Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the highest mountain on earth and is considered the planet’s premier guided climbing challenge. It was first summited by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmond Hillary in 1953. At 29,032 feet, Mount Everest is one of the fourteen eight thousand-meter peaks. It is known in Nepalese as Sagarmatha “Goddess of the Sky,” and in Tibetan as Chomolungma “Mother Goddess of the Universe.”

We approach the summit from the South Side via the infamous Khumbu Icefall, Western Cwm and South Col. Mount Everest does not pose a substantial technical climbing challenge, but it requires a high level of physical fitness and the ability to climb proficiently on steep and exposed terrain at high altitude. An ascent to the summit of Mount Everest is one of the greatest achievements in mountaineering.

Mount Everest • South Side Expedition • 58 Days

Mountain Gurus proudly offers a fully supported Mount Everest climb. Our team of experienced Sherpa guides will handle all the logistics during the expedition, with the oversight of our experienced American guide. As IFMGA/UIAGM trained mountain guides, our Sherpa guides take great pride in managing ground operations and working with our team of climbing Sherpas to ensure your safety and success on the mountain. Each of our mountain guides has extensive experience on Mount Everest with multiple summit climbs.

Our South Side expedition begins in the ancient city of Kathmandu, Nepal’s thriving capital. We fly to Lukla and trek along the Dudh Koshi, or “Milk River,“ to the legendary village of Namche Bazaar, the main trading center of the Sherpa people and the gateway to the Khumbu Valley. Over the next week, we are rewarded with amazing views of the Himalaya as we approach Everest Base Camp at 17,700 feet. From base camp, we follow the famous South Side climbing route through the seracs and crevasses of the Khumbu Icefall using fixed ropes and ladders prepared by our Sherpa climbing team. We then climb to Camp 2 via the Western Cwm, and to Camp 3 high on the Lhotse Face. We establish our final camp, Camp 4, on the windswept South Col at 26,300 feet. On Summit Day, we climb the Southeast Ridge to the Balcony at 27,500 feet. We then continue to the South Summit at 28,500 feet, and across the exposed final ridge for a few hundred feet before reaching the Hillary Step and the true summit at 29,035 feet.

“The end-to-end logistics of planning an 8000-meter climb can be very daunting. I really have Mountain Gurus to thank for coordinating all aspects of my successful Everest expedition.” ~ Brian D, Spring 2011

“As I sit here and wait to board on my flight to attempt my 4th of the 7 Summits I can’t help but think about how I got here. Having my ‘perfect’ life turn a complete 180 and at the darkest of moments in my life I had found a calling and a core group of climbers who I am honored to call my friends. Dennis Broadwell and Mountain Gurus, if it wasn’t for you taking me under your wing and both pushing and teaching the ways of the mountain while accepting my disability…I probably would still be lost with no life mission. It was the start of something that would become amazing.” ~ Benjamin B, Spring 2015

PREREQUISITES FOR EVEREST

Climbers wishing to qualify for a Mount Everest expedition must have completed, at minimum, one of each of the following with Mountain Gurus & Northwest Alpine Guides:

Glacier Mountaineering Expedition Training
6-Day Expedition Training (preferred)
5-Day Glacier Mountaineering Course

High-Altitude Glacier Mountaineering Experience
Pico de Orizaba – Mexico
Cotopaxi – Ecuador
Aconcagua – Argentina

Additionally, it is highly recommended that you have honed your glacier mountaineering skills with successful summits of various PNW peaks such, Mount Baker, Mount Shuksan, Glacier Peak, Mount Olympus, and Mount Rainier.

