The Himalaya by the Numbers

What are the most dangerous peaks to climb? What are the safest? When is the best time of year to climb? These and many other questions are answered in this comprehensive statistical analysis of climbing activity, ascents and fatalities in the Nepal Himalaya. The analyses cover three periods of climbing: 1950-1969 - the expeditionary period, 1970-1989 - the transitional period, and 1990-2009 - the commercial period The data are analyzed in several categories including climbing season, expedition years (changes over time), geographical regions of Nepal, age groups, gender, citizenship, and team size and composition. In addition, fatalities are analyzed for both members and hired personnel by causes of death with special emphasis given to avalanches, falls and physiological factors. Time of day and distance from the summit also also examined for climbing accidents. Special emphasis is given to the most popular commercial peaks, Ama Dablam, Cho Oyu, and Everest.

Author: Richard Salisbury & Elizabeth Hawley
Weight: 790 grams approx