How Many Routes to the Summit? Mapping Mount Everest's Climbing Paths

Mount Everest isn't a single ladder to the top—it's a complex mountain with over 30 identified climbing routes, each with its own history, difficulty, and allure. They fall broadly into two approaches: the south side (Nepal) and the north side (Tibet/China).

The Classic: South Col Route (Nepal)

The most popular and historically significant path. First summited by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953, it follows the Khumbu Icefall, Western Cwm, Lhotse Face, and South Col to the Southeast Ridge. It benefits from established infrastructure (fixed ropes, camps, rescue) but suffers from crowding.

The Alternative: North Ridge Route (Tibet)

First climbed by a Chinese team in 1960. It avoids the Khumbu Icefall but presents its own cruxes: the steep rock steps (First, Second, Third Steps) at extreme altitude, harsher winds, and longer summit day. Requires Chinese permit and logistics.

Notable Other Routes

• West Ridge: Famously climbed by Americans in 1963 (Hornbein/Unsoeld traverse). Extremely difficult, rarely repeated.
• Southwest Face: First ascended by British team in 1975 (Bonington). Massive rock buttress, high objective danger.
• Khumbu Icefall variations: Several experimental lines through the chaotic icefall.
• East Face (Kangshung Face): Remote, avalanche-prone, stunningly beautiful. Few attempts.
• North Face / Norton Couloir: Historic 1920s–30s attempts; Mallory & Irvine vanished here.

Why So Many?

Everest's massive bulk, multiple ridges, faces, and couloirs invite exploration. But commercial guiding concentrates 95%+ of traffic on the South Col and North Ridge. The other routes remain the domain of elite alpinists seeking solitude, style, or first ascents.