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29,032 ft · Himalayas, Nepal Border
Mount Everest
Mount Everest is a 29,032 ft peak in the Himalayas, Nepal Border. The standard route is the South Col Route: 26 mi, 11,443 ft of gain, Class 5.
Mount Everest at a glance
- Elevation29,032 ft8,848 m
- RouteSouth Col RouteClass 5
- Distance26 mi11,443 ft gain
- Time8 – 10 wksExtreme effort
- SeasonApr – May, Late Sep – Oct
- RangeHimalayasNepal Border
Climbing the South Col Route
Most climbers approach from Nepal via Lukla and the classic trek to Everest Base Camp through the Khumbu Valley, or from Tibet via Tingri and the northern approach. The South Col route from Nepal is standard, using the Khumbu Icefall, Western Cwm, and Lhotse Face. This is a long expedition requiring 8-10 weeks with permits exceeding $11,000 from Nepal. Supplemental oxygen is used by most climbers above 8,000 meters. Extreme altitude, weather, and crowding at key sections create serious hazards. May offers the primary weather window. Fixed ropes and Sherpa support are standard. The highest point on Earth demands respect and preparation.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpacks (40–90 L)
Mountaineering Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Hardshell Pants
Warm Hat
Buff
Expedition Mittens
Trekking Poles
Gaiters
Crampons
Ice Axe
Helmet
Rope
Harness
Carabiners
Belay Device
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
Sleeping Bag (-40°F to -20°F)
Sleeping Pad
Oxygen System
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Two-Way Radio
Emergency Bivy
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Glacier Glasses
Goggles
Down Suit
What to watch for
- Altitude sickness
- Extreme cold
- High winds
- Storms
- Crevasses
- Steep exposure
- Remote location
- Complex logistics
- Avalanches
- Glacier travel
- High altitude
- Technical climbing
- Icefall
- Serac fall
Quests with Mount Everest
Eight Thousanders
Seven SummitsPeaks near Mount Everest
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Everest?
Mount Everest is 29,032 feet (8,848 m) tall. It is in the Himalayas, Nepal Border.
Is Mount Everest the tallest mountain in the world?
Yes. At 29,032 feet (8,848 m), Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth, the tallest of the 14 peaks above 8,000 meters.
How hard is it to climb Mount Everest?
The South Col Route is Class 5, which means technical climbing with a rope and protection. Yak rates the overall effort extreme: 26 miles with 11,443 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to climb Mount Everest?
Mount Everest is an expedition: most climbers plan 8 – 10 weeks for the South Col Route, much of it spent acclimatizing between camps.
Do you need a permit to climb Mount Everest?
Yes. On the Nepal side, climbers buy an expedition permit from Nepal's Department of Tourism, almost always arranged through a licensed outfitter. China issues permits for the north side. Fees and rules change often, so confirm them with your outfitter.
Is Mount Everest dangerous to climb?
It has real risks: avalanche and icefall danger, crevasses on the glacier and exposed sections where a fall would be serious. Teams rope up for glacier travel, and many first-timers climb with a guide.
Do you need oxygen to climb Mount Everest?
Most climbers use it. Supplemental oxygen is on the gear list for the South Col Route, and only a small number of very experienced climbers summit without it.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Mount Everest?
Yes. At 29,032 feet, Mount Everest is high enough for serious altitude illness. Climbers acclimatize over days or weeks, climbing high and sleeping low, and descend at the first signs of trouble.
When is the best time to climb Mount Everest?
The usual climbing window is April to May, late September to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Where can I check avalanche conditions for Mount Everest?
Check the avalanche forecast at dhm.gov.np before any trip with snow on the route.
Can you hire a guide to climb Mount Everest?
Yes. Guide services that lead climbs of Mount Everest include RMI Expeditions, Adventure Consultants and Alpine Ascents.
Climb Mount Everest with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list