Day to Day Itinerary

Day 1 • Arrive Kathmandu
Day 2 • Kathmandu Orientation
Day 3 • Flight to Lukla • Phakding
Day 4 • Namche Bazaar • 11,300 ft
Day 5 • Namche Bazaar
Day 6 • Tengboche • 12,850 ft
Day 7 • Tengboche
Day 8 • Pheriche • 13,950 ft
Day 9 • Pheriche
Day 10 • Lobuche Base Camp
Day 11 • Lobuche Base Camp
Day 12 • Lobuche High Camp
Day 13 • Rest Day
Day 14 • Lobuche Peak • 20,075 ft
Day 15 • Everest Base Camp • 17,600 ft
Day 16 – 30 • First and Second Rotation
– Khumbu Icefall to Camp I • 19,500 ft
– Western Cwm to Camp II • 21,000 ft
– South Face to Camp III • 23,500 ft
Day 31 – 34 • Everest Base Camp
Day 35 – 39 • Summit Rotation
– Camp III to South Col • 26,300 ft
– South Col to the Summit • 29,032 ft
Day 40 – 45 • Pheriche • Lukla
Day 46 • Flight to Kathmandu
Day 47 • Depart
Day 48 – 58 • Contingency Days

Mount Everest • Southside

While we strive to adhere to the itinerary below, we may adjust our schedule to meet our acclimatization goals while managing weather and route conditions on the mountain. An adaptable, positive attitude is one of the most important tools you can bring to Mount Everest. Team members may choose to use a helicopter service for the trekking phase of the trip.

Day 1 • Arrive Kathmandu

Arrive at Tribhuvan International Airport, Kathmandu, Nepal (KTM). Mountain Gurus representatives will meet you at the airport and transfer you to our hotel. We stay in the famous Yaki and Yeti Hotel near Kathmandu’s bustling Thamel District, surrounded by the shops, restaurants and ancient temples of this vibrant capital city.

Accommodations: Hotel in Kathmandu

Day 2 • Kathmandu

The team assembles for an expedition orientation, equipment check and welcome dinner. During the day we have time to explore Kathmandu and purchase any last-minute items.

Accommodations: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast, Welcome Dinner (B, D)

Day 3 • Flight to Lukla • Phakding • 8,700 feet

We transfer to Kathmandu’s domestic airport for our morning flight to Lukla. The views from the twin-engine Otter are nothing less than remarkable as we fly over the emerald, terraced farms of the Himalayan foothills with the crown jewel, Mount Everest, towering in the distance. Our Sherpa staff welcomes us to Lukla with cups of hot tea, then we set out on the first leg of our trek across rolling terrain toward the Khumbu Valley. We walk several hours to the village of Phakding, which clings to the sides of a steep gorge separated by a long suspension bridge.

Vertical Descent Trekking: 600 feet
Trekking Time: 3-4 hours

Accommodations: Lodge at Phakding
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Team Porter Assistance: Pack animals or porters

Day 4 • Namche Bazaar • 11,300 feet

Our trek continues. We cross the Dudh Koshi – “Milky River” – many times as we walk through small Sherpa farming villages surrounded by “mani stones,” polished stones carved with Tibetan Buddhist mantras, and fluttering prayer flags. Porters and pack animals carry all of our heavy expedition gear, leaving us free to walk with light day packs. After we enter Sagarmatha National Park, our trail ascends through steep conifer and rhododendron forests, giving us our first glimpses of Mount Everest before we arrive in Namche Bazaar, the main trading center of the Sherpa people and the true gateway to the Khumbu Valley.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 2,600 feet
Trekking Time: 5-6 hours

Accommodations: Lodge at Namche Bazaar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Team Porter Assistance: Pack animals or porters

Day 5 • Namche Bazaar • 11,300 feet

We begin our day with an acclimatization hike to Sunrise Point on the upper edge of Namche Bazaar near the Everest View Hotel. Our effort is rewarded with spectacular views of Mount Everest, the massive Nuptse face, Lhotse and the beautiful pyramid of Ama Dablam. On the way down, we explore the lively, stone-paved streets of Namche, lined with shops and street merchants selling Tibetan wares. We cannot resist stopping by a local bakery for a cup of coffee and slice of apple pie. We spend the rest of the day relaxing and enjoying the fresh mountain atmosphere. On Saturday mornings, a local market is held in the center of the village which allows for interesting people watching.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 300 feet to Sunrise Point
Trekking Time: 1 hour roundtrip

Accommodations: Lodge at Namche Bazaar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Team Porter Assistance: N/A

