Mount Everest Facts | Interesting Facts Of Mount Everest

Mount Everest also is known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan is famous for its name only. People recognize it mostly as the highest mountain in the World based on the measurement to sea level. It lies in South-Asia on the border of Nepal and China. In 2020, the height of Mt Everest was recognized as 8848m through the official agreement between Nepal and China. There are many Mount Everest Facts that will surely blow your mind.

Many trekkers and climbers visit Nepal and Tibet every year to climb Mount Everest which is the dream project of many people. Moreover, there are mainly two routes to reach the summit, one from Southeast in Nepal also known as standard route and another one is from North in Tibet.

Here, I present you some information that you might be interested to know about Mount Everest:

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Mount Everest Facts

You may think you have known about the world’s tallest mountain enough. But, do you? There is always something that we are unaware of. So, we have brought som Mount Everest facts that you might want to keep an eye on. These are certain to give you a different point of view on this notable mountain, which remains a charming goal for experience voyagers, trekkers, and climbers even in the 21st century.

1. There were many local names for the Everest. So, to know it universally by one name Royal Geographical Society officially named it after Sir George Everest even after his objection in 1865. He was the one to discover this huge mountain in 1841. Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India recommended the name. He was also working under Sir George and helped in succeeding him.
2. Ever heard the name of Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay? Who has not heard, right? They were first climbers to reach the summit of Everest on 29 May 1953. But, were they really? George Mallory and Andrew Irvine had also attempted to climb Mt. Everest back in 1924. However, whether they made to summit or not is still a mystery to all of us. Mallory’s body was found after 75 years and Irvine’s body was never found. It is one of those hidden Mount Everest facts which only some people know.

1. More than 5000 people had successfully climbed Mt. Everest. However, the first disabled climber to reach the summit was Tom Whittaker who had lost his right foot on accident. Yuichiro Miura was the oldest one of age 80 to climb Everest in 2013 and the youngest one was Jordan Romero in 2010 who was just 13 yrs old. Recently, the Government of Nepal and China had put age restriction, you should be a minimum of age 16.
2. Nepalese couple wed on the top of the Mt. Everest in 2005 A.D. There is only one to do the wedding there. They stayed on top of the summit of 10 minutes which was enough to do complete the basic ritual. It is one of those adventurous Mount Everest facts that I hope amazed you.

1. Lakpa Gelu Sherpa managed to reach the top in just 10 hrs and 56 minutes in 2003. He was the fastest to reach the summit.
2. Mt. Everest is continuously growing and shaking. Everest grows about half-inch taller each year due to the movement of rocks in the northern region.
3. Oxygen at top of the summit is only 33% of that available on sea level. We need to take oxygen with us to climb the pinnacle. Though, Reinhold Messner was the first person to reach the top without oxygen.
4. Puja takes place in the camp before climbing Everest for the safety of climbers. Maybe it’s superstitious but people there believe that it is to bless the team, climbing gear, skis, and even the beer. Puja is performed by Buddhist or monks and is equally honored by the foreigners.
5. Traffic jam on Mt. Everest is becoming a big problem. Although it cost dollars to climb the largest mountain, many people are into reaching the summit. During 2012 and 2019, Everest faced a huge jam. News also came that many people died by getting stuck on jam for more than 14 hours in 2019.

How was Mt. Everest formed?

Mt. Everest and Himalayas are famous for their transcending pinnacles and monstrous extents. But, how did this giant mountain range form? Is Everest a volcano? Well, let’s find out.

In order to figure out how this mountain was formed, the geologist team went on a mission to collect the evidence from Everest. For evidence, they collected 3 rock samples, one was from the summit and two from the base. These 3 rocks were the main components to form this huge mountain Everest.

In Oxford University, those samples were analyzed by the leading authority on Everest. The summit rock was cut into so thin pieces that light can pass through it. From the fossil record, it was found that the section was over 400 million old. It was formed in an ancient marine environment. They concluded that the rock would have started life at the bottom of the sea. The main question was how did the rock of sea reach to the top of the summit? Various studied were done to find out how this mountain was formed.

