Everest 2009 climbing season is here!
Spring is here and that marks Everest climbing season! Many climbers have already arrived at Everest base camp and are preparing to begin their ascent. In order to avoid monsoon season, climbers attempt Everest’s summit in the spring, before the summer monsoon season hits. Others will visit the mountain after the monsoons in autumn (climbers prefer “autumn” over “fall” for obvious reasons).
Whether you’re an armchair mountaineer, a seasoned climber or somewhere in between, stories of Everest are always entertaining and inspiring. Even tragic accounts of Everest expeditions (i.e. Jon Krakauer’s Into Thin Air) do little if anything to deter people's fascination. If you're an Everest enthusiast, this won't be anything new, but for those who haven't read every book ever written on the legendary mountain, here's a brief synopsis of what the climbers will experience on their way to the top of the world:
Proper acclimatization on the mountain requires sufficient time. So climbing Mt. Everest takes a couple of months. Between base camp and the summit, climbers work their way up and down the route setting up camps and getting acclimatized, gradually getting higher and higher until it’s finally time for the summit push. From a technical standpoint, Everest is said to be of only intermediate difficulty, but from an endurance standpoint, Everest will always remain a challenge. Guaranteed obstacles like altitude and the sheer physicality of the climb (a climber will burn 12,000-15,000 calories on summit day), pose a big enough trial, without mentioning potential adverse situations such as altitude sickness, falls, avalanches, and extreme weather and wind. Climbing the highest peak in the world is a serious undertaking, but to the hundreds of climbers from around the world who seek out this mountain each year, it's apparently worth the risk.
If you’ve always had a dream of seeing the “big hill” (Everest stands at a mere 29,035 ft.), but can’t imagine spending upwards of 70K to do so, an alternative is trekking into Everest base camp. It's considerably cheaper, much less risky, and does not require the time commitment of a summit attempt. You'll still be able to appreciate breathtaking views and enjoy the tent life of base camp. Regardless of the role you take, a trip to the most famous mountain in the world is sure to be a remarkable time and an unforgettable experience.
RSS
Home
Everest 2009 climbing season is here!
Print
Email
RSS
Subscribe
.jpg)
