MT. Everest Top Of The World

Introduction

Mount Everest, also known by its Tibetan name Chomolungma ("Goddess Mother of the World") and its Nepali name Sagarmatha ("Peak of Heaven"), is the Earth's highest mountain above sea level, located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas. The China-Nepal border runs across its summit point. Its elevation of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.69 ft) was most recently established in 2020 by the Chinese and Nepali authorities

 

According to the Universal RecognitionThe international community acknowledges Everest as the highest mountain, making it the definitive peak to conquer for mountaineers.

 

How was mountain Everest formed?

Mount Everest, Earth's highest peak, boasts a history as grand as its stature. Its formation began roughly 40 to 50 million years ago, a time when ancient continents dramatically shifted and collided. This powerful process, driven by the relentless movement of Earth's tectonic plates, laid the groundwork for the mighty Himalayas to rise.

 

Interestingly, the summit of Everest itself tells a unique geological story. Geologists have nicknamed the rock there "Qomolangma Limestone." This well-layered limestone (grainstone) holds a fascinating record of the past. Embedded within it are fragments of marine invertebrate shells, common during the Ordovician period. These tiny fossils, including trilobites, brachiopods, ostracods, and crinoids, offer a glimpse into a bygone era when this very rock lay on the ocean floor.

 

 

What is the old name of Everest?

Its most common Tibetan name, Chomolungma, means

“Goddess Mother of the World” or “Goddess of the Valley.” The Sanskrit name Sagarmatha means literally “Peak of Heaven.” Mount Everest was also previously referred to as Peak xv; it was renamed for Sir George Everest in 1865.

 

1. Local Names:

Chomolungma: This Tibetan name, meaning "Goddess Mother of the World" or "Goddess of the Valley," has been used for centuries by local people. Evidence suggests it predates European exploration of the Himalayas.

 

2. Sanskrit Name:

Sagarmatha: This Nepali name, translating to "Peak of Heaven" or "head in the great blue sky," is another local designation with historical roots. It reflects the reverence local people have held for the mountain for a long time.

 

3. Peak XV:

This was a temporary designation used by the British Great Trigonometric Survey of India in the mid-19th century. It was a simple numerical reference during the surveying process, not a widely recognized name.

 

4. Sir George Everest:

In 1865, the mountain was officially named Mount Everest after Sir  George Everest, the British Surveyor General of India at the time. This  was a European designation to honor a prominent figure, not a reflection  of any pre-existing name.

 

Here's a breakdown of the timeline:

• Centuries ago: Local names like Chomolungma and Sagarmatha were used.
• Mid-19th century: Surveyors used Peak XV for reference.
• 1865: The mountain was officially named Mount Everest.

 

Who named Mt. Everest as Sagarmatha?

Baburam Acharya  (1888–1971) was a Nepalese historian and literary scholar who coined the name Sagarmatha  for the mountain better known as Mount Everest or Chomolungma (in Sherpa language; Quomolungma in Tibetan).

Nepal’s eminent historian late Baburam Acharya is credited with the Nepali name Sagarmatha for Mount Everest. Nepal had no official name of its own for the world’s tallest peak in Nepali (although official name among many Nepalese peoples - Sherpa, Limbu, etc., existed long ago) until the historian found out one. What may not be true however is that he coined the name for the mountain (as is put in the Wikipedia under his name). Baburam wrote an essay in the late 1930s in which he said that among the local populace of the remote Everest region the mountain was popular by the name Sagarmatha (meaning the Head of the Earth touching the Heaven); some even called it Jhomolongma.

 

 

What makes Mount Everest famous?

Mount Everest is famous for several reasons: Highest peak in the world:  Mount Everest is the tallest mountain in the world, standing at a height of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level. Its towering height and challenging climbing conditions make it an iconic symbol of human exploration and achievement

 

Mount Everest's fame stems from a combination of

 factors:

• Ultimate Challenge: It's the highest mountain on Earth measured from sea level. This makes it the ultimate challenge for mountaineers, a test of human endurance and skill. Conquering Everest is a lifelong dream for many climbers.

 

• Majestic Beauty: Even for non-climbers, Everest's grandeur is undeniable. It's a breathtaking peak towering over the Himalayas, a symbol of raw natural power and beauty.

 

• Historical Significance: The mountain has a long history of exploration and attempts to reach the summit. The first successful summit in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay was a landmark achievement.