Back To The Everest History

Back to 400 million years ago, no trace of the Himalayas existed. The sea lily now fossilized on the summit of Everest is proof that there was once water where now this great mountain stands. Giant squids swimming around the sea that once laid between India and other parts of Asia was major evidence that there was a major ocean between the continents. But, to find marine fossils on top of the summit, some immense geological force must have pushed the ocean floor upwards above the water.

Ancient creature fossils later became proof that India, America, Antarctica were a single continent and after several billion years the giant continent broke up. India moved at rapid speed towards north across the Indian ocean after being separated. That speed somehow explains this unique size of Himalayas. As with any smash the faster the collision the bigger the wreck. The intercontinental smash gave rise to the tallest mountain in the world. India and Asia were once separated and a huge ocean existed between them and at the place where now Everest exists. Over 80 million years ago violent tectonic forces arise through the planet into turmoil and split up into this ancient landmass pushing India northwards. 50 million years ago India collided with Asia and for the next 30 million years ago this intercontinental smash begins to shape the world’s tallest mountains.

Today, the Indian Plate is sealed to be as yet moving towards the Tibetan Plateau at a speed of 67mm every year. This compels Tibet Plateau to upwards still and is one of the reasons why the height of Mt. Everest is growing each year.

How long does it take to climb Mt. Everest?

How long does it take to climb Mt. Everest Well we cannot give you the exact number. Normally it depends upon unpredictable weather, rocks falling down from the mountains, cracks on the way and oxygen deprivation. Usually, it takes 7–8 weeks on average. The best month to climb Mt. Everest is in May. Climbers usually reach Everest Base Camp at the end of March.

Climbing Mt. Everest is not a one day job. We need to prepare for months to years just to adjust your body for thin air, the climate at Everest, walking for days. You may need to extend the time to climb this mountain due to the preparation. You can just go and climb to the summit in a day from Base Camp. But, there is a high chance of getting High Altitude Cerebral Oedema or worse you may die.

Acclimization on Everest

Much of the time in climbing is taken by moving from one camp to another camp. Usually, 4 camps are set up to reach the summit. It is also called the acclimatization period. On the south side of Himalayas, you will spend a couple of days acclimatizing before making the first move towards the summit. Then, you will climb about halfway up to Khumbu Icefall before returning to the Base Camp. After resting for a few days you will head towards Camp 1 through Icefall. After staying two nights at Western Cwm you can come back down to the base. Likewise, you will be setting 3 more camps doing back-forth to Everest Base Camp. By then, your body should have made an adjustment to thin air making each ascent quicker than the last time. Time taken to set all the camps is 3–4 weeks so that your body and mind can adjust to the environment.

Rest and Continue Summiting

You will then take rest in Everest Base Camp for a few nights. Before attempting to reach the summit, it’s better to trek down to the villages for a few days. Your body will be relaxed and it gives you some time to be ready for the main event. If you are fully acclimatized, you will make it to the top of the summit within a few days. It is better to rest between the climb in the camps and try to eat food and drinks. You will be usually leaving camp 4 at midnight to reach at the top of the world early in the morning. This gives you plenty of time to return to camp 4 before it gets dark. During descend you will be resting on camp 2 for two nights before heading towards base.

However, depending upon the weather you may need to extend the trip. Acclimatization is the most important part of climbing to determine whether you can make up to the top of the summit or not.

Cost to Climb Everest

To tick off, climbing the world’s tallest mountain off from your bucket list may cost you a huge amount. The cost to reach the top of the summit may range from $35000 to $1,00,000. Cost changes depending on various factors and your choices.

