How long does it take to climb Everest: a detailed route

Thousands of climbers dream of climbing Mount Everest. Commercial expeditions began in the 1990s, and since then - not counting the 2015 season, which was disrupted by a catastrophic earthquake, and seasons limited due to COVID - the number of people wanting to stand at the top has increased dramatically.

However, the difficulty of reaching the highest point on earth should not be underestimated. After all, the climb takes months, writes The Manual.

Everest base camp and acclimatization: 4-5 weeks

The countdown starts in Kathmandu. You'll probably want to spend at least a week in the Nepalese capital to gather all the necessary equipment and organize the documents and permits that will allow you to climb Everest.

When your documents are complete, you fly to Lukla, where your journey to Mount Everest begins. The climb to Everest Base Camp can take from 8 to 12 days, where you have to spend several weeks acclimatizing to the altitude.

Climbing Mount Everest: 2-3 weeks

The journey to the summit includes a series of ascents to the next camps set up on the mountain. Within two to three weeks after leaving Everest Base Camp, you will pass through the Khumbu Icefall to the first camp (19,685 feet) and then to the second camp (20,997 feet) after the Western Cwm.

After the second camp, climbers begin to climb the Lhotse slope to Camp 3 (23,662 feet) and finally to Camp 4 (26,082 feet) above the Geneva Spur.

Camp 4 is located directly below the so-called "death zone" on Mount Everest, the ominous name for the altitude at which people lack enough oxygen to keep moving. The drive from Camp 4 to the summit is one of the most physically and technically challenging sections of the Everest climb and usually takes between 10 and 20 hours - partly depending on the queue to the summit.

It will also take you about a week to descend back to base camp before returning to Lukla and flying back to Kathmandu for a well-deserved rest.

All in all, it usually takes two to three months for experienced climbers to take you to the top of the world.