I'm not a climber, but I like to wander in the mountains. At one time, the idea of ​​​​going to Everest did not leave me, because this is not a problem, if only there was money. While I can not afford this pleasure, but I hope my dream will come true.

Everest: other names and coordinates

Let's start with where the name "Everest" came from. The mountain got its name in honor of the Englishman George Everest, India's chief surveyor from 1832 to 1843. Surprisingly, George himself was categorically against this, because he did not see his name worthy of decorating the highest peak in the world. There are other names:

• Peak XV - so it was called by English geographers, before the name "Everest" was given.
• Sagarmatha is a name, translated from Nepalese, means "Divine mother".
• Shengmufeng is a name known among the Chinese.
• Chomolungma - the second name in Nepali - "Divine".
• Chomo-Kankar - "Goddess of white snow" - a name known in Tibet before the arrival of Europeans.

However, no matter how you name the mountain, its coordinates will remain unchanged: 27°59′17″ (N), 86°55′31″ (E). It belongs to the Main Himalayan Range, which runs between Nepal and China.

Everest - tourist mecca

Anyone can test themselves for strength, however, this pleasure is very expensive. To begin with, you still have to get to the foot, because the mountain is located in a remote area. Legally, the peak belongs to China, but it shares the income with Nepal, and it is not small, since the climbing permit alone will cost $20,000! But you still need to buy equipment, a tent, provisions, and most importantly, find an intelligent guide. In general, according to the most conservative estimates, such an undertaking will cost at least $ 75,000! Patience will also be required - the preparation process, acclimatization and breathing exercises will take at least 3 months.

You need to prepare seriously, because the mountain is famous for its unpredictable weather, avalanches and stones flying from the top. The one who nevertheless reaches the top will be met there by knocking down winds, rarefied air and frost at -70 ° C.

Mount Everest (also called Chomolungma) is known as the highest in the world, but only if you do not take absolute height as a criterion. Everest rises above sea level to the maximum distance among other mountains of the Earth, but there is a volcano growing from the bottom of the ocean, so in fact its height is greater. However, since the summit of Everest reaches the highest mark on the planet, it is the main goal of most climbers who dream of conquering a giant at least once.

Mount Everest location and characteristics

It is unlikely that there will be those who do not know on which continent the highest peak (Eurasia) is located. They talk about Everest in geography lessons, showing where the mountain is, which hemisphere it belongs to. Many people miss in which country Chomolungma is located, but geographical coordinates will help determine the exact position of the highest point on the planet, and this is China. Its latitude and longitude in degrees are as follows: 27°59′17″ s. sh. 86°55′31″ E d.

The mountain is part of the mountain range, being part of the Mahalangur-Himal range. In fact, it belongs to two countries: Nepal and China, while the highest point, the North Peak, is part of China. Its height in meters is 8848. The southern peak is slightly inferior in its indicator, but, nevertheless, reaches 8760 meters.

Due to its outstanding height, Everest was measured relatively recently. The first estimate appeared as early as 1852 in the course of trigonometric calculations. In the 1950s, theodolites were already used: with their help, it was possible to fix the exact value equal to 8848.13 meters. Later, various information appeared in which measurements fluctuated either up or down. The reason for this was that the peak consists of glaciers, which, for a number of reasons, can grow and shrink. It is officially recognized that the height of Everest is 8848 meters, and its solid rock ends at around 8844 meters.

The shape of Everest resembles a pyramid with three faces, while from the south the slope is steep and bare, as snow and ice slide down from this side. Due to the high altitude, it is not surprising that wind speeds can exceed 200 m/s. In summer, the temperature fluctuates around 0 degrees, in January it drops to -35 degrees during the day and -50 and even -60 at night.

origin of name

Chomolungma is a Tibetan name that means "Divine Mother of vital energy." This unusual name was chosen to honor the Bon goddess Sherab Chzhamma. She is a symbol of mother energy. The Tibetans also gave the mountain a second name with the same etymology - Jomo Gang Kar, which translates as "Holy Mother, white like snow."

