Mount Everest

Mount Everest

Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world measuring 8848 meters high above sea level. It is located in the Himalayan region of the country Nepal and acts as the strong border between Nepal and China. In Nepal Mount Everest is commonly known as Sagarmatha. The suspicious thing is that nobody knows how this highest mountain is formed but some theories state that it’s formed after the collision of two tectonic plates about 50 to 60 million years ago.

The favorable season for climbing Mount Everest is from April to May because the temperature of the mountain is adjustable. There is high risk of changes in temperature, breaking of snows, slippery, poor vision during summer (June to August) and extreme coldness, heavy snowfall resulting in poor vision and climbing hours is shorter as the day is shorter in winter season (December to February). So, it’s not recommended for climbing Mount Everest during the unfavorable season. The mountaineering costs depend on various factors and packages of the certain company and most often its costly.

As Mount Everest is famous all over the world, many people living around the globe dream of enjoying the adventure of climbing with the help of some mountaineering experts, medical persons and experienced guides. They dream as if they are at the tallest peak in the world and wish to view as if Mount Everest is the roof of the world. They can feel, visualize and analyze Mount Everest from a very close distance.

Where is Mount Everest located and its height?

It’s located on the border between Nepal and Tibet (China) in the Mahalangur sub range of the Himalayas. It is located in Solukhambu district  of the country; Nepal. The standard height of Mount Everest is 8848.86 meters (29,032 feet), achieving as its the highest mountain on the Earth. This measurement of Mount Everest has been accepted for over a century. Two tectonic plates; Eurasian plate and indian plate collided each other about 60 millions years ago forming the Mount Everest. The collision continues to push up the Mount Everest upward about 44 millimeters per year. 

Naming history of Mount Everest

Before naming the mountain as Mount Everest, Nepal was named Sagarmatha and China (Tibet) named Chomolungma as local names. In 1865, Mount Everest was named after Sir George Everest; the former British Surveyor General of India from 1830 to 1843 by the Royal Geographical Society. It honours Sir George Everest in the 19th century. 

What does the Nepalese word Sagarmatha mean?

Literally the word Sagarmatha means “goddness of the sky or forehead in the sky”.Sagar means blue sky and matha means head in Nepali language which literally means ‘the head in the great blue sky’. This specific name itself resembles its hight and its significance.

In which continent does Mount Everest lie?

Mount Everest lies in Asia which is the largest continent in the world. It lies in the Himalayas on the border between two countries; Nepal and China(Tibet). It is famous as the destination for adventure attracting trekkers and climbers around the globe.

Can Mount Everest be climbed from China?

Yes, Mount Everest is climbed from China which is considered as the northern route but this route is very difficult which features long and steep ice slopes. So, it needs specific Chinese and Tibet permits which includes the China Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA). Nepal, as the southern route is less difficult in comparison to the northern route.  

Climbing Routes of Mount Everest in Nepal

South Col Route (Nepal) or the South Face of Mount Everest:

The South Col Route is mostly popular among himalayan climbers with various challenges like the Khumbu icefall. In Hillary's step in spite of the most challenging routes, it offers easier straight forward navigation and a well established support system.

Why to climb Mount Everest?

• Climbing mountains is not a careless job but it needs to be mentally and physically stable and well prepared, increasing self-esteem.
• Mountains themselves have the ability to attract the climbers as they are naturally beautiful.
• Climbing Mount Everest will teach the climber to protect the environment as they are not allowed to throw wastes increasing pollution and degrading the natural beauty of himalayas.
• Climbing a mountain helps to increase positivity because if the climbers have negativity in their mind set and they cannot fulfill their passion and dreams.
• Those who have successfully climbed Mount Everest are respected and honoured by the country as well as praised by the world. It helps other climbers to achieve their goal.
•  It’s challenging  and these challenges can be a strong inspiration  for those who are drawn to the mountain.
• Physical health and fitness is key during the journey as one should have to be concentrated towards the diet intake  as it will provide energy to climb.

Who were the first climbers of Mount Everest?

Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay are the first to conquer the peak of Mount Everest who were from New Zealand and Nepal respectively. These brave climbers have created history at 11:30 a.m on May 29, 1953 earning name and fame all over the world. They have their own significance for their bravery, determination, milestone and passion in the field of mountaineering.  They had to tackle difficult conditions like oxygen lackage as well as freezing weather. Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay had spent their mesmerizing moment for 15 minutes capturing beautiful photos with full of joys in achieving victory and heroes..

