How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Everest?

Planning for the Everest expedition and looking for information about How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Everest then this blog will be helpful for you. Taking part in Mt Everest Expedition is one of the dreams for every adventure seeker around the globe. Talking part in the Summit of Mount Everest is on the bucket list of every mountaineer.

Being the highest point in the world, the Mount Everest expedition holds different records of the expedition. Either it’s the youngest expedition by 13 years old Romero or the oldest Yuichiro Miura who tried to climb at the age of 80 years. Reaching the summit highest number of times by Kami Rita Sherpa – 24 times or climbing Mount Everest without oxygen by Ang Rita – 10 times.

Mount Everest Expedition is not an easy job. The life-risking expedition depends on each individual and their physical ability. So do you have any assumption now How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Everest? There is a set schedule of the Mount Everest expedition which takes approx 2 months ( 60-65 Days ) to reach the summit and back to Everest Base Camp.

Climbing Mount Everest: Nepal or China?

Mount Everest lies on the border of Nepal and China. So you can take an expedition permit from both countries. But, Compared to China, the Nepal side is popular and easy for expedition among mountaineers.

Both the countries issue expedition permits every year for the interested ones. The Nepalese side of the Mount Everest expedition is cheap in price also which makes it popular.

China Side Expedition Map                                                                                      Nepal Side Expedition Map

Outline Itinerary for Climbing Mount Everest

Day 01: Arrival Kathmandu.

Day 02: Kathmandu Sightseeing.

Day 03: Shopping and trip preparation.

Day 04: Officially briefing in the Ministry of Tourism.

Day 05: Fly to Lukla and trek to Phakding (2640m).

Day 06: Phakding to Namche Bazaar (3446m).

Day 07: Namche Bazaar rest.

Day 08: Namche Bazaar to Tyanboche (3800m).

Day 09: Tyanboche to Pheriche (4243m).

Day 10: Pheriche to Lobuche (4930m).

Day 11: Everest Base Camp (5360m) – Camping accommodation

Day 12-60: Climbing Period Mt. Everest (8848m).

Day 61: Everest Base Camp to Pheriche.

Day 62: Pheriche to Namche Bazaar.

Day 63: Namche Bazaar to Lukla.

Day 64: Lukla to Kathmandu.

Day 65: Kathmandu rest.

Day 66: Final Departure.

Climbing Mount Everest Itinerary: Summit Attempt South( Nepal Side)

As you can see the purposed tentative outline itinerary of the Mount Everest Summit Expedition above which highlights the major events and days you will be spending during this expedition. Once upon your arrival at Everest Base Camp in the Khumbu region, you will spend most days in expedition training and acclimatize yourself for the altitude.

Now we will talk about the detailed plan of the Mount Everest expedition. During this training period, we will climb up to camp one and return back to the Everest base camp multiple times which boosts our body muscles. Ascending from one camp to another camp and again descending back is called acclimatization.

The summit push will see you ascend to Camp 2 for two nights then go for camp 3 for the night. The following morning you will ascend up to Camp 4 on the South Col. In Camp 4, you need to use your oxygen to make your body fit and get rid of altitude sickness.

You will be taking rest as possible in Camp 4 which helps your body to boost energy. Eating food and drinking plenty of water also helps your body to make you fit during this expedition. To excel at the top of the world, you will leave Camp 4 in the night which makes the expedition easy.

Normally the expedition between Camp 4 to the top of the peak starts at 09:00 PM in the night. Weather remains calm in the night which eases the expedition. Hilary’s step is one of the tough points in this expedition. You will reach a peak in the morning and return back to Camp 4 before it gets dark. You will spend a night in Camp 2 before getting back to Everest Base Camp. Taking rest in Camp 2 helps your body to relax from the summit tiredness.

Before the summit and climbing Mount Everest, your expedition guide is your only option to trust. He is your life savior in this mighty Himalayas so you need to hear him and act properly as per the guide’s instruction during these summit days.

How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Everest?

Trekking and Expedition are two different things you need to know. Trekking is a day-to-day job and Expedition is all about height and perfect time. Climbing Mount Everest is not an easy job that can be done overnight. You need to train your body and mind before leaping your step towards the mighty Mount Everest.

Late March onwards is the perfect time for Expedition. Most of the expedition takes place on these dates. Weather remains cool and clams which makes to summit the peak easy. Chances of snowfall are low at this time and the wind also will be favorable.

You will hike between different camps during this pre-expedition time to maintain your body for the summit expedition. Passing one of the dangerous Khumbu Glaciers is common for you in this training time period. Shifting ice blocks is common during an expedition so the guides will fix you a rope and ladder to pass the George of ice during Mount Everest climbing.

