Once at base camp, climbers make multiple short climbs on the mountain to acclimatize their bodies to the extreme altitude and to establish camps. Once acclimatized, they wait for a stable weather window.
Climbers then make their bid for the summit, which usually takes four to five days.
Here is the tentative schedule for the Everest Environmental Expedition 2000. Weather can alter these plans by weeks. Departed Eastern Iowa Airport for Kathmandu, Nepal. Fly to the mountain village of Lukla, at 9,200 feet. Waking between 10 and 11 p.m., they will leave before midnight to make the final push to the summit.