Guide:

To climb without a guide you need to be self-sufficient in climbing mountains. Usually, without a guide, it becomes much difficult to get familiar with the environment up there. You can also take Mount Everest Map along with you for your easiness. Hiring local Sherpas from there is cheaper than western guides. The cost of each local Sherpas is around $10,000. Whereas if you want to climb from northern side Tibet, the price range is around $35000 for each guide.

Permit:

You will need the permit to climb Mt. Everest from Nepal Tourism Board, Kathmandu. The permit includes all the grants to the Everest region. All climbers should get the permits which expense $11,000.

Bottled Oxygen:

The majority of people carry bottled oxygen with them while a few don’t. It’s saving along with more unsafe. To reach the top climbers may require 7 supplement bottles of oxygen. Per bottle of oxygen cost $550 whereas oxygen mask and regulator cost $500 extra.

Gear:

Climbers need to purchase high altitude gear while climbing Mt. Everest. You can also hire gear there but having your own gear that fits perfectly is more preferable. Gear incorporates a couple of boots, gloves, down suit, camping beds, electric socks, pee channel, and so forth. All the apparatus cost is $7,000.

Training:

One cannot climb Mt. Everest with just by a thought. Then need to do heavy training and should be physically and mentally fit. There are many agencies who give training before climbing mountains. You need to know various tricks and techniques to overcome that may occur in the middle of the mountain. Training usually cost around $5000 to $10,000 depending upon your time duration. Some people take training for years while some only take for months.

Managing Campsite:

You will not find any tea house or lodges up in the mountain. You need to manage camps on the way for food and accommodation. Climbers need to pay $2,000 for looking after the campground. Climbers pay $800 per individual for about a month and a half of nourishment for their dinners.

Base Camp Cost:

You will be spending many days on base camp for rest. Food and accommodation needed in the base camp will be provided by tea houses and lodges. For the total resting days there, you may need to spend around $5000.

Other Climbing Cost:

Climbers are required to pay some other climbing related charges, for example, medicinal help expense, enlisting the connection officer to go along with them in base camp, telephone bills (to make a call to their family) including the tip for Sherpa $500. The Icefall Doctors who fix the ropes and stepping stools get an expense from each group, and everybody additionally adds to the repairing of the rope higher. You may also need medical support which requires additional cost.

Miscellaneous Cost:

Your trip cost also includes visa cost, porters and yaks cost in the way. Altogether, your journey cost up to the base camp will depend upon your personal choice.

Mount Everest Deaths

It’s not easy to climb Mount Everest. Many people have attempted to climb whereas some were successful to reach the top of the summit and return whereas some never left the mountain. Still, people are trying to fulfill their dream of reaching the top of the world overcome their fear

Death Zone in Everest is famous for a number of deaths there. The name itself was given by mountain climbers as there is not enough oxygen available for humans to breathe. More than 500+ deaths on Everest was in Death Zone. In 2012 and 2019, there occurred traffic jam at Death Zone due to which death numbers increased in extreme numbers. Jam seems like there was a death race in the mountain. Visitors become weak and lose the ability to think due to the stress up there. Their bodies often stop to function properly due to lack of oxygen and high altitude which is the main cause of death. Bodies will start to die, minute by minute. We can still find many dead bodies in the mountain. Some were able to bring to the base camp whereas some lies still there.

The Body on the Everest Peak

The most famous body on the peak is one of the climber (Tsewang Paljor) whose body remains there till today. He is also famous for his bright green boots. Other mountaineers call him ‘Green Boots’. We can know we reached Death zone through Green Boots. Many people become aware and apply precaution about the death zone after seeing the green boot.

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Two other ailments can influence climbers at high heights. High-height cerebral edema (HACE) happens when the body reacts to the absence of oxygen by expanding bloodstream to the cerebrum; the mind starts to swell, and unconsciousness and passing may happen. High-height pneumonic edema (HAPE) is a comparable condition in which the body courses extra blood to the lungs; this blood starts to spill into the air sacs, and can also cause demise basically by suffocating. The best treatment for the two conditions is to move the influenced individual to a lower rise.

