Mount Everest, aka Sagarmatha, is one of the biggest spectacles for trekkers worldwide. Many trekkers worldwide visit Nepal to climb Mount Everest or explore the surrounding area. However, there are many Mind-Blowing facts about Mount Everest that you might want to know before deciding to explore its surrounding area.
Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world, at an elevation of 8849m. For several decades or a few millenniums, Everest has become the source of mission and accomplishment for people who want to climb its peak successfully. Even to this day, climbing Mount Everest is a considerable achievement, and the names of the climbers are still in the media. Those who climb Mount Everest have talked about the Everest Myth.
Previously known as the impossible mountain, Everest has been conquered more commonly; however, the aura of the trek and climb is still there. Several amazing facts about Mount Everest attract trekkers and climbers to accept the challenge of climbing its peak. If they are not in for the Mount Everest Climb, they will surely come to Nepal to explore around the base of Mount Everest in the Everest Base Camp Trek.
So, let’s talk about some of Sagarmatha’s amazing and mind-blowing facts.
Table of Contents
Mind-Blowing Facts About Mount Everest
1. Name
One of the most simple facts about Mount Everest that many people don’t know is its name. In 1865, Sir George Everest gave the highest mountain the name Everest. Mount Everest is locally known as Sagarmatha, meaning the Head of Heaven, whereas in Tibet, its name is Chomolungma, which means Goddess of the Valley.
Read more about Mount Everest
3. Mount Everest’s Age
Although Mount Everest is the subject of much discussion, the actual date of its origin is still up for debate. Many experts believe it is about 55-60 million years old. They also think the formation of Mount Everest started when the Eurasian Plate collided with the Indian Plate. After the plate collided, it caused a massive shift in the land mass, which resulted in the birth of several mountains in which Mount Everest was the one.
2. Date of Discovery
One of Mount Everest’s most intriguing and mind-blowing facts is its date of discovery. The British government only discovered it in 1852, and it was chartered toward India when India was part of the British Empire. The General of the British surveyor was Sir George Everest; his name was part of the mountain for dedication and respect.
4. First Successful Ascent
According to the history of Mount Everest, the first successful ascent of Mount Everest was in 1953. New Zealand Expedition expert Sir Edmund Hillary and the local Sherpa named Tenzing Norgay. However, some trekking experts believe this was not the first time Mount Everest had been climbed, and it had been much earlier. According to them, George Mallory and Andrew Irvine were the first climbers of Mount Everest in 1942, but it couldn’t be proven.
5. Death Zone
One of the most fascinating facts about climbing Mount Everest is the death zone area. According to experts, when an altitude above 8000m is reached, you are now in a death zone simply because the air is skinny and the oxygen level is even lower. Hence, in this zone, the body can’t produce enough oxygen to stay alive, so you must have plenty of oxygen cylinders and prepare for intense cold weather.
6. Successful Climb Record
In its prestigious history of over 71 years, Mount Everest has only successfully climbed approximately 11,000 times from either Tibet or Nepal. Among them, Nepalese resident Kami Rita Sherpa is the proud achiever of climbing the mountain for the 29th time. His latest successful climb came on 12 May 2024. He has an incredible list of mountains he has climbed in the Annapurna region, Manaslu, Cho-Oyu, and Lhotse.
7. 2 O’Clock Rule
One of the less-known but mind-blowing facts about climbing Mount Everest or any other mountain above 8000m tall is the 2 O’Clock Rule. Climbers must reach the peak of the summit by 2 PM. Generally, af2 pm2 pm, the weather c2 pmtion of an altitude above 8000m worsens. Constant high winds, storms, snow blizzards, and avalanches will lead to the risk of frostbite, exposure, or even more severe disaster.
8. Mortality Rate
One interesting fact about climbing Mount Everest is that despite being the world’s tallest mountain, it is only the seventh deadliest in the ranking. Only more than 300 people have lost their lives during their excursion to Mount Everest despite over 11,000 attempts. On the other hand, over 50 people died during the 150 attempts of Mount Annapurna.
9. Traffic Jams
It must be astonishing to find out that Traffic jams have become a significant problem due to the overcrowding of the climbers. Especially in the peak seasons in Spring and August. Many trekkers worldwide come to Nepal to explore Everest Base Camp or climb Mount Everest. The traffic jams in high altitudes have increased the risk of altitude sickness and frostbite.
10. Jumping Spiders: Earth’s Highest Creatures
One of the most fascinating facts about Mount Everest is that there is a sign of life at an altitude of over 6500. Local experts and scientists have found Jumping Spiders during their excursion, making them the earth’s highest living creatures. These creatures are up to 5 millimeters tall and can survive in an environment with low oxygen.
11. USD46,000 ~ 130,000 to Climb Mount Everest
The cost of climbing Mount Everest can vary greatly depending on factors such as the type of expedition, the services included in the guide company, and other personal preferences.
The average cost in 022 was around $54,972, with a median cost of $46,995. In 2021, the average cost was $54,044, with a median cost of $46,498. This suggests that prices have risen slightly from 2021 to 2022.
Here’s a general breakdown of what these costs might include:
Permit
The permit from the Nepalese government to climb Everest is one of the largest single costs. In recent years, it has cost around $11,000 per person.
Guiding Service
Many climbers go up Everest as part of a commercial expedition, which provides guides, support staff, and often much of the gear and supplies needed for the climb. The cost of these expeditions can vary greatly, from around $30,000 to over $130,000, depending on the company and the level of service provided.
Equipment
Climbing Everest requires a significant amount of specialized equipment, such as high-altitude clothing, climbing gear, and possibly oxygen tanks. Some of this may be included in the cost of a guided expedition, but if not, it can add several thousand dollars to the total cost.
Travel and Accommodations
Getting to and from Nepal, accommodations in Kathmandu, and transportation to Everest Base Camp can also add to the cost.
Insurance
High-altitude rescue insurance is crucial and can be expensive.
Miscellaneous Expenses
These can include tips for guides and Sherpas, additional food and supplies, communication services (like satellite phone usage), and any other unexpected expenses.
Conclusion
Even after all these years, there has been a significant mystery surrounding the infamous Mount Everest. We have provided some of the most mind-blowing facts about the tallest peak in the world, but there are still a few more that will surely surprise you. Each year, many trekkers come to Nepal or Tibet to be among the chosen few who have successfully scaled Mount Everest.
Next time you decide to trek around Everest Base Camp or trek, we hope you choose to fact-check some of the above amazing facts. If you have found some other amazing facts, we hope you share them with us.