 

• Cultural Importance: Everest holds deep significance for the local people. Names like Chomolungma (Tibetan) and Sagarmatha (Nepali) reflect the reverence it holds in their cultures.

 

• Danger and Intrigue: Sadly, Everest is also known for its dangers. The harsh environment, extreme weather conditions, and potential avalanches make it a perilous climb. This adds a layer of intrigue and respect for those who attempt it.

 

• Environmental Issues: Climate change and human activity are impacting Everest's ecosystem. Rising temperatures are causing glacial melt, creating new challenges and ethical questions about climbing the mountain.

 

 

What makes Everest so difficult?

Due to Extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, and treacherous terrain, only a fewer people have successfully reached the summit of Mt. Everest. The journey to the summit requires 6-8 hours of walking every day for over 2 weeks, in addition to 10-12 hours of climbing and camping.

 

Everest's brutality comes down to followings main

 threats:

 

The Ruthless Grip of Altitude:

• Thin Air: As you ascend Everest, the air thins dramatically. At the summit, there's only about one-third the oxygen available at sea level. This makes even simple tasks like breathing and walking feel like pushing through molasses.

• Altitude Sickness: The lack of oxygen can lead to altitude sickness, a spectrum of symptoms that can range from headaches and dizziness to life-threatening conditions like HAPE (high-altitude pulmonary edema) and HACE (high-altitude cerebral edema). These can cause fluid buildup in the lungs or brain, respectively.

• Exhaustion and Slowed Decision-Making: Your body is constantly struggling to get enough oxygen, leaving you exhausted and mentally impaired. This makes clear thinking and good decision-making crucial, but difficult, at high altitudes.

 

    Treacherous Terrain - A Dance with Danger:

• Khumbu Icefall: This constantly moving landscape of glaciers, crevasses, and seracs (towers of broken ice) is considered one of the most dangerous parts of the climb. Climbers must navigate through this treacherous terrain with constant risk of avalanches and falling ice.

• The Hillary Step: A near-vertical rock face just below the summit, the Hillary Step requires technical climbing skills and upper body strength.

• Exposure: Much of the climb is above the tree line, with steep slopes and no shelter from the harsh elements. This constant exposure to wind, snow, and extreme temperatures increases the risk of hypothermia and frostbite.

 

  The Bone-Chilling Cold:

• Extreme Temperatures: Everest boasts some of the coldest temperatures on Earth, often dipping below -60°C (-76°F) with windchill. This brutal cold saps your energy, numbs your extremities, and makes even simple tasks like handling gear a challenge.

• Increased Risk of Frostbite: Exposure to such extreme cold can lead to frostbite, where skin and underlying tissues freeze. In severe cases, amputation may be necessary.

 

 The Psychological Toll:

• Isolation and Loneliness: Climbing Everest is a physically demanding experience that leaves little room for social interaction. Climbers can experience feelings of isolation and loneliness, which can affect their morale and decision-making.

• Fear and Doubt: The constant danger and harsh environment can create immense mental stress. Climbers must manage fear and self-doubt while pushing their bodies to the limit.

 

 The Unpredictable Mountain:

• Weather: Everest's weather can change rapidly and dramatically. Blizzards, high winds, and sudden whiteouts can turn a manageable climb into a deadly situation.

• Avalanches: The constant movement of glaciers and the steep slopes create a high risk of avalanches, which can bury climbers under tons of snow and ice.

 

 

Who was the real first person to climb Mount Everest?

Edmund Hillary and Tibetan mountaineer Tenzing Norgay were the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world. The two men reached the summit by late morning on May 29, 1953

The honor of the first confirmed summit of Mount Everest goes to Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Here's why:

• Documented Success: Their ascent on the South Col route was meticulously documented by the 1953 British expedition. Photographs and official records solidify their achievement.

• No Prior Confirmation: While earlier expeditions, particularly the fateful 1924 attempt by Mallory and Irvine, achieved significant heights, there's no definitive proof they reached the summit.

 

Mallory and Irvine's Mystery

The disappearance of Mallory and Irvine near the summit in 1924 continues to spark debate. Could they have summited first? The lack of conclusive evidence keeps this a historical mystery.

 

Hillary and Norgay's Legacy

Despite the unresolved Mallory and Irvine case, Hillary and Norgay's documented climb in 1953 remains the universally recognized first ascent of Mount Everest.

 

Who are Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary?

