How Long Does it Take to Climb Mount Everest?

Climbing Mount Everest is one of the most challenging expeditions in the world. It takes around 45 days to complete the Everest Expedition from base camp to the Everest Summit. Everest climbing duration depends on the weather, acclimatization, and climbers’ determination. Climbing never occurs in bad weather conditions. Climbers climb to higher elevations and return to lower elevations to acclimatize their bodies. The longer acclimatization period is the main reason for the long climb of Mt. Everest. 

Lukla to Everest base camp: 9 days

Before starting the Everest expedition, climbers should trek to the Everest base camp. The entire team, i.e., climbers, experts, and porters, start the trek from Lukla to Phakding. Day to day we will trek to higher elevation and reach the Everest base camp on the ninth day of trekking. The rest day in Namche and Dingboche helps you to acclimatize in higher elevations. Walking in the EBC trekking route with a gradual increase in elevation is very supportive to acclimatize your body. 

Everest Base Camp to Summit

Climbing Mount Everest begins from Everest Base Camp. All the climbers who reached EBC from Lukla stayed in base camp to acclimatize and prepare for the expedition. There will be an experienced Sherpa guide to lead on the mountain. The well-prepared route will be followed by all climbers in good weather. We should be well prepared before starting the Everest expedition.

Everest Base Camp to Camp 1

Everest Base Camp 1 is located at 6,055 m above sea level at 27.987169° N and 86.876680° E. It takes around 5–6 hours to climb Camp 1 from Everest base camp. We should climb the Khumbu icefall and return to base camp for acclimatization. The repeated climbing to higher elevation and return to base camp repeats 4-5 times until our bodies get adjusted to higher elevation. We will push to Camp 1 via Khumbu Ice Fall with deep crevasses and ice blocks. Using a ladder and rope is very important to overcome the dangerous route.

Everest Camp 1st to Camp 2

Everest Base Camp 2 is at 6,294 m above sea level in 27.982310° N and 86.891280° E in Nepal. Climbing Everest from Camp 1st to Camp 2 begins after you get completely acclimatized in Camp 1st. We should climb to Camp 2 and return to Camp 1st 4-5 times until our body gets adjusted to Camp 2. It takes 6.7 hours to reach Camp II from Camp I. You can enjoy the mind-blowing view of the mountains around you. The snow-covered land surrounded by the highest peak in the world gives a unique view you have ever seen. The deep crevices and big ice blocks on the route to Camp 2 are dangerous since they may move at times. We should use ladders and ropes to pass from deep crevices and climb the ice blocks to reach the highest elevation.

Everest Camp 2 to Camp 3

Everest Base Camp 3 is located at 6,803 m asl at 27.972022° N and 86.915120° E in Nepal. Shifting from Mount Everest Camp 2 to 3 begins only after climbing Camp III 4,5 times to acclimatize. After gaining confidence to stay in Everest Camp 3, all climbers will shift to Camp 3 from Camp 2. Climbers will climb Camp 3 and return to Camp 2 along with the guidance of expert Sherpa. It takes around three to four hours to reach Camp 3 from Camp 2. The slippery path, blue ice, and snowy hills are challenges to push on Camp 3. Besides, enjoy the mind-blowing view of Nuptse, Lhotse, and many more peaks of the Mahalangur Himal Subrange of the Himalaya. 

Everest Camp 3 to camp 4

Everest Camp 4 is at 7865 m at 27.973585 ° N and 86.929998° E of its southern face, Nepal. It is on the edge of the death zone. The thin layer of air, low oxygen, windy weather, and sub-zero temperature in camp four increase the risk of survival. Everyone, including climbers, porters, and experts, should be very careful while pushing up to Everest Camp IV. Climbing Camp 4 and returning to Camp 3 continues until the climbers feel comfortable on Camp 4 after acclimatization. It takes around 6 hours to reach Camp IV from Camp 3. The climbing route to Camp IV covers slippery, icy hills, which is impossible without the help of rope. Passing the Lhotse face and South Col, we will reach camp 4, also known as South Col. You can enjoy the mind-blowing view of the mountain peaks of the Mahalangur Himal, Sabrange of Himalaya, from camp 4.

Camp 4 to Everest Summit

Climbing Camp 4 to the Mount Everest summit is challenging as well as full of risk. The technical Hillary steps and steep slopes should be passed under the guidance of Sherpa. It takes around 8 to 9 hours to reach the Mount Everest summit from Camp 4. Generally, the summit climb occurs during the night so that climbers can return to Camp 4 as early as possible. 

The rainbow valley with the colorful jackets of dead bodies resting in peace exposes the determination of climbers till their last breath. There are around 200 bodies along with green boots and sleeping beauties who could not return home from the death zone. The elevation above 8000 m is considered a death zone because of the very low oxygen level in the atmosphere and extreme weather. Climbers require a supplement oxygen cylinder while ascending or descending in the death zone. Severe tiredness, physical or mental fatigue, and weakness may be the reasons behind the deaths of climbers in the death zone of Mount Everest.

Summit to Camp 4

Climbers took their photographs with their national flag and descended to Camp 4 after spending a few minutes on Mount Everest. It takes 3–6 hours to reach Camp 4 from the Everest summit. Descending is equally dangerous as the weather remains uncertain on Mt. Everest. The climbers get very tired during the 8–9-hour climbing period. Therefore, everyone should be careful while descending to Camp 4 to remain safe.

Camp 4 to Camp 3

Descending from Camp IV to Camp three takes around 4 hours. Although returning to the lower camp takes a short time, carefulness is the most. You will reach the save zone after reaching Camp 3. Either the team takes a rest in camp 3 or they will return to camp 2 based on weather conditions and climbers’ ability to walk. 

Camp 3 to Everest base camp

It takes around 3 hours to reach Camp 2 from Camp 3. The higher level of oxygen in Camp 3 creates an easy environment for climbers. After resting for an hour, climbers will descend to Camp 1st and Everest base camp. The ice crevasses, Khumbu ice falls, and ice blocks are the regions to be careful while descending to Everest base camp.

Finally, the Mount Everest expedition was completed with your safe steps at Everest base camp. Climbers will celebrate the succession of the expedition, clean up the base camp, and return to Lukla within four to five days. Even they can return by helicopter as well. 

Conclusion: How long does it take to climb Mount Everest?

Overall, climbing Mount Everest is an adventure and challenging task, which makes you a perfect climber after returning successfully. Discipline is most important to reach the summit of the highest peak in the world and go back to Everest base camp. Yearly, new records are being set up based on the duration of climbing Mount Everest. Lakpa Gelu Sherpa has climbed Mount Everest within 10 hours 56 minutes in 2003 AD. He has created history as the fastest climber to reach Mount Everest. Yearly, new records, either male or female, are being created. Thus, there is no limitation of time to complete the Everest Expedition. No, one knows when the new record will be established, and who will be the record breaker?