Want to test your endurance and resilience, craving adrenaline and a sense of being truly alive? Take a chance in a casino and read on — nowadays, you can get to Everest without dedicating your whole life to mountaineering.
Once upon a time, climbing Mount Everest was seen as a feat reserved for the strongest, most resilient, and experienced mountaineers—people who had devoted their entire lives to conquering mountain peaks. But times have changed. Today, if you have around $40,000 to $70,000 and are in reasonably good physical shape, you can find yourself standing on the highest point on Earth — 8,848 meters above sea level. How is that even possible?
Commercial Expeditions: Everest as an “All-Inclusive” Adventure
Over the last 20 years, a wide range of travel companies have popped up, offering guided Everest climbs as “turnkey” experiences. You don’t need to understand mountaineering gear, hire porters, book a spot at base camp, or even obtain a climbing permit yourself — it’s all taken care of. These packages typically include transportation from Kathmandu, accommodation in various camps, food, oxygen tanks, the support of Sherpas (guides and porters), and sometimes even Wi-Fi and a personal cook.
Yes, you read that right: climbing Everest has started to resemble an all-inclusive vacation — only instead of a poolside lounge chair, you get extreme weather, sub-zero temperatures, and dizzying altitudes.
What If I Have Zero Experience?
You don’t need to be a pro climber, but having absolutely no experience is still a bad idea. Most companies require at least some basic fitness, experience with moderate hiking, and ideally a prior summit of a 5,000-meter peak like Kilimanjaro. That said, there are also companies willing to take almost anyone who can walk and pay.
The problem is that even with seasoned guides and supplemental oxygen, Everest is still incredibly dangerous. At that altitude, the human body is pushed to its limit. Headaches, insomnia, and breathing difficulties are common. In worse cases, climbers can suffer from altitude sickness, cerebral or pulmonary edema — all of which can be fatal.
What About Safety?
With each passing year, the number of commercial expeditions grows — and so does the strain on the route. On peak days, the so-called “Death Zone” — the area above 8,000 meters — becomes congested. Imagine this: you’re knee-deep in snow at 8,500 meters, wearing an oxygen mask, bundled in full gear at -30°C, waiting in line while the person ahead of you struggles to take a few steps.
There have been tragic cases where climbers died simply because they couldn’t descend in time. In 2019, on one good-weather day, nearly 300 people attempted the summit, and the traffic jam nearly cost dozens of lives. In some situations, Sherpas had to physically drag their clients down because they could no longer move on their own.
So Is It Worth It?
That depends on why you want to go. If you’re looking to test yourself, to explore your limits, and to see the world from its highest point — maybe, yes. But you have to be honest with yourself. If you’ve never been in the mountains and think, “How hard can it be? It’s just walking up a hill,” then you’re better off starting with something simpler. Even trekking to Everest Base Camp is an unforgettable adventure on its own.
Everest is not just another tourist attraction. It’s raw, wild nature that pushes human limits. It’s genuinely dangerous. And no amount of money can change the laws of physics or biology. Even the most expensive expedition can’t guarantee you’ll make it up and back down safely.
Conclusion
Yes, nowadays you really can “book” an Everest summit like you would a trip to the Maldives. But that doesn’t mean it’s become safe. If you’re ready — physically, mentally, and financially — then why not give it a try? Just don’t underestimate the mountain. Respect it, prepare seriously, and you might just touch the top of the world and come back with an incredible story you’ll tell for the rest of your life.
