The world’s tallest peak is more than just a mountain — it’s a symbol of endurance, exploration, and the limits of human ambition.
Mount Everest — known locally as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet — stands as Earth’s highest point and one of the planet’s greatest natural wonders. Beyond its awe-inspiring height, Everest carries deep cultural, scientific, and environmental significance.
Here are 15 fascinating facts you should know about the legendary mountain:
1. It’s the tallest mountain on Earth
Mount Everest rises 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level, as confirmed by a 2020 joint survey by China and Nepal.
2. It sits on the border of Nepal and China
Everest lies in the Himalayan range, straddling the border between Nepal (south side) and Tibet, China (north side).
3. It continues to grow
Due to the ongoing collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, Everest grows by about 4 millimeters each year.
4. It’s named after a British surveyor
The mountain was named after Sir George Everest, the British Surveyor General of India (1830–1843), even though he never saw the mountain himself.
5. Locals had their own names long before
To Nepalis, the mountain is Sagarmatha, meaning “Goddess of the Sky.” In Tibetan, it’s Chomolungma, meaning “Goddess Mother of the World.”
6. The first successful climb was in 1953
On May 29, 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Nepal, became the first confirmed climbers to reach the summit.
7. The “death zone” starts at 8,000 meters
At that altitude, oxygen levels drop to one-third of what’s available at sea level, making breathing extremely difficult and dangerous.
8. Hundreds have died attempting the climb
Over 300 climbers have lost their lives on Everest, most due to altitude sickness, exhaustion, or avalanches. Many bodies remain on the mountain due to the extreme conditions.
9. It’s not the hardest mountain to climb
While the highest, Everest isn’t the most technically difficult. Peaks like K2 and Annapurna are considered more dangerous because of steeper routes and harsher weather.
10. It’s littered with waste
Everest faces a serious pollution problem. Abandoned oxygen cylinders, tents, and human waste have turned parts of the mountain into what some call the “world’s highest garbage dump.”
11. Climate change is reshaping Everest
Rising global temperatures are melting glaciers and exposing previously buried bodies and debris — a visible sign of climate change in the Himalayas.
12. The youngest climber was just 13
In 2010, Jordan Romero, a 13-year-old American, became the youngest person to reach the summit. The oldest was Yuichiro Miura, who summited at age 80 in 2013.
13. Climbing it is very expensive
An Everest expedition can cost between $30,000 and $100,000 USD, depending on the route, guide, and equipment.
14. Internet and mobile service now reach the peak
Since 2020, climbers have access to 4G and 5G signals on parts of the mountain, thanks to Chinese and Nepali telecom expansions.
15. It’s more than a mountain — it’s sacred
For local Sherpa communities, Everest is a spiritual site, not just a climbing challenge. Rituals are performed before each expedition to honor the mountain’s divine spirit.
Mount Everest stands as a reminder of humanity’s courage, but also of our responsibility to protect nature. As more people seek adventure and fame, the challenge is not just to conquer Everest — but to preserve it for generations to come.
EduTimes Africa, a product of Education Times Africa, is a magazine publication that aims to lend its support to close the yawning gap in Africa's educational development.
