Mount Everest has remained a tough yet appealing destination for travellers. Its peak is 29,032 feet (8,849 meters) and inspires everybody who enjoys mountaineering. Over the last seven decades, thousands of people have attempted to climb Mount Everest. Despite the difficulties involved, triumph means standing on the world’s highest point. It provides an ego boost and a great story to tell! Today, many people have ascended to the summit and returned safely.
How many people have tried climbing Mount Everest?
The first notable attempt was the Howard-Bury expedition, which took place in 1921. There were 15 failed trials to climb Mount Everest to the peak, one of which was gossiped about. Later, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first duo to reach the summit in 1953. Till 2006, 14,138 people attempted the summit, and 3,058 reached the top. Seven thousand two hundred sixty-nine (7269) persons reached the summit in 2024.
Now that safety resources are no longer constrained, the average number of climbers per year is between 600 and 900. Here’s more about the history over time.
The 1920s attempts
Charles Howard-Bury led an investigation that marked the start of the climb to the summit. Although one attempt in 1919 reached only about 70 kilometres of the mountain, it sparked primary interest. In 1921, the Committee for Everest Mountaineering sponsored the first major expedition. The crew reached Everest via Tibet’s Sikkim-Chumbi Valley. The attempt failed to attain the peak, but it did uncover a feasible route there. Two members didn’t make it back.
The expedition resumed in 1922, when a team of 14 set out to conquer Mount Everest. In the 1921 attempt, the primary objective was to find a way to the summit. Mallory became a returning member who joined the second trek. This time, three camps were established to reach an altitude of 8,320 meters (27,300 feet). An avalanche claimed the lives of seven people, but Mallory survived among others.
They resumed the quest in 1924, along with new members, to reach 28,100 feet (8,565 meters). During the course, Mallory went missing until his body was found 75 years later at 26,755 feet (8,155m).
The 1930s attempts
A 16-man team led by Hugh Ruttledge took the North Ridge to reach the summit in 1933. At 28,100 feet (8,565 meters), they were forced to descend due to extreme weather. Two years later, a section of the crew, including new members, attempted to complete the expedition but was unable to continue at approximately 2,965.88 feet (7000).
Hugh Ruttledge and ten others renewed their journey in 1936. At that time, the North Col was created but was heavily snow-covered. It was a critical place along the north ridge to the region above. No one could pass through, so they turned back.
The 1938 team took a different path, heading west, and reached an altitude of 27,200 feet (8,290 meters). They retracted because of deep snow, which made it impossible to proceed.
The 1940s attempts
Tenzing Norgay, Earl Denman, and Ang Dawa Sherpa continued the efforts to climb Mount Everest. Earl Denman organised the expedition without the permission of the Nepalese or Tibetan authorities. They didn’t get very far, returning at approximately 22,000 feet (6,700 meters). They were unable to proceed due to the terrible weather.
The 1950s attempts
In early 1950, the People’s Liberation Army (PLA) of China assumed control of Tibet. After gaining power, Western explorers were forbidden from approaching Mount Everest from their side. Yet, the Nepalese side was still open.
In 1951, the Nepalese gave the pass to a team of five led by Shipton. They continue to conduct reconnaissance. They took the way to South Col, but a large crack in the surface ice formations prohibited them from continuing. In 1952, a group of 12 people, led by R. Dittert, was equipped with ropes to cross the crevasses. Due to strong winds, they returned at 28,000 feet (8,535 meters).
Another attempt, made in September, used a pole to bridge the vast gap. The wind pushed them downward.
The Breakthrough Era to Mount Everest
A series of rehearsal exercises led up to Baron Hunt’s successful expenditure in 1953. The Royal Geographical Society supported the 13-member party, which was reinforced by members who had previously attempted similar tasks. During the ascent, they were divided into two pairs and approached the summit via distinct routes.
On May 28, Hillary and Tenzing Norgay established a significant camp at approximately 27,900 feet (8,500 meters) above sea level. The final ascent the following day provided an untried obstacle. To beat the challenge, they must ascend a 120-meter-long granite ridge and a 17-meter-high rocky spur. Hillary and Tenzing climbed with tremendous caution, using their feet to find support between rock holes. They arrived at the summit on May 29 and remained for a quarter of an hour before descending.
