Mount Everest (Sagarmatha) – Full Details, History, Routes, Permits, and Fun Facts
Sushil Tiwari
30th Apr, 2025
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Introduction to Mount Everest
Standing tall at 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet), Mount Everest — known as Sagarmatha in Nepali and Chomolungma in Tibetan — is the Earth's highest point. Located in the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas, it stretches majestically between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Table of Contents
Mount Everest Climbing History has captivated climbers, explorers, and dreamers for over a century. Summiting this towering giant remains one of the world’s most sought-after achievements. It is not just a mountain — it is a symbol of human determination, resilience, and courage.
Geographical Features of Everest
- Location: Solukhumbu District, Province No. 1, Nepal (border with Tibet)
- Range: Mahalangur Himal, part of the greater Himalayas
- Notable neighboring peaks: Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), Changtse (7,580m)
Everest’s famous geographical features include:
- Khumbu Glacier – Nepal side
- Western Cwm – a deep glacial valley
- South Col – the ridge between Everest and Lhotse
- North Col – leading towards the summit from Tibet
Historical Overview
The Great Trigonometric Survey of British India (early 19th century) first hinted at a remarkable peak, initially named Peak XV. In 1865, it was officially named Mount Everest after Sir George Everest, the British Surveyor General of India.
Despite being measured in the 1850s, Everest remained a remote mystery until the early 20th century, when explorers began daring expeditions into the heart of the Himalayas. Nepal officially opened its borders to foreign climbers only in the 1950s, forever changing the story of Sagarmatha.
Climbing History
Early Attempts (1921–1952)
- 1921: British reconnaissance expedition
- 1922: First attempt at ascending, reaching 8,320 meters
- 1924: George Mallory and Andrew Irvine vanished — their fate remains Everest’s greatest mystery.
🏔️ "Because it’s there." – George Mallory
The First Successful Ascent (1953)
Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay Sherpa of Nepal successfully summited Mount Everest on May 29, 1953.
Records and Modern Achievements
- Kami Rita Sherpa holds the record for most summits (30+ times as of 2024).
- Fastest ascent: Pemba Dorje Sherpa (8 hours 10 minutes, disputed)
- Youngest climber: Jordan Romero (13 years old, 2010)
- Oldest climber: Yuichiro Miura (80 years old, 2013)
Disasters and Challenges
- 1996 Everest Disaster (documented in Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer)
- 2014 Avalanche (16 Sherpas killed at Khumbu Icefall)
- 2015 Earthquake triggered deadly avalanches at Base Camp
Despite advances in technology, Everest Climbing History proves that Everest remains a dangerous pursuit, even today.
🧭 Everest Climbing Timeline (Infographic)
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1856 | Peak XV identified as the world’s highest |
| 1921 | First reconnaissance expedition |
| 1924 | Mallory and Irvine disappear |
| 1953 | Hillary and Tenzing summit Everest |
| 1975 | Junko Tabei becomes first woman to summit |
| 1996 | Deadly disaster claims 8 lives |
| 2000s | Record-breaking summits and commercialization |
| 2019 | Crowded summit photo shocks the world |
| 2024 | Kami Rita Sherpa’s 30+ ascents milestone |
Popular Routes to the Summit
South Col Route (Nepal Side) – Most Popular
- Flight to Lukla
- Trek to Everest Base Camp Route via Namche Bazaar and Tengboche
- Camp I (6,000m), Camp II (6,400m), Camp III (7,200m), South Col (7,900m)
- Final summit push to 8,848m
North Col Route (Tibet Side)
- Access through Rongbuk Monastery
- Advanced Base Camp at 6,400m
- North Col, Camps along the ridge to summit
🏔️ "Getting to the top is optional. Getting down is mandatory." – Ed Viesturs
Permits and Regulations
The Everest Expedition Permit costs USD 11,000 per climber on the Nepal side. The Tibet side requires special Chinese permits including strict travel regulations.
- Hiring a registered Nepali company is mandatory.
- Insurance for both climbers and Sherpas is required.
- Environmental deposit refundable after waste management compliance.
Spring (April-May) remains the best window for a successful summit.
Sherpas: The Unsung Heroes
Every successful climb relies heavily on the Sherpas of Everest. Their strength, high-altitude adaptation, and unmatched knowledge make Everest expeditions possible.
Environmental Concerns
- Overcrowding causes dangerous bottlenecks near the summit.
- Tons of garbage, waste, and discarded gear pollute the mountain.
- Climate change is shrinking glaciers and opening new crevasses.
Fun Facts About Mount Everest
- Everest grows by about 4mm each year due to tectonic activity.
- Oxygen levels at the summit are about one-third that of sea level.
- Over 6,000 successful summits have been recorded.
- The Death Zone starts at 8,000 meters.
🏔️ "Everest has become a metaphor for the ultimate human challenge." – Jon Krakauer
Myths, Legends, and Spiritual Beliefs
Sherpas believe Everest is the Mother Goddess of the Earth. Traditional puja ceremonies are performed at Base Camp before every climb to seek blessings and safety.
Everest in Popular Culture
- Books: Into Thin Air by Jon Krakauer, The Climb by Anatoli Boukreev
- Movies: Everest (2015), The Summit (2012)
- Documentaries: 14 Peaks (Netflix), Sherpa (National Geographic)
Conclusion: Everest, Timeless and Eternal
Mount Everest remains the ultimate symbol of ambition, endurance, spirituality, and hope. As climbers and environmentalists strive to protect Everest’s fragile ecosystem, the mountain inspires new generations of adventurers and dreamers.
