This mountain was the highest. What is the highest mountain in the world? Everest and its conquest

It is known from the school bench that the most high mountain on Earth - Everest (Chomolungma). This is true if you measure the height of the mountain only above sea level. In this regard, the question arises, which is the highest mountain in the world, Mauna Kea or Everest?

Not everyone knows that there are mountains on Earth that grow from the "bottom of the sea." Mount Mauna Kea, located in the Hawaiian Islands, is one of them. It rises from the ocean, leaving almost 6,000 meters underwater. Only a small part of it rises above the surface of the water - only 4205 meters. This fact contributed to the attribution of Mauna Kea to low mountains. The real height of the dormant volcano is more than 10,200 meters. If you measure the distance from the base of the mountain to its top, it turns out that Chomolungma is not the highest mountain. The victory will remain with Mauna Kea - a dormant volcano.


Local tribes call it "White Mountain" because of the abundance of snow on the slopes, which is very fond of skiers. Among the local tribes of Mauna Kea is considered sacred mountain. Its age is almost a million years. Only tribal leaders can climb to the top of a dormant volcano to communicate with spirits.

For many centuries, the mountain fed and clothed the native tribes, gave them material for construction. But in Lately everything has changed. The once dense and impenetrable forests have thinned out significantly, rare representatives of flora and fauna have disappeared or are on the verge of extinction. This happened due to a violation of the eco-system due to the active reproduction of those introduced from “ mainland» animals and deforestation by Europeans.

Every year, "White Mountain" is visited by tourists from all over the world to admire great views and go skiing. The attraction of Mauna Kea is a large observatory with 13 powerful telescopes, located at the top. The favorable climate on its slopes, as well as convenient humidity indicators, make observations here as comfortable as possible for scientists, allowing them to make unexpected discoveries.

Answering the question which mountain is higher - White Mountain or Everest, it is safe to say that White Mountain is higher. Chomolungma rises above sea level at 8848 meters, which is less than the height of Mauna Kea by more than a kilometer.
Despite this, the most popular among the conquerors of Mount Everest. This is explained by its impressive height. Every year, thousands of people strive to visit the summit of Everest, despite all the dangers that may lie in wait for them when climbing. At the same time, many also dream of conquering the summit of Mauna Kea. Despite the seeming "simple" for overcoming 4200 meters, it is not so easy to do this, which even experienced climbers are convinced of.

Everyone knows that Everest is the most high mountain in a world whose peak is above the clouds. However, like any other attraction, the mountain has its own mysteries and secrets.

The highest mountain on planet Earth rises above the eternal snows of the Himalayas to a height of 8848 meters. Everest stands on the border of Nepal and China, although the top of the mountain itself is located on the territory of China. Everest Peak is the most famous point of the Main Himalayan Range.

Everest has not always had this name. Translated from Tibetan "Chomolungma" means “Divine (jamma) Mother (ma) of Life (lung - wind or life force)”, the mountain was named after the Bon goddess Sherab Chzhamma. The Nepalese name of Chomolungma - "Sagarmatha" - means "Mother of the Gods". The English name "Everest" was spread in 1856 thanks to Andrew Waugh, assistant to the head of the surveyor of British India, Sir George Everest. The reason for this was the publication of the results of measurements of the height of "Peak XV", according to which the mountain turned out to be the highest in the region and, probably, in the whole world.

Mankind managed to conquer Everest only on May 29, 1953. The discoverers were members of the British Himalayan expedition Edmund Hillary and Norgay Tenzing, who managed to climb to the highest point on Earth. Since then on Everest has been climbed many times, but not every expedition was successful - there were casualties, there were retreats. This is due to oxygen starvation, very low air temperature and heavy frosty wind, literally knocking down already tired and frostbitten extreme sportsmen - after all, in order to get to the top, you need to make several halts, and many, especially unprepared people, even after the first halt they refuse to go further. But of course, the most offensive thing is to retreat a couple of hundred meters to the very top.

For half a century on Everest visited by more than 2500 climbers from all over the world. More than 200 people died from lack of oxygen during ascents and descents, in avalanches, from frostbite and heart failure. Unfortunately, even the most expensive and modern equipment cannot guarantee complete security. The situation was also aggravated by the inability to send rescue helicopters to the top of Everest.

Every year everything remains on Earth less territoriesnot corrupted by man, and Everest area is one of those happy exceptions.. The route to Everest is one of the most amazing and exciting not only in Nepal, but throughout the world. The peculiarity of this region is that from the Nepalese side Everest is surrounded by two high mountains - Nuptse (7879 m) and Lhotse (8516 m), so in order to see the top of the world well enough, you need to walk a relatively long distance and climb Mount Kala Patthar (5545 m) or Gokyo Ri (5483 m). ), from the top of which opens magnificent scenery to the top of the world.

Everest has a pyramidal shape y except for the southern slope, which is steeper. Glaciers flow from the massif in all directions, ending at an altitude of about 5 thousand meters. Snow and ice do not remain on the southern slope and ribs of the pyramid for a long time, which is why they are exposed.