Only one pair, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, reached the top of Mount Everest in 1953. Tom Bourdillon and Charles Evans were the second pair to turn back, about 100 meters from the central peak, due to concerns about oxygen supply.
The Later Successes of Climbing Mount Everest
Since the impossible became clearly possible, inspiration emerged that more could be accomplished than simply reaching the summit.
- In 1956, the Swiss led the expedition that successfully positioned two ropes on Everest’s peak.
- The Chinese team succeeded in 1960.
- The 1963 American team examined how human capacity is altered by height at the summit of Mount Everest. The expedition made the fastest ascent and accomplished a spectacular feat by ascending the West Ridge path, which had never been attempted before.
- In 1965, India became the fourth country to reach the summit.
- In 1970, the Japanese shifted their focus from the west side to the South Col, resulting in their first successful summit of Everest.
- In 1975, the first women’s team climbed Mount Everest through the South Col.
- In 1980, Reinhold Messner became the first person to summit Mount Everest alone, overcoming challenges such as harsh weather, exhaustion, and falling into a crevasse. Messner went on to achieve other amazing feats in mountaineering, including climbing all 14 eight-thousanders without oxygen.
Beyond the 1980 Expenditure
Following the solo ascent, climbing to Mount Everest earned greater popularity. There was a refreshed desire to climb in small groups or explore new routes. Additionally, the number of fatalities from avalanches rose considerably.
Climbing Mount Everest became more accessible in the twentieth century. Modern equipment increased survival rates, yet casualties continued. As more individuals joined the trip, the number of climbers who summited in a single day increased year after year, reaching over 6000 in 2012.
How many mountaineers have died on Mount Everest?
Since 1921, more than 340 people have died attempting to climb Mount Everest. Mitchell Kellas, the first confirmed victim, died of a stomach ailment during the initial expedition. Deaths were also caused by weather issues associated with the mountain’s nature.
The number of deaths rose as more climbers visited the summit in the 2020s. In 2023, an expedition had a high death toll of 18. The event was thought to have been averted if there had not been congestion.
A total of 94 deaths were reported above 26,247 feet (8000 meters). One hundred ninety-two (192) people perished above the base camp, while 27 climbers are missing.
Mount Everest against Mount Kilimanjaro: Comparison
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest point, reaching 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). It has parallels with Mount Everest. Both peaks welcome climbers and adventurers from all over the world. Mount Kilimanjaro, on the other hand, provides a more delightful experience for those with basic climbing skills. A summit trek does not require any survival training.
Due to its high success rate and ease, Mount Kilimanjaro attracts approximately 35,000 visitors every year, surpassing the number of visitors to Mount Everest.
In Closing
The number of people who climb Mount Everest demonstrates a vast desire to reach the intimidating height. Reaching the highest point in nature, like Mount Everest, requires more than admiration. It tests limits and the ability to go beyond obstacles.
The summit offers a unique connection with nature that can be enjoyed with good planning and tenacity.
Frequently asked questions
1.How long does it take to climb Mount Everest
Mount Everest takes 2 to 3 months to climb from the initial acclimatisation stage (60 to 90 days). On the way up, climbers set up camps to rest and adjust to the weather. Camping takes a few days, depending on the events around. Knowing how long it takes to climb Mount Everest is also dependent on the equipment available.
2.. Who has climbed Everest the most times?
Kami Rita has the record for the most summits (30). He surpassed Kenton Cool, who had made the ascent 19 times. Rita is a Nepalese Sherpa guide who is well-known for his skill. He began his climbing career as a Base Camp chef and porter at the age of twelve.
3.How Much Does It Cost to Climb Mount Everest?
The average price of climbing Mount Everest is $65,000. This includes a permit, oxygen costs, and welfare gear such as boots and camping packs. Depending on the guiding business, the charge ranges from $35,000 to $100,000.
4. Can the average person climb Mount Everest?
Climbing Mount Everest demands extensive training and adherence to the best safety practices in times of danger. It is less safe for the regular person.
