When you think of Mount Everest, you probably picture weather-beaten veterans with frostbitten noses and decades of experience. You don't usually picture a kid who isn't even old enough to drive a car. But the story of the youngest person climb Everest is one of those things that still makes the mountaineering community get a bit heated. It’s a mix of genuine awe and a whole lot of "should they have even been there?"
Honestly, it’s a record that’s likely never going to be broken. Not because kids aren't tough enough anymore, but because the grown-ups finally stepped in and changed the rules.
The Kid Who Started the Fire: Jordan Romero
Back in May 2010, a 13-year-old from Big Bear, California, named Jordan Romero stood on the summit. He was exactly 13 years, 10 months, and 10 days old. Think about that for a second. At 13, most of us were struggling with algebra or trying to figure out how to talk to our crush at the lockers. Jordan was standing at 29,032 feet, looking down at the rest of the world.
He wasn't just some random kid who decided to hike a hill on a whim. He had this massive goal to climb the Seven Summits—the highest peak on every continent. He’d already knocked off Kilimanjaro when he was 10. By the time he hit Everest, he was basically a mini-pro. He climbed with his dad, Paul Romero, and his step-mom, Karen Lundgren.
They didn't go up the "standard" South Side from Nepal, though. Nepal had an age limit of 16 even back then. So, they went through Tibet. China didn't have a strict age cap at the time, which was the loophole they needed.
The Female Record: Malavath Poorna
A few years later, in 2014, Malavath Poorna (also known as Poorna Malavath) from India shattered the female record. She was 13 years and 11 months old—just a tiny bit older than Jordan was. Her story is incredible because she came from a small village in Telangana and had almost zero exposure to high-altitude climbing until she was selected for a special program.
She stood on top of the world on May 25, 2014. Like Jordan, she had to climb from the Tibetan side to bypass Nepal's age restrictions.
Youngest Person Climb Everest: The Controversy Nobody Talks About
While the headlines were all "Inspirational!" and "Bravery!", the actual climbing world was sort of freaking out.
Expert climbers like Todd Burleson and legendary guide Dave Hahn weren't exactly cheering. The big worry wasn't just "can a kid climb?" It was "should a kid's brain be at 8,000 meters?"
The Science of Young Brains at High Altitude
There is a real, scary lack of data on how extreme hypoxia (lack of oxygen) affects a developing brain. We know what it does to adults—cerebral edema, memory loss, and cognitive decline. But for a 13-year-old whose brain is still literally wiring itself? That’s a massive gamble.
Then there’s the "judgment" factor. In mountaineering, survival often depends on making a split-second, rational decision when you are exhausted and half-hallucinating. Critics argued that a middle-schooler, no matter how fit, doesn't have the life experience to truly understand the finality of death or the nuance of risk-assessment in a "Death Zone" storm.
Did It "Belittle" the Mountain?
This is where the elitism kicks in, but it’s worth mentioning. Some purists felt that having children summit Everest made the world's highest peak look like a playground. If a 13-year-old can do it, is it really the ultimate test of human endurance anymore?
Of course, Jordan and Poorna didn't do it alone. They had massive support teams and highly experienced Sherpas—Ang Pasang Sherpa, Lama Dawa Sherpa, and Lama Karma Sherpa were instrumental in Jordan's success. But then again, almost every commercial climber uses that same support.
The Door Slammed Shut: New Rules
If you’re a 12-year-old reading this and thinking, "I’m gonna beat Jordan," I’ve got bad news.
The backlash from Jordan Romero’s climb was so intense that the China Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA) changed the rules almost immediately. They saw the circus coming and decided they didn't want the liability of a child dying on their side of the mountain.
- Tibet (North Side): You now generally have to be between 18 and 60. They occasionally make exceptions for 16 or 17-year-olds with insane resumes, but 13? Forget about it.
- Nepal (South Side): The minimum age remains 16. They are actually getting stricter about "experience" too, requiring people to have climbed a 7,000-meter peak in Nepal before they even get an Everest permit.
Basically, Jordan Romero’s record is "grandfathered" in. He found the loophole, used it, and then the authorities welded it shut behind him.
What This Means for Future Climbers
If you’re looking to get into high-altitude trekking or you're a parent with a kid who has "Everest Fever," here is the reality of the situation in 2026.
1. Focus on the 6,000ers first
Don't even think about the big E until you've spent time on peaks like Island Peak or Mera Peak. You need to see how your body handles "thin air" before you invest $50,000 to $100,000 on an Everest expedition.
2. The "Records" are changing
Since the age records are basically locked, people are looking at other ways to make history—fastest summits, no-oxygen climbs, or new routes. The "youngest" tag isn't the prestige play it used to be because of the ethical "ick" factor now associated with it.
3. Respect the biology
Wait until you're at least 18. Honestly, wait until you're 25. Your lungs and heart will thank you, and you'll actually remember the experience rather than just surviving it in a hypoxic haze.
4. Check the permit updates
Regulations change every season. Nepal recently started requiring GPS tracking chips for all climbers to help with Search and Rescue. Always check the latest Department of Tourism (Nepal) or CTMA (China) briefings before planning anything.
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The story of the youngest person to climb Everest isn't just about a world record. It's a case study in how adventure, ethics, and international law collide. Jordan Romero and Malavath Poorna are undeniably legends for what they pulled off, but they are also the reason the mountain is now "adults only."
If you want to follow in their footsteps, start by building a foundation on smaller peaks. Grab a copy of Jordan's book No Summit Out of Sight or watch the film Poorna to get a feel for the mental grind. But for the actual climb? Give yourself time to grow up first. The mountain isn't going anywhere.
Next Steps for Aspiring Climbers:
- Research "Intro to Mountaineering" courses in the Cascades or the Alps to learn basic crampon and ice axe skills.
- Consult with a high-altitude physician to understand your personal physiological response to elevation.
- Verify current permit age requirements directly through the Nepal Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation before booking any commercial expedition.