By nearly any measure, Mt. Everest is an aesthetic mountain, with challenges for every level of alpinist. It is, however, crowded, at least at this time of year, when the pre-monsoon season provides relatively stable weather. In recent weeks, more than 400 people have made the summit. But it’s not always so: the north side is far less populated, and you can always go in fall, when the days are short but the place is empty.

But would you? Let’s say Adventure Journal offered an Everest grant and paid for one reader to travel to and from the world’s highest peak, all expenses paid. Would you do it? Does the allure of being on top of the top have enough appeal to accept the risk, the crowds, the hype? Would you prefer another, less-popular Himalayan peak? Or just punt altogether and climb closer to home?

[polldaddy poll=9425778]

WIN SMITH SUNGLASSES JUST BY VOTING

This week, one poll participant will receive Smith Optic’s Lowdown sunglasses. We’ll pick the winner via random number generator (and announce it here) – all you have to do to enter is vote and leave a comment so we have your email to contact you. Must have a U.S. or Canadian address. Contest ends Sunday, May 29, at midnight PST.

Congratulations to Lindsay Poehlmann, who wins the Smiths this week!

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Photo by Calum Robinson

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