Why does climbing Mount Everest have to start at midnight?

Conquering Mount Everest , the highest peak in the world, 8,848.46 meters above sea level, is a dream of many people. However, only by setting off at midnight, you have a chance to climb Mount Everest.

Why climb Mount Everest at 12 midnight?

Experts say that setting out at midnight is the best time to climb because there is little moonlight and stars, and the wind on Mount Everest before dawn is not strong. It usually takes about eight hours for climbers to reach the summit from 8,300 meters.

Climbing Mount Everest at midnight is just to be safe.

During the day, when the Sun begins to appear and the sunlight shines on the rocky walls of the snow-capped mountains and glaciers.

When the sun shines, the temperature rises and the snow softens, which can cause an avalanche. Such avalanches happen frequently and if you encounter one, your chances of survival are very small.

Mount Everest is made up of rock and silt. Due to thermal expansion and contraction, cracks appear inside the rock. Water enters the cracks and freezes into ice at night. During the day, when the sun shines, the warm sunlight melts the ice into water, increasing the risk of collapse of the damaged rocks.

Mountaineer's Equipment

Everest climbing boots weigh 4 kg. If too much snow sticks to the boots during the climb, the weight will increase significantly. Every step forward for a climber is very difficult because the air is very thin and breathing is difficult at an altitude of more than 8,000 meters. Therefore, every additional weight will increase the risk of failure during the climb.

According to experienced climbers, only from midnight to early morning does the snow harden and not stick to shoes.

If all goes well, it will take you about 8 hours to climb Mount Everest from the north side in China. That means if you start at midnight, you will probably reach the summit just as the sun is rising, around 8-9 am.