Table 1.
Population characteristics of mountaineers on Everest, 1921-2006. Values are numbers (percentages) unless stated otherwise
| Variables | Climbers (n=8030) | Sherpas (n=6108) | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Male | 7404 (92.2) | 6106 (99.9) | 13 510 |
| Female | 626 (7.8) | 2 (0.1) | 628 |
| Mean (SD) age (years) (range) | 36.5 (8.9) (12-74) | —* | — |
| Overall total | 8030 | 6108 | 14 138 |
| Summit ascents: | |||
| 1953-81 (all) | 94 (5.3) | 23 (1.8) | 117 (3.8) |
| 1982-2006: | |||
| S-spring | 663 (37.5) | 661(51.2) | 1324 (43.3) |
| N-spring | 732 (41.4) | 484 (37.5) | 1216 (39.8) |
| Other† | 279 (15.8) | 122 (9.4) | 401 (13.1) |
| Total | 1768 | 1290 | 3058 |
S-spring=standard Nepalese route via South Col or Southeast Ridge, or minor variants, during April to June; N-spring=standard Tibetan route via North Col or Northeast Ridge, or minor variants, during April to June. Population includes estimates of expedition size and roles of mountaineers (climbers or sherpas) for Chinese expeditions, 1960-79, on north side of Everest. Percentages may not add up to 100% owing to rounding.
*Data were unreliable.
†All other routes such as West Ridge or North Face approaches, or attempts on all routes during seasons other than spring.