Other popular title came from English, as it was appropriated as a tribute to the merits of George Everest. At the beginning of the 19th century, he was a well-known figure in geodetic research. The scientist's successor put forward his last name as a name after an employee of the service where Everest worked made the world's first measurement of "Peak XV", considered the highest in Eurasia and presumably on the planet.

There is another name given by the inhabitants of Nepal. In their language, Mount Chomolungma sounds like Sagarmatha, which means "mother of the universe." In Nepal, the highest peak is treated with special warmth, so they prefer to call it in their native language.

mountaineering center

Mount Everest, due to its outstanding size, has long attracted the attention of rock climbers, but today climbers climb established routes. Many groups are prepared in camps, trips during the season are organized almost daily. This is one of popular destinations tourism, so Mount Chomolungma can hardly be called uninhabited.

The history of ascents included the pioneers Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary, who first reached the highest mark in the world in 1953 on May 29. After their luck, many expeditions managed to reach the peak, but only with early XIX century hikes have become available to a wide range of people.

Climbing to the top is allowed in spring and autumn, as there are less winds during these seasons. In autumn, use the rise only from the south side. Preparation lasts about two months, as the body must go through a period of acclimatization. The last 300 meters are considered the most dangerous, but the impressions from the opening view are worth it. You can’t see in any picture or photo what the conqueror of the mountain will receive, because emotions will greatly enhance the effect of what he saw.

1. Everest, Sagarmatha, Chomolungma - this is how the inhabitants of the Earth call the highest mountain on our planet in different ways, rising among the eternal snows of the Himalayas to a height of 8848 meters. Located on the border of Nepal and Tibet, the peak invariably attracts thousands of mountain lovers, climbers and ordinary travelers, probably every person at least once in his life has heard this majestic name of the mountain. (14 photos)

Photo of the Himalayas and Mount Everest, the highest point on the planet.

4. Here we are at the foot of the majestic and proud Mount Everest, and we will begin our long-awaited ascent. It must be admitted that the desire to visit and look at the local surroundings from the height of the mountain is quite a big incentive. Certainly at all times mountain system The Himalayas have always been famous for their beauty, but the “top of the world” deserves special attention - Mount Everest. Isn't it breathtaking. Climbing to such a height accompanies a number of difficulties, firstly, the ascent is complicated by a lack of oxygen, and therefore you have to carry equipped equipment with you, and secondly, the mountains are very steep and covered with ice.

5. For the night we stopped here in this small house, although it is not big, it is very warm and cozy. This trailer a good place for an overnight stay and a place to recuperate, first of all you need to eat heartily, otherwise we will not have enough strength. Tomorrow we will continue climbing.

8. The sun sets and gives the mountains an unusual shade, it is worth seeing. Rocks of different structure refracting light are sometimes reflected in an unusual color: orange, purple, pink. At the heart of this phenomenon lies the foundation of which the rocks are composed. For example, a grant mountain is reflected in a gray-pink color.

9. To our disappointment, the wind rises in the mountains, it is useless to put up tents here, they will simply be blown away. And we are forced to go down. At the top of Mount Everest, the wind is simply crushing, the wind force can reach 200 km / h. And the air temperature can reach -60-60 °C.

10. These stones, turned by the wind for centuries, are very popular with most tourists, climbers, and just ordinary people. But do not underestimate the mountains that are so alluring. It is worth considering that in order to climb Everest it is worth having certain climbing skills and experience, moreover, you need to go on such a trip only in the presence of an experienced guide. Unfortunately, carelessness and overestimation of one's strength played a cruel joke with many "dared ones". Everest for its existence can state the loss and death of entire expeditions.

11. We have already passed more than half of the entire journey, it is already almost impossible to do without oxygen, which we have on our shoulders. The heart beats slowly and thinking becomes dull. But what a beauty. By the way, the first conquest of Everest took place on May 29, 1953, by two climbers: Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and New Zealander Edmund Hillary. And the conquest impregnable mountains Everest began in the 20s. For 30 years, various expeditions, there were about 50 of them, tried to climb to the top of Everest.

