How Long Does It Take to Climb Mount Everest? (Complete Breakdown)

Last Updated: March 05, 2025

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Reaching the top of Everest is a dream for mountaineers and adventure seekers worldwide. But scaling this 29,032-foot giant isn't a quick sweat. It needs a lot of preparation, time, and effort. So, one of the most common questions aspiring climbers have is, "How long does it take to climb Mount Everest?"

For most climbers, an entire Everest expedition takes 6 to 9 weeks, from arrival in Nepal to summiting and descending. But why does it take so long? Let’s break it down step by step so you know what goes into this once-in-a-lifetime moment.

How Long Does It Take to Climb Everest? (Step-by-Step Timeline)

Climbing Everest takes 6-9 weeks of duration. Nonetheless, a trek to Everest Base Camp duration (without summiting) only takes 12 to 14 days, making it a much easier and safer alternative.

Here’s a phase-by-phase breakdown of a standard Everest climbing time.

Step-by-Step Timeline for Climbing Everest

Phase	Duration	Details
Preparation in Kathmandu	3-5 days	Permits, gear checks, travel briefings
Trek to Base Camp	7-12 days	Lukla → Namche Bazaar → Everest Base Camp (5,364m)
Acclimatization & Rotations	3-4 weeks	Climb between Base Camp and Camps 1-3 to adapt to altitude
Summit Push	7-10 days	Final ascent via Camp 4 (7,950m) during May’s narrow weather window
Descent & Return	5-7 days	Rapid descent from Camp 4 to Base Camp, trek back to Lukla.

Note: The above timeline may vary depending on the climber’s experience, fitness, weather conditions, and team logistics.

Why Does Climbing Everest Take So Long?

Climbing Mount Everest takes so long because it is a slow-moving process to avoid fatal altitude sickness and harsh weather conditions. The main reasons include:

1. Acclimatization time
2. Weather is Highly Unpredictable
3. Logistics and Route Challenges

Everest acclimatization time is Crucial: At altitudes above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet), the human body starts shutting down due to low oxygen. Climbers must gradually adjust through rotation climbs between Everest Base Camp(EBC) and higher camps to adapt to it.

Everest’s  Weather Challenges: Everest’s weather is highly unpredictable. Only two main climbing seasons exist (April-May & September-October), and even then, storms, avalanches, and jet stream winds can delay expeditions for weeks.

Logistics and Route Challenges: Every climber depends on Sherpas, guides, and pre-placed gear for survival. Carrying supplies, like oxygen tanks and food, up the mountain is a slow and challenging task. Additionally, obstacles like the Khumbu Icefall and the steep Lhotse Face add significant climbing time.

How Long Does It Take to Summit Everest from Base Camp?

Once you complete the acclimatization process, depending on weather, fitness, and route conditions, the final push from the Everest base camp to the top typically takes 7 to 10 days.

Below is the table for the summit push timeline and its challenges post-acclimatization.

Route Section	Time Required	Challenges	Key Notes
Base Camp → Camp 2	1-2 days	- Khumbu Icefall (shifting crevasses or gaps, sharp ice blocks) - Extreme fatigue	Done in a single push if acclimatized; most cross Icefall at night/dawn for safety.
Camp 2 → Camp 3	1 day	- Lhotse Face (40-50° ice slope) - Rock/icefall risk	Fixed ropes are used; climbers ascend slowly to conserve energy.
Camp 3 → Camp 4	1 day	- Geneva Spur/Yellow Band - Entering the "Death Zone" (above 8,000m)	Supplemental oxygen begins here for most climbers.
Camp 4 → Summit → Back to Camp 4	14-18 hours	- Extreme cold, oxygen depletion - Crowds at bottlenecks (e.g., Hillary Step) - Frostbite risk	Departure at midnight; success hinges on weather and pacing.
Descent to Base Camp	2-3 days	- Rapid altitude change - Exhaustion, dehydration - Storm risks	Most descend directly to Camp 2 after summiting, then to EBC the next day.

Summit Day Highlights:

1. Most climbers start summiting the top from Camp 4 at midnight, hoping to return before weather conditions worsen.
2. Summit day is brutal, requiring a 14-18 hour ascent from Camp 4 to the top and back.

How Much Does It Cost to Climb Mount Everest?

