Climb Mount Everest: Preparation Checklist for Aspiring Summiteers
Prepare for a safe and successful Everest expedition with this step-by-step guide. Covers physical training regimens, gear requirements, permit logistics, and altitude acclimatization strategies.
Run or hike 4-5 days weekly with weighted pack (20-30lbs). Increase elevation gain by 15% monthly. Summit 3+ peaks above 18,000ft before attempting Everest.
Develop core strength for ice wall climbs
Practice front levers and weighted planks 3x weekly. Master crampon techniques on 45°+ ice slopes using figure-four and French step maneuvers.
Hire altitude training coach
Work with certified trainers using hypoxic tents 8-10 hours daily for 6 weeks pre-expedition. Target 55-60% SpO2 levels during sleep simulations.
Gear Preparation
Acquire -40°F rated mountaineering gear
Test all layers in -20°F conditions for 48+ hours. Use vapor barrier liners in boots. Pack 2 sets of heated gloves with 12-hour battery life.
Secure supplemental oxygen system
Rent 8-10 oxygen bottles (4L capacity) with mask and regulator. Practice flow rate adjustments at 26,000ft elevation simulations.
Pack emergency survival kit
Hand/toe warmers (40+ pairs)
Satellite GPS tracker with SOS
High-calorie gels (4000+ calories)
Permits & Logistics
Choose certified guiding service
Verify 10+ years Everest experience and 95%+ safety record. Confirm 1:2 guide-to-client ratio for summit pushes.
Obtain climbing permit from Nepal Tourism Board
Submit application 12 months ahead with $11,000 fee. Include medical certificates and insurance proof covering $30,000 rescue costs.
Arrange helicopter evacuation insurance
Coverage up to 7,500m elevation
24/7 on-call rescue team
Acclimatization Strategy
Complete 3 rotation climbs
First rotation: Reach Camp 3 (23,500ft) and descend. Second: Sleep at Camp 2 (21,300ft) for 3 nights. Third: Touch Camp 4 (26,000ft) without full summit attempt.
Monitor blood oxygen levels daily
Abort climb if SpO2 drops below 70% at Base Camp. Use acetazolamide only under expedition doctor supervision.
Summit Push Protocol
Track weather window via 3 forecast services
Launch summit bid only with <30mph winds and -35°F+ temps. Allow 12-18 hours for South Col ascent.
Set strict turnaround time
Turn back if not past Hillary Step by 10AM local time. Maintain 2-hour oxygen buffer for descent.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to climb Mount Everest?
Expect $45,000-$100,000+ including permits ($11,000), guides ($25,000), gear ($8,000), and insurance. Luxury expeditions with 1:1 guides exceed $150,000.
What's the success rate for Everest climbers?
60-70% success rate for guided climbers during peak weather windows. Rates drop to 30% for independent climbers. 80% of failures stem from weather or altitude sickness.
How old do you need to be to climb Everest?
Nepal requires climbers to be at least 16 with parental consent. The oldest successful summiteer was 80 years old. Age affects oxygen efficiency - those over 50 require extra medical screenings.