12. Simply amazing view, it's something unimaginable.

13. There are only a few meters left to the highest point of the Earth, and the top of Everest, a little more. Geographical coordinates Mount Everest - 27°59′17″ N 86°55′31″ E

14. And here it is, that beautiful view for the sake of which we went here so much, it’s really amazingly beautiful. There is no one above us, even the clouds settle under our feet. I hope you enjoyed it, all the best and enjoy your travel experiences.

January 21, 2016

Mount Everest is a real treasure of Nepal, this small country, which is considered the birthplace of the Buddha.

Name variations and location

Nepal would never have acquired the status of a kind of tourist "Mecca", if not for Everest. This is an amazing peak, shrouded in legends. The name of the mountain was in honor of George Everest, an Englishman and head of the geodetic service. Translated from the language of Tibet, the second name of this mountain is Chomolungma. It sounds like "Divine". The Nepalese call the mountain Sagarmatha - "mother of the earthly gods." Before the Europeans arrived here, the peak was also called Chomo-Kankar - “the queen of white snows”. Looking at the map of southern Asia, you will find a narrow strip of the Himalayas in the north of the Hindustan peninsula and determine the coordinates of Mount Chomolungma. To the north is the Tibetan Plateau. Everest is 8848 meters high. The geographical coordinates of Mount Chomolungma are 27°59′17″ north latitude and 86°55′31″ east longitude. It is part of the Main Himalayan Range. The highest point on the planet is located almost on the border of China and Nepal.

Expensive pleasure

Climbing to the top of the world is a rather difficult and expensive business. "Divine" is located in a remote area and is not easy to get to, as evidenced by the geographical coordinates of Mount Chomolungma. And this is due not only to the price of the flight and long distances. Despite the fact that Mount Chomolungma on the map belongs to Chinese territory, it brings income to both China and Nepal. After all, the mere registration of a climbing permit brings up to 10 thousand dollars from each climber to the state treasury. In addition, you need expensive climbing equipment. These are tents, ice axes, ropes, special clothes, sleeping bags, an oxygen apparatus. Orientation is of great importance, before they used a map, compass and geographical coordinates of Mount Chomolungma. Now navigators allow you not to get lost. You also need to store food, oxygen and gas cylinders. In addition, you need to pay for the services of Sherpa porters, instructors and guides. The total amount spent on the rise can exceed 65 thousand dollars. You will also have to be patient. The whole ascent process, together with the obligatory monthly acclimatization to rarefied air, training and arrangement of intermediate camps, lasts about two months.

area of ​​death

In the snows of Everest, on the way to the top lies about two hundred dead climbers. From some of them, the wind blows snow away, and such “marks” unobtrusively remind tourists that the mountain is not to be trifled with.

Chomolungma has many dangers - snow avalanches, rock and ice screes, severe frosts. In winter, at the top of the mountain, the thermometer readings can drop below the 60-degree mark. Wind knocking down.
But the worst enemy of the climber is the lack of oxygen. Heights above eight kilometers are not in vain called the domain of death. Since here the oxygen content drops to 0.3 of the norm and below. Under such conditions, the body experiences tremendous exhaustion. The heart in such conditions can simply stop.
It is extremely difficult for climbers to move in the “death area”. Therefore, oxygen cylinders are mandatory elements of such expeditions. But many ascents have been made without the use of breathing apparatus.

Humanity test

"Mother of earthly gods" attracts climbers with its impregnability. Climbers who come here have been preparing for climbing this mountain for many years. They buy equipment and do physical training. If a person is not rich, he understands that he has only one chance to overcome this height. There will be no other attempt. Under these conditions, travelers find themselves in circumstances where the call of heights conflicts with humanity. For example, there is still a hundred meters to the top, the climber has almost no strength left, and a freezing person lies on the path. He urgently needs help. And the tourist understands that if you help this person, then he himself will no longer be able to be on the long-awaited peak. Help or step over a lying person? Unfortunately, many choose the latter. There is a story with a group of Japanese who met three people who were freezing. And they continued their ascent, thus leaving the unfortunate in trouble.