Chomolungma attracts every year there are more and more mountain lovers, climbers and ordinary travelers seeking to follow the magnificent routes of the Solo Khumbu valley and National Park Sagarmatha.

It is located in the Himalayas in the Mahalangur-Himal (Khumbu-Himal) ridge, located on the border of the Tibetan Autonomous Okrug China and Nepal.
From the Tibetan "Chomolungma" - means "Mother of the Gods or Source of Life Force", the Nepalese name of Chomolungma - "Sagarmatha" - it is named after the goddess Sherab Jamma. The British name for the mountain "Everest" was proposed in 1856 by Andrew Waugh, after the publication of the results of the measurement of the mountain's height in a scientific journal.

The mountain is divided into 2 parts:

1. South Summit - 8760 m.
2. Northern Peak - 8848 m - it is she who is the main peak on which the highest point above sea level was found.

Mount Everest or Chomolungma looks like a 3-sided pyramid, the southern slope is bare i.e. almost never has snow, it is also the most dangerous, it is here that glaciers often descend, climbing this slope is the most risky. At an altitude of about 5 thousand meters, there are also very dangerous places. there are huge layers of snow and ice that have come down from the top of the Chomolungma. In these massifs, there are very often voids and huge cracks up to several hundred meters deep, but in order to climb to the top, climbers have to go through them too.
From the south, Everest connects to the Lhotse Pass (8516), which in turn connects to Hillary Peak and Mount Nuptse. From the north, Everest connects with the top of Changze (7550 m). From the east, it is also steep and the most open for viewing. in the east there is a snowy hollow. Therefore, in order to see this peak, you need

The highest peak on the planet is Everest (Chomolungma) - it stretches among the deaf silence and eternal snows of the Himalayas to a height of 8848 meters above sea level.
But if you look for the highest mountain in terms of length, i.e. not above sea level, but in principle the highest mountain, then it will turn out to be Mauna Kea - this is a volcano mountain, located on one of the islands Hawaiian archipelago, whose height is 4200 meters above sea level, but the base below sea level is approximately equal to 6000 meters, which makes it possible to add these parts and get the full growth of this natural formation of 10,200 meters i.e. higher than Everest.

The region of Tibet and Nepal has always attracted us with its mystery and virginity of nature, severe temper and eternal source of knowledge about the reasons for our existence here. And to this day, this is probably the cleanest and most unpolluted place by mankind, to be more precise, the least polluted place on Earth. This is connected, of course, with the difficult cross-country ability and the danger of these places on Earth for ordinary tourists. At the same time, they say if you have been there at least once, then it is impossible to forget it, it is like another planet, located somewhere far away in space. Chilling cold changing to soft warmth, sharp knocking down wind changing to warm weather and an incredible supersun. To see Everest, you need to make a lot of effort and money. best view the mountain appears from the side of Nepal, namely from the west. On the western side of Everest is Mount Kala Pattar (5,500 m) and Mount Gokyo Ri (5,500 m), climbing them you can see and photograph Everest.

Who was the first to conquer Everest?

These were the British Edmund Hillary (by the way, the mountain located on the southern pass from Everest is named after him) and Norgay Tenzing (by the way, he did it on his birthday), who on May 29, 1953, nevertheless managed to climb the highest point on the planet Earth.

After there were many ups and downs, there were many victories and failures, many tragedies, there were those who simply returned unable to withstand the harsh conditions.
What a climber may encounter when climbing:

1. Extremely low temperatures.
2. Lack of oxygen
3. Squall ice wind
4. Cracks and voids in snow massifs
5. Snow Avalanches (most recently, 16 people died at an altitude of 5,800 meters, in April 2014)

We will not describe how many and how someone climbed the mountain, how many failures there were, etc.
A webcam is installed on Mount Kala Patara, which transmits a view of Everest every 2 minutes.
What appears to be your appearance, to put it mildly, will cause bewilderment. Because the picture will be static, and indeed, in 2 minutes on Everest, little changes. It happens that the next update of the picture will give something obviously new.
But for this, some craftsmen have prepared a video of how the picture changes throughout the day.

Photos

Video

Air tickets Moscow - Kathmandu

Is there a mountain higher than Chomolungma?

Until recently, each of us would have answered this question without hesitation. But now everything has changed, because scientists managed to prove that Everest not only lost ground, but also transferred the palm to another peak.

Which mountain is considered the highest?

The mountain above Everest is called Mauna Kea and is located on one of the Hawaiian Islands. Being a former volcano, the highest peak has a favorable climate and a calm disposition. This is truly an amazing place.

Being far from the city, Mauna Kea allows scientific observations of heavenly bodies. On its slopes there are 13 telescopes from different countries - the Japanese Subaru Telescope, NASA infrared telescopes, the Keck Interferometer telescope, etc. To watch the work of this large-scale research center, just connect to a webcam that shoots video in real time. And on the territory of Mauna Kea there are several protected areas.

Geographic data

On the world map, Mauna Kea can be found by such geographic coordinates: 19.822098 N and -155.467083 W. The absolute height of this mountain is 10,203 m, which is 1355 m more than the height of Chomolungma. The peak of Mauna Kea is located at an altitude of 4,205 m above sea level, but the rest is hidden in the Pacific Ocean.