Tenzing Norgay Sherpa was born in 1914 as a Sherpa in Tengboche, Khumbu, in  Solukhumbu district, northeastern Nepal. He was the 11th among 13 children born to Gang La Mingma (father) and (mother) Dokmo Kinzom, His childhood name was Namgyal Wangdi, later changed to Tenzing Norgay, which translates to “wealthy-fortunate-follower-of-religion.” His family even sent him to Tengboche Monastery to make him a monk, but he left the monastery. In his teens, he fled from his home twice, the first time he ended up in Kathmandu and the second time in Darjeeling.

At the age of twenty, Tenzing Norgay got an opportunity to join the 1935 British Mount Everest reconnaissance expedition headed by Eric Shipton, an English Himalayan mountaineer. However, Tenzing Norgay was not the first choice, Tenzing's friend Ang Tharkay recommended him to the expedition after other team members failed medical tests. It is reported that Shipton was impressed by his attractive smile. 

It is worth noting that Tenzing Norgay was also a part of a 1952 Swiss expedition and had reached up to 28,210 feet with Raymond Lambert. Everest peak is at 29,035 ft.

 

Edmund Hillary

Edmund was born in Auckland, New Zealand, in 1919, to Percival Augustus and Gertrude Hillary. He was relatively small in his early years but grew to six feet and 2 inches (188 cm) later and joined boxing. 

At sixteen, his school organized a trip to Mount Ruapehu, and this trip ignited Edmund Hillary's passion for trekking. He later joined Auckland University College in 1936 but gave up formal education two years later in 1938 and became a beekeeper instead. In 1939, he climbed Mount Oliver in New Zealand. It was his first major climb that left a deep impression on him.

 

During the second world war, Hillary joined the New Zealand Air Force and entered the battlefield as a part of the allied force. He was wounded in the battle but fully recovered. 

Then in 1949, Edmund Hillary climbed Mount Cook Mountain, the highest in New Zealand, followed by several European peaks. The glaciated New Zealand peaks proved advantageous as he would face a similar situation in the Himalayas.

Eventually, Edmund received an invitation to join the British expedition commanded by Sir John Hunt.

 

 

How Tenzing Norgay Sherpa and Edmund Hillary met each other?

The historic meeting of Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary wasn't a chance encounter but rather a strategic coming together on the 1953 British Everest Expedition. Tenzing wasn't a random climber; his extensive experience in the Himalayas, including previous Everest attempts, made him a valuable asset. Leader John Hunt recognized this, incorporating Norgay's expertise into the core team. As the expedition progressed and summit attempts were planned, Hillary's climbing strength likely made him a natural choice to partner with Norgay. Beyond the practicalities, a shared passion for mountains and the challenges they faced together likely fostered a strong bond that transcended cultural differences. This unique meeting of respect, experience, and shared purpose ultimately led to their historic summit and a partnership etched in mountaineering history.

 

The 1953 British Everest Expedition

• John Hunt's Strategy: Leading the expedition was John Hunt, a seasoned mountaineer who understood the critical role experienced Sherpas played in Himalayan ascents. Their knowledge of the terrain, language skills with local communities, and climbing expertise were invaluable.

 

• Tenzing Norgay's Standing: Norgay wasn't a newcomer to Everest. He was a highly respected Sherpa mountaineer with extensive experience on the mountain. He had participated in previous expeditions, reaching record altitudes for the time. His inclusion in the 1953 team was likely pre-arranged due to his reputation.

 

• Edmund Hillary's Arrival: Hillary, a skilled climber from New Zealand, joined the expedition based on his impressive climbing resume in the Southern Alps. He wasn't a Sherpa, but his climbing strength made him a valuable asset.

 

The Meeting Point: Building a Team

While the specifics of their first interaction remain unknown, we can infer the following:

• Early Interactions: Given Norgay's established presence and Hillary's arrival as part of the core team, they would have interacted throughout the expedition's initial stages. This included training sessions, setting up camps at lower altitudes, and acclimatization climbs.

• Shared Passion: Both men were driven by a deep love for mountains. Norgay's connection to the Himalayas was more profound - it was his home and playground. Hillary, on the other hand, craved the challenge of conquering formidable peaks. This shared passion for the mountains likely fostered a mutual respect and understanding that transcended cultural differences.

• Respecting Expertise: Western climbers in the Himalayas often relied heavily on Sherpas for their expertise. Hillary, likely aware of the cultural context and Norgay's reputation, unquestionably recognized his superior knowledge of the terrain and climbing techniques specific to Everest. This respect for Norgay's abilities likely played a crucial role in laying the groundwork for their partnership.

