Journey from the Everest Base Camp to the Top of the World

1, May 2024 | nepaltraveller.com

The journey from Everest Base Camp to the summit is a test of physical endurance, mental resilience, and mountaineering skills

The complete journey from Everest Base Camp to the summit of Mount Everest is an extraordinary and arduous expedition that spans several weeks and involves multiple stages of ascent and descent. The journey from Everest Base Camp to the summit of Mount Everest is not merely a climb; it's an example of human perseverance, endurance, and the relentless pursuit of conquering nature's greatest challenges. Located in the heart of the Himalayas, Everest stands as the pinnacle of mountaineering achievement, beckoning adventurers from across the globe to test their limits against its towering heights.

Base Camp is where the real journey begins. It's a safe place to rest before the climb. Climbers stay here to get used to the high altitude and to prepare for the hard parts of the climb.

Here's a detailed description of the journey:


Arrival at Base Camp


 

The expedition begins with a trek from Lukla, Nepal, to Everest Base Camp situated at 17,600 feet (5,364 meters) above sea level. This trek takes around 8-10 days, passing through  Sherpa villages, dense forests, and rugged terrain. Upon reaching the camp, climbers settle into their camps, acclimatize to the altitude, and undergo final preparations for the climb. The base camp works as a resting place for the determined climbers who plans to conquer the top.

To adjust to the thin air and mitigate the risk of altitude sickness, climbers undertake on a series of acclimatization rotations. These rotations involve climbing to higher camps on the mountain and then descending back to Base Camp to rest. Each rotation allows climbers to gradually adapt to the decreasing oxygen levels at higher altitudes. 


Khumbu Icefall


 

One of the most challenging sections of the climb is navigating through the Khumbu Icefall, a treacherous maze of shifting ice blocks and towering seracs. Climbers typically make multiple trips through the icefall to ferry supplies and establish higher camps. After traversing the icefall, they enter the Western Cwm, a broad, snow-filled valley flanked by steep ridges.


Lhotse Face and South Col


After crossing the khumbu icefall, climbers ascend the steep Lhotse Face, fixing ropes and using specialized climbing techniques to negotiate the icy terrain. Camp 3 is usually established on the Lhotse Face, providing a crucial resting point before the final push to the summit. From Camp 3, climbers continue to the South Col (Camp 4), a windswept saddle at 23,500 feet (7,163 meters), where they prepare for the summit bid. It is the final resting point for the climbers.


Summit Push


The summit push typically begins in the late evening or early morning, aiming to reach the summit during the day when weather conditions are more favorable. Climbers traverse the South Col and ascend the Southeast Ridge, passing through iconic landmarks such as the Balcony and the South Summit. The final stretch involves negotiating the Hillary Step, a steep rock face, before reaching the summit of Everest at 29,032 feet (8,848 meters). Reaching the summit is literally being on the top of the world. The climbers can enjoy breathtaking views and look over the world from the highest point of the world.


Descent


After celebrating their achievement and taking in the breathtaking views from the summit, climbers begin their descent back to Base Camp. Descending from high altitude poses its own challenges, including fatigue, altitude sickness, and the risk of avalanches. Climbers gradually make their way down the mountain, retracing their steps through the Western Cwm and the Khumbu Icefall until they reach Base Camp.

Upon returning to Base Camp, climbers rest and recuperate from their expedition. They dismantle their camps, pack up their gear, and bid farewell to Everest, leaving only footprints behind. The journey concludes with a trek back to Lukla, where climbers catch a flight to Kathmandu, marking the end of their Everest adventure.

The journey from Everest Base Camp to the summit is a test of physical endurance, mental resilience, and mountaineering skills. It requires meticulous planning, careful acclimatization, and the ability to adapt to the unpredictable conditions of the world's highest peak.

Photo Credits: Climbing the seven summit, Travel the whole world, World expedition Nepal

Article by: Ayush Poudel


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