Spending a couple of nights in Camp 2, Camp 3, and returning back to Base camp will happen a lot during this pre-expedition time. Height of 8000 + meters height is known as the dead zone in the expedition. You need to take care of yourself during the expedition. A Delay of 10 minutes can take your life in this particular death zone.

The whole training session knowledge and practice will be informative in this area to save your life and successfully summit Mount Everest’s top. A small mistake and your overconfidence can risk your life in this “Death Zone”. 

Best Season for Climb Mount Everest

The best season for Mount Everest Expedition falls between April and May months. The whole expedition time takes 60 plus days for preparation so heading towards Everest Base Camp in late March is recommended. Clear and good weather condition makes climber easy to climb Mount Everest.

Long-range visibility, low fog, no strong wind, pleasant weather conditions, now snowfall are some of the major reasons why climbers choose these two months for climbing Mount Everest in a whole year calendar.

You will spend around 10 minutes on the top of the mountain for the photo and return back to Camp 4 as soon as possible. Otherwise, your oxygen bottle will be empty which makes you uncomfortable in respiration. So spending too much time on the top is also dangerous during the summit.

The end of the Winter and pre-starting of summertime is the most recommended time for climbing Mount Everest for everyone.

How Tough is it to climb Mount Everest?

Hiking above 5500 Meters is also an extreme job in terms of oxygen level. Your body won’t get enough oxygen from the atmosphere. The thin layer of oxygen challenges your mind and soul. You won’t excel at the peak of your physical fitness but also you need to make yourself fit by your mind.

Keep in mind that you are taking part in the climbing of Mount Everest where not mistake requires. Wearing down clothes and covering your body is essential. Losing your mask and gloves can harm your body permanently.

You will be taught that there will be plenty of dead bodies on the way to Summit. Dead bodies work as a route sign in Mount Everest climbing time. Oxygen is most for everyone who is looking for their safety so don’t underestimate the gigantic mountain.

Here goes below the altitude chart along with the risk level which shows the difficulties of Mt Everest.

Major Challengers during Climb Mount Everest

Altitude Sickness:

Traveling from low land to the roof of the world is a challenging job itself. It is believed that 90 % of a climber who reaches Everest Base Camp Trek faces the syndrome of Altitude sickness. To get rid of altitude sickness, we suggest you drink plenty of liquids, garlic soup, and rest your body.

You won’t get food like restaurants during the trek which also causes you to get sick. The food won’t be like in a restaurant but they will be hygienic to eat. You need to have it to make yourself strong in this extreme condition.

Weather Changes

Weather condition always goes as per the prediction in these high altitudes. Rapid changes in weather can take your life so you need to act carefully and listen to your guide. Most of the deaths in Mt Everest happens by the extreme weather condition and its changes.

Strong Winds, Devastating Avalanches, Bad Visibility, Snowfall are some of the common changes you might bear during climbing Mount Everest. You need to cross these kinds of hurdles during the expedition by focusing highly and keep motivating yourself.

Khumbu Icefall

Khumbu Icefall is an extreme route that can’t be skipped during this expedition. Khumbu Icefall has claimed the lives of hundreds to this date. Small and big avalanches go every day in this death zone.

in 2014, Historic Tragedy on Everest, With 13 Sherpas Dead in Avalanche at Khumbu Icefall at the beginning of the expedition which forced to close all the expedition of that year.

Everest Base Camp Trek in Khumbu Region

Enjoy trekking in the world’s top-listed trekking route by the reputed media, travel advisor websites, CNN, Dailymail, Lonely Planet, and more. Everest Base Camp trek is one of the most beautiful Himalayan treks in Nepal which lies in the Khumbu Region of Sagarmatha National Park.

Everest Base Camp Trek is a 10 days trek that goes via the popular village on the way. You can enjoy the magnificent view of Mt Everest during this trek along with many more mountains. Old Sherpa civilization, culture, monasteries, different mountain ranges, and more you can explore in this trek.

You also can add Gokyo Lake in your itinerary along with base camp which slightly extends your itinerary. Taking a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla and then hiking for 10 days in the Khumbu Region is an amazing experience you can have during this trek.

Eating local organic food, staying in tea houses, watching the lifestyle is a wonderful part of this trek. You also can opt for the itinerary of Trekking to EBC Trek and flying back to Kathmandu via Helicopter if you are lazy to hike and experience the luxury.

Conclusion – How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Everest

Climbing Mount Everest is definitely a challenging job but if you have dedication and passion for it then you can excel in it. Having said that you don’t need to be overconfident in the extremely dangerous expedition.

There is a hurdle in every step of life but the glory of being at the top of the world roof is another amazing experience you can have in a lifetime.

Now it’s up to you that what to be: being a coward or to be a brave adventure seeker. Give it a try, you definitely can measure the elevation of Mt Everest.