It’s no longer difficult to witness the allure of the world’s highest peak—Mount Everest. Whether traveling to the southern side in Nepal or the northern side in Tibet, it’s quite convenient for Taiwanese to visit either of the two base camps for tourism or hiking. However, due to the challenging natural environment, it’s estimated that only about a thousand Taiwanese visit Everest each year.
“Altitude sickness affects almost everyone, though the severity varies.” Lin Wen-kun, secretary-general of the Republic of China Hiking and Mountaineering Association, who has led hiking trips to Everest many times, said he started leading hikes on the southern side over a decade ago. Although most participants are young people over 20, he has also taken a 70-year-old member. Altitude sickness didn’t bother the elderly participant, though their slower pace was due to age.
The optimal months for hiking are from May to October, with typical itineraries lasting about 11 to 20 days. For example, the itinerary organized by the Hiking Association this year, which departed on April 29, begins with a flight from Taipei to Kathmandu, where the altitude is already above 2,600 meters. The hiking then begins, with the altitude increasing gradually, reaching up to approximately 5,450 meters—the highest point. This elevation is much higher than Taiwan’s tallest peak, Yushan, which stands at just over 3,900 meters. Though it’s a challenge for Taiwanese, it’s also one of the most appealing aspects.
If you prefer a more relaxed trip to see Everest, you can also join a Tibet tour that includes a visit to Everest Base Camp. Wang Peng-cheng, general manager of Pengcheng Travel Agency, which specializes in Tibet tours, said that after landing in Lhasa, the airplane is already at an altitude of over 3,600 meters. From there, you can take a bus or jeep to the northern Everest Base Camp without the need for hiking, allowing many older Taiwanese who dream of seeing Everest to fulfill their aspirations. The Travel Quality Assurance Association recommends visiting Tibet in April, taking into account seasonal, climatic, and altitude factors.