Select Page

Found jutting up into the sky near the Tibetan and Nepalese border sits the tallest mountain on earth, Mount Everest. For some time, the staggeringly tall mountain peak has represented the very epitome of adventure and human exploration. As part of the Himalayan Mountain Range, Everest draws thousands of climbers every year to its steep and treacherous terrain. Aside from being the tallest mountain in the world, not many people know much else about Everest. For anyone considering booking a flight to Tibet to visit, it is best to thoroughly research the mountain and the area in order to make sure that the adventure is a safe one.

 

Overall Height

For over a century it has been claimed that Mount Everest is 29,029 feet tall. Recently, however, this number has been drawn into question, as the measuring tools used to gauge Everest’s official height in 1856 were extremely primitive. Many people are calling for the mountain to be re-measured with modern equipment. Recognizing the true height of this mountain as well as the supplies and physical capacity needed to scale it will be essential for hopeful climbers.

 

First Summited

The official date of the first time that Mount Everest was summited was May 29, 1953. On that day Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary became the first two men to ever reach the summit and then safely get back down off the mountain. Since then, more individuals and groups have made their way to the top of the mountain, but many have failed, as well. 

 

It’s Sacred

Unknown to most foreigners that travel to the area, Mount Everest is very sacred to the local indigenous sherpas. To this day, the sherpas will not attempt to climb the mountain without first performing a simple and humble ceremony. Select foreigners now participate in these ceremonies. If you are hoping to climb Everest, be considerate of the mountain’s significance to the local populations and take care not to disrespect the area.

 

Two Primary Routes

There are only two main routes to Mount Everest’s summit. The most trafficked route travels through the South Col path near the mountainside facing Nepal. The second common path travels up the north side of Everest just across the Tibetan border. There are other more obscure routes to the peak, however, they are exceptionally dangerous. For hopeful climbers, taking the time to research the paths and plan for the routes will help keep you safer during the climb.

 

The Death Rate

Roughly 2 percent of people that attempt to reach the summit of Mount Everest die every year. Typically, these are people that attempt to reach the summit through much more difficult routes, rather than traversing the more commonly accepted ways to reach the mountain’s peak. Still, Everest is not to be underestimated, and taking any route to the top should be considered potentially dangerous to even experienced climbers. Failing to recognize the risk involved with climbing this mountain could result in injury or death.

 

Mount Everest is a testament to human determination, and those looking to scale its height should be fully aware of the mountain’s history and challenging terrain before even considering making an attempt to climb it.