History of conquest

After it turned out in the middle of the 19th century that Everest is highest mountain planet, many wanted to climb it. The geographical coordinates of Mount Chomolungma have become of interest to many adventurers. The situation with the conquest of this impregnable height was complicated by the fact that for many years the approach to it was limited by the governments of Tibet and Nepal. Mount Chomolungma is located just on their border. But under the influence of the world community, the highest peak was opened for climbing expeditions. But the huge height, cold, lack of oxygen and hurricane-force winds kept this shining peak intact for a long time. Attempts to achieve it failed time after time. But at the end of May 1953, two travelers were the first to manage to climb to a height of 8848 m. They were members of the British expedition Tenzing and Lambert. After this historic ascent, climbers set many records related to Chomolungma. Here and climb to the top without an oxygen mask, and the study of new routes, and downhill skiing and snowboarding, and even climbing climbers with disabilities. One of them ascended on prostheses, the other, being completely blind.

Mount Everest has attracted people from all over the world since ancient times. Climbing it is fraught with many dangers and difficulties. However, neither the high cost of climbing, nor the huge load, nor even the fear of death stop numerous climbers climbing this majestic mountain.

Do you love mountains? Then be sure to check it out:

Everest - the highest mountain in the world

Everest (or, as it is called in Nepal, Chomolungma) rises to 8848.43 meters above sea level. Climbing Everest is a real dream for every climber, but, no doubt, also a very dangerous adventure, since a huge number of people died trying to conquer this peak. The highest point on our planet is known today to every schoolchild. But the history of the discovery of Everest and the fate of many brave people who tried to conquer it often remain a mystery to the general public.

infographics

The shocking truth

Resembling in shape a pyramid that has risen many kilometers above sea level due to the movement of lithospheric plates, Everest rises above Asia right on the border of China and Nepal. This peak is rightfully considered one of the most magnificent in beauty, but at the same time, tragic and dangerous places in the world. Its rocky silhouette invariably attracts numerous brave and courageous conquerors who try to reach the summit at the cost of great efforts, and sometimes even at the cost of their own lives. Unfortunately, many climbers have remained forever among the snows and rocky gorges. More than 235 climbers and local residents have died trying to conquer the highest peak on the globe (although the exact number of deaths remains unknown today, because not all of them officially registered their ascent). The difficulty lies not only in the increased atmospheric pressure and rarefied air, which cannot be breathed for a long time, but also in the danger of the route itself. Nevertheless, despite all these difficulties, many people continue to risk their lives in order to spend a few minutes on top of the world. There is something in it that irresistibly attracts brave climbers ...

How much does it cost to climb Everest?

This question is very popular today. Everyone knows that high-altitude expeditions require not only serious physical and tactical training of the participants, but also considerable investments. The average price is about $30,000 if you go by yourself or with your organized and independent group. travel companies offer their own expeditions, and the price for their services is about $60,000. The price of a VIP level expedition, which includes permanent Internet access and telephone connection, is often higher than $90,000. In general, it all depends on the guide and the quantity and quality of services included in the package. However, when choosing an instructor and a company, it is important to consider not only the price and image of the company. It is always best to study this issue on your own and very carefully. In particular, it will not be out of place to pay attention to whether the package includes the cost of the flight and the services of Sherpas. The fact is that sometimes you have to pay for the participation of local “helpers” on the spot when you are already at the base camp, therefore, in order to avoid unexpected surprises, it is always better to study the details in advance.

Why so expensive?

The government of Nepal imposes a mandatory fee on all foreigners who wish to climb Mount Everest. Depending on the size of the group and the time period, the fee can vary from $11,000 to $25,000.

Many readers will probably be indignant: “Where are these prices from??!” But, on the other hand, judge for yourself: even with such fees on the slopes - tens of tons of garbage; when climbing Everest, more than 200 people died ... Imagine what would happen if this fee was not charged - the number of climbers, of course, would increase dramatically, and the peak would begin to look like something terrible.

Another important point is the correct selection of the necessary equipment, which also costs a lot of money. The cost of guides, instructors and sherpas often depends on the size of the group, so prices change from year to year.

