How to Prepare for a Summit of Mount Everest

Climbing Mount Everest to the summit is an enormous challenge, even to the most seasoned high-altitude climber. You must devote years of preparation and training before you can attempt to summit Mount Everest, the world's tallest mountain located near the Nepal-China border in the Himalayas. According to BBC News, there is one fatality for every 10 successful climbs of the 29,035-foot mountain. An expedition typically lasts for two months, but the experience of reaching the legendary peak is something every climber will cherish for a lifetime.

Things You'll Need

  • Weights
  • Backpack
  • Climbing gear and equipment
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Instructions

    • 1

      Work on your fitness. Climbing Mount Everest will test your physical and mental strength. Develop fitness by maintaining a workout regimen that involves cardiovascular training, strength training and stair climbing with weights. Run on flat and hilly terrains, hike on steep trails with a heavy backpack and take extended overnight camping trips as preparation for wilderness skills. A physical goal should be to ascend a peak of 3,500 feet carrying 55 to 65 pounds in a period of two to three hours. Start from short workouts and gradually build your way up to longer and higher intensity exercise programs and other preparation activities.

    • 2

      Learn technical climbing and mountaineering skills. Mountaineering may involve bushwhacking, river crossings, rope handling, belaying and tying knots. Skills for navigation, rappelling, crevasse and rock rescue skills are important for safe mountaineering. Take an outdoor class, which may be available from your local outfitter store to learn more hands-on skills and technical know-how. REI offers outdoor classes nationwide including navigation classes, climbing classes, wilderness instruction and more. Expedition guide companies offer specialized high-altitude pre-Everest training instruction.

    • 3

      Learn about the risks and dangers of climbing Mount Everest. Many have died attempting to ascend or descend the mountain due to various factors such as fatigue, harsh weather conditions, lack of oxygen, high altitudes, ice falls, frostbite, etc. Familiarize yourself with risks, symptoms of illness, emergency treatments and prevention techniques.

    • 4

      Gain experience and start climbing smaller mountains, then work your way up to higher summits. Build your mountaineering experience gradually; allow a period of three to four years to climb several mountains with elevations of at least 18,000 feet above sea level. As the world's highest mountain above sea level and with a peak of 29,035 feet, you will need extensive experience to climb Mount Everest successfully and safely. Climb at least one mountain with a peak of 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) above sea level to gain experience in expedition camping and hiking at higher altitudes and lower temperatures.

    • 5

      Select an expedition company to guide your climb. Expedition companies provide professional guides who climb with a group throughout the entire trip. This may include four guides, 10 to 12 climbers and 18 climbing Sherpas. Expedition guides provide necessary climbing permits, oxygen supply, Sherpa assistance for carrying loads, food and base camp support. Sherpas are natives of the Himalayan mountainous region of Nepal and are known for their mountaineering abilities. Expect to pay a large fee for services that can run up to $70,000. This is not the time to be on a low budget; climbers typically get better services and support with higher-priced commercial guides. Better services and support increase the safety and chances of success of your expedition. Going alone or paying for minimal services can lead to an unsuccessful climb or worse. More than 200 climbers have died on the mountain.

    • 6

      Follow the extensive list of gear requirements from your chosen expedition company. This includes climbing equipment such as an ice axe with leash, crampons, alpine climbing harness, carabiner, climbing helmet, ascender, rappel or belay device, prusiks and tekking poles. Other types of gear include footwear, technical clothing, hand wear, head wear, personal equipment and first aid supplies (See Resources 1 for a more detailed list).