This year, a record-breaking 478 climbing permits were issued for climbing Mt. Everest. It was estimated only 52 percent of those climbers were able to reach the summit of the world’s tallest mountain. 

When people consider Mt. Everest, it is with awe and acceptance of the need for expertise. Before embarking on such a journey, climbers need a knowledge base, a sherpa or guide to help them along the way, and a significant investment in special equipment. There are also requirements of each permitted climber to care for the mountain itself by removing trash, human waste, and other debris generated by their excursion. Most of these concepts are also considered by non-climbers.