On Wednesday night, mountaineering officials said that nine Nepalese guides had reached the peak of Mount Everest, becoming the first climbers in two years to conquer the world’s highest mountain following two years of disasters.
While usually visited quite frequently by foreigners to try and conquer the mountain, many people have avoided the task of climbing Mount Everest due to the extreme conditions in the past few years. Last year, an avalanche triggered by a powerful earthquake killed 19 climbers and injured 61 others at base camp. In 2014, 16 Sherpa guides were killed by an avalanche above the base camp as well.
So is it possible for anyone to climb Everest? Technically, yes, but at the risk of frostbite, losing fingers and thumbs, going temporarily blind, death, etc. Sounds like a wonderful vacation for the family, right?
Most foreigners that want to climb the mountain travel with someone who has experience with climbing as well as multiple experiences with Mount Everest. Climbing gear required to reach the summit costs around $8,000. Most climbers need bottled oxygen, which is another $3,000. The permit to enter the Everest area from the south via Nepal costs $10,000 to $25,000 per person, depending on the size of the team. So far, the cost to climb Mount Everest costs around $20,000 at the bare minimum, and that's just for the necessities.
While it is still possible to climb Everest for "fun," the commercial use of the mountain is widely criticized by climbing professionals.
Reinhold Messner, an Italian climber, stated in 2004 interview, "High-altitude alpinism has become tourism and show. These commercial trips to Everest, they are still dangerous. But the guides and organizers tell clients, 'Don't worry, it's all organised.' The route is prepared by hundreds of Sherpas. Extra oxygen is available in all camps, right up to the summit. People will cook for you and lay out your beds. Clients feel safe and don't care about the risks."
If for some crazy reason you decide to climb Mount Everest, then make sure you have some prior experience with mountains. Everest is very dangerous and many people have not come back. This article is just for curiosity. Yes, it is possible to climb Mount Everest, but at a large risk. The most important thing to do beforehand, besides save money, is climb other mountains to get experience.