Everest Facts

1. Everest, part of the chain Himalayan mountains, is 29,035 feet (8848 meters) high.
2. A sedentary volcano in the Hawaiian Islands, Mauna Kea ranks first in the ranking of the highest mountains in the world, not counting sea level.
3. Everest is more than 60 million years old, it was formed due to pushes of the Indian tectonic plate in the direction of the Asian. Due to seismic activity in the region, Everest is about a quarter inch (0.25") taller every year.
4. The peak is located right on the border line of Nepal to the south and China, also known as Tibet, to the north.
5. Chomolungma (translated from Tibetan) literally means "holy mother of the universe."
6. To keep warm, climbers are encouraged to use oxygen at the summit. As for food, it is good to eat a lot of rice and noodles even before the ascent, since you will need a serious supply of energy for such an expedition. On average, climbers burn over 10,000 calories daily, and this number doubles while climbing to the top; throughout the expedition, its participants lose from 10 to 20 pounds of weight.
7. In the entire history of attempts to conquer the summit, it is officially known that 282 people (including 169 Western climbers and 113 Sherpas) died on Everest from 1924 to August 2015. If we talk about the causes of death, then 102 climbers were injured while trying to climb without the use of additional oxygen. Most of the bodies to this day remain in the snow and gorges, although Chinese officials reported that many bodies were removed. Snowfalls and rockfalls are the most common cause of death, followed by avalanches in second place and altitude sickness in third place.
8. The youngest person ever to reach the summit is an American high school student named Jordan Romero. He made his ascent at the age of 13, on May 23, 2010 (he climbed the peak from the north side).
9. 14 climbers managed to cross from one side of the peak to the other.
10. Wind speeds at the summit can reach 200 miles per hour.
11. On average, it takes about 40 days to complete the ascent. The fact is that the human body needs some time to get used to being at such an altitude above sea level and acclimatize immediately before climbing.
12. The first climbers who managed to climb the peak of Everest without the use of additional oxygen in cylinders were Reinold Messner and Peter Hubler (Italy) back in 1978. Later, 193 climbers who followed suit also managed to reach the summit without resorting to additional oxygen (this is 2.7% of all ascents to the peak). There is 66% less oxygen in every breath at the top of Everest than in a breath taken at sea level.
13. To date, there have been about 7,000 ascents of the peak of Everest, more than 4,000 people have participated in all known routes.
14. The oldest climber who managed to conquer the mountain was Miura Yuchiro (Japan), who made the ascent at the age of 80 on May 23, 2013.
15. There are 18 different official climbing routes to the summit of Everest.
16. The first woman to summit Everest was Japanese climber Janko Tabei (1975).
17. In order not to fall off rocks and glaciers, climbers use nylon ropes with a diameter of 10 millimeters. Special metal spikes (“cats”) are put on the soles of the boots to prevent slipping. In addition, ice axes are used, which can stop a possible fall on a rocky and icy surface. In terms of clothing, climbers opt for thick suites that are filled with goose feathers.
18. Sherpas are the collective name for people who live in western Nepal. Initially, several centuries ago, they migrated from Tibet. Today, they help climbers prepare for the ascent by helping carry food, tents, and other supplies to intermediate camps located above the base camp.
19. Climbers begin using oxygen tanks at 7,925 m (26,000 ft). but in this way only 915 m (3000 ft) of difference is achieved in how they feel. In principle, at an altitude of 8230 m (27,000 ft) a person will feel like at 7315 m (24,000 ft) above sea level, which, in fact, will not make a significant difference in the well-being of climbers.
20. Peak temperatures can drop as low as -62C (80F below zero).

Story

Everest appeared on the earth's surface about 60 million years ago. The mountain has a rather long history of "the first climbers", starting with an unsuccessful attempt, which was made back in 1921 by the British expedition of George Mallory and Guy Bullock. Much later, in 1953, the highest peak of the Earth was nevertheless conquered by a brave bunch of Italian climbers Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. The history of ascents and new achievements continues to this day. But the highest peak in the world is not only a vantage point or a serious challenge for climbers, but also home to mountaineers, the Sherpas, who have lived there for over 500 years. This little nation the best guides and porters for tourists and professionals who decide to defy fate and climb the highest and most difficult peak of our planet to climb.

