New Everest 'Sea to Summit' Trend
A new "sea to summit" trend is emerging in Everest climbing, with climbers starting from the seashore and traveling 3,000 km to base camp [https://explorersweb.com/a-new-everest-trend-sea-to-summit]. Activity is focused on the Nepalese side due to Tibet's North Col remaining closed [https://alpinismonline.com/everest-season-focused-on-nepal-after-tibets-closured].
This "sea to summit" trend highlights a return to the original spirit of mountaineering, emphasizing a complete journey from the lowest point to the highest. Early Everest expeditions often involved long overland approaches, adding to the challenge and adventure. The closure of Tibet's North Col to foreign expeditions is a major factor driving this focus on the Nepalese side. This leaves the South Col route as the primary option, potentially leading to increased crowding and pressure on the Khumbu Icefall. Some expect that if the weather cooperates, the number of successful summits could approach or even exceed recent records. While "sea to summit" climbs add significant time and distance, some climbers are attempting to set speed records. Andrew Ushakov recently claimed a record for reaching the summit from sea level in under 4 days, using bottled oxygen and hypoxic training. In 2013, Kim Chang-ho set the record for the fastest sea-to-summit ascent without supplementary oxygen or motorized transport, completing the journey in 67 days. These expeditions face numerous challenges, including extreme weather, altitude sickness, and technical climbing difficulties. Logistical planning and mental fortitude are also crucial for success on Everest.
