As of December 2017, 4,833 people have climbed Mount Everest
. Many of these magnificent climbers say that it is probably one of the most exhilarating and eye-opening activities you will ever do in your life. However, most of them also fail to mention any of the surprises you’ll encounter along your climb. Here are some of the secrets no one told you about climbing the infamous Mount Everest.
It Is Really Expensive
You have probably heard that it is expensive to climb Mount Everest, but no one has told you just how expensive it is. The cost for a standard supported climb
ranges from $28,000 to $85,000. The mountain passes start at $10,000 and will vary based on where you start your expedition. It is less expensive to climb the mountain from Tibet rather than Nepal. Your gear will also cost about $10,000, as Everest isn’t the place you’ll want to skimp on any jackets, gloves, or other equipment. If you’re planning to do a month-long journey, you’ll probably also want to buy sleeping bags instead of renting them from the mountain, as this can get costly. When you arrive on the mountain, you should also be prepared to pay for extra items. Have a lot of cash on hand, as the ATMs on the mountain are usually broken or have extreme transaction fees.
You Don’t Have to Be Extremely Fit
Most people are terrified of the trek simply because of the amount of exercise needed. However, you don’t have to be a marathon runner or a weightlifter. You simply have to be able to walk 4-6 hours a day up and down a hill while carrying a backpack. Generally, there are porters that will help you along your journey if you’re doing a tour and will even carry the load for you for a while. You simply have to make sure you only pack what you can carry, and train for the changing altitude.
Beware of the Mountain Spiders
Even high up in the mountains, you can’t escape the creepy crawlies
. Although you might not be able to breathe, Himalayan jumping spiders scientifically known as Euophrys omnisuperstes, love hiding in the nooks and crannies of the Everest slopes. They are a relatively small creature, but if you aren’t a fan of the spiders, you might want to prepare yourself. Be ready to face the jumping spiders, and don’t freak out when one comes your way.
What Should You Pack
You should only pack what you can carry. In general, you will want a medium-sized day bag with about 25lbs of equipment in it. Be sure to pack at least three layers of clothing – your base layer, an insulation layer, and your waterproof layer. You should also bring a good, wide-brimmed hat to protect your face
, insulated gloves, hiking boots, lots of warm and waterproof socks | Globo Surf, headlight, sunglasses, and your sleeping gear if you decide not to rent. For most trekkers, it is also recommended to use trekking poles to reduce the stress and impact on your joints when climbing
. You should pick lightweight, packable poles for your trip so that they can be easily put away when you don’t need them.
There is Wi-Fi On the Mountain
One thing you might not have known is that there is Wi-Fi on the high-altitude mountain. However, it does come at a price. The cost for Wi-Fi is more expensive the higher up you go. You’ll probably be paying $5-$10 for your data and won’t be able to do much more than check your email and update your Facebook status. However, if you do want to use the Wi-Fi for your phone, you should probably buy a local SIM card for your trek, as they do get reception up to around 4,000 meters up.
The Altitude Will Get You Even After You’re Done
You know that you should be preparing for the change in altitude as you climb Mount Everest. However, many people don’t tell you that the altitude can impact you long after your hike. Some people report hallucinations and avalanche dreams as they come back to lower ground. Others also experience intestinal problems, coughing, and fungal infections on the body. Therefore, you should be sure to train for decreasing altitude as well as the increasing.
Hiking Mount Everest is one of the best things you’ll ever do in your life. However, it is important that you do your research and are well-prepared for the trip. Hopefully, this gave you great insight into the climb of your life.