A New Everest Trend: Sea to Summit

March 12, 2026

Climbers are continually seeking out new ways to climb mountains. Now, the sea to summit trend is picking up on Earth’s highest peaks.

This spring, two climbers will approach Everest the (very) long way around. While most take a helicopter to Base Camp, they will start their “climb” from the seashore some 3,000 km away. From there, they will avoid motorized vehicles until they reach the highest point on Earth.

Technology, logistics, and the sheer number of summiters have stripped away some of Everest’s aura, so climbers continually seek a novel gimmick to make their quest seem striking. This includes fast ascents, multiple summits, and no-oxygen climbs. But for years, a handful have made the summit almost an afterthought compared to getting there. GEARJUNKIE