 Climbing Routes
Mt. Everest has two main climbing routes - the southeast ridge from Nepal, and the northeast ridge from Tibet. The southeast ridge is considered technically the "easier" route, yet still fraught with challenges. Climbers hike to Base Camp, usually 6-8 days for proper altitude acclimatization, where they stay a couple of weeks to continue adjusting to the altitude.
Notable Features on Mt. Everest
The Khumbu Icefall
Located at the head of the Khumbu Glacier, just above Base Camp, lies one of the most treacherous parts of an ascent from the South Col. The movement of the glacier can cause large crevasses to open suddenly, with little warning, or can hide crevasses buried under snow. Large towers of ice can collapse suddenly. And huge blocks of ice, ranging in size from a car to a large house, can tumble down the glacier. The continually shifting nature of the icefall makes crossing it very dangerous. Climbers generally head out before sunrise, before the ice thaws, increasing the chance of an accident.
The Western Cwm
Known as "The Valley of Silence," the Western Cwm (pronounced "coom" - Welsh for valley) is a broad, gently undulating glacial valley at the foot of the Lhotse Face. The center section has huge, lateral crevasses, which bar entrance to the upper reaches of the Cwm. Climbers must cross to the east to a narrow passageway called Nuptse Corner. The topography of the Western Cwm is such that on a windless day, it can become desperately hot for climbers.
The Lhotse Face
Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain on Earth, is connected to Everest via the South Col. Its western flank is known as the Lhotse Face. Climbers taking the southeast route must climb this 3,700 ft. wall of glacial blue ice. Two rocky sections on the upper part of the face, the Yellow Band and the Geneva Spur, present additional challenges.
The Death Zone
This term refers to any altitude above 26,250 feet where the amount of oxygen cannot sustain human life. The body cannot acclimatize, and staying longer than necessary results in deterioration of body functions, loss of consciousness, and eventually, death. Climbers have at most 2-3 days they can endure at this altitude to make their summit bid. If the weather is uncooperative, they must descend - some all the way to Base Camp.
The South Summit
A table-sized area of snow and ice at 28,700 feet providing a view of the final obstacles ahead, this is where climbers typically make their final decision whether to proceed or turn back.
The Hillary Step
The last real challenge before ascending the summit, The Hillary Step is a nearly vertical, 40-foot outcropping of snow and ice at about 28,750 feet. Named, of course, for Edmund Hillary, who along with Tenzing Norgay, passed it on the way to the summit. This bottleneck part of the mountain can cause problems for climbers below waiting to ascend.
The Summit
The highest point in the world is covered with assorted prayer flags, offerings, mementos and discarded oxygen bottles. The panoramic view unveils the Tibetan plateau to the north, and the great Himalayan peaks of Kanchenjunga to the east, Makalu to the southeast, and Cho Oyu to the west. Climbers spend less than a half-hour on the summit - they need to descend to Camp 4 before darkness sets in, the afternoon weather changes, or supplemental oxygen runs out.
Summit Conditions
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Base Camp Conditions
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