Mount Everest is the most famous mountain on Earth. Stretching across the border of Nepal and the Tibetan Autonomous Region (China), Everest stands as the ultimate challenge for climbers worldwide. Known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, it is the tallest mountain above sea level, and every year, adventurers set out to conquer its summit. But, climbing Everest is no easy feat—it's a dangerous and grueling journey that requires extreme preparation.

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Elevation Basics

The first ever ascent of Mount Everest took place in 1953, led by a British expedition under John Hunt. The climbers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay reached the summit, making history. Since then, hundreds of people have made it to the top thanks to advancements in equipment, technology, and techniques. However, climbing Everest still requires years of training and extreme determination.

Elevation Must Know

Elevation refers to the height of a location above sea level. Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth, has an elevation of 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) above sea level. This is higher than any other mountain on the planet, surpassing K2 at 28,251 feet (8,611 m) and Kangchenjunga at 28,169 feet (8,586 m).

The official elevation was first recorded by an Indian survey in 1955, and later confirmed by a Chinese survey in 1975. A separate Chinese survey in 2005 measured Everest at 29,017.16 feet (8,844.43 m), claiming that the Indian survey had included snow on the peak. Although there was a dispute, the measurement of 29,029 feet (8,848 m) is now widely accepted.

Key Base Camps

Everest has two base camps—one on each side of the mountain:

  • South Base Camp (Nepal): 17,598 feet (5,364 m)
  • North Base Camp (Tibet): 16,900 feet (5,150 m)

The South Base Camp is the most popular, visited by thousands of trekkers and climbers each year.

The Ascent

Most climbers ascend Everest from the South Base Camp, passing through the perilous Khumbu Icefall, which sits at an elevation of 17,999 feet (5,486 m). There are four key camps along the route:

  • Camp 1: 20,000 feet (6,100 m)
  • Camp 2: 21,000 feet (6,400 m)
  • Camp 3: 22,300 feet (6,800 m)
  • Camp 4: 26,000 feet (8,000 m)

Climbing through these camps requires incredible strength and determination, as the air grows thinner and conditions become increasingly dangerous.

The Death Zone

Climbing above 26,000 feet (8,000 m) is considered the “death zone” due to the severe lack of oxygen, which makes it difficult to breathe without supplemental oxygen. Climbers are at significant risk of frostbite, exhaustion, and altitude sickness. Tragically, almost 300 climbers have died while attempting to summit Everest, with deaths often resulting from avalanches, falls, and physical strain.

Amazing Achievements

Despite its dangers, Mount Everest remains one of the world’s natural wonders. Every year, mountaineers continue to conquer its heights, representing an extraordinary human achievement for those who reach the summit.

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