Everyone knows that the world's highest mountain is Mount Everest. Many of us also know that it is 8,848 meters above sea level. But the actual story of how it was formed, the climbing history, or how long it takes to climb is often unknown to many of us. Climbers risk their lives each year to be on the top of the world for just a moment. Why and what is so special about it?
Did you know that Mt. Everest is more than 60 million years old and is still growing to this day? In this post, I'll discuss some interesting facts related to Mount Everest. At the end of this article, you'll be so intrigued by this magnificent peak that you just might have to come and visit the land of Mount Everest in Asia.
Where is Mount Everest located?
Mount Everest is part of the continent of Asia, on the border between Nepal and China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. Moreover, in Nepal, this peak lies in the eastern part of the country in the Mahalangur ranges of the Himalayas. The geographic location of Everest is 27°59' North latitude, 86°55' East longitude, situated about 160.51 km northeast of Kathmandu.
On the map of Nepal, Mt. Everest is listed in ward number 4 of the Khumjung Village Development Committee of Solukhumbu District in the Sagarmatha Zone. Khumbu region is rich in the nature and culture of indigenous people living there. Trekking in this region, you'll also get to have breathtaking panoramic views of other towering, famous peaks beside Everest. Some of them are Mt. Lhotse, Mt. Nuptse, Mt. Amadablam, Mt. Kangtega, Thamserku, Kwangde, Kusum Kanguru, Mt. Khumbu-la, Island Peak, and many more.
Where is Everest Base Camp?
Everest Base Camp lies at the foot of the highest mountain in Nepal. It lies on the southern side of the mountain approximately 5,300 m above sea level. Besides expedition groups planning to ascent it, trekkers reach Base Camp to enjoy the journey blended with nature and culture. More than 40,000 trekkers flock each year to complete this classic trek.
Different Names of Everest
This famous peak has several names. In Nepal, it is called Sagarmatha which means “forehead in the sky.” Likewise, in Tibet, it is called Chomolungma meaning “Mother of the world.” Before this peak was named, it was called the Third Pole. Later on, the name “Everest” was derived from the 'Sir George Everest'. Historically, he was the first person to locate the exact position of the mountain. Thus, in order to acknowledge his achievement, the British government decided to honor him by naming the peak after him.
Mount Everest Height in Feet
Mount Everest's height in feet is 29,029 feet above sea level. It is located in the Mahalangur section of the Himalayas. For the first time in history, the height of Everest was determined by the great trigonometric survey of British India in 1956. At the time, the mountain was known as Peak XV, measured at 29,002 feet (8,840 meters). The currently accepted elevation was determined by an Indian survey in 1955 and backed up by a 1975 Chinese measurement.
How was Mt. Everest formed?
Mount Everest was, in fact, formed approximately 60 million years ago by the movement of tectonic plates. The Indian sub-continental plate has been colliding with the Eurasian continental plate. Still, these plates continue to shift today. Thus, its height is changing. Some data suggest that the Himalayas continue to grow upwards, while other data indicate northwest movement and even shrinkage.
How long does it take to climb Mt. Everest?
No one can just go and climb to the summit of the highest peak in the world. First of all, you need to get used to the thin air at increasing altitude. It's all about acclimatizing your body. This is why the Sherpas, with the alpine region being their native land, are well-adapted.
In general, climbing Mount Everest takes around two months. Normally, the trekkers begin their expedition at the mountain base camp. Before reaching the summit it requires time to acclimatize at various stages like icefall, Camp 2, Camp 3, Camp 4, and the final summit.
Summit usually happens in mid-May when normal temperatures are warmer and the winds are milder. Usually, climbers aim to be on the summit in the morning, so they begin at around midnight. By doing so, they also get enough daylight and can descend before nightfall. For more information click here.
Climbing History of Mt. Everest
This peak is considered one of the most breathtaking, yet dangerous places in the world. Lots of courage and endurance are required to climb the highest peak in the world. Unfortunately, more than 235 climbers and local people have died while attempting to climb the peak, though the exact number is still unknown as not everyone registers before their trip.
On 29 May 1953, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa from Nepal and Edmund Hillary from New Zealand climbed to the summit of Mt. Everest for the first time in history. Before their successful summit, there were many failed attempts by a number of British expedition teams. Today, more than 5,000 people have already experienced being at the top of the world.
Notable Ascents
- The first woman to climb Everest - Japanese Junko Tabei, 1975
- First climbers to reach the summit without bottled oxygen - Peter Habeler and Reinhold Messner, 1978
- First solo climber to reach the summit - Reinhold Messner,1980
- First blind person to reach the summit - Erik Weihenmayer, 2001
- The oldest person to reach the summit - Min Bahadur Sherchan, aged 76
- The youngest person to reach the summit - Jordan Romero, aged just 13
- The first couple to get married at the top of Mt. Everest - Mona Mulepati and Pem Dorjee Sherpa, a Nepalese couple, 2005
- First British woman to reach the summit - Rebecca Stephens, 1993
Popular travel tour package for Mount Everest Base Camp
Reaching Everest base camp is breathtaking. Getting an Everest base camp is not everyone's cup of tea. they need to spend two weeks of time to get to Everest base camp by trekking. In this modern era, people also choose to take helicopters to Everest base camp.