Day 6 – 7 • Tengboche Monastery • 12,850 feet

From Namche Bazaar our trekking route follows a steep hillside high above the Imja Khola. Magnificent views of Ama Dablam, Kantega, and Thamserku await us around every bend. We descend to the river, cross it, and begin the steep climb to Tengboche, generally regarded as the hardest ascent of the approach trek. Tengboche is the largest monastery and spiritual heart of the Khumbu Region. We spend the afternoon touring the monastery and chatting with its monks. With luck, we may meet Nawang Tenzing Jangpo, the Rinpoche – or main teacher – of the monastery thought to be an incarnation of the Sherpa spiritual leader Lama Gulu. We stay in Tengboche two nights to rest and acclimatize.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 1,500 feet
Trekking Time: 6 hours

Accommodations: Lodge at Tengboche
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Team Porter Assistance: Pack animals or porters

Day 8 • Pheriche • 13,950 feet

The next morning, we ascend through the last rhododendron forests and cross another suspension bridge high above the Imja Khola. The route climbs through sheer valley walls to Pangboche, traditionally the highest year-round settlement in the Khumbu Valley. We have now climbed into the alpine climate zone and we leave most vegetation behind as we enter Pheriche.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 1,000 feet
Trekking Time: 4-6 hours

Accommodations: Lodge at Pheriche
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Team Porter Assistance: Pack animals or porters

Day 9 • Pheriche • 13,950 feet

Rest and acclimatization day. In the morning we can climb the ridge above Pheriche and neighboring Dingboche to 17,000 feet for views of Makalu, the world’s fifth highest peak. In the afternoon we may visit the HRA (Himalayan Rescue Association) for an acclimatization lecture.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 3,050 feet
Trekking Time: 2-3 hours

Accommodations: Lodge at Pheriche
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Team Porter Assistance: N/A

Day 10 – 11 • Lobuche Base Camp • 16,000 feet

After breakfast we cross the Khumbu valley toward the East Face of Lobuche Peak, and hike to base camp on the edge of Hidden Lake. The next day we make an acclimatization hike to high camp, then return to base camp for a second night.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 2,100 feet to Lobuche Base Camp
Trekking Time: 6-7 hours

Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Team Porter Assistance: Pack animals or porters

Day 12 – 13 • Lobuche High Camp • 17,700 feet

We climb to high camp. Rest and acclimatization for tomorrow’s summit climb. From here views of Ama Dablam and other Himalayan peaks are remarkable.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 1,700 feet to Lobuche High Camp
Trekking Time: 2-4 hours

Accommodations: Tented Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Team Porter Assistance: Pack animals or porters

Day 14 • Summit Day • Lobuche East Peak • 20,075 feet

We awake before dawn for an alpine start. The Southeast Ridge Route begins at the edge of the glacier and ascends a narrow ridge of 45- to 50-degree alpine ice. As we gain the summit ridge, Everest and Lhotse rise into view high above us. We traverse a 30-degree ridge to the summit plateau surrounded by a 360° panorama of five of the planet’s fourteen 8,000-meter peaks. We descend our route back to base camp.

Vertical Ascent Climbing: 2,400 feet
Climbing Time: 5-7 hours

Accommodations: Tents at Lobuche Base Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Pack Lunch, Dinner (B, PL, D)
Team Porter Assistance: Pack animals or porters

Day 15 • Everest Base Camp • 17,600 feet

We complete the final leg of our trek to Everest Base Camp. We ascend the glacier past trains of yaks carrying supplies for this season’s expeditions until we walk into the busy tent city at the foot of the Khumbu Icefall. This hive of climbing activity will be our home for the weeks to come. Our base camp team greets us with hot tea and snacks and we move into our individual sleeping tents complete with thick 6-inch pads, liners to keep out the damp and, of course, pillows.

Vertical Ascent Trekking: 1,600 feet
Trekking Time: 3-5 hours

Accommodations: Everest Base Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)
Team Porter Assistance: Pack animals or porters

Day 16 – 30 • First and Second Rotation

We settle into base camp and spend the next few days acclimatizing, organizing gear and settling into expedition life. Once we’ve had time to rest, we spend two days practicing fixed ropes, ladders and other climbing skills in the lower Khumbu Glacier. Before beginning our acclimatization rotations, we participate in an expedition puja ceremony led by our Sherpa staff. Then, over the next three to four weeks, we progress through a methodical series of acclimatization ascents, equipment carries and rest days. Our rotations include an excursion to Pumori Camp 1 in addition to trips through the Khumbu Icefall to our own Camps 1, 2 and 3.

