Known for its immense height, Mount Everest is the epitome of mountains and mountaineering. Every once in a while new mountaineering records are made and legends are born. All these mountaineers’ ultimate goal is Mt. Everest. There is some kind of competition among people to knit the intrepid tale of mountaineering. Almost everyone knows that the mountain is the tallest peak in the world. Yet, many people are still unknown of its location. So, where is Everest Located? There are many unanswered questions related to Everest.
Quench your thirst for getting answers related to Mt. Everest via this blog. Let’s uncover the various questions and everesting facts!
Where is Everest Located?
Mt. Everest is located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. While mentioning the location of Everest, we must not forget the fact that the peak is shared between Nepal and Tibet (the Autonomous Region of China). The mountain can be seen as a symbol of the relationship between the two countries. The latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates of Mt. Everest are 27° 59' 9.8340'' North and 86° 55' 21.4428'' East.
It is the pride of the Mahalangur Himalayan range that stretches across countries like Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Bhutan, Nepal, and China.
The summit of Mt. Everest is on the Nepal side whereas the body is in both countries (Nepal & China). There are two locations on Mt. Everest. The location on the Tibetan side is in the Xigaze area of Tingri County. Nepal's side location is at Sagarmatha National Park in the Solukhumbu district. Everest has many different names in various languages. Below are some of its names:
- Peak XV is Everest's original name, given to it before it was recognized as the world's tallest peak.
- The Nepali name for Mount Everest, Sagarmatha, translates to "the forehead" (or "Goddess") of the sky.
- Tibetans know Everest as Chomolungma (Mother Goddess)
- Chinesse name for Everest is Pinyn (Zhumulangma Feng)
- The traditional Nepali name for the goddess' rock is Deudhunga.
- Third pole & Roof of the World: Because it is the highest point on the planet.
- After the British surveyor-general of India George Everest, who initially gauged the height of Everest, Mount Everest was given its name.
Find out some of the most interesting facts about Mt. Everest. Get answers to your every question related to Mt. Everest.
How High is Mt. Everest?
For most of the years, Everest kept its height at an altitude of 8848 meters from sea level. This was the height of the mountain measured by the Indian Survey back in 1954. There was no GPS back then. Therefore, theodolites and chains were used. All countries agreed on the height except China.
The new height of Mt. Everest
A recent survey by a joint team from China and Nepal released the new altitude. The new height of Mt. Everest is 8848.86 m. After years of dispute, both countries accepted the new height.
There was another measurement too regarding the height of Mt. Everest conducted by the National Geographic Society, US. It had declared the height as 29035 ft. which is nearly 8850 m from sea level.
How did the Mountain get the name “Everest”?
Everest has become the word in the English dictionary that denotes superiority. In any case or form, people use the word as a symbol of hardship and ultimate goal. Therefore, the name itself is renowned throughout the world. However, many people are unaware of the reason behind the mountain’s naming in English as Mt. Everest. It is not to remember the first person to climb the peak. The mountain is named after British surveyor General Sir George Everest. Even if the general himself didn’t want to name the peak in his name, people changed the mountain’s name from PEAK XV to Mt. Everest.
The local Nepalese name of the mountain is Sagarmatha and the Tibetan name is Chomolungma.
Who was the first person to climb Mt. Everest?
"Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa-1953"
Tenzing Norgay from Nepal and Sir Edmund Hillary were the first climbers to climb Mt. Everest. They achieved the feat on 29th May 1953. However, there are some controversies related to the first ascent of the mountain. Some people still argue that George Mallory, the British climber climbed the mountain in 1924. He perished in the mountain during the expedition. His body was found only in 1999.
There are many records on Mt. Everest. Some are legendary and some are mesmerizingly inspiring.
How much does it cost to Climb Mt. Everest?
Mt. Everest Expedition is expensive, and demands immense effort, costing 50,000 and requiring two months to achieve. It is also the one quest that you don’t want to do with the help of cheaper accessories. From logistics management to hiring guides, people prefer the utmost quality. After all, it is the ultimate mountaineering pinnacle.
The cost of the permit is USD 11000 per climber. This cost is just to get permission to climb the mountain from the Nepalese side. There are many things that you need to consider before heading to climb the mountain. The average cost of climbing Mt. Everest ranges between 65000 $ to 75000 USD. However, the cost may vary depending on the season and team/agencies.
Best time to Climb Mt. Everest?
