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Climbers can approach Mt Everest from either Tibet or Nepal. The two most often used climbing routes are the southeast ridge from Nepal and the northeast ridge from Tibet. The southeast ridge is considered to be easier to climb and is preferred by many climbers.

Climbers can approach Mt Everest from either Tibet or Nepal. The two most often used climbing routes are the southeast ridge from Nepal and the northeast ridge from Tibet. The southeast ridge is considered to be easier to climb and is preferred by many climbers.

Climbers are required to have valid permits to climb issued by the Nepalese or Tibet government.  

Climbers are required to have valid permits issued by the Nepalese or Tibet government to make an attempt at the mountain.  

Many climbers these days are part of commercial expeditions, although some climbers choose to climb alone. Most commercial expeditions employ local residents to assist in the climb, often Sherpas, who live in the Khumbu, the national park surrounding Everest, and are adapted to the high altitude. Sherpas with experience climbing the mountain can offer valuable assistance in many tasks, carrying gear and equipment, setting up camps, laying out routes, fixing ropes for the climb, and acting as guides and assisting climbers.

Many climbers these days are part of commercial expeditions, although some climbers choose to climb alone. Most commercial expeditions employ local residents to assist in the climb, often Sherpas, who live in the Khumbu, the national park surrounding Everest, and are adapted to the high altitude. Sherpas with experience climbing the mountain can offer valuable assistance in many tasks, carrying gear and equipment, setting up camps, laying out routes, fixing ropes for the climb, and acting as guides and assisting climbers.

The climb itself is difficult and takes much planning if it is to be successful. Climbers must take into consideration the weather conditions, and few climb without supplemental oxygen.

The climb itself is difficult and a successful attempt requires careful planning. Climbers must take into consideration the weather conditions, and few climb without supplemental oxygen.

Typically, the expedition will take several weeks or longer. A Base camp is usually established near the bottom of the mountain, then 3 to 4 camps at higher levels. At each camp, climbers spend several days in "acclimatization" to get used to the higher altitude. Climbing at high altitudes can be dangerous and without proper acclimatization can cause serious, life threatening medical conditions, including High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE) which are caused by fluid collecting in the lungs and brain.  

Typically, the expedition takes several weeks or longer. A base camp is usually established near the bottom of the mountain, then 3 to 4 camps are set up at higher levels. At each camp, climbers spend several days in "acclimatization" to get used to the higher altitude. Climbing at high altitudes can be dangerous and without proper acclimatization can cause serious, life threatening medical conditions. These include High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE), which are caused by fluid collecting in the lungs and brain.  

Other medical problems that can occur while climbing the mountain include [[frostbite]], snow blindness and [[hypothermia]].

Other medical problems that can occur while high-altitude climbing include frostbite, snow blindness and [[hypothermia]].

Many times, weather will be the deciding factor in whether or not the climbers will be able to summit the mountain (reach the top).

Many times, weather is the deciding factor in whether the climbers will attempt to summit the mountain (reach the top).

The top of Everest is always covered in snow, and a strong wind constantly blows.

The top of Everest is always covered in snow, and a strong wind constantly blows.