10 Surprising Facts About Mount Everest That You Never Knew Before

10 Surprising Facts About Mount Everest That You Never Knew Before

Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, has long been a fascination for adventurers, mountaineers, and travelers alike. From its challenging terrain to its soaring altitude, there’s a lot we know about the mountain. But, there’s also a lot we don’t know. In this article, we’ll take a look at 10 surprising Mount Everest facts that you might not have known before.

1. Mount Everest’s Real Name Is Sagarmatha

While Mount Everest is perhaps the most well-known name for the mountain, its real name is actually Sagarmatha. The name, which translates to “goddess of the sky,” comes from the Sherpa language, which is the language of the ethnic group that primarily lives in the Everest region.

2. First Person to Summit Mount Everest Was Sir Edmund Hillary

Most people know that Sir Edmund Hillary was the first person to summit Mount Everest, but what many people don’t know is that he was actually part of a British expedition team. Hillary, along with Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa guide, became the first people to successfully summit the mountain on May 29, 1953.

3. A Nepali Woman Holds the Record for the Most Successful Summits

While many famous mountaineers have attempted to summit Mount Everest multiple times, it’s actually a Nepali woman who holds the record for the most successful summits. Apa Sherpa has summited the mountain a total of 21 times, the most by any person.

4. Mount Everest Is Not Actually the Tallest Mountain in The World

While Mount Everest is certainly the highest mountain in terms of altitude, it’s not actually the tallest mountain in the world. That distinction goes to Mauna Kea, a volcano in Hawaii, which measures in at a staggering 33,500 feet from its base on the seafloor.

5. More Than 5,000 People Have Summited Mount Everest

While summiting Mount Everest is certainly no easy feat, it’s more common than you might think. Since the first successful summit in 1953, over 5,000 people have successfully reached the top of the mountain.

6. Mount Everest Is Not Growing

Despite commonly held beliefs that Mount Everest is growing with each passing year, this is actually not the case. In fact, the mountain is slowly shrinking due to shifting tectonic plates and erosion.

7. The Cost to Climb Mount Everest Can Exceed $100,000

Climbing Mount Everest is not only physically demanding, but it’s also financially expensive. Most climbers hire guides, porters, and support staff to aid them in their journey. The total cost to climb Mount Everest can exceed $100,000 depending on the level of support required.

8. Mount Everest Was Once At the Bottom of the Ocean

Believe it or not, Mount Everest was once at the bottom of the ocean. As tectonic plates shifted over millions of years, the mountain rose to its current height.

9. Mount Everest Has Its Own Weather System

Due to its towering height and remote location, Mount Everest has its own unique weather system. The mountain can experience sudden weather changes, including high winds, freezing temperatures and snowstorms.

10. Mount Everest Is Not Always the Most Dangerous Mountain to Climb

While Mount Everest is certainly one of the most challenging mountains in the world to climb, it’s not always the most dangerous. K2, often referred to as the “Savage Mountain,” is actually considered to be much more dangerous due to its sheer technical difficulty and unpredictable weather conditions.

In conclusion, Mount Everest is a fascinating and complex mountain with many surprising facts and insights. From its Sherpa name to the cost to climb, the mountain is much more than just a record-breaking summit. By delving deeper into the history and nature of the mountain, we can gain a greater appreciation for its majesty and the unique challenges it presents to climbers and explorers alike.

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