Climbing Everest isn’t just physically demanding—it’s expensive. It can cost you from $40,000 to $70,000 or higher. This includes permit fees, hiring guides and sherpas, gear equipment, food, accommodations, and other add-ons.

Given below is a detailed estimated breakdown of the cost of climbing Everest.

Expense Category	Estimated Cost (USD)
Permit Fee (Nepal Government)	$15,000 (36% increase from 2023)
Guides & Sherpas	$10,000 - $20,000+
Gear & Equipment	$8,000 - $20,000
Oxygen Bottles (6 Minimum)	$3,600+
Food & Accommodation	$5,000 - $10,000
Miscellaneous Expenses	$2,000 - $5,000+
Total Estimated Everest Climb Cost	$39,000 - $70,000 or higher

Note: If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option, consider the Everest Base Camp trek duration, which costs $1,500 - $4,000 on average.

Everest Base Camp Trek vs. Full Everest Summit

Comparison	Everest Base Camp Trek	Everest Summit Climb
Duration	12-14 Days	6-9 weeks
Max Altitude	5,364m (17,598ft)	8,849m (29,032ft)
Technical Difficulty	Moderate	Extreme
Cost	$1,500 - $4,000	$39,000 - $70,000+
Risk Level	Low	High (Death Zone, avalanches, altitude sickness)

Note: If you want an Everest experience without extreme danger, the Base Camp trek is an excellent alternative.

How to Prepare for Climbing Everest

Successfully climbing Everest requires months of preparation. Here’s what you need:

1. Physical Training: Build endurance and leg strength through hiking, stair climbs, and weightlifting. Cardio workouts, like cycling and running, improve stamina.
2. Mental Strength: Spend time practicing focus and coping strategies for exhaustion, isolation, and fear.
3. Experience at High Altitude: Attempt smaller climbs, like Island Peak (6,189m) or Aconcagua (6,961m), before taking Everest.
4. Gear List: Essential items include crampons, down suits, climbing harnesses, helmets, and oxygen systems.

New Updated Regulations on Climbing Everest

Nepal's government has introduced new regulations to ensure climbers’ safety. These include:

1. All climbers must use RECCO-style tracking reflectors.
2. Permit fees have increased to $15,000, up 36% from previous fees of $11,000.
3. Solo climbing permits may soon be banned, requiring climbers to hire a certified Everest guide.

Final Thoughts

It takes about 6-9 weeks to climb Mount Everest, but the time may vary from person to person depending on acclimatization time, weather, and the death zone. Summiting Everest also relies on endurance, preparation, and mental strength. Remember, the more prepared you are, the less time you will take.

The Everest summit awaits if you have the fitness, budget, and determination. But if you want an incredible Himalayan experience without the extreme challenges, the Everest Base Camp Trek is a fantastic option.

Would you ever climb Everest? Or is Base Camp more your style? Let us know in the comments.

FAQs

Where is Everest located?

Situated in the Himalayas, Mount Everest is in between the border of Nepal and Tibet’s Autonomous Region of China. Its summit is part of Nepal, while its northern base lies in Tibet.

Why does it take 2 months to climb Everest?

Climbing Everest takes about two months because climbers need time to acclimatize to the high altitude. They move up and down the mountain in stages to build their body's tolerance for the thin air. Additionally, weather conditions and logistical challenges also contribute to the extended timeline.

How long does it take to climb down Mount Everest?

Descending Everest can take about 3 to 7 days. While going down is faster than ascending, caution is still required due to exhaustion and steep terrain to avoid accidents.

How many people have climbed Mount Everest

As of recent records, over 6,000 people have reached Mount Everest's summit. Some climbers have ascended multiple times, contributing to more than 10,000 recorded summits.

How much do Sherpas get paid?

Sherpas earn between $2,000 to $5,000 per climbing season, depending on their role and the expedition. Highly experienced Sherpas, especially those guiding foreign climbers, can earn over $10,000. Though it seems like a high salary, the work is risky and physically demanding.

Why can't you climb Everest in the summer?

You can't climb Everest in the summer because the monsoon season (June to September) brings heavy rain, strong winds, and dangerous storms to the region. These conditions make climbing unsafe and increase the risk of avalanches and landslides.

How many climb Everest each year?

Each year, around 800 to 1,000 people attempt to climb Mount Everest. The climbing season typically happens in spring (April-May) and sometimes in autumn, depending on the weather conditions.