Mount Everest

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Mount Everest is called Jomolungma (or Qomolangma) in Tibetan, Zhumulangma in Mandarin and Sagarmatha in Nepali. It is the highest mountain in the world with an altitude of 8,848.13 meters (29,029 ft) above sea level.

It was known to the western world as Peak XV before 1865. The reason why it is called Everest since 1865 is that when it was time to name it, both Napel and Tibet were closed to foreigners and the prevailling native name couldn't be determined.

So the name Everest was proposed to the British Royal Geographical Society in 1856 by Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India at that time. He named the peak after his predecessor in the post, Sir George Everest; and it was granted so in 1865.

Being the highest peak of Himalayas and the world, Jomolungma enjoys the fame of "the ridge of the world" and the third pole in the world.

The name Jomolungma means "Holy Mother" in Tibetan. It is shaped like a pyramid and lies on the border of China and Nepal, capped with snow year-around.

Everything around the peak is in large scale, including wind speed, valleys and glaciers. The glaciers and valleys surround the peak are in a radial shape, 18 of which are over 10km in length. Endless rows of icy towers are at the root of Qomolangma. They are a unique glacier form that are best preserved in the world.

When we talk about the height of Mount Everest, keep in mind that the whole Himalaya Mountain Range is rising continuously due to the India plate continuously smashing into the Euro-Asian plate at the speed of 0.508cm per year. For example, when it was named Peak XV, it was at 29,002 ft (8,840 m).

Jomolungma attracts climbers throughout the world. The best time for this adventure is from April to June. You are literally on top of the world if you stand on its top. But it is not for everyone. The altitude alone can kill, not to mention the low temperatures and other treacherous situations.

Death Zone

The death zone of Mt. Everest is where the altitude are higher than 8,000 meters (26,246 ft). Climbers often face significant challenges to survival there.

Temperatures can dip very, meaning frostbite can happen to any part of your body that is exposed to the air.

Due to the low temperatures, snow freezes in certain areas and which cause death or injury if slipping and falling occurs.

High winds and low atmospheric pressure also present big challenges at these altitudes. Low atmospheric pressure means less oxygen to breathe. They are potential threats to climbers.

It is not uncommon to find corpses near the climbing routes. People who die during the climb are typically left behind because carrying a body down is very risky in those situations.

See Mount Everest Facts Here, and pictures here.

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