Mount Everest - the highest of all
- Highest Goals, Highest Standards: The Ultimate Mount Everest Experience 🏔️
- International Teams, Strong Participants, Teamwork – Reaching the Summit Together 🌍
- Top-of-the-World Services, Fair Pricing, Personalized Preparation 💪
- Professional Guidance: Welcome to SummitClimb – Your Path to Everest 🏅
Mount Everest - the mountain
The world’s highest mountain has always captivated mankind. The Nepali call it "Sagarmāthā," which translates to "head of the great blue sky." In Tibet, the mountain is known as "Qumolngma" (transcribed as "Chomolungma" in English), meaning "Mother of the Universe." Beyond these ancient religious descriptions, mountaineers and adventurers are naturally drawn to this peak to conquer its extraordinary challenge. Despite all the controversies and modern aids, summiting Mount Everest remains a demanding and alluring goal.
Summit together
SummitClimb Everest – Benefits at a Glance
- International teams, strong participants, teamwork – reaching the summit together
- Experienced expedition leaders and loyal top Sherpas
- Top-of-the-world services at the best price
- Customizable arrangements, personal Sherpa and mountain guide available
- Ample time for your ascent, expeditions in Nepal and Tibet (up to 60 days)
- Speed Expedition: Everest in one week (under 7 days)
Our experience on Mount Everest dates back to 1991 when Daniel Mazur reached the summit with the Russia-US team. Since 2004, our German/Swiss partner and managing director Felix Berg has summited Everest, and we have regularly conducted both Everest expeditions. We've successfully resumed "regular" expeditions after the COVID break, He reached the summit on June 1, 2021, during a 5-day Speed Expedition (Heli In/Out, acclimatization at Makalu) with 100% success for all participants and Sherpas.
Our experience on Mount Everest dates back to 1991 when Daniel Mazur reached the summit with the Russia-US team. Since 2004, our German/Swiss partner and managing director, Felix Berg, has successfully summited Everest, and we have consistently run Everest expeditions. After the COVID break, we've resumed our "regular" expeditions with great success. Most recently, Felix reached the summit on June 1, 2021, during a 5-day Speed Expedition (Heli In/Out, acclimatization at Makalu), achieving 100% success for all participants and Sherpas. Our Sherpas are summit-experienced and loyal, and together with our chefs and support team, they are essential to the success of every Everest expedition.
You and our Everest team
Our team consists of you - all our participants - alongside the Sherpas, support crew, excellent cuisine, and expedition leaders. Our team dynamics work very well throughout the journey, the trek, and the ascent up to the summit. We motivate mountaineers from around the world to join us.
Highly experienced guides, all of whom have already reached the summit and know the route in detail, will led your expedition. Our Sherpas are not only seasoned climbers but also deeply loyal, and we foster a close, family-like bond with them. On Mount Everest, they are an indispensable part of our team. For the summit ascent, only the most experienced Sherpas - those who have stood on the peak multiple times and possess strong English skills - are assigned as personal guides. Younger Sherpas support the team by assisting with camp setup and, during the expedition, have the opportunity to join us on the climb to the summit.
Expeditions North & South: We have extensive experience on both the North Side (Tibet/China) and the South Side (Nepal), characterized by logistical expertise, personal dedication, and, as a result, an unbeatable price-performance ratio.
Willst Du den Everest besteigen?
Your success on Mount Everest depends first and foremost on your personal suitability and preparation, followed by the style of ascent:
- Basic participation without oxygen
- Full service with oxygen and personal Sherpa, guided
These are two very different approaches.
Here are the skills you should bring to an Everest climb: Experience with high altitudes from multiple expeditions, including at least one reaching 7,000 meters in the past few years, and a strong level of physical fitness (endurance). You should also be skilled in self-sufficient mountaineering, winter camping, cooking in extreme conditions, ice techniques, crevasse rescue, and alpine climbing techniques. Knowledge of recognizing and preventing frostbite symptoms, altitude sickness, and treatment methods is also necessary. Previous experience with 8,000-meter peaks (good starting points: Manaslu, Broad Peak, Cho Oyu) is highly beneficial and almost essential for basic participation.
