Booka on the Experience of Climbing Mount Everest

 February 7, 2024

Luke "Booka" Rollnik is the seasoned Australian mountaineer behind Ballzy Expeditions. He also runs his popular channels on TikTok and Instagram, where he gives helpful advice and shows spectacular footage and imagery from his various expeditions. The goal behind Ballzy Expeditions is to raise money and donate sports equipment to underprivileged local children in Nepal, which is where many of his mountain climbing adventures have taken place.

He now shares his raw and real experiences of climbing Mount Everest, shedding light on the often-unspoken realities of scaling the world's highest peak. His testimony offers a rare insight into the challenges, dangers, and surreal moments encountered on Everest, far beyond the usual domain of outdoor adventuring.

The Everest Misconception

Booka addresses a common misconception about Everest being perpetually crowded, as portrayed in a widely circulated photo showing a “traffic jam” of climbers. “People saw that photo, and they think that there are just lines and lines of people going to Everest every day,” he states. “But that was one day in the whole year. And then, for 364 of the other days, there was literally no one up there. So, there's this misconception that Everest is just always hugely crowded, and it's not.”

Such crowding is not a daily occurrence on Everest but is a result of the limited weather windows available for summit attempts. In 2019, when the photo was taken, there was just a single day suitable for summiting in the entire year, leading to the unusual level of congestion that can be seen in this infamous photo.

Personal Summit Experience

In contrast to these crowded scenes, Booka recounts his own summit experience in 2022, which was relatively solitary. "There weren't that many people, which was great. I had a great experience and never had to wait for anyone," he shares, highlighting that experiences on Mount Everest can vary greatly depending on timing and conditions.

Confronting Death on Everest

One of the most haunting aspects of climbing Everest, as Booka reveals, is encountering the remains of climbers who didn't make it back. He mentions "Green Boots," a man whose body has become a well-known marker at 8,000 meters. He also recalls the chilling experience of passing three dead bodies within a 20-minute span near the Cornice Ridge. These surreal encounters, he notes, serve as a stark reminder of the mountain's unforgiving nature.

The Ethical Dilemma

Booka discusses the ethical complexities faced by climbers when encountering the deceased on Everest. He recalls seeing climbers stepping close to the deceased due to the treacherous and narrow paths. "It's really hard up there," he says, acknowledging the physical challenges at such high altitudes, where moving a body is nearly impossible. “It's like, there's 33% of oxygen. So that means that everything is 66% harder. I would say it's like six times harder, to be honest. So, it's just impossible, really.”

The Role of Overwatch x Rescue

Booka's story and others like his aren’t just adventure tales; they are lessons in respect, preparation, and the humbling power of nature. In light of these harrowing experiences, the emergency response services provided by Overwatch x Rescue become crucial. Overwatch x Rescue is an emergency SOS subscription service catered toward outdoor enthusiasts in need of help. With no altitude limitations for their services, their role in coordinating rescue efforts and providing emergency assistance in remote and challenging environments is indispensable. For adventurers taking part in or inspired by Ballzy expeditions, having the safety net provided by Overwatch x Rescue is a significant advantage when undertaking such challenging endeavors.

Climbing Mount Everest, as Booka vividly describes, is more than a physical challenge; it's a journey filled with profound experiences, ethical considerations, and life-altering moments. His candid account provides a deeper understanding of what it means to confront the majesty and perils of the highest point on Earth. For those drawn to such extreme adventures, an understanding of these realities, along with the assurance of Overwatch x Rescue, are essential for a safe and responsible expedition.