Mount Everest Temperature

The temperature on the Mount Everest is underneath the point of solidification all the year-round. The temperature at the Mt. Everest summit in January is normally 33° F (- 36° C) and it can drop to — 76° F (- 60° C) sometimes. The normal summit temperature in July is — 2° F (- 19° C). As a rule, its cooler during the evening and warmer during the day time. In winter (Jan to Feb), the days here at the summit will be colder yet it might offer you an opportunity to see a very inhale taking beautiful scene when the sun turns out and throws an orange-rad sleek shading on the summit. What’s more, unsurprisingly, there will be snow from December to February.

In the monsoon season, every day is snowy. However, at top of the summit, there is less chance of drizzle except in the rainy season. One of the common things climbers worry about is the wind up there. The winds are extremely dangerous that they can blow off the climbers from the mountain in a second. The average level of wind is 100 mph and sometimes it can even reach 177 mph. Sudden winds can occur even in pre and post-monsoon. Sometimes, unexpected snow or storm can occur so climbers should always be careful and be prepared. Storms can blow ice down from the summit too.

Everest Base Camp

There lies two Everest Base Camp each on the opposite side of Mt. Everest. South Base Camp is in Nepal at a height of 5,364 meters (17,598 ft)), while North Base Camp is in Tibet at 5,150 meters (16,900 ft). These camps are simple campgrounds on Mount Everest that are utilized by hikers amid their rising and plummet. South Base Camp is utilized when climbing by means of the southeast edge, while North Base Camp is utilized when climbing through the upper east ridge.

South Base Camp

Climbers commonly rest at base camp for a few days for acclimatization to diminish the dangers and seriousness of elevation infection. Sherpas or doormen send supplies toward the South Base Camp by, and with the assistance of creatures, generally yaks. South Base Camp lies in Nepal, the most popular trekking routes in the Himalayas where thousands of trekkers arrive every year.

For Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal Trekkers usually fly from Kathmandu to Lukla and start trekking from there. From Lukla, climbers trek upward to the Sherpa village of Namche Bazaar, 3,440 meters, following the valley of the Dudh Kosi stream. Generally, it takes around 2 days to reach the village. They take a few days to rest here and start moving towards Dingboche, 4260 meters. An additional two days takes them to Everest Base Camp through Gorakshep, the level field beneath Kala Patthar, 5,545 meters and Mt. Pumori. Well, you may wonder how difficult is Everest Base Camp Trek in Nepal. You can easily do it as long as you have a determination along with physical fitness and minimum training.

North Base Camp

For North Base Camp, Visitors must take a permit from the Chinese Government. You can get the permit in Lhasa via travel agencies that include hiring vehicles, travel, and guide. You can reach North Base Camp through a vehicle which is around 100 km away. It is possible to reach camp by trekking but still through the vehicle is more preferable.

Waste Management

In 2015 the leader of the Nepal Mountaineering Association cautioned that contamination, particularly human waste, has achieved basic dimensions. As much as “26,500 pounds of human fecal matter” each season is abandoned on the mountain. Climbers above Base Camp have most normally either covered their waste in gaps they delved by turn in the snow, or threw it into precipices, or basically pooped anyplace helpful, regularly inside meters of their tents. The main spot where climbers can throw anything without stressing over polluting the mountain is Base Camp.

The issue of human waste is aggravated by the nearness of progressively anodyne waste: spent oxygen tanks, relinquished tents, void jars and containers. The Nepalese government presently requires every climber to pack out eight kilograms of waste when sliding the mountain.

In February 2019, because of the mounting waste issue, China shut the base camp on its side of Everest to guests without climbing grants. In April 2019, the Solukhumbu locale’s Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality propelled a crusade to gather about 10,000 kg of waste from Everest.

Originally published at https://www.spydersadventure.com on June 10, 2019.