Everest Day is celebrated across the world on 29 May.
Tech professional Arun Kumar Tiwari, a resident of Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana, recently stopped breathing in the death zone while descending from Everest. The family has decided that they will leave the body of their beloved Arun in the Himalayas. Meaning, his dead body will not be brought. This is a very difficult decision. But, whenever there are deaths on Everest, people have been taking this difficult decision due to reasons like faith, belief, financial weakness, bad weather etc. Come, on the occasion of International Everest Day, let us know at what height is the death zone on Everest? How does it increase the risk of death? What are the routes to reach Everest? How to go, when to go, where to take permission from? How many people left in the last five years? How does help reach in case of emergency?
Everest Day is celebrated across the world on 29 May. On this day in the year 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay created history by reaching the peak of Mount Everest for the first time. Everest is not just a mountain. This is the biggest test of courage, preparation, discipline and patience. But it is equally dangerous. Here the weather changes in a moment. Oxygen becomes very less. The body starts responding. That is why climbing Everest is counted among the most difficult challenges in the world.
How high is Everest?
The height of Mount Everest is considered to be 8,848.86 meters. This is the highest peak on Earth. It is situated on the border of Nepal and Tibet, i.e. China. In Nepal it is called Sagarmatha. In Tibet it is called Chomolungma. Mountaineers from all over the world go here every year.
Picture of Sagarmatha. Photo: Westend61/Getty Images
What is death zone?
The area above about eight thousand meters on Mount Everest is called the Death Zone. This is the height where it becomes very difficult to save the body. There is very little oxygen in the air here. A person is not able to breathe normally. Body strength falls rapidly. Brain function is also affected. Therefore staying here for too long becomes fatal. Even those who conquer Everest do not stay there for long.
Why does the Death Zone increase the risk of death?
The body gradually starts shutting down in the death zone. Breathing goes fast, but the body does not get enough oxygen. This causes dizziness, confusion, fatigue and the ability to take decisions becomes weak. Many times the lungs start filling with water. This is called high altitude pulmonary edema. Swelling may also occur in the brain. This is called high altitude cerebral edema. Hands and feet may become numb. Cold, strong wind, snow, long queues and fatigue together make the situation worse. Due to these reasons, climbers often get into trouble.
The area above about eight thousand meters on Everest is called the Death Zone. Photo: Unsplash
What are the main routes to climb Everest?
There are two main routes to reach Everest. One from Nepal and the other from Tibet.
- South Route: This is the most popular route. In this, Lukla is reached from Kathmandu. Then we trek till we reach Everest Base Camp. After this, proceed towards Khumbu Icefall, Western Kum, Lhotse Face, South Col and then the summit. This route is mostly used by mountaineers.
- North Route: This route goes from Tibet. Road access here is considered relatively better. But the weather and wind can be very harsh. This route is technically and administratively separate. Chinese rules apply here. That’s why less people climb Everest from here.
There are two main routes to reach Everest.
How do you prepare to go to Everest?
Climbing Everest does not happen suddenly. For this one has to prepare for months, sometimes years. Mountaineers first have to gain experience in climbing small and medium altitude mountains. Practice with ice, glacier, rope, crampons, ice ax and fixed rope is necessary. The body should also be very fit. It is important to have a strong heart, lungs, muscles and mental stamina. Mountaineers often go with an expedition company. The company handles the guides, Sherpas, oxygen, tents, food, ropes and other arrangements. It is almost impossible to go alone.
When to go to Everest?
The best time to climb Everest is considered to be April and May. At this time there is some stability in the weather. The wind subsides for a few days. This short time is called the summit window. Climbers wait for this window. For many years, teams reach base camp in early April and efforts to reach the summit are greater between 15 and 30 May.
The best time to climb Everest is considered to be April and May. Photo: Unsplash
Where do you get permission from?
If someone wants to climb Everest from Nepal, then the permit is taken through the Nepal government. Usually this work is not done directly by the climber, but through a recognized expedition agency. The agency applies with the necessary documents. A large number of agencies operate in Kathmandu and handle the permit process. When traveling from Tibet, permission is obtained from the respective administrative structures of China and Tibet.
How much does it cost?
Everest is not a cheap expedition. Permits, guides, Sherpas, oxygen, insurance, equipment, travel, training and emergency backup add up to huge expenses. The expedition from Nepal may cost around Rs 40 to 80 lakh per person. This amount varies depending on the package, agency and facility.
492 permits have been issued in 2026. Photo: Unsplash
How many people left in the last five years?
According to available sources, maximum number of people go to Everest from Nepal. In the year 2021, Nepal issued 394 permits. There is information that 466 permits will be issued in the year 2023. Information has come to light that 492 permits will be issued this year i.e. in 2026. It is clear from this that in the last five years the number of people visiting Everest has been in hundreds and the crowd is continuously increasing. These figures are from permits issued by Nepal. This figure becomes larger when the actual number of guides, Sherpas and support staff is added.
The most common route to reach Everest is South. Photo: Unsplash
How does help reach in an emergency?
Rescue on Everest is not easy. Helicopters can provide help to the base camp. Airlift is also possible up to some height. But at very high altitudes, especially in the death zone, rescue becomes extremely difficult. Many times Sherpas are the first and most important help. They give oxygen, bring down the injured, handle ropes and make way. Doctors, communication system and weather updates also play a big role in the base camp. But with increasing altitude the price per minute increases. Sometimes bringing it down from above becomes the biggest challenge.
Everest is not just a story of victory. This is also a story of recognizing limitations. It teaches that preparation, humility and right decisions save lives. Reaching the summit is a great achievement, but returning safely is the real success.
Also read: More than 200 dead bodies on Everest If someone died here, then why don’t they bring the deadbody? Question raised on death of Indian mountaineer
