Do climb at a slow pace and you'll enjoy your climb more.

Stay away from alcohol, tobacco and other vices that will play havoc with your body and mind at these high altitudes.

A high-carbohydrate diet will really benefit you here.

In USA there are many resorts above 3,000 metre level, meaning you will need to keep a watch out for mountain sickness.

Some Mount Everest Facts:

Historic Mountain Climbing Deaths:

George Mallory and Andrew Irvine on June 6 1924, made an attempt on summit from which they never returned.

An eyewitness claimed he saw group reach summit.

A total of 808 climbers have reached and stood on summit, 764 men and 44 women. There were 161 that died, 36 on descent.

More About Mountain Climbing Deaths

In 1965, was best year for climbing, nine climbers summitted and there were no deaths.

In 1996, worst single year for deaths, 15 climbers died.

About Mount Everest Itself:

The Highest Peak: At 29,035' (8850m), thats about five miles up, highest summit in world, and is close to cruising altitude of a jet, or it is 23 times height of Empire State building.

Above 26,000, body gets a third of oxygen available at sea level.

Even after getting acclimated, body starts to shut down, and if someone stays at that height long enough, they will die.

A lot of climbers use oxygen here for climbing and sleeping.

The weather on Everest allows for climbing only in May and October between winter snows (December-March) and summer monsoons (June-September).

As you can tell, this article is just giving you basics of what information you'll need to find your way to top of world's highest peaks.

Amazon.com has a great source of books on this subject.