Facts About Mount Everest

Mount Everest, being the highest mountain in the world, is truly nature’s incredible gift. Known locally as Sagarmatha in Nepal, there are many interesting facts about Mount Everest. Mount Everest stands tall at 8,848 meters above sea level and marks the natural border of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. With chilling stories such as the Everest Sleeping Beauty and Rainbow Valley, the peak is packed with incredible stories and fun facts about Mount Everest.

Despite all the fun facts about Mount Everest, it is not just a geographical wonder but a place rich in culture, history, and various mysteries. The Mount Everest fact file contains stories and interesting facts from its spiritual significance among the local community to the first successful ascent by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Mount Everest and the Everest Base Camp continue to draw thousands of climbers every year to witness its beauty and the adventures.

In this blog, we will be covering all the interesting facts about Mount Everest’s weather, location, climate, and more. Some of them you already know, and others that might surprise you. Whether you’re planning a trek in the Himalayas or curious about the mountaineering history, these facts about Mount Everest offer a deeper understanding of the mountain and the various facts surrounding the mountain.

Facts about Mount Everest Weather

Mount Everest hosts several fun facts. These facts include interesting details about the weather, climate, location, height, and many other elements. Here are some of the general facts about Mount Everest weather:

• Extreme Cold: One interesting fact about the cold weather at the summit of Everest is that the temperature never rises above freezing. The warmest average daytime temperature at the summit is around -16°C. During the coldest month (January), temperature ranges in the average region of -33°C and can drop as low as -60°C.
• High Winds: Another fact that attracts climbers to witness the power of Everest is its high winds. The summit of Everest is often considered the windiest place on Earth. The force of winds exceeds the speed of 119 km/h (74 mph) from mid-October to early April. Strong gusts of wind can even reach over 285 km/h (117 mph).
• Low Oxygen: One of the dangerous facts about Mount Everest is the critically low oxygen near the summit. The summit and the upper regions of Everest have approximately one-third the breathable oxygen available at sea level. That is why summiting Mount Everest is almost an impossible task without carrying supplemental oxygen.
• Sudden Snow Storms: The weather at Mount Everest is unpredictable. A sudden, rapid change in weather can take place at any given moment, causing sudden snowstorms out of the blue.

Location

One of the many Mount Everest facts is its critical location. One of the major facts about Mount Everest’s location is that it is located right at the border and acts as a natural border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. Mount Everest is also part of the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas, which is the highest mountain range on Earth.

Mount Everest is also named differently according to different regions. In Nepal, it is known as Sagarmatha, which means “Forehead of the Sky”. Whereas in Tibet, Mount Everest is referred to as Chomolungma, which translates to “Holy Mother”.

The approximate coordinates of Mount Everest are 27°59’18”N latitude and 86°55’31”E longitude.

Mount Everest is surrounded by other various surrounding peaks, including Mount Lhotse, Makalu, and Cho Oyu, making it part of the majestic Himalayan range.

Accessibility:

Facts about Mount Everest are that the mountain is accessible from two sides, the Nepal side and the Tibetan side. The Nepali side is generally more accessible to international travelers and follows a common route with a flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, followed by a trek to the South Base Camp.

However, the Tibetan side requires special permits from the Chinese government and often involves traveling to Lhasa before heading to the North Base Camp.

Animals Found on Mount Everest

While it is quite rare to see any animals on Mount Everest because of the extreme conditions, some animals adapt to even such extreme conditions. Despite the impossible conditions, several fascinating creatures have adapted to make their homes in the different zones of the mountains and their surrounding areas.

Animals Found while Climbing Mount Everest

Here are some interesting facts about Mount Everest animals:

• Himalayan Tahr: The Himalayan Tahr is a wild goat-like animal with thick reddish-brown fur. This thick fur helps the Himalayan Tahr to adapt even in the harsh conditions. Himalayan Tahr are found on the lower slopes of Everest at up to 4,000 meters. The Himalayan Tahr is an excellent climber and can navigate cliffs with quite an ease.
• Himalayan Marmot: A Himalayan Marmot is a large ground squirrel found on the trekking trails of the Everest Base Camp. These squirrels hibernate for nearly 6 months of the year due to the cold temperature at Everest.
• Himalayan Monal (Danphe): The Himalayan Monal or Danphe is the national bird of Nepal. The bird is known for its natural, vibrant feathers, which can be easily spotted from a distance. The Himalayan Monal can be found in forests and alpine meadows up to 4,500 meters.
• Bar-Headed Goose: The Bar-headed Goose is one of the highest-flying birds in the world. The Bar-headed Goose can be seen flying over the Himalayas during the migration at altitudes exceeding 7,000 meters. The Bar-headed Goose has adapted to the low oxygen level at Everest with their efficient lungs and blood flow.
• Snow Leopard: The Snow Leopard lives in the high-altitude areas of Mount Everest but is quite rarely spotted because of its camouflaging skin and its rarity. The Snow Leopard is excellent hunter and can kill their prey up to 3 times their size. Snow leopards fall under the endangered species category due to the loss of habitat and poaching activities.
• Red Fox: Red Foxes are found up to 5,000 meters in altitude at Everest. They feed on small mammals and scavengers near the campsite on the Everest trail. Red foxes inhabit the lower alpine and subalpine regions of the Everest area.
• Himalayan Pit Viper: The Himalayan Pit Viper is one of the few snakes found at such high altitudes and harsh conditions. These snakes can survive in temperatures close to freezing and are generally found below 4,500 meters on Everest.
• Himalayan Yak: Although not found on the higher altitudes on Everest, the Himalayan Yaks are common animals spotted in the lower regions on places like Namche Bazaar, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorak Shep. These Himalayan Yaks are perfectly adapted to the cold temperature with their thick fur and special blood cells.