Where is Everest located?

Everest is not only the highest mountain, it is also the highest point located on the border of two countries. The mountain is located between the territories of China and Nepal, but its peak is in China, or rather, in Tibet. autonomous region. Everest is part of the Himalayas and is only one of the nine peaks of this mountain range. Interestingly, the Himalayas are made up of the thirty-nine highest high peaks in the world, so Everest has many younger "brothers". Together they form a fence between the plateaus of the Tibetan and Indian subcontinental plates.

The entire mountain system is located in South Asia and passes through Pakistan, Bhutan, Tibet, India and Nepal. This was the reason that Everest has several names. In Tibet it is called "Chomolungma", the Chinese version of the name is "Shèngmǔ Fēng". The locals in Darjeeling call it "Deodungha" which translates to "Holy Mountain". For many years it was believed that the highest peak of the world is in the Andes, and only in 1852, a mathematician from India was able to discover to the world really the most high mountain.

How did he get his name?

The highest mountain was discovered by George Everest, who served as the Indian General Secretary, in 1841. Since then official name which was given highest peak Earth, came from the name of the discoverer. Prior to this in different countries the peak was called differently, based on local languages ​​and dialects. But since the highest point of the planet should have a single and understandable name for everyone, the name of the one who officially discovered it became recognized at the international level.

What country is Everest in?

At various points in its history, Everest has been considered part of both China and Nepal. After the annexation in May 1959, relations between Nepal and China became absolutely friendly, and the fact that the border between the countries is at its peak highest mountain world, is a symbolic confirmation of this. Therefore, theoretically, the peak that is closest to space does not belong to one particular country, but is the common property of Nepal and China. Every tourist who decides to at least look at Everest from the outside, not to mention climbing to the top, can choose at his own discretion which side is more convenient to do it. But it is fair to say that the view from Nepal is much more beautiful, and climbing is an order of magnitude easier.

What is the height of Everest?

Imagine that you live in a world where there is no Mount Everest, it has not yet been discovered, and at school the teacher tells you that the highest mountain is the one called Kanchenjunga, or Dhaulagiri, for example. Even in the 19th century, many were convinced that the highest point on our planet is anything but Everest. Only in 1852 was it confirmed that Everest is the highest point on our planet. The height of the mountain is 8848 meters above sea level and increases by 4 millimeters annually due to plate movement. In addition, earthquakes in Nepal can move Everest and even change its height. So, modern scientists continue to argue that none of the measurements of the height of Everest, either from the Chinese or from the Nepalese side, is correct. Chomolungma continues to grow. The continental plates do not stand still, they are constantly pushing Everest higher and higher.

Curiously, the exact height of the mountain is still a matter of dispute. Back in 1856, when British explorers first measured the height of the peak with a theodolite, it was recorded as 8,840 m (or 22,002 feet). Currently, the official height of Everest is 8.848 m (29.029 ft). To imagine how high Everest is, it is enough to understand that its highest point is located almost at the level of a fighter plane flight. Therefore, it is not at all surprising that the slopes of this mountain are not inhabited by animals and birds due to high pressure and rarefied air. However, Everest is home to one rare species of spider that hides in the crevices of the mountains. This insect feeds on other frozen insects that get to the top with winds and snow masses.

Neighborhood

The Everest massif consists of several individual peaks such as Changse at 7,580m (24,870ft), Nuptse at 7,855m (58,772ft) and Lhotse at 8,516m or 27,940ft. At the time of the discovery of these peaks, it was very difficult to measure the height of a mountain peak with accuracy. At that time, special devices called theodolites were used to measure height, the weight of which was more than 500 kg (1.100 pounds), and the forces of 10-15 people were required to move such a device. Several attempts were made to measure the exact height of Mount Everest, and only in 1949, shortly before the first ascent, was it finally possible to obtain accurate data.

The nearest place where people live is Rongbuk, a Buddhist temple that was founded back in 1902. It was reconstructed not so long ago after being completely destroyed in the 70s of the last century, during civil war. Currently, this place becomes the last living quarters on the path of climbers to the top of the world. In Rongbuk, you can stay in a small hotel and even dine in a tiny restaurant.

