Everest Climbing Season Draws To A Close

Thursday, May 25, 2006
June is approaching quickly, and that means one thing if you're in the Himalayas. Climbing season is swiftly coming to an end. May 31st is the mandated cut-off date on the mountain, as soon there after the monsoon season will set in. OutsideOnline has posted a nice summary of the season thus far if you need a quick refresher. Also, over at MountEverest.net comes word that two more climbers have disappeared on the slopes of Everest, bringing the current total to 15 deaths on the mountain this season, which is odd considering how good the weather has been.

The climbing season seems to close so quickly, but with the great weather on Everest this year, a lot of people made it to the top. However, it's disconcerting that so many people died in their attempts, despite the great weather. It just underscores once more how dangerous high altitude climbing can be, especially when you get above 8000 meters.