What are some fun facts about Mount Everest?

Mount Everest, being the world’s tallest mountain, packs a lot of stories and interesting facts. These facts serve as the attraction and also act as an inspiration for climbers to witness Everest’s beauty.

Some of the fun facts about Mount Everest include:

The Mountain is named after Sir George Everest

The world’s tallest mountain is named after Sir George Everest, a Welsh surveyor and geographer who served as the Surveyor General of India from 1830 to 1843.

Andrew Waugh, a British Surveyor General of India, was the one who proposed to name the mountain after his predecessor. Although George Everest initially declined the offer, believing that the geographical features should retain their local names, the Royal Geographical Society officially declared the name “Mount Everest” in 1865.

Everest is still growing.

An interesting fact about Mount Everest is that it is not just tall, but is still getting even taller. Due to the movement of the Indian tectonic plate pushing into the Eurasian plate, Mount Everest rises by about 4 millimeters each year.

Everest is incredibly cold.

Some incredible facts about the Mount Everest climate are that it is extremely cold at all times during the year. Especially in winter months, the temperature at the summit can reach a terrifying -60°C (-76°F). Combining such extreme cold with hurricane-force winds, Everest becomes one of the harshest environments on Earth.

There is a Marathon on Everest

The Tenzing-Hillary Everest Marathon is the highest-altitude marathon in the world, attracting adventurous runners from all over the world. The marathon starts at the Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters and ends in Namche Bazaar, passing through rocky trails, thin air, and high altitude.

It is Not Technically the Tallest Mountain on Earth

When measured from sea level, Mount Everest is the tallest peak in the world; however, when measured from the base of the mountain to the summit, Mauna Kea in Hawaii holds the title for being the tallest peak. Mauna Kea rises over 10,000 meters from its base on the ocean floor, although only 4,207 meters are above sea level.

Sir Edmund Hillary might not have been the first person to summit Mount Everest.

The first successful summit of Mount Everest was officially recorded in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa. However, some believe the first successful summit was done much earlier.

Climbers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine attempted to summit Mount Everest back in 1924. However, they were last seen alive just below the summit, making their way upwards. The pair was never seen again. Even today, it is unknown whether the pair made it to the summit or not.

Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa

Everest has Sacred Names.

Interestingly, Mount Everest has different sacred names in different regions. In Nepal, Everest is called Sagarmatha, which means “Forehead in the Sky”. In Tibet, it’s known as Chomolungma, meaning “Goddess Mother of the Earth”.

These unique names reflect the cultural and spiritual significance of the mountain among the local communities.

The “Death Zone” on Everest is Real

The Death Zone on Everest is a key topic when it comes to summiting the tallest peak. The Death Zone lies above 8,000 meters, where oxygen is just about one third one-third of what it is at sea level.

At the Death Zone, most climbers can survive for only a few hours without supplemental oxygen. The Death Zone is also the area where most of the fatalities on Everest occur, thus earning its infamous name.

Facts about Mount Everest’s Height

Mount Everest stands tall at 8,848 meters above sea level. The measured height includes the snow and ice at the summit. The latest height, according to the recent research, was confirmed in 2020 using GPS, satellite data, and ground-penetrating radar by Nepal and China.

Another key fact about Mount Everest’s height is that it is growing by about 4mm each year due to the tectonic activity. Mount Everest, being the tallest peak in the world, is not the tallest when measured from the base of the mountain to the summit. That title goes to Mauna Kea in Hawaii with an elevation of over 10,000 meters. But, most of the height of Mauna Kea is underwater.

How Old is Mount Everest?

One of the interesting facts about Mount Everest is its age. Mount Everest is about 50 to 60 million years old. This is relatively young in geological terms.