Which is the best season to climb Mount Everest?

The best season to climb Mount Everest is during pre-monsoon (April to May) and post monsoon (October-November) seasons which offers most stable weather and temperature for climbing the Mount Everest.

Premonsoon Season(April to may)

• Temperature: The temperature of the base camp can range from -15 degree celsius to 0 degree celsius (5 degree Farenheit to 32 degree Farenheit) but the temperature of the summit are extremely cold and are more manageable rather than in winter.
• Ideal conditions: This premonsoon time is more popular time for mountaineers as the weather is more stable  with warm temperature and the clear blueish sky. May month is regarded as the best month for climbing the Mount Everest.
• Crowds: This season is over crowded by the climbers from various parts of the world which leads like traffic jam in the mountain. Early April is considered as the fewer crowds months.

Post -Monsoon Season (October to November)

• Less Crowd: This season is regarded as the less popular season in comparison to the spring which provides less crowd and a quiet environment for climbing the Everest.
• Temperature: At the base camp, temperature can range from -10 degree celsius to-20 degree celsius (14 degree fahrenheit to -4 degree fahrenheit), which is colder that of spring season but is manageable for experienced climbers only.
• Stable weather: The rain after the monsoon season helps stabilizing the weather providing clear blue skies and the moderate temperature which will be the safer time for mountaineering.

Why are the summer and winter seasons not favourable for climbing Mount Everest?

Winter (December to February) offers extremely dangerous situations as there are high chances of uncertain changes in the temperature, breaking down of snow ( snow slides), slippery and poor vision due to thick fog. Days are very shorter in winter season. Summer season (June to August) brings  heavy rainfall, high humidity and increased risk of avalanches and landslides. So, it's dangerous during those seasons.

What are the possible dangers for climbers on Mount Everest?

The death zone above the 26,000 feet high part of the mountain results in limiting the oxygen level causing the death of the body cells whereas climbers have less chance to survive as their body parts like brain and lungs start not functioning well. Climbers become impaired experiencing severe altitude sickness, brain hemorrhage (stroke), brain swells leading to nausea and a form of psychosis. Other danger signs are vomiting, insomnia and snow blindness; temporarily having vision impaired due to the over exposure to UV rays from the snow reflected sunlight.  

 How long does it take to climb Mount Everest?

Ascending the mountain is the most challenging and tough job. The journey to Mount Everest takes exactly two months (60-65) days which includes trek to the base camp for 12-14 days, acclimatization and rotations for 25-30 days and summit push and descent for 7-10 days. Time duration may differ depending on the climbing techniques, physical fitness and the weather conditions.

• Trek to Everest Base Camp (12-14 days) 

The journey begins on flight from Kathmandu to Lukla which is the gateway to Sagarmatha. On the 2 and 3rd day Climbers have to trek ti Namche Bazar (3440m). They have to stay 1-2 days there to adjust to the environment. Again they have top continue the journey to Tengboche Monastery and Dingboche (4410m) as they can enjoy the views of the Everest, Ama Dablam and Lhotse. They can reach the Everest Base Camp (5364m) trekking through Lobuche to Gorashep. This trekking to Everest Base Camp (EBC) is very wonderful because trekkers can have interactions with the people living in the Sherpa communities viewing their culture, costumes, life styles and visiting of more monasteries will be more mesmerising. They will cross the suspension bridges and continues journey further walking through flacial moraines.

• Acclimatization and Rotations at Base Camp (25-30 days)

Climbers have to spend nearly a month as they have already set plans. The main goal in this phase is acclimatizing with the snowy environment, make rotational climbs to higher camps and ensuring the safer ascents. Rest is very important which helps body for physically strong as well as allowing the body to produce more red blood cells. Medical teams are also with them who helps climbers to monitor health issues such as altitude sickness.

During this phase, they are taught and practiced technical skills using oxygen masks, crampons and harnesses. They learn to use ropes, ladders to ascend upward and rapport building plays vital role in coordinating with the trainers, sherpas and climbers.

