EVEREST EXPEDITION (SOUTH)

EVEREST EXPEDITION (SOUTH)

At number one on a climber’s bucket list: “I climbed the highest mountain in the world (8848m/29,028ft)”. Edmund Hillary said, “It is not the mountain we conquer but ourselves”. The Everest Expedition is a challenge that many climbers cannot resist. Everest is known in Nepali as Sagamartha -meaning “forehead in the sky”. In Tibetan, it is known as Chomolungma meaning “Saint Mother”. Climbing Everest requires every skill in the book to reach the summit; hence it is not for everyone. You will need untold endurance, strength and technical skills to pursue this goal. The weather is fickle and often unpredictable; the risks are high and the emotional challenge is testing. One of the main reasons for failure, besides adverse weather conditions, is altitude sickness, which fortunately can be minimized with the right preparation. The other reason is due to avalanches. Everest, at 8848m, requires expert planning and logistical support in order for you to succeed. Sherpa Expedition & Trekking has more than 40 years in the trekking and climbing field and know exactly how to make this assault on the summit a success. 

There are two faces and routes that climbers most frequently follow to the summit. The North Face is reached from Tibet, while the South Face can be reached from within Nepal. Our route to the summit will be from the South Face, considered more dangerous than the North Face, due to having to cross the Khumbu Icefall where most tragedies have occurred. However, some say it is easier due to the absence of the ladders and climbing over the rock on the steep steps on the North Face. Annapurna is still the deadliest of the 8000m peaks, with one death for every four summits. Cho Oyu is the safest 8000m peak to climb. More recent times have decreased the number of deaths of climbers on Everest. This can be put down to better equipment, improved weather forecasting, and climbers using professional climbing organizations, such as Sherpa Expedition & Trekking. 

Base camps are at Camp I (6,065m) within view of the Khumbu Glacier, and then another 450m to Camp II (6,500m) and a further 610m to Camp III (7,200m) located at the head of Lhotse. From Camp III you will need oxygen. Camp IV (7,910m) is the final camp before the peak. From here on is referred to as the death zone. These base camps are stepping stones to the summit, allowing you time to acclimatize by frequently ascending and descending, all the while honing your skills prior to the final push to the summit. Three significant points on your way to the summit are the Khumbu Icefall, the Yellow Band, and ascend the Hillary Step, a near-vertical rock face with about 12 meters not far from the summit at approximately 8,790 meters (28,839 ft). The Khumbu Glacier is still the most dangerous section of the route due to crevasses and the forever moving ice. 

The Mount Everest Expedition is without a doubt a once in a lifetime opportunity. However, there are inherent dangers in climbing Everest, such as previously mentioned, altitude sickness, as well as severe weather conditions and avalanches. Anyone considering this climb should have several 600m or 7000m climbs under their belt. You must be familiar with all aspects of using the equipment of high altitude expeditions. You will also need to be extremely fit, both physically and mentally. Prior to heading to Everest, it is advised that you strengthen your cardiovascular system and physical strength. At these high altitudes, oxygen levels drop around 60-70 percent compared to sea level. You will also be required to carry a large pack containing oxygen and other equipment

Everest was first referred to as Peak XV and was later named Mt. Everest after the lead surveyor Sir George Everest who surveyed the mountain in 1856. It wasn’t until May 25, 1960, that New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepali Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay finally reached the summit via the south route. The first summit via the north route was accomplished by a group of Chinese climbers.

Sherpa Expedition and Trekking’s Sherpa guides (well known worldwide for their climbing skills) will do everything within their power to lead you safely to the summit. Our guides are government certified and experienced climbers. We take no chances with your well-being and hence have allowed several days to make up for unforeseen circumstances, such as adjusting to higher altitudes and the possibility of altitude sickness. As for the weather, well that is truly in the “Hands of the Gods.”