Mount Everest was formed when the Indian tectonic plate collided with the Eurasian plate, which began around 50 to 60 million years ago, during the Paleogene period. The impact of the tectonic plates caused the Earth’s crust to rise, forming the Himalayas, including the world’s tallest peak, Mount Everest.

However, Mount Everest’s rocks are much older than the mountain itself. The rocks at the summit are marine limestone and sedimentary rocks, which were formed under water about 450 million years ago.

What are some Interesting Events that occur on Everest?

Over many years, many events have occurred on Everest. Some of the events were dramatic, inspiring, unusual, and some we wish we could forget.

Here are some of the interesting events that occur on Everest:

1. The First Successful Ascent

The first successful ascent of Mount Everest was recorded on May 29, 1953, by Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal. Their incredible achievement became a symbol of human endurance and teamwork even during extreme difficulties. The first successful ascent grew inspiration for many climbers to come over the years to summit Mount Everest and witness its beauty.

2. A Plane Landed on a Glacier

In 1960, it was a miracle that a plane landed safely on a glacier near Mount Everest. The plane was flown by the legendary pilot Ernst Saxer and landed on the Khumbu Glacier, close to where Everest Base Camp sits today.

This particular landing is still considered one of the highest aircraft landings ever attempted at the time. The landing was a significant one as it showed the possibilities of high-altitude rescue operations in the Himalayas.

3. Spiritual Ceremonies

Many climbers and Sherpas hold traditional Buddhist blessing ceremonies and Puja (worship) at the Base Camp before beginning their climb to the summit, to pray for protection. Spiritual ceremonies at the Base Camp are quite common, and many trekkers and climbers feel blessed to witness such ceremonies on their way to Everest.

These spiritual ceremonies showcase the diverse culture and traditions of the Everest region.

4. Ring Exchange and Proposal Ceremonies

Ring exchange and Proposal ceremonies are also one of the many crazy facts about Mount Everest. After trekking for about 8 to 12 days, many trekkers often propose in front of the famous Khumbu Icefall with Mount Everest in the background. This can be an excellent and unique way of exchanging rings and planning a surprise proposal to your significant other.

At Access Nepal, we also provide this unique experience in our Destination Wedding Package, for you to embark on this magical journey.

Ring Exchange and Proposal Ceremonies at Everest Base Camp

However, some climbers have taken this even further and have proposed to their loved ones at Camp 2 (6,400m), and some have even carried rings close to the summit. These proposals are one of a kind because just surviving at the altitude is hard enough, let alone marriage proposals.

5. Everest Marathon

Another one of the many fun facts about Mount Everest is the Everest Marathon, which is one of the highest and toughest races in the world. The marathon is a 42-kilometer-long race in the Everest region of Nepal and is officially recognised as the world’s highest marathon.

The marathon begins near Everest Base Camp (5,364 meters) and finishes lower down near Namche Bazaar (3,440 meters). The marathon is held every year on May 29th, which marks the anniversary of the first Everest summit by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. If you want to explore more about the Mount Everest Summit holders, please read our blog.

New Rule Regarding Everest Summit Attempt

According to the latest reports and laws, Nepal’s Department of Tourism has made several safety-related announcements. The new law no longer allows climbers with just ambition and a permit to attempt the world’s tallest mountain. The new draft says you need to prove yourself first in order to attempt to summit Mount Everest.

To be more precise, according to the Integrated Tourism Bill registered in Nepal’s upper House of Parliament on April 18, any climber wishing to summit Mount Everest must have proven experience of summiting peaks over 7,000 meters first.

This new law is being set due to the increased number of fatalities and accidents that occur on Everest due to a lack of experience or proper guidance. The law has been introduced for the safety of climbers to prevent any fatalities and encourage safe climbing.

Conclusion

Learning about these interesting facts about Mount Everest reminds us how extraordinary the mountain truly is. Facts about Mount Everest regarding its towering height, the natural location, animals found on the mountain, and some of the interesting events that occur on Everest truly give climbers and trekkers around the world the uniqueness of Mount Everest.

Mount Everest is much more than just the highest point on Earth. It is a place where factors like human ambition, ancient traditions, and natural beauty all come together to give the climbers a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Exploring these facts about Mount Everest not just gives off the beauty surrounding the mountain, but also the dangers that come with reaching the summit. With many such fun facts about Mount Everest, the mountain attracts many climbers from around the world to witness its interesting stories and explore these amazing facts themselves.

The Government of Nepal introduce  new rules for climbing Everest as per this climbers must have at least one 7,000 meters plus Nepalese mountain climbing experience.

Whether you dream of climbing the mountain one day or simply just admire it from afar, these facts about Mount Everest deepen our knowledge and appreciation for this legendary peak. These facts about Mount Everest serve as a powerful reminder of all the amazing achievements, events, life-threatening dangers, as well as fatalities that have occurred on the mountain over the years.