How Long Does it Take to Hike Mount Everest?

Mount Everest is a dream destination for all mountaineers and adventurers worldwide. However, Everest demands huge respect and does not make it easy for climbers. Located at an altitude of 8,848m, Mt Everest is the tallest mountain peak in the world. This life-changing trek requires huge determination, resilience, and triumph.

The life-threatening Everest climb is the most monumental hike anyone can experience. Are you considering climbing Mount Everest? It is waiting for you with incredible adventure opportunities.

How long does it take to climb Mount Everest?

Climbing Mount Everest takes approximately 6-10 weeks. Climbers undergo 6 months to 2 years of training to accomplish this quest. The pre-training session helps climbers build cardiovascular strength, mental capacity, and stamina. From pre-training to the post-climb, the climbs are segmented into different sections.

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1. Preparation and training before the climb

The preparation for the climb starts 6 months to 2 years prior. It trains climbers to endure physical and mental challenges. Experts also recommend going on shorter and low-altitude treks to gain experience in trekking. Also, being emotionally fit is highly required to climb Mount Everest.

2. Travelling to the base camp

It takes 7-10 days to reach the base camp from the starting point, Lukla. Lukla is a 40 minutes flight from Kathmandu. From Lukla(2,860m), trekkers climb to Namche Bazaar( 3,440m) and use a day for acclimatization. Namche Bazar has beautiful viewpoints and lively villages for travelers to explore.

Namche Bazaar to Tengboche(3,876m) is a day or two trek. Tengboche is the home of beautiful monasteries and rich sherpa culture. The trek doesn’t end here because the final point is the Dingboche which lies at an altitude of (5364m). It is the final stop of the Everest base camp.

The trek to the base camp is not just a gradual ascend but a bath in the natural beauty of mountains. The mystical vistas peeking from everywhere and the warm hospitality of the sherpa community will make you forget the exhaustion. Along the way, there will be many suspension bridges, alleyways, lush green forests, and pristine water resources. Do not forget to enjoy nature as you climb higher.

3. Accimilization and training at base camp

At Everest Base Camp, climbers spend about two weeks acclimatizing and training. This includes practicing ladder crossings and ice climbing, using ice gear, and undertaking short hikes to higher altitudes before returning to the base camp. This is the prime time for the trekkers to take adequate rest, hydrate their bodies, and prepare themselves for the climb.

‘Technical training‘ is highly prioritized because the mountains do not make the climb easy for the trekkers.

Acclimation is important in climbing mountains because people outside the mountain region cannot naturally adapt to the higher altitude and may fall sick. This training also works to strengthen team coordination and communication which always comes in handy later on.

4. Rotations to Higher camp

To climb further up and prepare our bodies, climbers have to undergo rotations to the higher camps. There are 4 camps before the final summit. These rotations are critical for preparing the body to handle the extreme conditions of high-altitude climbing. Camp 1 lies at an altitude of 6065m and climbers have to advance their way through the hazardous Khumbu Icefall.

Climbers spend 1-2 days there before returning to the base camp. Trekking towards Camp 2 is challenging and adequate rest is needed for further accimilization. Camp 3 requires climbers to access steep ice walls using ropes and gears. This climb is even harder due to freezing temperatures.

Lastly, Camp 4 (7950m) is the final destination before reaching the summit point. Climbers ascend to camp 4 during the last rotation and prepare for the summit attempt. Also known as the death zone, oxygen is critically low. The weather, breeze, and mountain slope make this even harder.

5. Reaching the summit

In this phase, climbers attempt the final summit. They take time to get favorable with the environment and weather. The final trek begins around midnight so the descending can happen when the sun is out. After 10-12 hours of continuous walking in the snow and freezing zone, the summit point makes it all worth it. After hiking another 4-6 hours to descend, climbers finally get back to camp 4.

6. Return

After the completion of the summit, climbers descend back. From camp to camp and stop to stop, they finally make their way to base camp. Base camp to Lukla is also a trek and everything takes around 7-10 days. A direct flight back to Kathmandu is available from Lukla.

How long does it take to trek to Mount Everest?

It takes around 6-10 weeks to trek Mount Everest, depending on the climate and situation. Your body needs time to adapt to the new heights and temperatures, and our guides consider this. We put safety above all to conquer the summit in 10 weeks.

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Do you know what is the worst time to climb Mount Everest?

The worst time to climb Mount Everest is from June to September and December to February. Monsoon season is risky due to heavy rainfalls and possible avalanches. During winter, the temperature is extremely cold, and heavy wind and snowfall pose many risks.

Conclusion

Climbing Mount Everest is a dream of many. It takes around 6-10 weeks to hike Mount Everest. Do you want to trek to Everest Base Camp instead? Trex Mount Ventures provides customized trekking packages in Nepal. The stunning Himalayas await you with adventure and thrill! Set your gears ready because this December you can explore the mountains of Nepal with Trex Mount!

FAQs on How long does it take to hike Mount Everest

Why does it take 2 months to climb Mount Everest?

It takes 2 months to climb Mount Everest to adapt the climber’s body to high altitude and low temperatures for which proper acclimatization and rest are needed.

How long does it take to climb up and down Mount Everest?

It takes approximately 6-10 weeks to climb up and down Mount Everest.

Is K2 harder than Everest?

Yes, k2 is harder to climb than Everest although it lies at a lower altitude than Everest.

Can a beginner climb Everest?

Climbing Mount Everest is not recommended for beginners.

What is the death zone on Everest?

The death zone is the area where oxygen is significantly low. It is near the summit zone and is the final challenge before attempting the summit.