The highest mountain in the world has a long and eventful history. During the period of its existence, which is about 1 million years, it was able to become sacred. The ancients believed that sacred spirits lived on the top of the mountain, so only the leaders of the tribe could climb it.

Now Mauna Kea or White Mountain, so named because of a large number snow, is the main attraction of Hawaii. Hundreds of thousands of tourists come here every year to admire its beauties and go skiing.

About the history of the conquest of Everest in the article -

TOP 8 highest mountains

The highest mountains in the world are represented by a list that makes up the so-called 7 Summits Club. Let's take a short tour of each of these places.

Chomolungma (Everest)

Height - 8848 m. Location - China (Asia). As you can see in the photo, Everest has the shape of a trihedral pyramid. The first ascent to its summit was made by two daredevils - the New Zealander Edmund Hillary and the Nepalese Sherpa Tenzing Norgay. Having climbed the Chomolungma on May 29, 1953, they became national heroes. Still, the mountain has such a harsh climate that climbing it is accompanied by incredible difficulties.

aconcagua

Height - 6962 m. Location - Andes (Argentina). Translated from English name this extinct volcano means "stone guard". The first ascent to the mountain was made in 1897 by E. Fitzgerald.

McKinley

Height - 6168 m. Location - Alaska ( North America). Named after the 25th President of the United States. The first to study McKinley began Russian traveler L.A. Zagoskin. He also became its discoverer, having conquered the top of the mountain in 1896.

kilimanjaro

Height - 5,891.8 m. Location - Tanzania (Africa). For the first time this mountain, which is active volcano, was conquered in 1889 by G. Meyer. Its top is covered with a snow-white ice cap, which decreases in size every year. According to scientists, by 2200 there will be no snow on Kilimanjaro at all. During the ascent, you can see everything climatic zones that exist on the planet. On the way to the top, small huts are scattered here and there, intended for recreation.

Elbrus

Height - 5642 m. Location - Kabardino-Balkaria (Russia). The first conquest of Elbrus took place in 1829. Occupying an honorable 4th place on the world map, the mountain has a good developed infrastructure and is one of the popular climbing destinations. In addition, Elbrus occupies an important place in the conservation natural landscape- melt waters flowing down from its slopes feed the most major rivers North Caucasus- Malka, Baksan and Kuban.

Vinson Massif

Height - 4897 m. Location - Antarctica. Named after Carl Vinson, an American politician who sponsored the study of the coldest continent on Earth. The first who dared to conquer the top of this mountain is Nicholas Clinch, who made his ascent in 1966. Due to weather conditions it is difficult to climb it. The summer temperature is -30°C. With the arrival of winter, the mark on the thermometer drops to -60°C.

Pyramid of Carstens or Puncak Jaya

Height - 4884 m. Location - New Guinea(Australia). Puncak Jaya, which is part of the Maoke massif, was discovered in 1623 by the Dutch explorer J. Karstens, whose name it bears. The first ascent to the high peak Oceania happened in 1962. It was made by a group of 4 climbers, led by the Austrian traveler G. Harrera.

Mont Blanc

Height - 4810 m. Location - Alps (border between Italy and France). The first conquest of the summit falls on 1786. Among the most famous climbers is the American President T. Roosevelt, who spent his honeymoon on Mont Blanc.

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. Over 235 climbers and local residents died while trying to conquer the highest peak the globe(although the exact number of those who died today remains unknown, 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, 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 the tremors of the Indian tectonic plate in the direction of Asia. 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. Back in 1978, Reinold Messner and Peter Hubler (Italy) were the first climbers who managed to climb the peak of Everest without the use of additional oxygen in cylinders. 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 there is only 915 m (3000 ft) of difference in how they feel. In principle, at an altitude of 8230 m (27,000 ft), a person would feel like being at 7315 m (24,000 ft) above sea level, which, in fact, would not be 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 quite long history"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 vantage point or a serious challenge for climbers, but also a home for the highlanders, the Sherpas, who have lived there for over 500 years. This small nation is 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.

All 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 open the world to really the highest 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, Buddhist temple which was founded 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 keep finding remains marine life that are petrified in structure rocks 450 million years ago, at a time when the surface of Everest was not yet a peak or mountain, but remained part of the 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 mortality 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. Despite the fact that the northern camp in summer days can even be reached by car, 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 cannot withstand high temperatures, and someone falls ill with 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. Also required large group experts and assistants 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've seen the famous photograph of the first human ascent of Everest, you'll understand how amazing, indescribable with words, the feeling 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 ascent, help them choose necessary equipment and will check the physical condition, as well as the health status 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 additional fee, climbers can resort to the help of Sherpa mountaineers who will help to convey necessary equipment, food and oxygen bottles 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 for medium height(in the base camp at an altitude of 5100 meters above sea level) in some cases it can 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, approximately 5 more 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 routes lift. 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 with south side and finally they were able to find themselves where no human foot had ever set foot before them.

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 best gift in honor of a landmark 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.

Video