Mount Everest also known as Sagarmatha in Nepali

The highest peak in the world

Mount Everest, also known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan, is the highest peak in the world, standing at an elevation of 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level. It is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet (China) in the Himalayan mountain range. The first recorded attempt to climb Mount Everest was made in 1921 by a British expedition led by George Mallory. Mallory’s team reached an elevation of about 23,000 feet (7,000 meters) before turning back due to bad weather. Mallory returned in 1922 and reached an elevation of about 27,000 feet (8,200 meters), but he did not reach the summit. Mallory famously replied to the question “Why do you want to climb Mount Everest?” with the now-famous phrase “Because it’s there.”

The first successful ascent of Mount Everest was made in 1953 by a British expedition led by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa guide from Nepal. They reached the summit on May 29, 1953, and became the first people to stand at the highest point on Earth.

The climb to the summit of Mount Everest is a treacherous and challenging journey that requires physical endurance, mental toughness, and technical skill. The journey typically begins in Kathmandu, Nepal, where climbers fly to the small town of Lukla and begin their trek to base camp. From there, climbers must acclimatize to the high altitude and extreme conditions before making their ascent.

Climbers typically use four camps along the way to the summit. The first camp is located at an elevation of about 19,000 feet (5,800 meters), the second camp at around 21,000 feet (6,400 meters), the third camp at around 24,000 feet (7,300 meters), and the fourth camp at around 26,000 feet (7,900 meters). From the fourth camp, climbers typically make their final push to the summit, which takes about 10 to 12 hours.

The climb to the summit of Mount Everest is not without its risks. The extreme altitude, cold temperatures, and high winds can be deadly, and climbers must take precautions to avoid altitude sickness and hypothermia. In recent years, overcrowding on the mountain has become a major concern, as more and more people attempt to climb Everest each year.

Despite the risks, climbing Mount Everest remains a dream for many adventurers and thrill-seekers. The mountain’s peak offers stunning views of the Himalayas and a sense of accomplishment that few other experiences can match. Climbing Everest requires physical and mental fortitude, but for those who are up to the challenge, it can be the adventure of a lifetime.

Here are 10 original facts about Mount Everest:

1. Mount Everest stands as the tallest peak globally, reaching an elevation of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level. It is situated within the Mahalangur Himal sub-range, nestled between Nepal and Tibet (China).
2. The mountain earned its name from Sir George Everest, a Welsh surveyor who served as the Surveyor General of India from 1830 to 1843. Locally, it is referred to as “Sagarmatha” in Nepal and “Chomolungma” in Tibet.
3. The successful ascent of Mount Everest was accomplished on May 29, 1953, by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal. Their expedition was led by British mountaineer John Hunt.
4. Mount Everest is a prominent feature of the Himalayan mountain range, which took shape approximately 50 million years ago through the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. Ongoing tectonic activity continues to raise the mountain at a rate of around 4 millimeters per year.
5. The summit of Mount Everest is an extreme and hostile environment. Temperatures can plummet as low as -60 degrees Celsius (-76 degrees Fahrenheit), and oxygen levels are only about one-third of those at sea level.
6. Over 5,000 individuals have successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest since the historic first ascent in 1953. Nevertheless, climbing the mountain remains perilous, and tragically, more than 300 climbers have lost their lives in the process.
7. The primary climbing season for Mount Everest falls during the months of April and May, when weather conditions are comparatively stable. During this period, numerous climbers from various countries embark on their quests to reach the summit.
8. The most popular and frequently used route to climb Mount Everest is the South Col route, which begins from the Nepalese side. Alternatively, climbers may opt for the North Ridge route, commencing from the Tibetan side. The latter is generally considered more challenging.
9. Apart from mountaineers, Mount Everest also attracts a significant number of trekkers who journey to the Everest Base Camp. Located at an altitude of approximately 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), the base camp serves as a starting point for climbers and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding peaks.
10. Due to its popularity and increasing number of visitors, Mount Everest faces environmental concerns, including littering and waste management. Multiple organizations and governments are actively working to address these issues and promote responsible climbing practices to preserve the mountain’s natural beauty.