The trail leading to the summit of Everest is one of the deadliest and most dangerous trials worldwide, as Everest is the tallest peak in the world. Reaching the summit of Everest is the dream of almost every climber. However, excitement and adventure come with risks and obstacles, so we will learn about the chances of dying on Mount Everest in this blog.
The Death Zone of Everest: Above 8000 meters
Before starting with the actual topic that needs to be covered by the blog, let’s learn about the Death Zone of Everest. When the climbers cross the altitude of 8000 meters or 26247 meters, they enter the Death Zone. So why is this area known as the death zone? Well, above 8000 meters, the condition is so extreme that it is hard for any living being to survive. Also, the air is very thin, and the oxygen level is very low for the human body to function properly.
Hilary Step, which is just 180 meters below the summit of Everest, is the most dangerous spot in the Death Zone of Everest as it is a steep 12-meter rock face. As this is one of the most dangerous areas throughout the Mount Everest trial, it is also where many climbers lose hope or even their lives.
Chances of Death on Mount Everest
The death rate on Everest has been decreasing lately as the rescue and safety equipment are becoming more and more advanced. Since 1990, the death rate has been around 1%, whereas the success rate has been increasing.
Most of the deaths on Everest are because of altitude sickness, frostbite, excessive tiredness, less oxygen, etc., but as the climbers have become more aware of the safety measures for successfully ascending to the summit of Mount Everest, the success rate has doubled in the thirty years, whereas the death rate remains 1%.
If the climbers have a strong mentality and physicality, if they have prior experience climbing 8000 meters peaks, and if they follow all the safety protocols without hassling, the death rate decreases automatically.
Solo Trekking Banned: One of the Major Factors Increasing the Success Rate
Nepal Government and Tourism Board of Nepal have banned solo trekking or expedition in any mountains of Nepal since April 1, 2023. Many foreign climbers are still opposing this decision. Still, this decision is one of the major factors increasing the success rate of any trekking or expedition, including the climb to the summit of Everest.
Trying to cover such a high altitude without the help of professional guides or Sherpas is one of the major causes of death at the higher altitude. For any climbers thinking that a solo expedition is a better option, remember that even Sir Edmund Hilary climbed with Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. Besides, the accident or injury rates of any other trekking or climbing have decreased since the Nepal Government only let foreign mountaineers climb any peaks with a guide.
The climbers should understand that hiring a good guide is very important for climbing the Everest summit for the following reasons:
- Their experience and professionalism can help them navigate a less dangerous path, and the guides can also provide safety and medical assistance.
- Being the locals of the Everest region, the guides will be well-known for the cultural and traditional aspects of people living on Everest. They can also assist the climbers in communicating with the locals of the Everest region.
- Sherpas are trained to carry heavy loads even at the higher altitude so that they can carry your loads and you can concentrate on your expedition without carrying such heavy loads.
- The guides and Sherpas can also train you to use the safety gear in the right way even if you are not very good with them, and they will also find the perfect path for you so you can continue without any obstacles.
Rescue Operations on the Everest
Performing any rescue operation is only easy under 6000 meters because of enough oxygen levels and not-so-extreme conditions. However, when the climbers cross the second base of Everest, more than 80% of their safety is in their hands as the rescue operations get more difficult because of the extreme temperature, difficult terrains, and more snow. In that case, the highly trained Sherpas and medical staff come to the rescue by foot. As a result, the rescue operation might take longer, and if the climber’s condition is bad, chances are that the climbers might lose their life.
If the injuries are severe, rescue operations are performed by helicopters, and the climbers are sent directly to hospitals. However, if the cases are not brutal, the climbers are taken to the camps or the base, and the doctors make a diagnosis. Therefore, we suggest all the climbers be prepared properly before heading out for the journey to the summit of the tallest peak in the world. Besides, they should also understand their limits and work according to them to reach the summit safely.
Can the Death Rate at Everest be reduced to 0%?
The death rate at Everest has been stable at 1% for 30 years, which means out of every 100 people climbing Everest, one person dies. However, the success rate currently stands at 4%, which means the success rate is higher than the death rate. Even though the success rate has increased, one thing to notice is that the death rate has not increased. This percentage of death is not the result of irresponsibility or mistakes made by humans. Instead, this is because of natural causes such as avalanches and extreme temperatures.
As most deaths result from natural disasters, the chances of this rate decreasing are very low because any human being does not control the weather and climate at Everest. Therefore, we cannot predict whether the death rate in Everest can ever get lesser than 1% or not.
Conclusion
We hope this blog has given you important information regarding the failure and success rate while climbing the Everest summit. Furthermore, the blog also includes some important things that you should be well-known for before planning a journey to the summit of Everest.
In conclusion, the death rate of Everest has been constant since 1990, but the success rate has jumped by 2%, which is a positive aspect of advanced resources and safety and rescue essentials.
FAQs
What is a “death zone”?
Death Zone is a term given to the area above 8000 meters of Everest where the conditions are extreme, and no human can survive for a long time.
Which is the most dangerous part of the whole Everest expedition?
Hilary Steps, a 12-meter-long rock-faced path, is the most difficult and dangerous part of Mount Everest, located just 180 meters below the summit.
What is the death rate and success rate of Everest?
The death rate of Everest has been stable at 1% since 1990, which means 1 out of every 10,000 people climbing the summit has died since then, but the success rate is 4% which is significantly higher than the death rate.