 

From Meeting to Partnership:

As the expedition progressed and summit attempts were planned:

• Hillary and Norgay's Skills Complemented Each Other: Norgay's experience navigating treacherous terrain along with his knowledge of the mountain's dangers would have been invaluable. Hillary's climbing strength and technical skills offered a perfect complement to Norgay's skillset. This complementary skill combination might have played a part in John Hunt's decision to pair them for the summit push.

• A Bond Forged in Challenge: Climbing Everest involved extreme physical and mental challenges. Facing blizzards, navigating treacherous icefalls, and relying on each other for safety would have undoubtedly forged a strong bond between them. Shared experiences, especially facing danger together, often create a unique camaraderie that transcends cultural backgrounds.

 

Beyond the Summit: A Lasting Connection

While the 1953 summit marked a historic moment, the connection between Hillary and Norgay likely continued beyond the expedition:

• Lifelong Respect: Their shared achievement and the global recognition that followed might have fostered a lifelong friendship built on respect and admiration for each other's skills. There's evidence of their collaboration on future projects, suggesting a lasting connection.

Who is the first female to climb Mount Everest?

The first woman to summit Mount Everest goes to Junko Tabei. This tenacious Japanese mountaineer achieved this remarkable feat in 1975. Tabei's accomplishment wasn't just about reaching the top of the world; it shattered barriers and inspired a generation of female climbers.

Prior to her ascent, the world of mountaineering was largely dominated by men. Tabei, however, defied expectations. She honed her skills on climbs in Japan before setting her sights on Everest. As part of a Japanese women's expedition, she meticulously planned and trained for the grueling challenge. Overcoming the physical demands, harsh weather conditions, and the ever-present dangers of the mountain, Tabei reached the summit on May 16, 1975, becoming the first woman and the 36th person ever to stand on top of the world.

Tabei's achievement transcended the mountain itself. She became a global icon, proving that mountaineering wasn't solely a male domain. Her success paved the way for countless women to dream big and push their limits in the world of high-altitude climbing. Beyond Everest, Tabei went on to become the first woman to summit the highest peak on every continent, achieving the coveted "Seven Summits" title. Her dedication to environmental conservation on Everest further solidified her legacy as a pioneering and inspirational figure.

Frequently Asked Questions:

        How tall is Mount Everest?

Mount Everest is 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) tall, making it the world's highest mountain above sea level.

 

Where is Mount Everest located?

Mount Everest straddles the border between Nepal and China. The south side lies in Nepal, and the north side is in China's Tibet Autonomous Region.

 

Who first climbed Mount Everest?

Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay are acknowledged for the first documented summit in 1953.

 

Can I see Mount Everest?

Yes! Several trekking routes in Nepal offer breathtaking views of Everest, most notably the Everest Base Camp Trek.

 

Is it difficult to climb Mount Everest?

Yes, climbing Everest is an extremely challenging and dangerous undertaking. It requires exceptional physical fitness, mountaineering experience, and the ability to withstand extreme weather conditions and high altitude.

 

How much does it cost to climb Mount Everest?

The cost of an Everest expedition can range from $30,000 to $120,000 or more, depending on the operator, route chosen, and services included.

 

How many people have died on Mount Everest?

Sadly, over 300 climbers have perished attempting to summit Everest. The dangers include avalanches, icefalls, altitude sickness, and extreme weather conditions.

 

What is the Khumbu Icefall?

The Khumbu Icefall is a notorious section on the south side of Everest, known for its constant movement and high risk of avalanches.

 

Is Mount Everest overcrowded?

The popularity of Everest expeditions has led to concerns about overcrowding, particularly in the "death zone" above 8,000 meters.

 

What is the role of Sherpas in climbing Everest?

Sherpas play a critical role in Everest expeditions, fixing ropes, carrying loads, and guiding climbers. Discussions about fair treatment and compensation for Sherpas are ongoing.

What is the environmental impact of climbing Mount Everest?

The high volume of climbers generates waste, and the burning of fossil fuels for cooking and heating poses environmental concerns. Regulations and cleanup efforts are being implemented to address this issue.

       Has anyone summited Everest twice?

       Yes, several climbers have achieved this feat.

 

      What is the "death zone"?

      The death zone refers to the region above 8,000 meters, where            the lack of oxygen makes survival extremely difficult.

 

      Are there alternative routes to the summit?

      Yes, several routes exist on both the Nepalese and Chinese sides,        each with its own challenges.