Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth as measured by the height of its summit above sea level. The mountain, which is part of the Himalaya range in Asia is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet, China. There had been 3,050 ascents to the summit by 2,062 individuals.
Climbers range from experienced mountaineers to relative novices who count on their paid guides to get them to the top. This means climbers are a significant source of tourist revenue for Nepal.
There are great trekking tours available which is available to anyone who can walk for a few hours per day. These tours start in Nepal in Kathmandu and are very popular.
Mt Everest has an undeniable ability to seduce Explorers, Travellers and Climbers alike. With its breathtaking views and fascinating Sherpa people there is something for everyone to guarantee the experience of a lifetime.
Mt. Everest, so called after the first person to record its height, Sir George Everest, translates in Nepalese and Tibetan as Goddess in the Sky and Mother Goddess of the Universe, demonstrating the immense respect and reverence that the locals have for this awesome mountain. It is 29,029 feet high but it rises a few centimetres each year due to the huge geological forces acting on it.
The weather you will experience on Everest is extreme and rather unpredictable so it is best to be prepared for all eventualities. Spring is the high season for trekking, but warmer weather can mean there is a larger cloud cover, which obscures many of the fantastic views that are part of this once in a lifetime trek. For those willing to brave the colder temperatures of autumn and winter this is not such a problem.
A large problem on Everest is that as you reach higher altitudes the oxygen content of the air dramatically decreases. At 20,000 feet there is only half as much oxygen in the air as you are used to and by the summit oxygen is reduced to only a one third.
There are two times of year when conditions are most favourable for a trek to Everest Base Camp, either in the pre-monsoon springtime or the post monsoon autumn. Although, it is possible to join Treks that run almost all year round.
The main problem experienced on Everest is altitude Sickness, this is definitely something to take seriously and to take precautions against. There is no way of telling how it will affect you until you are at high altitude.
The easiest and most effective way to limit the effects of altitude sickness is by ascending the mountain slowly and giving your body time to acclimatise to the height. Above 10,000 feet (Base camp is at 17,500) you should aim not climb more than 1000 feet per day.
You also need to stay warm and conserve as much energy as possible, drink water and above all listen to what your body is telling you, if you don not feel right don not push yourself to hard because you may push yourself out of the trek altogether.
Make sure you pick the right trip for you, make sure you give yourself time to acclimatise to the altitude even if that means flying out a few days before your trek starts.
The Sherpa people are invaluable in making any expedition to Everest whether it be to Base camp or even Summit. They will carry your gear, food, tents and it is important that they are respected. They take great pride in their Mountain Climbing Heritage and without them you will not finish the trek
Wether you join a trekking tour or climb all the way to the top, it will be an experience to treasure for a long time!
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