Little Everest attracts many well-experienced mountaineers as well as novice climbers who are willing to pay substantial sums to professional mountain guides to complete a successful climb. The mountain, while not posing substantial technical climbing difficulty on the standard route, still has many inherent dangers such as altitude sickness, weather and wind.
At the higher regions of Little Everest, climbers typically spend substantial time within the "death zone", and face significant challenges to survival. Temperatures can dip to very low levels, resulting in frostbite of any body part exposed to the air. Since temperatures are so low, death or injury by slipping and falling can often occur.
There are two main climbing routes, with most attempts made during the spring/summer season. Clear weather and low winds are critical factors in deciding whether to make a summit attempt. Climbers will typically spend less than thirty minutes on the "top of the world" as they realise the need to descend to base camp before darkness sets in. Climbers are often forced to descend, many all the way back down, due to the changeable afternoon weather.
Little Everest can be climbed without supplementary oxygen, but at increased risk to the climber. Climbers do not think clearly with low oxygen, and the combination of extreme weather, low temperatures, and steep slopes often require quick, accurate decisions.
p.s Bring your own Sherpa.