Mount Everest
Mount Everest is the Earth's tallest mountain in the Himalayan sub-range. Presently, it is located between Nepal and Tibet. In Nepal, the mountain is called Sagarmāthā, and in Tibet, it is known as Chomolungma. Both countries respect the mountain as a symbol of holiness, with names translating to "goddess of the blue sky" and "holy mother of the sky."
The Geography Behind Mount Everest
Fifty million years ago, the Earth's Indian plate drifted north and collided with the Eurasian plate. The crust crumpled, creating a huge uplift. Mount Everest lies at the center of this collision zone. The balance between uplift and erosion over hundreds of years shaped the mountain as we see it today.
Additional factors influencing its stature include:
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Location near the tropics, which raises the snowline as winds move up.
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Continuous storms that contribute to its height and shape.
The Official Entitlement of the Mountain
In 1849, a British survey recorded local names for the mountain. Despite various local names, Andrew Waugh of the Royal Geographic Society officially named it Mount Everest in 1865, after Sir George Everest, a senior British surveyor.
In 1852, Radhanath Sikhdar, an Indian mathematician, calculated a trigonometrical survey and concluded that Everest could be the world's highest summit. Subsequent surveys by China and England confirmed the mountain's height. In 2020, China and Nepal declared the peak's height as approximately 8,849 meters.
The Beginning of Expeditions and Their Dangers
The first successful ascent was in 1953 by Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay from Nepal, who reached the peak on May 29th at 11:30 A.M. Since then, hundreds of climbers attempt the journey each year.
Dangers on Mount Everest:
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Avalanches and snow storms (recorded since the 1921 British Reconnaissance Expedition).
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Wildlife threats including:
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Snow Leopards
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Himalayan black bears
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Wild Yaks
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Euophrys omnisuperstes (a small, highly toxic spider that can survive even at the peak).
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The spider poses a hidden danger by hiding in boots and releasing toxins without the climber noticing.
Climbing Preparation
Climbers typically spend three months preparing at base camps before ascending. The trekking path and return can take 19–20 days, and the full journey to the summit and back is roughly 40 days, weather permitting.
Food and Energy:
Climbers carry small, energy-rich snacks:
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Granola bars
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Nuts
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Canned meats
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Fruits
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Protein bars
Base camps are used for cooking and resting during the expedition.
The Death Zone:
The highest peak is known as the Death Zone, where harsh winds and low oxygen can lead to unconsciousness. Extra oxygen is often used, and climbers are advised not to stay more than 15 hours at the summit. Rest is essential before descending, as returning is more challenging than ascending.
Legacy
So far, about 4,000 people have reached the summit of Mount Everest. Experienced climbers often return, while new climbers continue the tradition, passing on the legacy of adventure and exploration.