The difficulty ultimately depends on the year of the climb too: There have been years with excellent weather and conditions, and others with avalanches and storms. The years 2024, 2022, 2019, 2018, and 2017 were excellent, with ideal conditions for Everest summits, and a success rate of about 80-100% for all participants in our expeditions. Even in the stormy year of 2021, all participants reached the summit, but the key remains: You must be fit and well-prepared.
Along with individual skill, conditions, and support, a bit of luck is always essential for a successful ascent.
Though modern technology, better equipment, and more experienced guides have made the climb safer, Everest remains an extremely dangerous and demanding peak.
Success largely depends on the climber's physical and mental preparation, as well as the conditions on the mountain.
Honestly: Our success rate (and anyone, who is honest has the same) fluctuates between 0% and 100%.
On average, our success rate on Mount Everest in recent years is around 75% (based on all participating full-service guests with oxygen and Sherpa support).
Much depends on personal preparation and the support you choose. Weather luck and overall well-being on the mountain also play a significant role: everything has to align for the summit. Do you want 100%?
From 0% to 100%:
- Too often, providers falsely advertise "100% success rates" but only mean 100% of participants who "seriously" attempted the summit. Turning back at base camp, realizing one has overestimated their abilities, or simply facing conditions that made the ascent too difficult, are often ignored. Many times, Sherpas and mountain guides are counted in the success rate to boost the number.
- Examples: In 2021, we brought all our participants to the summit of Everest, despite two cyclones, all safely. Another provider allegedly canceled their expedition due to COVID-19 but still advertised a 100% success rate. In 2021, we met a team on Lhotse that supposedly conquers all mountains 100% of the time, yet they turned back there because the mountain was "impossible" - logic: but that doesn’t count, right? - as only the "possible" ones count.
- During the 2015 earthquake, none of us reached the summit (and neither did anyone else), nor did we after the avalanche disaster in Nepal: That makes 0%.
We’d be happy to advise you on participation and preparation to optimize your chances of success.
As much as the media reports on mass tourism on Mount Everest, with shocking images flooding social media, it is and remains a unique experience to stand on the highest mountain in the world: The vast view from the top and the feeling of achievement are truly unbelievable!
- There are not even 1,000 candidates for the summit across all expeditions in a whole year.
- In a normal season (good weather with a long summit window), ascents are spread over many different days.
- However, due to narrow weather windows and pressure, traffic jams can occur at notorious spots (on both the south and north routes).
Just in 2024, there was a season on Everest where ascents were spread out over many different days. On the summit day, our team was the only one at the top, and many teams were able to enjoy a relatively empty Everest.
Personal training is essential, and we develop individual programs based on our expert knowledge. Depending on the experience level, professional mountaineers and guides may only need a specialized training program lasting a few months. For hobby mountaineers and endurance athletes with less climbing experience, we recommend at least 2 years of preparation time for a successful Everest summit.
Preparation: We offer (optional, highly recommended) preparation meetings in the Alps, or preparation expeditions. Additionally, individual training can be tailored to the expedition: either in a group or 1:1 with a certified mountain guide to enhance personal knowledge and meet technical requirements. For mental preparation, special coaching sessions can be arranged: Our star coach, Magdalena Wilzeck, has successfully prepared many renowned mountaineers for their summit climbs.
Personal Equipment: In addition to complete mountain clothing and glacier gear, the personal essentials include a sleeping bag rated for temperatures down to -40°C comfort, a warm down jacket and down pants (or a full down suit), very warm expedition boots, and specialized expedition gloves.
In our expeditions:
- The ascent is carried out independently and responsibly, under the guidance of the expedition leader.
- For Full-Service participation, Sherpas and the expedition leader will accompany the team to the summit.
