Added: 01/24/2006 |
Consider Nepal For Great Mountain Climbing VacationsHome to the highest mountain peak in the world, Nepal has a reputation of a top mountain climbers' destination. Several highest peaks can be found here, 1300 of them being higher than 6,000m, eight of them ranking among fourteen higher than 8,000m, and, of course, Mountain Everest, regarded as a crown jewel, raising over 8,850m above sea level, and marking with its summit ridge the border between China and Nepal.
The ascent starts with a trek to Base Camp on the southern side of Everest. Climbers spend several days here, allowing for proper acclimatization. One of the particularly dangerous sections of the route is the icefall, having killed many climbers. With the sunlight reaching the icefall, the hazard increases essentially. For this reason, it is advisable to begin ascent before dawn.
From Base Camp climbers proceed to the Lhotse, where the second camp is established at 6,500m. The Western Cwm is also known as the Valley of Silence, cutting off winds from the climbing route. The high altitude and windless day make this part of the climbing route hot for mountain enthusiasts.
From third to fourth camp, climbers face two challenges: the Yellow Band and the Geneva Spur. The former is the snow covered rock band, named in 1952 by a Swiss expedition, while the latter is a section of sedimentary sandstone, both requiring fixed ropes to traverse them.
The South Col is the death zone, in which climbers can endure two or three days only.
Low winds and clear weather are decisive factors whether to continue a summit attempt. If you decide to continue, be aware of the snow avalanche hazard awaiting you at every step.
At 8,700m the South Summit is marked, from which the climbers proceed to the Cornice Traverse, seen as the most exposed section of the climb. At the end of the traverse you'll find the impressive rock wall Hillary Step (8,760m). Usually less than half an hour is spent on the top of the world, since climbers realize the necessity to descend before darkness.
For those giving preference to extremely challenging mountain climbing vacations, the northeast ridge route is far more attractive. It starts from the Rongbuk Glacier, proceeding then to the base of Changtse and the North Col, from which climbers ascend the rocky north ridge. Before reaching the final summit slope, they must make their way through three rock bands.
In addition to being extremely popular, climbing Everest is a hazardous business, which requires appropriate preparation and equipment.
It's not only Everest that makes Nepal a popular destination of numerous mountain climbing vacations. The countless number of Himalayan peaks has always attracted adventurous climbers from all over the world. The Nepal Mountaineering Association has designated more than 18 summits from 5,580m to 6,650m. Some major peak climbing destinations include Island Peak, Pokalde, Ama Dablam, Baruntse, Nuptse, Lhotse, and Makalu.
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