Khumbu Icefall to Camp I • 19,500 feet

We climb through the shifting seracs and crevasses of the icefall on fixed ropes and ladders prepared by our Sherpa climbing team. Camp 1 is located a short distance above the icefall.

Vertical Ascent Climbing: 1,900 feet
Climbing Time: 5-7 hours

Accommodations: Tents in Camp 1
Meals Included: Breakfast, Pack Lunch, Dinner (B, PL, D)
Team Porter Assistance: Climbing Sherpas

Western Cwm to Camp II • 21,000 feet

Camp 2 is located on a moraine below Mount Everest’s spectacular Southwest Face.

Vertical Ascent Climbing: 1,500 feet
Climbing Time: 4-6 hours

Accommodations: Tents in Camp 2
Meals Included: Breakfast, Pack Lunch, Dinner (B, PL, D)
Team Porter Assistance: Climbing Sherpas

Lhotse South Face to Camp III • 23,500 feet

Camp 3 is perched high on the Lhotse South Face. We sleep at Camp 3 for one or two nights before heading down to Base Camp to rest before our summit attempt.

Vertical Ascent Climbing: 2,500 feet
Climbing Time: 5-7 hours

Accommodations: Tents in Camp 3
Meals Included: Breakfast, Pack Lunch, Dinner (B, PL, D)
Team Porter Assistance: Climbing Sherpas

Day 31 – 34 • Everest Base Camp • 17,600 feet

We spend the next week resting and preparing for our summit attempt. We may opt to descend to a lower elevation within the Khumbu Valley to assist in preparing ourselves for the challenge of climbing the world’s highest mountain.

Accommodations: Everest Base Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

Day 35 – 39 • Summit Rotation

We spend the next week resting and preparing for our summit attempt. We may opt to descend to a lower elevation in the Khumbu Valley to better prepare ourselves to summit the world’s highest mountain.

Yellow Band and Geneva Spur to South Col Camp IV • 26,300 feet

We climb from base camp to Camp 3, spending one night at each camp. At Camp 3 we begin sleeping on oxygen. We climb to the windswept South Col where we establish our final camp: Camp 4.

Vertical Ascent Climbing: 8,700 feet over 4 days

Accommodations: Tents in Camps 1-4
Meals Included: Breakfast, Pack Lunch, Dinner (B, PL, D)
Team Porter Assistance: Climbing Sherpas

South Col to the Summit of Mount Everest • 29,032 feet (8,848m)

We leave Camp 4 early, climbing the Southeast Ridge with oxygen to the Balcony at 27,500 feet. We continue to the South Summit (28,500 ft). From here we traverse the exposed ridge for a few hundred meters before reaching the Hillary Step, and then continue to the main summit. We step onto the top of the world and share the excitement of our accomplishment. After taking summit photos, we descend efficiently past the South Col to Camp 2 at the Western Cwm.

Vertical Ascent Climbing: 3,100 feet
Trekking Time: 10-15 hours

Accommodations: Tents in Camp 3
Meals Included: Breakfast, Pack Lunch, Dinner (B, PL, D)
Team Porter Assistance: Climbing Sherpas

Day 40 – 45 • Base Camp • Pheriche • Namche Bazaar • Lukla

From Camp 2 we descend directly to base camp. We rest and then retrace our steps to Lukla over the course of the next several days.

Accommodations: Trekking Lodges
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner (B, L, D)

Day 46 • Flight to Kathmandu

After saying farewell to our Sherpa staff, we depart to Kathmandu on an early morning flight. We spend the rest of the day on a flexible schedule, resting or exploring the Kathmandu Valley depending on the desires of the group. Kathmandu is home to the famous Buddhist stupas of Swayambunath and Boudhanath, as well as Pashupatinath, one of the most famous Hindu temples in Nepal. The incredible architecture of Kathmandu Durbar Square is a short walk from our hotel, and the ornate wooden construction of Patan is an easy taxi ride across the valley. Some in the group may simply want to relax and shop in Thamel.