The expedition to Mt. Everest is not an ordinary task. Therefore, you need immense planning. The right equipment, the right team, and the right time are the biggest factors behind a successful summit. Therefore, the best weather is the most important aspect of mountaineering. The best climbing season in Nepal is always between April and May as well as the time before monsoon season in Nepal. The climbing window is from June to August. Beyond this, the summit weather conditions are harsh with increasing fear of avalanches. Moreover, the slipper trails and frequent rainfalls might hinder the trek up to the base camp.
The ideal time to climb Mt. Everest is between the months of late June to August.
Everest Climbing North Route VS Everest Climbing South Route
When the question comes about climbing Everest, the south route comes into people’s minds. Almost everyone across the globe recognizes the south route via Everest South Base Camp as the major route to climb the mountain. It is the most popular route. The main reason behind this is the difficulty in getting the permit from the Northern side (Tibetan – Chinese Autonomous region).
Most climbers believe that the southern route holds more edge in comparison to the northern route. Therefore, numerous records and legends related to Everest are made using the Southern route.
Trekking to Everest Base Camp
If you are planning to climb Mt. Everest, you will have to either trek to base camp or take a helicopter flight. There is no other alternative. The base camp is still inaccessible to the road network. The most popular way of reaching the base camp is TREKKING.
It is one of the most popular touristic activities in Nepal. Every year thousands of people take the journey to Everest Base Camp. Unlike climbing the mountain, trekking doesn’t require you to have equipment. All you need to do is to walk the trail.
The usual route of Everest Base Camp Trekking is Lukla – Namche – Gorakshep. Trekkers take the flight to Lukla Airport. The airport is also listed as the world’s most extreme airport. However, there is the classical route too. It starts with Jiri. It is longer than the contemporary route. Therefore, almost every trekker starts their Everest trekking trip from Lukla.
Trekkers usually walk through villages like Phakding, Namche Bazaar (Sherpa Town), Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, and Gorakshep to reach the base camp. Try our Everest Base Camp Trek package to know more about this trip. The journey is momentous. It takes you to the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest. It is one of the most bucketed travel wishes of people across the globe.
Vegetation in Everest Locale/Region
Nepal is rich in vegetation diversity. The Everest region too is very much diverse in terms of vegetation and wildlife. During the early phase of the Everest Base Camp Trekking trail, trekkers experience temperate deciduous forests. This vegetation belt extends from Lukla to lower Namche. Beyond Namche Bazaar, trekkers can experience sub-alpine and alpine vegetation. Areas around Gorakshep and Base Camp have Tundra vegetation. Therefore, the place is also an ideal place for vegetation researchers.
People in Everest Region
Sherpa is the inhabitant of the region. These people are popular across the globe as expert climbers. The Everest expedition is somewhat impossible without the guidance and help of this community. Every household in the region has either legends or active climbers who hold numerous records. The livelihood of these people is dependent on mountaineering, tourism, and agriculture. Among these three sources of economic gain, mountaineering has the largest share.
They have their language and culture. The presence of monasteries, prayer flags, and manes prove that these people are equally rich in culture and traditions too. During your visit to the Everest region, you will be overwhelmed by the tenacity of these people living at such high altitudes.
Everest Base Camp Trek Difficulty
Imagine yourself being at the base camp of the world’s tallest mountain Mt. Everest. Reaching the foothill of such a mountain is not an easy task. However, smart planning and the guidance of an expert agency will help you overcome any kind of hassles.
The biggest fear in Everest Base Camp Trekking is altitude sickness. The trail is easy to walk as there are not many uphill and downhill. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) needs to be addressed honestly during the trekking. The most usual acclimatization rest during EBC Trekking is at Namche Bazaar and Dingboche. If you heed the instructions of the guide, there won’t be any difficulties during the trek.
However, you need to get travel insurance for trekking to avoid unavoidable circumstances. Your insurance must cover the emergency helicopter evacuation too.
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Some Everesting Facts!
- According to a new study, when someone sneezes or coughs on Mount Everest, the germs remain preserved in the freezing environment for centuries, leaving a lasting microbial legacy. src: India Today: (2023, March 16)
What's new on Everest 2023?
A former British Gurkha Soldier, who lost both of his legs while serving in Afghanistan, Hari Budha Magar hopes to climb Mount Everest as the first double above-the-knee amputee climber. After having just completed the Everest Base Camp Trek in 2022, his next goal is to climb Everest this spring. src: The Guardian