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Want to Climb Everest? Approaching 40? Lots of Luck
It's not whether you are a man or a woman that determines how successful you'll be climbing Mt. Everest--or even if you are an experienced mountain climber, although experience might help--it's how old you are.
The statistics are in. According to data collected after 15 years of studying who makes it to the summit and who doesn't, researchers have found that after a person reaches age 40, his or her chance of making it to the top drops dramatically. Once you hit 60, you may as well forget about it. Well, you might make it to the top at that age, but your chances are slim. After 40 your body systems poop out faster. (That's my interpretation of what I've read.)
This doesn't mean you shouldn't try after the age of 40, but I'd say, know your limits and don't be stupid. If you can't make it, you can't make it. Heck, how many people actually get to Everest's first base camp? How many people actually make it to Nepal? or Tibet? How many people don't even know where these two places are exactly? Or what a sherpa is? If you go trekking in Nepal, hire one. (This shot posted on Flickr by yourclimbing.com was cleverly doctored. Not by me, the person who posted it. Mt. Everest is in the background.)
Here are some climbing Mt. Everest statistics and facts:
- The first person to reach the summit was Edmund Hillary in 1957.
- Since then, more than 2,000 people have reached the top
- more than 200 have died trying.
- Those who die are usually left where they died.
If you're contemplating a trip up Everest, the researchers also found that if you want to be successful, be part of a group. (see article from The Cosmos: Science of Everything) This second photo was taken from the International Space Station. Since today is the 50th anniversary since Sputnik the first satellite, was sent to space, this photo seems fitting. Click on it for a larger image and a view of the path up to Everest's summit.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Linda LeBlanc Oct 5th 2007 10:30AM
You posed the question, "What is a Sherpa?" Sherpas are the true heroes on Everest. One third of all deaths on the mountain have been Sherpas but one rarely learns of this. To learn more about this amazing tribe that makes climbing Everest possible, read Beyond the Summit by Linda LeBlanc. Details of Sherpa culture and religion are interwoven in a tale of romance and high adventure. The story has something for everyone: a love affair between an American journalist and Sherpa guide, conflict between generations as the modern world challenges centuries of tradition, an expedition from the porter's point of view.
Below are selections from reviews. To read the complete ones and excerpts go to www.beyondthesummit-novel.com
Beyond the Summit, is the rare gem that shows us the triumphs and challenges of a major climb from the porter’s point of view. The love of two people from diverse cultures is the fiery centerpiece of a novel that leads its readers through harshly beautiful and highly dangerous territory to the roof of the world. Malcolm Campbell, book reviewer
Conflict and dialog keep this gripping story of destiny, romance and adventure moving from the first page to the last paragraph. LeBlanc has a genius for bonding her readers and her characters. I found I was empathizing in turn with each character as they faced their own personal crisis or trauma.
Richard Blake for Readers Views.
A gripping, gut-twisting expedition through the eyes of a porter reveals the heart and soul of Sherpas living in the shadows of Everest. EverestNews.com
A hard-hitting blend of adventure and romance which deserves a spot in any serious fiction collection. Midwest Book Review
LeBlanc is equally adept at describing complex, elusive emotions and the beautiful, terrifying aspect of the Himalayan Mountains. Boulder Daily Camera
LeBlanc's vivid description of the Himalayas and the climbing culture makes this a powerful read. Rocky Mt News Pick of the Week
A rich adventure into the heart of the Himalayan Kingdom. Fantastic story-telling from one who has been there. USABookNews.com
This is the book to read before you embark on your pilgrimage to Nepal. The author knows and loves the people and the country, and makes you feel the cold thin air, the hard rocks of the mountains, the tough life of the Sherpa guides, and you learn to love them too. This is a higly literate, but also very readable book. Highly recommended."
-- John (college professor)
Memorable characters and harrowing encounters with the mountains keep the action moving with a vibrant balance of vivid description and dialogue. Literary Cafe Host, Healdsburg, CA
This superbly-crafted novel will land you in a world of unimaginable beauty, adventure, and romance. The love story will keep you awake at night with its vibrant tension and deep rich longing. Wick Downing, author of nine novels
Such vividly depicted images of the Everest region and the Sherpa people are the perfect scenario for the romance and adventure feats narrated. It's a page-turner, so engrossing you end up wanting to visit Nepal! Not just novel, but perfect for those seeking to get acquainted with the culture of this country.
By Claudia Fournier (América, Bs. As., Argentina)
Jamie Rhein Oct 5th 2007 10:32AM
Thanks for such a detailed bonus!! What a wealth of info. Our sherpas were truly wonderful and amazing when we did our Nepal trek.