Climbing Qomolangmo (also called as Mt. Everest) has become the order of the day for adventurers from around the world over the past few years, who dream of becoming one of the elite to stand on its summit. For safe climbing, however, one must need the following knowledge.

Best climbing season: Early March-late May; and early September-late October.

Necessary Articles: Six-seven camp sites at various altitudes, in addition to the base camp, each one furnished with tents, fuel, food, four high-pressure oxygen bottles per climber (each bottle costs US$400-500), and oxygen regulators (each costs US$500).

Fees to be paid in Nepal: Those who climb Qomolangmo from the Nepalese side need to pay US$10,000 per person as a registration fee, and US$30,000-60,000 per person as a climbing fee. Foreign climbers also have to pay US$20 a day to each Nepalese porter or guide.

Fees to be paid in China: Climbing from the Chinese side requires a registration fee of US$5,000. Would-be climbers may register at the Climbing Office of the Sports Commission of the Tibet Autonomous Region on Lingkor Road East, Lhasa (close to the Himalayas Hotel). No porter or guide is available. Yaks may be leased for transportation at a cost of 28 Yuan per head per day.

Environmental fees to be paid: All those who wish to enter the Qomolangmo area for climbing or sightseeing will have to pay 60 Yuan per person as an environmental protection fee. An oxygen bottle leasing service is available at travel services at a cost of 15 Yuan per person, or an additional 15 Yuan per person for those who actually climb Qomolangmo.

Source: China's Tibet Magazine