The crowd climbing up Everest. (Simone Moro)

Everest: Reasons Behind the Overcrowded Summit

A photo that shows a though condition faced by climbers at the top of the world, where they are ‘trapped’ in the crowds of the queue has attracted the world attention in the past week. The photo was taken by a mountaineer Nirmal Purja, amid the tragic news of seven people died on Everest.

According to Mingma Sherpa, chairman of the Seven Summits Treks, the crowds often happen during the climbing season. It also depends on the most suitable climbing weather for climbers before ascending. If the weather is safe for a week long, it would not be too crowded. But if it is only for one or three days, the climbers usually want to reach the summit at the same time that it gets too crowded. The weather is important to note because climbers need to avoid the jet stream that will hinder them.

However, the overcrowded summit can be hazardous for climbers. They have to wait for a long queue, around 20 minutes to 1.5 hours, which is very risky for them to be running short of oxygen or not have enough oxygen when going down.

Experts say the ‘traffic jams’ on the summit is due to the expedition trend that has become increasingly popular in recent years. An expedition guide Andrea Ursina Zimmerman said that many traffic jams are caused by unprepared climbers who do not have the physical condition to support the journey. Many push themselves to reach the summit, but once they reach it and about to go downward, they just lose energy and motivation. As a matter of fact, this is not only risking their lives but also the Sherpas—the well-known expedition guides on Mount Everest.

Climbers feel that reaching the top is extremely rewarding. But being physically ready and choosing the right time to ascend are also vital to reduce the risks.