Mount Everest | Height, Location, Map, Facts, & Climbers Deaths

Written by: Resh Gurung Published On Jan 30, 2025

{"time":1738305250258,"blocks":[{"id":"RQqw4sqEFQ","type":"header","data":{"text":"Mount Everest: The Roof Of The World And Its Many\nFascinations","level":3}},{"id":"Ikbf3c42d7","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Mount Everest, standing at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level,\nequivalent to 8.85 kilometers or 5.5 miles, is a symbol of Earth\u2019s\ngrandeur and human determination. Known as&nbsp;<i>Sagarmatha<\/i>&nbsp;in\nNepali, meaning \u201cGoddess of the Sky,\u201d and&nbsp;<i>Chomolungma<\/i>&nbsp;in\nTibetan, or \u201cGoddess Mother of the World,\u201d this iconic mountain draws\nadventurers, scientists, and admirers from across the globe."}},{"id":"pKajW99ZbR","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Located in Asia, on the border of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous\nRegion of China, Mount Everest is part of the Himalaya, the youngest and\ntallest mountain range on Earth. This article explores the geography, history,\nclimbing challenges, and cultural significance of Everest, presenting a\ncomplete picture of why it continues to captivate the world."}},{"id":"ZEWfh051V2","type":"header","data":{"text":"Geography and Location","level":3}},{"id":"zoVsMX6j3p","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Mount Everest is located\nin the Mahalangur Himal subrange of the Himalayas. It lies within Nepal\u2019s\nSagarmatha National Park and Tibet\u2019s Qomolangma National Nature Preserve,\nsurrounded by equally impressive peaks like Lhotse (8,516 meters) and Nuptse\n(7,861 meters)."}},{"id":"rkb7z_YugF","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The region is a blend of\nbreathtaking natural beauty and harsh environmental conditions. At lower\nelevations, climbers encounter forests filled with rhododendrons and junipers.\nAs the altitude increases, these give way to barren alpine meadows, glaciers,\nand icy landscapes."}},{"id":"ENVYnJaltP","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Everest Base Camps,\nsituated on both the southern (Nepal) and northern (Tibet) sides, serve as launching\npoints for expeditions. These camps are hubs of activity during the climbing\nseason, offering shelter, supplies, and vital acclimatization opportunities for\nmountaineers."}},{"id":"YSsAkER_5G","type":"header","data":{"text":"The Formation and Age of Mount Everest","level":3}},{"id":"TTl3klkxRA","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Mount Everest and the\nHimalayas were formed approximately 50 to 60 million years ago as a result of\nthe collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This geological\nprocess is ongoing, though its effects are unnoticeable to the naked eye today.\nThe region\u2019s rugged terrain and towering peaks are a testament to the immense\nforces that shaped them over millions of years."}},{"id":"gsxGcRpctC","type":"header","data":{"text":"Measuring the Height of Everest","level":3}},{"id":"--QNtE0qt6","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Mount Everest\u2019s height has\nbeen a subject of extensive studies and international collaboration. The first\nmeasurement, recorded in 1856, estimated its height at 8,840 meters. Later, in\n1954, the Survey of India revised this to 8,848 meters, a figure that stood\nuntil 2020."}},{"id":"xBug4pgAmp","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In a joint effort, Nepal\nand China announced the current height of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet),\nincluding its snowcap. This makes it the tallest mountain above sea level on\nEarth. For comparison, the distance is equivalent to approximately 8.85 kilometers\nor 5.5 miles."}},{"id":"ML_VA5NSqo","type":"header","data":{"text":"Everest\u2019s Historical Exploration","level":3}},{"id":"hOoR2_dR4v","type":"header","data":{"text":"Naming and Early Studies","level":4}},{"id":"UFxGy_0nIo","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"In 1865, Mount Everest was\nofficially named after Sir George Everest, a British surveyor-general of India.\nHowever, the mountain was already known locally as&nbsp;<i>Sagarmatha<\/i>&nbsp;and&nbsp;<i>Chomolungma<\/i>,\nreflecting its deep cultural and spiritual significance to the region."}},{"id":"ENZ_-PhsG8","type":"header","data":{"text":"The First Successful Summit","level":4}},{"id":"nwPB9Qhh5i","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The first serious attempts\nto climb Everest began in the early 20th century, primarily led by British\nexpeditions. On May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing\nNorgay, a Sherpa from Nepal, became the first climbers to reach the summit. Their\nhistoric ascent via the South Col route remains one of the greatest\nachievements in mountaineering history."}},{"id":"rMy622uQzf","type":"header","data":{"text":"Women on Everest","level":4}},{"id":"YYfWq-xnNs","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Junko Tabei of Japan\nbecame the first woman to reach Everest\u2019s summit on May 16, 1975. Her success\nmarked a significant milestone, inspiring countless women worldwide to pursue\nhigh-altitude mountaineering."