- However, no guiding services are provided, though personal Sherpas or international Everest guides can be hired upon request (1:1 upgrade).
- Independent high-altitude mountaineers can join the expedition without high camp support at a more affordable rate or apply as co-leaders for the expedition.
Whether to climb the North or South side depends on various personal preferences.
Nord vs South - the way to summit?
To ascend the highest mountain in the world, two standard routes have been established:
The South Ascent: This route, pioneered by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, approaches from Nepal. It traverses the Khumbu Icefall, the Lhotse Face, the South Col, and the Southeast Ridge.
The North Route: This route, first successfully climbed by a Chinese expedition in 1960, approaches from Tibet. It ascends via the North Col (North Saddle) at 7,050 meters, continuing along the North and Northeast Ridges.
Despite improvements in infrastructure, better-secured routes, and the support of Sherpas, climbing the mountain remains an ultimate challenge. The choice of route is crucial. As one of the few providers, we offer guided ascents from both sides almost every year. Here, you can find a general overview and our assessment of the route choices.
Expedition - North / Tibet
Some highlights of ascending Mount Everest via the North side include:
- Objectively Safer Route: The North route is generally considered safer due to fewer objective hazards compared to the South side, which includes the Khumbu Icefall and Lhotse Face.
- High Base Camp with Shorter Stages: The approach involves a high base camp and shorter stages between camps. The journey begins with a drive to the first base camp at 5,100 meters, followed by a trek to the second base camp (ABC) at 6,300 meters. The ascent along the North Ridge is divided into short stages with three camps, the highest being at 8,300 meters.
- The Tibetan side offers a more isolated and remote climbing experience, with the rugged Tibetan climate accompanying the expedition.
Challenging Acclimatization: Due to the rapid ascent and travel to high altitudes, acclimatization can be more challenging initially. However, above ABC the climb is considered less physically demanding overall.
Technical Difficulty: While the North side is technically more challenging, especially during the descent from the summit, it is considered less dangerous objectively compared to the hazards on the South side.
For more detailed information about our north-side-expedition:
Expedition - Süd / Nepal
Einige Highlights der Besteigung des Mount Everest über die Südseite sind:
- Technisch einfachster Weg zum Gipfel
- Bequemes Trekking zum Basislager, gute Akklimatisation
- Nepal, das freundliche Khumbu, die Sherpa
Nepal, das Khumbu-Gebiet insbesondere, ist touristisch gut erschlossen. Der Anmarsch erfolgt langsam, was die Akklimatisation fördert. Der Aufenthalt im südseitigen Basislager (5600m) ist angenehmer als das raue und windige tibetische Wetter auf der Nordseite. Dafür muss mit längeren Etappen gerechnet werden und der Khumbu-Eisbruch bietet gleich zu Anfang eine technische und objektiv gefährliche Hürde. Das letzte Lager liegt auf 8000m Höhe (Südsattel), eine etwas angenehmere Schlafhöhe. Auf der Etappe zum Gipfel muss mit 10-14 stündigem Anstieg und 4-6 Stunden Abstieg gerechnet werden. Die Gipfeletappe ist länger und somit konditionell noch herausfordernder als die Nordroute von Tibet, dafür technisch leichter. Technisch weniger versierten Bergsteigern wird der Südanstieg empfohlen. Der Gipfelgrat und die Schüsselstelle am Hillary-Step nach dem Südgipfel sind die Hauptschwierigkeiten. Weitere Info:
Some highlights of ascending Mount Everest via the South side include:
- Technically Easiest Route to the Summit: The South route is considered the least technically challenging way to reach the summit of Everest
- Comfortable Trek to Base Camp with Good Acclimatization: The trek to the South Base Camp is more comfortable and allows for better acclimatization due to the slower approach through the Khumbu region. The stay at the South Base Camp (5,600 meters) is generally more pleasant compared to the harsh and windy conditions on the Tibetan side.
