Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, standing tall at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet). It is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet, drawing adventurers from around the globe. Reaching the summit of Everest is the ultimate dream for many climbers, but only a few succeed. In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa marked a historic moment in mountaineering to achieve this legendary feat.
It was originally called Peak XV until it was renamed after Sir George Everest, a British surveyor. Facts about Mount Everest continue to evolve, with scientists discovering the mountain grows a few millimeters each year due to tectonic activity. Despite modern gear and better preparation, the death rate on Everest remains a chilling reality, reminding climbers that the tallest mountain in the world is also one of the most unforgiving.
Mount Everest was first measured in 1856.
Measuring Everest was no small task. In 1856, British surveyors, using nothing but trigonometry and basic instruments, calculated its height at 8,840 meters (29,002 feet)—a groundbreaking discovery at the time. The mountain’s true height, however, remained a topic of debate for over a century.
With GPS and satellite technology, scientists have been able to refine the measurements. In 2020, Nepal and China officially declared 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) as Everest’s latest height. Some argue that only the rock height should be considered for true measurement, I.e., excluding snow and ice. But one thing is certain: Everest is the highest mountain and continues to stand as a symbol of adventure and endurance.
Mount Everest has two heights.
There are two official heights of Mount Everest! The rock height is 8,844.43 meters (29,017 feet), while the snow height is 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet). The extra meters come from the thick layer of snow and ice that permanently covers the top of the mountain.
Since the mountain is constantly shaped by climate and geological changes, its height can shift slightly over time. This has led to debates over whether future measurements should focus only on the rock height or continue to include the ice. However, whether measured in rock or snow, Everest is the highest mountain in the world, and its towering presence remains undisputed.
There are two routes to climb the Everest.
Everest has two main climbing routes—the South Route from Nepal and the North Route from Tibet. Each offers a different challenge, but both test the limits of human endurance.
The South Route, which starts at Everest Base Camp (EBC) in Nepal, is the most popular. Climbers make their way through the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, across deep crevasses, and up the Lhotse Face before reaching the summit of Everest. This route is known for its dangerous avalanches and unpredictable weather, but it’s also better equipped with rescue options.
On the North Route, climbers begin in Tibet and tackle Everest’s steeper, rockier terrain. The journey is longer and colder, with harsh winds sweeping the slopes. The final ascent involves climbing the notorious “Second Step,” a near-vertical rock face that requires intense technical skills. Though less crowded, this route is considered more challenging due to extreme exposure and the difficulty of rescue efforts.
The Death Zone at the Everest
Above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) lies the Death Zone, a place where oxygen levels drop to one-third of what humans need to survive. The body begins to shut down, and even the strongest climbers risk altitude sickness, brain swelling, and organ failure. In the Death Zone, every step is a battle. Climbers move slowly, gasping for air, as their bodies burn through energy reserves at an alarming rate. Many who summit Everest don’t make it back down, with exhaustion, frostbite, and sudden storms claiming lives. This is why climbers limit their time at this altitude—every second counts.
The Khumbu Icefall and its Dangers
The Khumbu Icefall, just above Everest Base Camp, is one of the most dangerous sections of the climb. It’s a frozen river of constantly shifting ice, with deep crevasses, unstable seracs (ice towers), and the ever-present risk of avalanches. Climbers must move quickly, using ladders and ropes to cross gaping ice chasms. But speed isn’t always enough—the ice can collapse at any moment. Many have lost their lives here, crushed under falling blocks of ice or trapped in crevasses. Sherpas, who often fix ropes and guide climbers, face the greatest risk. Every year, the Khumbu Icefall claims lives, making it one of Everest’s deadliest challenges.
The first people to climb the Everest
On May 29, 1953, Tenzing Norgay and Sir Edmund Hillary became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest. Their success was the result of months of preparation, grueling climbs, and sheer determination. Hillary, a beekeeper from New Zealand, and Tenzing, a Sherpa mountaineer from Nepal, formed an unbreakable bond during the climb. Battling fierce winds, extreme cold, and sheer exhaustion, they finally stood at the top of Everest, gazing over the world from the tallest mountain on Earth. Their historic ascent of Mount Everest remains one of the greatest mountaineering achievements of all time.
The first solo ascent of Mount Everest
Climbing Everest is already an incredible feat, but Reinhold Messner took it to another level. On August 20, 1980, he became the first person to summit Mount Everest without supplemental oxygen, all on his own. Thus, he is known for his legendary endurance. Messner climbed via the North Route in Tibet, battling hurricane-force winds and oxygen-starved air. With no one to assist him and no extra oxygen tanks, he pushed through sheer willpower. His solo ascent of Everest changed mountaineering forever, proving that even the most unthinkable challenges could be conquered.
