Everest 2016: When the Roof of the World Called

Everest 2016: When the Roof of the World Called

Mount Everest. Just the name conjures images of towering ice, biting winds, and the ultimate test of human endurance. Every year, climbers from every corner of the planet are drawn to its slopes, chasing a dream that hangs thousands of meters above sea level. 2016 was one of those years – a season of triumphs, yes, but also one etched with the stark realities of high-altitude climbing. Let’s unpack what happened up there.

After a couple of years where Everest was largely off-limits due to the Khumbu Icefall tragedy in 2014 and the devastating Nepal earthquake in 2015, 2016 saw the mountain buzzing with activity again. The big news? A whole lot of people made it to the top. We’re talking around 641 successful summits early in the year! The Nepal Department of Tourism clocked about 456 summits from their side alone, including 45 women. Of those, nearly 200 were foreign climbers. Picture this: on May 19th, a staggering 209 people stood on the highest point on Earth. Talk about a traffic jam with a view!

So, what made 2016 such a banner year? Well, Mother Nature played nice for a change, blessing climbers with some decent weather windows. Combine that with meticulous planning, top-notch gear, and the incredible skill of the Sherpa guides, and you’ve got a recipe for summit success. By May 22nd, over 400 had already ticked Everest off their bucket list, all thanks to a spell of good weather. And let’s not forget those nine Sherpas who paved the way on May 11th, followed by six more the next day – the first summits since 2014. A huge accomplishment!

But Everest is a harsh mistress, and even in a “successful” year, she demands respect. Sadly, 2016 saw its share of tragedy. Most reports sadly indicate that five climbers lost their lives on Everest. Add to that a high-altitude worker who perished on the Lhotse face, and the total climbs to a somber six. The Nepal Ministry of Tourism confirmed five deaths on the Nepali side of the mountain.

What went wrong? The usual suspects: altitude sickness, sheer exhaustion, and those terrifying falls that can happen in an instant. One Indian expedition from West Bengal was particularly hard hit, losing three members, with a fourth needing a desperate rescue. A guide company also suffered the heartbreak of two fatalities, and another client had to be airlifted to safety. It’s a stark reminder that even with the best planning, Everest can be unforgiving.

Despite the losses, 2016 also delivered some inspiring firsts. Climbers from Sri Lanka, Myanmar, and Tunisia finally stood on the summit, planting their flags on the roof of the world. Then there was Alyssa Azar, who became the youngest Australian woman to conquer Everest. And a 19-year-old became the youngest Japanese woman to reach the summit. Proof that dreams, with enough grit and determination, can come true.

All in all, 2016 was a “normal” Everest season, a welcome return to form after the disasters of previous years. It injected some much-needed life into Nepal’s tourism industry and allowed hundreds to achieve their ultimate goal. But it also hammered home a crucial lesson: Everest is never to be underestimated. She’s a challenge that demands respect, skill, and a whole lot of luck.