}},{"id":"eUTmE5gEsB","type":"header","data":{"text":"Challenges of Climbing Mount Everest","level":3}},{"id":"Ucu2YAmLwL","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Climbing Mount Everest is\na monumental task that demands physical strength, mental fortitude, and\ntechnical expertise. Despite advancements in equipment and logistics, the\njourney remains fraught with dangers."}},{"id":"5ZaPLdyB_q","type":"header","data":{"text":"Harsh Weather Conditions","level":3}},{"id":"XiC-22mclN","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Everest\u2019s weather is\nextreme and unpredictable. Temperatures can plummet to -40\u00b0C (-40\u00b0F), and\nhurricane-force winds often batter climbers. The best windows for climbing are\nduring the spring (April to May) and autumn (October to November), when\nconditions are relatively stable."}},{"id":"wsJCs2HyQM","type":"header","data":{"text":"The Death Zone","level":3}},{"id":"IL5rrwn8mv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Above 8,000 meters lies\nthe \u201cdeath zone,\u201d where oxygen levels drop dramatically, making it nearly\nimpossible for the human body to function properly. Climbers often use\nsupplemental oxygen to survive, but even brief exposure can lead to\nlife-threatening conditions such as hypoxia or cerebral edema."}},{"id":"FcSiLjYHhY","type":"header","data":{"text":"Physical and Technical Challenges","level":3}},{"id":"k8TL3qjrsV","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The ascent includes\ntreacherous sections like the Khumbu Icefall and the Hillary Step. The Khumbu\nIcefall, located on the southern route, is a maze of shifting glaciers,\ncrevasses, and towering ice blocks. The Hillary Step, a near-vertical rock face\nclose to the summit, tests even the most experienced climbers."}},{"id":"GNieIJ2gCA","type":"header","data":{"text":"The Death Toll","level":3}},{"id":"XMDolyC3qG","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Since climbing began, over\n310 climbers have lost their lives on Everest. Common causes include\navalanches, falls, extreme weather, and altitude sickness. The majority of\nfatalities occur in the death zone, highlighting the mountain\u2019s formidable\ndangers."}},{"id":"-bUt9xk4XS","type":"header","data":{"text":"Cultural and Global Significance","level":3}},{"id":"ohqizPDFgT","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"For the Sherpa people,\nMount Everest is sacred. They regard it as a goddess and approach the mountain\nwith deep respect. Sherpas are also indispensable to climbing expeditions,\nserving as guides, porters, and support staff. Their expertise and endurance are\nunmatched, making them vital partners in every summit attempt."}},{"id":"_bkC7UK2t5","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Globally, Everest\nrepresents the spirit of adventure and perseverance. It attracts climbers from\nall over the world, many of whom see reaching the summit as the ultimate\nachievement. Additionally, the mountain has been immortalized in books, films,\nand documentaries, further enhancing its global appeal."}},{"id":"P6ttDkCqNu","type":"header","data":{"text":"Environmental and Modern Concerns","level":3}},{"id":"YQU4YMaKUX","type":"header","data":{"text":"Overcrowding and Waste","level":4}},{"id":"3FCWsD_KGr","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"The increasing number of\nclimbers has led to overcrowding and environmental degradation. Litter and\nhuman waste left behind by expeditions have tarnished Everest\u2019s pristine\nbeauty. To combat this, Nepal and China have implemented stricter climbing\nregulations and cleanup campaigns."}},{"id":"MIJUu3QPjx","type":"header","data":{"text":"Climate Change","level":4}},{"id":"I_4FX8IaMn","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Climate change poses a\ngrowing threat to Everest. Melting glaciers and unpredictable weather patterns\nare altering the mountain\u2019s landscape and increasing risks for climbers. These\nchanges also affect the local ecosystem, endangering wildlife and water resources."}},{"id":"RNHwa8ihB0","type":"header","data":{"text":"Everest in Numbers","level":3}},{"id":"UhsyLT3aVs","type":"list","data":{"style":"unordered","items":[{"content":"Height : 8848.86m (29,031.7 ft)","items":[]},{"content":"Age : Approximately 50 - 60 million years","items":[]},{"content":"Continent : Asia","items":[]},{"content":"Fatalities : More than 310 climbers have died","items":[]}]}},{"id":"lDr5VtJklv","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Mount Everest is more than\nthe tallest mountain in the world\u2014it is a symbol of natural majesty and human\nambition. Its incredible height, challenging conditions, and cultural\nsignificance make it a focal point for explorers, scientists, and adventurers."}},{"id":"aGHJmcHzB-","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Whether you dream of\nsummiting Everest, trekking to its base camp, or simply marveling at its beauty\nfrom afar, the mountain offers a glimpse into the extraordinary. However, as\nmore people are drawn to its slopes, it is crucial to respect and protect this\nglobal treasure for future generations."}},{"id":"PUosJz0P7z","type":"paragraph","data":{"text":"Mount Everest\u2019s story is\none of awe, challenge, and inspiration, and its legacy will continue to\ncaptivate humanity for years to come."}}],"version":"2.30.6"}

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