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15 In-depth Facts about Mount Everest (Ultimate Knowledge)

August,09 2023 BY Master Kungga Dundruk 0 COMMENTS

Mount Everest, the highest peak on the planet, has captivated explorers and thrill-seekers for generations. Prepare to be enthralled as we unravel the extraordinary facts that make Everest an enchanting symbol of human resilience and nature's grandeur.

From the triumphs of brave climbers to the mysteries that shroud its summit, join us on an unforgettable quest to discover the magic of Mount Everest. Get ready to be amazed and inspired as we embark on this epic journey into the heart of the Himalayas.

1. Mount Everest is located on the border between China and Nepal

Mount Everest, a majestic peak on the Great Himalayas in southern Asia, straddles the border of Nepal and Tibet , a part of China known as the Tibet Autonomous Region. This towering giant stands as the world's highest mountain, once seen as unconquerable. It's like a bridge between Nepal and Tibet, connecting two different lands with its awe-inspiring presence in the Himalayan mountain range.

2. Mount Everest has three different names

Mount Everest boasts three names that echo its significance. Known as "Mt. Everest" to commemorate Sir George Everest, a British surveyor, it is "Qomolangma" in Tibet, embracing its role as the "Mother Goddess of the Earth," and "Sagarmatha" in Nepal, a "Peak of Heaven.". This mountain's name journey reflects its global recognition . It was christened "Peak XV" by Western explorers in 1841, and in 1865, it was renamed "Mount Everest" in honor of Sir George Everest (pronounced "Eve-rest” and not Ever-est)."

3. Mount Everest was originally covered by an ocean

Long before its towering presence, Mount Everest rested beneath an ancient ocean . Marine fossils found by explorer Noel Odell in 1924 unveiled this secret, revealing an oceanic past 450 million years old. Today, at over 25,000 feet, sea creature fossils from 400 million years ago grace the peak of Mt. Everest. This profound fact, beautifully expressed by nature writer John McPhee, encapsulates Earth's transformative forces: "The summit of Mt. Everest is marine limestone."

Mount EverestIt's hard to imagine that what is now the world's highest mountain was once an ocean.

4. The age of Mount Everest is about 60 million years

Geologists explain that Everest's transformation into a mountain began about 60 million years ago , as colliding tectonic plates pushed up lighter rock while heavier rock sank. Thus, Everest emerged from the ocean's depths, its peak composed of rock once submerged beneath the Tethys Sea – a waterway that existed eons ago between the Indian subcontinent and Asia.

5. Mount Everest is still growing up

Mount Everest is considered a relatively young mountain in geological terms, still growing as part of the Himalayas. This growth, about 4 millimeters (0.2 inches) annually , results from the continuous shifting of tectonic plates beneath the Earth's surface. The Indian Plate's movement beneath the Eurasian Plate pushes the Himalayas upward, and Everest gains about 40 centimeters (16 inches) in a century. It's like a slow dance of Earth's forces, shaping the mountain's ongoing transformation over time.

6. Mount Everest is the highest mountain man can climb

Standing at an elevation of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.69 feet), Mount Everest is the highest mountain attainable by humanity. However, the measurement has sparked debates due to factors like snow levels and gravity deviations. The commonly accepted figure of 8,848 meters (29,028 feet) was determined by the Survey of India in the 1950s. Various subsequent surveys yielded differing results, but in 2020, China and Nepal jointly confirmed Everest's height at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.69 feet) using advanced technology. This acknowledged measurement reflects the enduring allure of Everest as the ultimate climbing challenge.

7. The first to summit Mount Everest was a New Zealand Explorer and his Sherpa Guide

The historic ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 marked a monumental achievement for humanity, championed by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay . Edmund Hillary, a renowned mountaineer, explorer, and philanthropist, and Tenzing Norgay, a skilled Sherpa mountaineer and guide, achieved an extraordinary feat in climbing Mount Everest. After rigorous training, they established a route up the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, successfully reaching the South Col. Hillary and Tenzing set out for the summit on May 29, overcoming challenges like the steep Hillary Step. They triumphantly reached the summit at 11:30 AM, where they exchanged gestures of camaraderie and left meaningful offerings.

photo of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing NorgayEdmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay

8. The best time to climb Mount Everest is extremely short

Climbing Mount Everest presents a narrow window due to its harsh climate and extreme isolation. The temperatures range from −60 °C to −19 °C, with sudden storms and winds exceeding 100 mph. To make the ascent possible, adventures must carefully choose the best time to Mount Everest.

There are only two feasible times to ascend: April to May , just before the monsoon, and a brief period in September post-monsoon . During the monsoon, soft snow and avalanches pose risks, while winter storms render climbing almost impossible from October to March. Despite advancements, the remote location lacks roads, relying on footpaths and airstrips for access.

 Mount Everest Climbing Season Best to climb Mount Everest from April to May or September to October

9. Climbing to the Summit of Mount Everest from Nepal is Easier than from Tibet

Climbing Mount Everest from Nepal is generally considered more feasible than Tibet due to the South Col Route, offering advantages like a scenic trek to the Khumbu base camp, easier access to nearby villages, and the possibility of helicopter rescue. This route is slightly warmer with fewer winds, although concerns involve the unstable Khumbu Icefall, potential crowding, and exposure during the Cornice Traverse. The Northeast Ridge Route from Tibet has its benefits, including fewer crowds, the ability to drive to the base camp, and relatively easier climbing to mid-level camps, but challenges encompass colder temperatures, harsh winds, higher camps, more difficult terrain with smooth or loose rocks, and no helicopter rescue opportunity.