About height

For almost three hundred years, the highest known point on Earth was Chimborazo, a volcano in the Andes. Its height is "only" 6.267 meters. In the 19th century, this version was destroyed, as the new champion became known to the world - the peak of Nanda Devi in ​​India with a height of 7.816 meters. It may seem ridiculous, but today Nanda Devi only ranks 23rd in the list of the highest mountains in the world. But there is a reason that the listed peaks were indeed the highest points of the world known at that time: after all, Nepal, which is called the roof of the world for a reason, was closed to everyone for a long time.

Everest is officially one of the most polluted mountains in the world. due to the lack of infrastructure and the presence of a constant influx of tourists. Numerous groups leave behind a huge amount of garbage, ranging from simple food bags to oxygen tanks and old equipment, which are stored and accumulated for decades on the slopes of this mountain, considered sacred to local residents.

Scientists are constantly finding the remains of marine life that were petrified in the structure of rocks 450 million years ago, at a time when the surface of Everest was not yet a peak or mountain, but remained part of seabed. The Himalayas formed only 60 million years ago. The record holders for visiting the peak of Everest are two Sherpas: Apa Sherpa and Tashi Purba, who managed to climb the peak 21 times, having the opportunity to admire the alpine landscape of the Himalayan mountains from the highest point.

Mortality

Unfortunately, Mount Everest turned out to be a very difficult place to climb and is rightfully considered one of the most dangerous peaks on Earth. The danger lies in the record low temperatures ah and air with a low oxygen content, frequent landslides and avalanches that took many lives of local residents and climbers who decided to overcome this height. The greatest tragedy in the history of Everest occurred in 2014 when a huge avalanche killed 16 local Nepalese guides. It happened near one of the base camps. The second largest was the tragedy of 1996, when 15 climbers did not return from the ascent.

These people died for various reasons, some due to the use of inadequate equipment, others due to lack of oxygen in the tanks or unexpected changes in weather conditions that made it impossible to return to the base camp. The third in terms of the number of victims was the unsuccessful expedition of 2011, when 11 people remained forever in the snows of the Himalayan mountains. All of them are buried in the snow and ice of Everest. Avalanches and rockfalls are the most common causes of death on the slopes of Everest.

Everest base camps

For those who decide to climb Everest, there are, as mentioned earlier, two options - start climbing from China or follow the Nepalese route. In order to get used to atmospheric pressure and acclimatize at altitude, two main base camps are equipped. In any of them, each tourist will be able to spend the necessary amount of time for the body to get used to the new conditions, since acclimatization in this case will help prevent altitude sickness. Both camps have doctors who can advise climbers and assess the health of each before climbing. Staying for some time at the base camp helps to avoid health problems associated with pressure changes.

The southern camp is located on the Nepal side, and the Northern camp is on the Tibetan (Chinese) side of Everest. Even though the northern camp can be reached even by car during the summer days, the camp on the south side is becoming more and more popular. And, of course, all the inhabitants of the surrounding villages, who were previously engaged in agriculture and animal husbandry, are now fully focused on providing visitors with everything they need. They help in transporting things and supplies to the upper intermediate checkpoints, in cooking, and offer various products. In addition to the main intermediate camps on the way to Everest, there are several others located both before and after the main two. They are intermediate stations on the way to conquer the top of the world.

The supply of food and equipment to the southern base camp is carried out by Sherpa porters, since transport connection in this region is not possible. Food, medicine and everything needed is delivered with the help of yaks, local beasts of burden.

ascent

If you think that everyone can climb Everest, you just have to really want to, you are very mistaken. Firstly, it is very expensive, about $60,000. Climbing the highest mountain in the world is not just a fun adventure. It is important to understand that this is not an ordinary cozy tourism, but a challenge and the risk of mortal danger. Every year, several tourists die in an attempt to conquer this rocky peak: someone falls into an abyss or a gap between glaciers, someone does not stand high temperatures and some people get altitude sickness.