Accommodations: Hotel in Kathmandu
Meals Included: Breakfast (B)

Day 47 • Depart

Transport to Tribhuvan International Airport for flights home.

Meals Included: Breakfast (B)

Day 48 – 58 • Contingency Days

Additional days are scheduled for weather or acclimatization as needed.

Itinerary Notes
Mountain Gurus makes every effort to uphold the scheduled itinerary, although our guides are given discretion to adapt the itinerary for reasons beyond our control or due to the needs of the group. Meal schedule: (B) Breakfast (L) Lunch (D) Dinner

Head and Face

Warm Hat: Two heavyweight wool or synthetic that cover the ears
Buff or Neck Gaiter
Heavyweight Balaclava
Full face mask: Must cover all skin on face and can be worn with goggles
Sun Hat or Baseball Cap: Should protect the neck
Glacier Glasses: Two pair. Essential eye protection at altitude. Wrap around style or side shields. One pair must be Category 4.
Goggles: Two pair. One pair with dark lenses, one pair with clear lenses.
Prescription Eyewear: (If needed)
Sunscreen: SPF 30+
Lip Balm: SPF 30+
Climbing LED Headlamps: One medium sized and one small sized as a backup.
Headlamp Batteries: Bring enough for 6 weeks with some to spare

Upper Body

Lightweight Baselayer Top: Two synthetic long-sleeve shirts.
Medium Weight Baselayer Top: This is a synthetic or fleece top.
Vest: Down or synthetic
Softshell Jacket: This breathable but wind-and-weather resistant jacket. Hoods are highly recommended.
Insulated Jacket: Heavyweight 700+ fill down.
8000 meter Expedition Down Suit: Insulated hood: 700+ fill down. Leg zippers. Arm pit zippers. Butt zipper.

Handwear

Softshell Gloves: One pair. Leather palms offer durability and grip
Expedition Down Mittens w/ wrist straps: One pair rated for 8,000 meters
Handwarmers / toe warmers: 3 sets of each

Lower Body

Lightweight Baselayer Bottom: One pair long underwear. Synthetic, no cotton
Mediumweight Baselayer Bottom: One pair long underwear. Synthetic, no cotton
Underwear: Four pair. Synthetic is best.
Lightweight Softshell Pants: One pair. Synthetic, stretchy, non-insulated
Mediumweight Softshell Pants: One pair. Synthetic, stretchy, non-insulated
Hardshell Pants: One pair of GORE-TEX© pants. Full-length side zips are required; you may need to take off your Hardshell pants without removing your boots.
Insulated Pants: One pair of synthetic insulated pants with full side zips.
Medium Weight Gaiters: Full-sized waterproof gaiters that must fit snugly over your mountaineering boots

Footwear

Mountaineering Boots: Full shank crampon compatible. Heavy weight synthetic / hybrid mountaineering boots. 8,000 meter mountaineering boots are required.
Medium Weight Trekking Boots: For approach to base camp
Sorel Type Boots: For relaxing in cold weather at base camp
Lightweight sneakers: For travel and base camp
Down Booties: With a durable sole
Lightweight socks: Two pair
Mediumweight Socks: Two pair of wool or synthetic socks
Heavyweight Socks: Two pair of wool or synthetic socks to be worn in climbing boots
Electronic Boot Warmers: (Optional)
Foot powder: Keeps feet dry and warm

Sleeping

Down Sleeping Bag: Bring a warm bag (rated to minus 40ᵒ fahrenheit).
Sleeping Pads: A full-length closed-cell foam pad and inflatable pad.