The other names for Mount Everest
Mount Everest is called by different names. In Tibet, it is known as Chomolungma, meaning “Goddess Mother of the World.” This name has been used by local Tibetans for centuries, symbolizing the mountain’s sacred presence in their culture. The Nepali name for Mount Everest is Sagarmatha, with the literal translation Sagar meaning the “sky above / heaven” and Matha meaning the “forehead.” This name beautifully captures the towering presence of Everest, as if it touches the sky itself. Though the world knows it as Everest, these names remind us of their ancient significance long before they became a mountaineering challenge.
The declining death rate of Everest
Climbing Mount Everest has always been dangerous, but over the years, the death rate has declined. In the early days, many climbers died due to a lack of proper gear, limited knowledge of high-altitude survival, and unpredictable weather. Today, more climbers are returning safely from the Everest summit with the help of better equipment, improved forecasting, and experienced guides.
Although oxygen levels are critically low in the “Death Zone,” chances of survival have improved. Helicopter rescues, fixed ropes, and well-managed base camps have also significantly reduced casualties. While Everest still remains a challenge, its declining death rate proves that knowledge and technology make the climb safer than ever.
Offerings left by climbers at Everest
In Nepali and Tibetan tradition, Mount Everest holds a deep spiritual significance. Sherpas perform pujas (prayer ceremonies) and offerings before an expedition, asking for the mountain’s blessing and protection. These offerings include prayer flags, small statues, and even personal mementos, left as a way to honor the mountain and those who have lost their lives on it. Climbers also often leave offerings at the summit as a sign of respect. The tradition of leaving offerings continues, ensuring that Everest remains a place of both adventure and reverence.
The highest-altitude airport is nearby Everest.
Located at a staggering 2,846 meters (9,337 feet) above sea level, Lukla Airport is the main gateway for those aiming to climb Mount Everest. Known as one of the most dangerous airports in the world, it has a short runway, unpredictable weather, and steep drop-offs, making every landing an adventure in itself.
Despite the risks, thousands of trekkers and climbers fly to Lukla each year, excited to begin their journey toward Everest Base Camp. The airport, officially known as Tenzing-Hillary Airport, is named after the first climbers to summit Everest and remains a vital connection to the world’s tallest mountain.
Records that are set at the Everest
Fastest Ascent
Kilian Jornet achieved the fastest ascent of Mount Everest in 2017. He completed the climb in just 26 hours without supplemental oxygen. He set a new benchmark for speed and endurance, making him one of the most remarkable Everest climbers in history.
Youngest Climber
At just 13 years old, Jordan Romero became the youngest person to ever summit Mount Everest in 2010. His record-breaking achievement was part of his goal to climb the highest peaks on each continent, a challenge he completed by the time he was 15.
Oldest Climber
In 2013, Yuichiro Miura became the oldest person to summit Everest at the age of 80. Miura, a Japanese mountaineer and skier, has since set another record, demonstrating the power of perseverance and challenging what is thought possible at advanced ages.
First Climber
The first successful ascent of Everest was made by Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal, on May 29, 1953. Their achievement marked a historic moment in mountaineering, inspiring countless climbers to follow in their footsteps.
Most Summits
Kami Rita Sherpa holds the record for the most summits of Mount Everest, with an astonishing 28 climbs (as of 2023). His experience and skill have made him a legendary figure in the world of mountaineering, particularly in the Everest region.
Highest-Altitude Airport
Lukla Airport is located at an altitude of 2,846 meters (9,337 feet). It is the highest airport near Mount Everest and is well known for its short runway and perilous landing conditions. However, it still serves as the main point of access for climbers heading to Everest Base Camp and is a vital lifeline for the region.
The Highest Mountain Above Sea Level
Mount Everest stands as the highest mountain on Earth above sea level, with an official height of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet). This towering peak draws climbers from around the world, eager to stand on the world’s highest point.
Books and Documentaries on Mt. Everest
Books
Into Thin Air (1997)
One of the most famous books about climbing Mount Everest is Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer. This gripping memoir recounts the tragic 1996 Everest disaster, where several climbers lost their lives. Krakauer, who was part of the ill-fated expedition, provides a personal, harrowing account of the events that unfolded. Now, it is one of the most popular and widely read books about the disaster.
Documentaries
The Conquest of Everest (1953)
This British documentary follows the first successful summit of Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. It gives viewers a glimpse into the bravery and determination that made the conquest possible.
Storm over Everest (2008)
This documentary includes reenactments of the 1996 tragedy and interviews with survivors. It shows us how miscommunication and extreme conditions caused the loss of lives in the event.
Lost on Everest (2020)
This National Geographic documentary follows an expedition to find the body of Sandy Irvine, who went missing in 1924. It shows the Everest expedition aimed at locating his body and uncovering the secrets of his final climb.
Everest (1998)
This IMAX documentary follows a team of climbers on their journey to the top of Mount Everest just days after the 1996 tragedy. This film provides breathtaking mountain views while also reflecting on the risks of the world’s highest peak.
The True Summit (2024)
This 30-minute documentary follows mountaineer Kevin DeVries and 14 men on their trek to Everest Base Camp. It focuses on the human spirit of adventure and showcases the challenges they faced in the harsh environment of the Everest region.
