For safety reasons, there are always at least three people in a climbing group.

Safety first

Despite its rising popularity, alpine trekking has risks. In less-populated areas, some independent Chinese climbing teams often neglect to obtain a climbing permit from the local mountaineering association. The procedure may be inconvenient, but it is necessary in case of emergencies when rescue or evacuation are necessary.

In a country where quantifiable results and achievements are highly regarded, many Chinese have the misconception that reaching the summit is the only thing that matters.

New climbers often insist on finishing a climb, despite ominous weather, clear signs of storms and treacherous terrain. Sometimes, in blind pursuit of their goal, they overestimate their skills and endurance and put their own and the teammates' lives in danger. Most fatalities occur because of over-confidence and a lack of safety awareness.

"It is important to have the right attitude during climbing - you have to observe your own stamina and the environment, and then decide if you should continue or descend," advises professional climber He Chuan. The brand ambassador for outdoor sports apparel label, The North Face, has been climbing for 10 years. He doesn't always make it to the top.

"Safety should always be at the core of the team," He adds.

He recalls that he suffered a painful bone fracture of his left leg while he was descending 5,400-meter Pomiao Mountain in Sichuan Province. Provisions were low and help was nowhere near. He gritted his teeth and made it down to base camp with the help of his teammates.

Most recreational climbers scale between 2,000 and 5,000 meters above sea level. Beyond that, different preparation is required. Physical fitness, technical knowledge and prior experience are just part of the package of skills required for more demanding expeditions.

This is especially so when attempting Himalayan peaks. On such expeditions, it is not always the most skilled climber who reaches the summit. In addition, height is less of a challenge than the complexity of the route.

"Dealing with the high altitude is what makes these climbs hard. Knowing how your body responds to high altitude is not a skill you can learn in a course, but something you find out through true experience," says Arnold Coster, a professional guide who has successfully led eight expeditions to Mt Everest (Mt Qomolangma in Tibetan) from both Tibet and Nepal and reached the summit.

There's no standard of how many years and what kind of climbs make one an expert. The North Face, on its website, observes that a typical expert should be trained in leadership, chart-reading, navigation and first-aid skills, at the very least.

Even the pros are at the mercy of the elements and geography, however, and some never make it home.

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