becomes challenging without supplemental
oxygen. That's why climbers use oxygen from the fourth camp onwards.

Camp Four is a relatively comfortable place. From there, the route to the South Col is decided. It
is about 7,900 meters away and reached in the afternoon. Climbers start climbing from Camp
Four to Chuchuro in the early morning, usually around 9 to 11 AM, which is the most suitable
time. After resting for some time in Camp Four, climbers set out for Chuchuro between 9 and 10
AM. From there, it takes about 16 to 18 hours to reach the summit of Mount Everest. The body
gets exhausted during this phase, so climbers need to use supplementary oxygen. Oxygen is
essential for climbers above this point.

From Camp Four, climbers start using supplemental oxygen to cope with the thin air and
decreasing oxygen levels at higher altitudes. The climbers' summit attempt usually starts during
the late evening or early morning hours to take advantage of stable weather conditions and to
return to a lower elevation before the weather worsens during the afternoon. Climbers must
carefully pace themselves during this critical phase of the climb to conserve energy and ensure a
safe ascent. From Camp Four, the location above all other camp is called the "Balcony" and
"Hillary Step." Climbers who had left early in the morning from Camp Four reach Chuchuro as
the morning light shines. After reaching Chuchuro, they experience happiness, excitement,
enthusiasm, and emotion all at once. In Chuchuro, around 10 to 15 people gather at one place.
From Chuchuro, you can see Cho Oyu and Makalu Himal nearby. When the weather is clear in
Chuchuro, you can see frozen ices filled with snow. Some people call this "Papkona," while
others compare it to a silver flower. After spending about 10 to 15 minutes in Chuchuro,
climbers return. On that day, the climbers stay at Camp Four. Some climbers even reach the
second camp.

Climbing from Chuchuro to Camp Four and Camp Four to Camp Three takes two to four days.
However, descending can be quicker than climbing. When descending, you should be careful,
especially when crossing waterfalls. While descending, the deeper you go, the easier it becomes.
Orlanda, a location during the descent, has a higher probability of fatalities due to climbers'
fatigue.
After completing the expedition and returning to Kathmandu, climbers need to submit the photos
taken in Chuchuro to the Tourism Department to confirm their ascent. Only then does the Nepali
government provide the official certificate for successfully climbing Mount Everest.