The Hidden Danger of Cooking at High Altitude
Cooking inside a tent is necessary during a Mount Everest expedition, but it carries a lethal risk: carbon monoxide poisoning. Safety protocols are vital when you're preparing for the Mount Everest summit.
Even in a blizzard, you must leave the tent zip open slightly. Oxygen is already low; a stove consumes what’s left. Proper airflow is non-negotiable on any Everest trekking peak attempt.
Headaches from CO poisoning mimic altitude sickness. This makes it incredibly dangerous. Mount Everest expedition members are trained to recognize the difference to avoid a silent tragedy.
Modern stoves are designed for high-altitude efficiency, but they still produce gas. Using them only for the time needed to melt snow is the standard for a safe Mount Everest summit approach.
Your tent is your sanctuary, but it must be managed with care. Don't let the search for warmth lead to a hazardous Mount Everest expedition environment.