Talk To An Expert ( Prakash Lamsal )
Talk To An Expert ( Prakash Lamsal )
"Mount Everest: World's Highest Peak for Mountaineers". Mount Everest Peak remains a breathtaking marvel—drawing in dreamers and daring adventurers from every corner of the globe. Whether you trek to Base Camp or aim for the summit, understanding the history, costs, risks, and logistics of Everest is essential. The height of Everest Peak was most recently measured in 2020 by Chinese and Nepali authorities as 8,848.86 m (29,031 ft 8+1⁄2 in). Sir. Edmund Hillary, Tenzing Norgay Sherpa were the first ascenders in May 29, 1953.
If you're planning an unforgettable adventure to the Everest Region—whether it’s the iconic Everest Base Camp Trek or a full-scale Mount Everest Peak expedition—choosing the right local partner makes all the difference. Nepal Himalayas Trekking, a trusted and experienced local trekking agency based in Nepal, offers the perfect blend of safety, professional support, and personalized service to ensure the success of your Himalayan journey. With deep-rooted expertise in high-altitude trekking and mountaineering, they are your go-to company for turning your dream expedition into a seamless and memorable experience.
Mount Everest, standing as the world's highest peak, is more than just a geographical wonder—it's a symbol of adventure, endurance, and human achievement. Located in the heart of the Himalayas, Mount Everest draws climbers, trekkers, scientists, and adventurers from across the globe.
In this detailed guide, we cover everything about Mount Everest: from its height, location, and maps to the cost of climbing, records, deaths, and facts about Sherpas.
Mount Everest Peak, known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, is the tallest mountain on Earth above sea level. Rising majestically to 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet), Everest is part of the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas, straddling the border between Nepal and Tibet (China).
Everest is not just a destination—it's a dream for thousands. Since its first successful ascent in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, it has become the ultimate achievement in the mountaineering world.
The officially recognized height of Mount Everest is 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet), as declared jointly by Nepal and China in 2020. While previously it was rounded to 8,848m, the latest survey using GPS and radar technology confirms the slightly taller figure of 8,848.86m.
Where is Mount Everest Located?
Mount Everest lies in the Mahalangur range of the Himalayas, on the border between Province No. 1 of Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
Coordinates: 27.9881° N, 86.9250° E
The southern face lies in Nepal, accessed via Lukla and the Khumbu region, while the northern face lies in Tibet, China.
Map Insight:
Mount Everest is surrounded by towering peaks like Lhotse (8,516m), Nuptse (7,861m), and Changtse (7,543m). The popular Everest Base Camp Trek takes place on the Nepal side, starting from Lukla.
As of 2024, over 330 climbers have died attempting to summit Mount Everest. Most deaths occur due to avalanches, falls, exposure, frostbite, high-altitude sickness, or lack of oxygen in the "Death Zone" above 8,000 meters.
Notable Facts:
The deadliest year was 2015, with 22 deaths due to a devastating earthquake and avalanche.
Many bodies remain on the mountain due to the difficulty and danger of recovery.
Height: 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet)
First Ascent: May 29, 1953, by Sir Edmund Hillary (NZ) and Tenzing Norgay (Nepal)
Youngest Climber: Jordan Romero (13 years old, USA)
Oldest Climber: Yuichiro Miura (80 years old, Japan)
Fastest Ascent: Lakpa Gelu Sherpa in 10 hours 56 minutes (from Base Camp to Summit)
Mount Everest is the tallest peak above sea level on Earth. While Mauna Kea in Hawaii is taller when measured from base to summit, Everest claims the title based on elevation above sea level, making it the highest point on Earth.
Climbing Everest is a high-risk, high-cost expedition. Here's a breakdown of where the money goes:
Permit Fee (Nepal): $11,000 per climber
Guide & Sherpa Support: $5,000–$10,000+
Equipment & Gear: $6,000–$10,000
Oxygen Cylinders: $3,000–$5,000
Logistics & Transportation: $5,000+
Insurance, Training, Food, Base Camp Fees: $5,000+
Costs vary by expedition company. On average, climbers spend $35,000 to $60,000, though some luxury climbs exceed $100,000.
Due to the low oxygen levels and extreme cold, climbers can typically remain at the summit for 15 to 30 minutes. Extended exposure risks severe frostbite, altitude sickness, and death.
The Death Zone refers to altitudes above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet), where the oxygen level is only 33% of sea level. The human body cannot survive long here, even with supplemental oxygen. Most Everest fatalities happen in this zone, particularly near the summit.
Minimum Age: 16 years (Nepal regulations)
Maximum Age: No legal upper limit, but climbers above 75 must meet strict health criteria.
Many successful climbers are between 25 to 60 years old.
On average, 600 to 900 climbers reach the summit each year, depending on weather and permit limits.
The spring season (April-May) is the most popular window, followed by a brief window in autumn (October).
Sherpa wages depend on experience, company, and summit success:
Base salary: $3,000 to $6,000 per season
Summit bonus: $1,000 to $5,000+
Elite Sherpas working with Western companies or private clients can earn more than $10,000 per climb
Despite the danger, Sherpas often take greater risks to ensure the success and safety of climbers.
The minimum cost to climb Everest is around $30,000, but this involves:
Basic support services
Lower-cost operators
No-frills expedition approach
For a safer and more supported climb, expect to pay $40,000 to $60,000.
Sherpas primarily speak the Sherpa language, which is closely related to Tibetan.
Most Sherpas in the Everest region are also fluent in Nepali, and many learn basic to fluent English to communicate with international climbers.
Over 120 Sherpas have lost their lives on Mount Everest. Sherpas bear significant risk—carrying loads, fixing ropes, and guiding clients through the Death Zone.
Notable tragedies:
2014 Avalanche: 16 Sherpas killed
2015 Earthquake: 10 Sherpas died at Base Camp
Yes, most Sherpas use supplemental oxygen above 7,000 meters, especially in the Death Zone. While a few elite climbers may summit without it, oxygen drastically increases safety and performance.
Add Your Comment
Your Name
Email Address
Comment