Friendly Khumbu Region and Sherpa Culture: The Khumbu region in Nepal is well-developed for tourism, offering a welcoming environment with the support of the local Sherpa community.
Longer Stages and Objective Hazards: While the trek is more comfortable, climbers must prepare for longer stages above base camp. The Khumbu Icefall presents an early technical and objectively dangerous challenge. The highest camp is located at 8,000 meters (South Col), offering a slightly more comfortable sleeping altitude.
Due to its technical ease, the South route is often recommended for climbers who are less experienced in technical climbing.
For more detailed information about our south-side-expedition:
Alan aus Calf. (20.06.2009)
Everest North - Ascent from Tibet / ChinaI had a very good experience on this unforgettable expedition. The trip was well organized and I liked the leader. He was full of energy and humour.
Jacques aus Frankreich (05.07.2012)
Everest North - Ascent from Tibet / ChinaI was there! Summit Climb brought me to the Top under the leadership of Dan. This expedition was not only extremely well organized (all these important details taken care of for you, so that you can concentrate on your inner voyage...and focus on the goal), but we also had lots of excellent food (I am French :-)), as well as fantastic people interactions. If you have a chance: go with Summit Climb, these guys are smashing.
Hagen Steiner, Deutschland (02.06.2017)
Everest South - Ascent from NepalSamatha Falconer (14.06.2014)
Everest North - Ascent from Tibet / ChinaIch habe Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu und Everest mit SummitClimb bestiegen. Warum? - SummitClimb hat wettbewerbsfähige Preise. - Sie haben eine unglaubliche Erfahrung mit Visa / Kultur / ein Netzwerk von Menschen. Ich habe ein paar Beispiele, wo dies erstaunlich demonstriert wurde. - Die Sherpa-Team sind langjährig loyal, stark und stehen treu zu SummitClimb - über verschiedene Charity-Projekte organisiert SummitClimb Fonds. Die Sherpas sind stark in diese eingebunden, was ich fantastisch finde - Was könnten sie besser machen? ...ich weiß nicht, das ist eine schwierige Frage. Ich akzeptiere, dass für den Preis den sie verlangen, ich kein Luxus we Teppiche im Basislagerzelt bekomme. Da gibt es Firmen, die mehr bieten, aber sehr viel mehr verlangen. Ich denke es ist wichtig, die Erwartungen richtig zu setzen.
Alex from USA (01.07.2022)
Everest South - Ascent from Nepal
Experiencing Everest: Base Camps & 7000m+ challenges
Trekking tours to the Mount Everest base camps, including the EBC Trek in Nepal and the ABC Trek in Tibet, offer an adventurous journey. The 7,000-meter challenges at Lakpa Ri (7,045m, Tibet) and the North Col (7,020m), along with the 7,000-meter training climb in Nepal, complete our presence at the world's highest peak.
Nepal - Everest Base Camp (EBC):
- Altitude: Up to 5,600 meters.
- Environment: Green, lively, with a hidden view of Everest.
- Culture: Home to the Sherpas, open, and popular among tourists.
- Climate: Warmer than the Tibetan side.
- Regulations: More tourist-friendly compared to China.
Tibet - Advanced Base Camp (ABC):
- Altitude: Up to 6,300 meters.
- Environment: Clear view from the northern plateau, regulated, secluded, and rugged.
- Culture: Less populated, retaining the mystique of "Seven Years in Tibet."
- Access: The base camp is reached by car, with trekking beginning from there to the ABC.
- Exclusivity: Offers a more exclusive experience, less trodden by tourists, and is only available in conjunction with expeditions due to regulations.
Best Time for Trekking: April/May is suitable for accompanying or visiting Everest expeditions, but October-November offers more stable and clearer weather.
Annual Expeditions: We organize two expeditions to Mount Everest each year to summit the world's highest peak. Accompanying these are 7000m+ training expeditions to the North Col, Lakpa Ri, Camp III on the South side, and trekking journeys to the base camp.