Naturally, for such a difficult test, you will need serious preparation and a huge amount of special equipment: shoes, clothes, tools and gadgets. A large group of experts and assistants are also required for the proper organization of the trip and many years of experience in climbing other peaks. But if we talk about the process itself, then it is, of course, unusually exciting. Regardless of which route you choose, it is recommended that you travel with a Sherpa companion. Today, the region is home to approximately 3,000 Sherpas, all of whom are top-notch guides, helpers, and porters, as well as mountain climbers. In short, the Sherpas are a nation of highlanders. If you have seen famous photograph the first human ascent of Everest, you will understand how amazing, inexpressible with the help of words, the feelings at the top can be. As Tenzing Norgay admitted, "I wanted to jump, dance, these were the best feelings in my life, because I stood above the whole world."

The most popular season to climb Everest is spring. Autumn expeditions are less popular. By far the most popular way to climb Everest is through a guided expedition. This ensures that there is a professional with the group who knows the most reliable route to the top. In addition, you can rely on his knowledge and experience even in the most unpredictable situations, he is a reliable support and support for the group. The guide will be able to explain to the participants everything they need to know before starting the climb, help to choose the necessary equipment and check the physical condition, as well as the state of health of the participants, in advance.

Plan

The very first step in climbing Everest is to begin proper preparation, including getting serious experience climbing other peaks. These are very important requirements, since such an expedition is quite risky and dangerous and requires certain skills. It starts in one of the base camps (on the southern or northern slope), which is selected depending on the route and climbing plan. So to get to base camp, located at an altitude of approximately 5,000 m (16,000 feet) above sea level, participants will need about a week. Here they can talk to experienced guides, check their physical condition and get some rest before climbing Everest. Then, for an additional fee, climbers can resort to the help of Sherpa mountaineers, who will help bring the necessary equipment, food and oxygen cylinders to intermediate camps.

How long does it take to climb Everest?

Of course, climbing to the top of the world does not mean walking along picturesque snow-covered slopes. For less trained climbers and for those who have at least a minimal risk of developing any disease, the acclimatization period at medium altitude (in the base camp at an altitude of 5100 meters above sea level) can in some cases reach 30-40 days. For a whole month you will be surrounded by Sherpas and your companions until your body gets used to the pressure of the atmosphere and the lack of oxygen. Only then can you continue climbing. On average, when it comes to tourist expeditions, the duration of the entire ascent (from the moment you arrive in Kathmandu to being at the highest point on the globe) will be about 60 days. When everything is prepared, it will take about 7 days to climb from the base camp to the summit. After that, another approximately 5 days will be spent on the descent to the base camp.

First person to summit Everest

Although Edmund Hillary was the first person to set foot on the top of the world, many attempts to climb Everest were made long before him. Back in the twenties, a special expedition of the newly created Everest Committee developed the most optimal ascent routes. It is not surprising that the members of this expedition were the first to set foot on the summit. sacred mountain”, what Everest was for the locals. And yet two completely different people, Sir Edmund Hillary and Nepalese climber Tenzing Norgay, jointly made the first successful ascent to the summit from the south side and finally managed to find themselves where no man had ever gone before.

In 1953, when this outstanding event finally happened, China closed Everest to any visits, and the world community allowed no more than one expedition per year. In conditions of low temperatures, constantly tormented by strong gusts of wind, Tenzing and Hillary, despite the need to stay in one place for several days in a row, were still able to conquer highest point planets. Edmund Hillary dedicated his achievement to the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II of Great Britain, and it was the best gift in honor of a significant event in the UK. Although Hillary and Tenzing spent only 15 minutes on the mountaintop, those 15 minutes today are comparable only to the first steps on the moon.

The youngest person to ever reach the summit is an American eighth grader from California. He was only 13 years old on the day of the ascent. A resident of Nepal, a 15-year-old girl named Min Kipa Shira, became the second in the ranking of the youngest climbers who managed to conquer Everest. Her ascent was crowned with success in 2003. The oldest man to summit Everest was 80-year-old Miura Yuchiro from Japan, and the oldest woman was Tamae Watanabe from Japan, who climbed at the age of 73.

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