Packing and Backpack

Climbing Pack: One 60-liter pack with good support, adequate to carry personal, and group gear. The pack should fit properly, have a good waist belt, and be able to carry gear between 30-40 lbs.
Day Pack: Lightweight 30-liter pack
Duffle Bags: Two large, waterproof PVC duffel bags for transporting gear to base camp via pack animals
Pack cover
Liner Bags: 4 to 6 large plastic contractor bags

Climbing Gear

Ice Axe: 55-65cm mountaineering axe with leash
Crampons: 12-point steel with anti-balling plates. Must fit your climbing boots
Climbing Helmet: Lightweight
Alpine Harness: Lightweight alpine harness with detachable leg loops
Trekking Poles: Adjustable and collapsible with snow baskets
Locking Carabiners: (4) Large pear-shaped, screw gate locking carabiners
Non-locking Carabiners: (4) Wire gate non-locking carabiners
Ascender: Left or right handed
Rappel/Delay device: Figure 8 recommended
Prussik Cord: 40 feet, 6mm perlon
Nylon Slings (60 cm): Two (2) single length nylon slings
Nylon Slings (120 cm): Two (2) double length nylon slings

Hydration

Water Bottle Parkas: Two, fully insulated water bottle covers
Thermos: 1-liter
Water purification: Iodine tablets, filter or UV treatment
Electrolyte drink mix: Such as Nuun

Personal Travel, Health and First Aid

Travel wallet for passport, cash and travel documents
Five (5) passport photos
Casual travel clothes
Personal snacks: We recommend 5 pounds (2 kilos). A mix of sweet and salty whole foods (nuts, dried fruit, dried meat) and energy foods such as Gu, Nuun and Shot Blocks
Plastic bowl, insulated mug, and spoon
Toilet paper, blue bag or wag bag
Hand sanitzer (several small bottles)
Small soap
Small shampoo
Quick-dry towel
Toothbrush / paste
Nail trimmers
Baby wipes
Earplugs
Books or Kindle/iPad with movies or T.V. series
Camera
Altitude watch
Multitool
Small portable humidifier that runs off a USB stick for use in tents at to maintain respiratory health and prevent Khumbu cough (optional)
Small personal first-aid kit including:
- Diamox / acetalzolamide: 125 mg
- Niphedepene: time release for pulmonary edema
- Dexamethazone: 4mg for cerebral edema
- NSAIDs such as aspirin or ibuprofen
- Antibiotics: such as Azithromyacin for upper respiratory, Ciproflaxin for gastrointestinal
- Melatonin
- Antacids
- Cold and flu meds
- Blister kit
- Bandaid
- Wound closure strips
- Triple antibiotic ointment
- Scissors
- Any personal prescription meds or asthma meds

Travel

Program Location:
Begins and ends in Kathmandu, Nepal

Visa/Entry Information:
Passport must have six months or more validity remaining at the time of entry. American citizens may obtain a visa prior to travel or upon arrival at Tribhuvan International Airport in Kathmandu.

• 30 days multiple-entry tourist visa ($50 USD)
• 90 days multiple-entry tourist visa ($125 USD)

Health & Immunizations:
Immunizations are not required for entry into Nepal. Consult your doctor, local travel clinic or Centers for Disease Control (CDC) for updated immunization recommendations in Nepal and China. Recommended immunizations include: diphtheria-tetanus (DPT), polio, measles-mumps-rubella (MMR), meningitis, hepatitis A and B, cholera, typhoid, rabies. Malaria medication is only necessary if you plan to visit low-lying areas of Nepal / India after the climb.

Flight Travel Information:
Tribhuvan International Airport (KTM), Kathmandu, Nepal

International Departures:
Itineraries reflect the date and time you will need to arrive in country’s for a program. Mountain Gurus programs begin and end in the countries destination city. When booking your flight, you will need to account for travel time and crossing the international dateline if needed. It is easiest to give your booking agent the day and time you will need to arrive.

Meals and Food:
All meals are provided as per meal schedule. See itinerary.

Gear:
A complete clothing and equipment list specific to your program will be sent to you in the pre-departure packet upon reservation. For your safety and comfort, it is extremely important that you adhere strictly to the equipment list.

Mount Everest Fitness & Training

Climbing Grade: Advanced

As the highest point in the world, this climb requires significant physical, mental, and technical skills. Previous experience at altitude and expedition style climbing is a must. Be prepared to carry a 30-pound pack at altitude, including a supplemental oxygen tank. Experience with ladder crossings, fixed lines, and steep snow and ice climbing is essential for a safe and enjoyable climb.

Here’s a suggested progression of climbs before attempting Mount Everest.