Everest view in Nepal Side
Everest view in Nepal Side

10. It takes around 6 to 9 weeks to climb Mount Everest

Climbing Mount Everest takes 6 to 9 weeks on average , with the expedition encompassing various stages. From the Nepalese side, the journey begins with flying into Kathmandu, Nepal’s capital, then taking a smaller plane to Lukla before trekking (2 weeks) or helicoptering to Everest Base Camp. Acclimatization to the high altitude is crucial at this point. The subsequent weeks involve treks to higher camps to acclimate further. The final summit push starts from Base Camp to Camp 4, located in the "Death Zone" around 8,000 meters. Climbers set off around 11 pm, reaching the summit in 6 to 10 hours. The descent, often riskier, takes about half that time. Returning to Camp 4 is crucial for survival. Descending to Base Camp takes a day or two, followed by rest, food, and celebration. The journey back to Kathmandu concludes the expedition, spanning a few days or weeks.

Climbing Mt.EverestClimbing Mt.Everest do takes long time

11. Climbing Mount Everest is achievable but not affordable for most people

Climbing Mount Everest is a costly endeavor, with prices ranging from $40,000 to $160,000 . The cost depends on factors like - expedition type, inclusions, and comfort level. Two guiding options exist: logistics-only (approx. $32,000 to $60,000) for experienced climbers arranging their base camp and hiring local support, and all-inclusive ($40,000 to $100,000), which covers logistics and services. The financial aspect often makes Everest's summit achievable for those with substantial resources but not affordable for most.

12. The peak of Mount Everest can be seen on the plane

The flights between Kathmandu and Lhasa, and vice versa, offer unparalleled aerial views of Mount Everest and the Himalayan Range. Sit on the plane's right side when flying from the east and on the left side when flying from the west to enjoy the best chance of witnessing the majestic peaks. For instance, on a Lhasa to Kathmandu flight, the right-hand side offers an excellent view of Everest.

Mt.Everest You can see Mount Everest on the flight from Kathmandu to Lhasa

13. Mount Everest is actually a sacred mountain for the Sherpa people

For tourists and trekkers, Mount Everest might be the "Top of the World," a symbol of personal achievement, but for Sherpa people, it is a sacred peak. Revered as the 'Goddess of the Sky' (Sagarmatha in Nepalese) and 'Goddess Mother of the Earth' (Chomolungma in Tibetan), Everest holds deep meaning for the Sherpas , who have lived in her shadows for centuries. Followers of Buddhism, Sherpas, see Everest as the dwelling place of an enlightened goddess and believe in deities inhabiting the surrounding mountains. Despite diverse visitor faiths, they partake in Sherpa rituals honoring the mountain's goddess and climbers' summit quests. This connection is embodied in ceremonies like raising Prayer Flags, symbolizing the intertwining of spirituality and Everest's breathtaking landscape.

beautiful sunrise of Everest in WinterBeautiful Sunrise of Mount Everest

14. Over 5000 Triumphs at Mount Everest's Summit

More than 5,000 individuals have triumphed at Mount Everest's summit, accomplishing over 9,000 successful ascents in total. Some remarkable climbers have even achieved this feat multiple times. Every year, around 800 attempts to conquer the mountain. As of January 2023, 6,338 distinct individuals have reached Everest's peak.

Among them, Kami Rita Sherpa from Nepal holds the record for the most ascents – an impressive 26 times. Other countries with substantial summit counts include the USA, with 748 summits and India, with 526. Pasang Dawa Sherpa, a Nepali Sherpa, recently joined the ranks of Everest legends by completing his 26th ascent, sharing the record with Kami Rita Sherpa. Foreign-born climber Kenton Cool set an extraordinary record of scaling Everest 17 times.

15. In the uninhabited zone of Mount Everest, animals still thrive

Despite the relentless snow and challenging conditions on Mount Everest, a surprising variety of wildlife thrives in its uninhabited zones. Notable inhabitants of this extreme environment include jumping spiders, the resilient Arenaria flower, bar-headed geese, yaks, Himalayan tahr (similar to goats), Himalayan black bears (sometimes mistaken for yetis), and pika (a type of rabbit). These creatures possess unique survival tactics that enable them to endure the cold.

Conclusion

These facts about Mount Everest are truly remarkable and worth knowing. As the highest peak on Earth, Everest captivates adventures and wanderers worldwide. Whether you're an ambitious mountaineer seeking to conquer the top of the world or an intrepid traveler eager to admire this renowned peak from a respectful distance, we're here to accompany you on this extraordinary Mount Everest tour.

Master Kungga Dundruk

About the Author - Master Kungga Dundruk

The Lhasa-born prodigy used to study business overseas, and got his Bachelor of Business in Nepal and India before moving back to his homeland. With pure passion for life and unlimited love for Tibet, Kunga started his guide career as early as 1997.

Responsible, considerate, and humorous, he devoted his entire life to guiding and serving international tourists traveling in Tibet. As a legendary Tibetan travel guru with 20-year pro guide experience. Currently, he is working in Tibet Vista as the Tour Operating Director. Whenever our clients run into trouble, he is your first call and will offer prompt support.

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