siege climbing

Siege climbing is a method of mountaineering, most notably used on Mount Everest, that involves establishing a series of camps at progressively higher elevations on the mountain. This technique, often associated with early 20th-century climbers, emphasizes acclimatization by allowing climbers to ascend to higher camps and then descend to sleep at lower elevations, following the principle of "climb high, sleep low".1

This approach requires significant logistical support, traditionally provided by Sherpas, and involves fixing ropes and carrying supplies to create these intermediate camps. While effective for reaching summits, some climbers have critiqued siege climbing for potentially detracting from the aesthetic and experiential aspects of mountaineering, leading to the development of faster, lighter "Alpine-style" ascents.1

The term "siege" in this context likely draws a parallel to historical military tactics, where large forces systematically advance and establish fortified positions, similar to how siege towers were used to breach fortifications in ancient warfare.21