• The Summit Push (7-10 days)  

Climbers have to wait for the clear weather so as to forward towards the mount Everest. In this phase they have all together 5 routes. The final destination in the summit needs 10-14 hours to reach the peak of the mountain and its the very challenging part of the journey. They have to face some delays in waiting for the favorable weather conditions. 2pm rule must be followed. Climbers navigate the Hillary Steps  and they finally reach the summit. Finally being on the top of the mountain increase the proudness being the hero and brave. Descending to the base camp is equally important and challenging in every steps.

• Descent and return journey (7-10 days)

This phase is challenging as there are chances of accidents in the mountains. They have to descend slowly not being over confident and frequent monitoring of the health conditions as altitude sickness can arise. They have to be more careful to reach the base camps and then to Lukla and flying back to Kathmandu.

• Major factors affecting the duration

As climbing of the mountains donot have the fix duration which are influenced by various factors like weathers conditions, acclimatization needs and the experience level. During the journey weather changes causing sudden stroms, snow fall causing them delay in the journey. Those who are not adjustable in mountains needs more days to acclimate in the mountain region. Those whose have gone to Everest many times are more experienced but new climbers consume more time

How to be prepared for the death zone?

Supplemental oxygen is the top most priority as there is less amount of oxygen level in this death zone. Climbers must acclimatize the body managing time wisely and must have proper gear. Following  strict schedule like 2 PM rule, climbing with the proper guidance of the climbing experts like Sherpas, wearing layered clothes; a base layer to wick sweat, mid layer for warmth and a water proof and a wind proof to be protected from extreme coldness and frostbites: and suitable boots for protecting feet from extreme coldness. Using thermal face covering accessories, goggles are equally important.  Important equipment like strong ropes, helmet, ice axes, harnesses and crampons  must be carried along with.  

What is the 2 PM rule and how to follow it? 

The 2 PM rule states that all the climbers must reach the peak of Mount Everest by 2 PM without delay and return back soon even if the climbers are very close to the peak of the Everest  because weather changes dangerously in the afternoon along with insufficient daylight which helps climbers to avoid death risks. 

 Why are Sherpas mostly important during  Everest expeditions through health point of view?

Sherpas are regarded as the backbone of every Everest expedition for every mountain climber. They are already adjusted in Himalayan areas as they have capability to bear extreme coldness, visualizing tall mountains frequently as they are regarded as earlier explorers of Himalayas. But they have to take special training to be more expertised in it. Sherpas can adapt in a low oxygen environment as they have enhanced mechanisms as they have thinner blood with less haemoglobin and have the fast flowing capacity of the blood delivering oxygen throughout the body parts.  They are very strong and brave enough in establishing safe routes for mountain climbers like setting up the camps, fixing ropes carrying heavy mountaineering equipment like foods, oxygen cylinders and tents.

Real stories in death zone

Death zone is the area of the mount Everest where there is low amount of oxygen which degrades the body function. Due to less oxygen, the cells and tissues starts to die and cannot perform easir tasks. Brains functions become slow with lower oxygen causing poor judgement, hallucinations and confusings. Body balance becomes steady which contributes the risks of falls and accidents.

In the Everest, 288 climbers have dies while climbing the mountain in the month of June in 2017. Many dead bodies are frozen in the snow for years becoming as the reminder to other climbers that they take their life in own risks because climbing mountain is not the easier task. In 1924, two climbers Mallory and Andrew Irvine set out the first climber in the Everest but they both died and confusion creating that they reached the summit of the mountain or not. In 1999, a team of climbers had gone to the mountain as they could find out the reason of death as Malloey,s body lied for 75 years. Climbers team had set out the evidence that Mallory had fallen as he has rope injury around the waist and it is believed that they were roped together  during fall. According to their fellow member of their expedition team, Noel Odell, they were just a few hundred vertical feet short of the mountain peak and “going strong for the top.”

What are flora and fauna in the Everest region?

The various species of flora and fauna are easily adapted in the Everest region. So, visitors and climbers who are easily lured by its natural beauty will never cease to amaze those who visit in the Everest region.

• Rhododendrons and junipers are those species of plants which are typically found at lower elevations ranging from 3000 to 4000 meters flourishing in the Himalayan foothills.
• Alpine Meadows such as edelweiss and blue poppies are high altitude meadows as   are wild flowers which burst out into colors and are naturally attractive.
• Hardy Mosses and Lichens which are hardy organisms cling to rocks above 5000 meters from the sea level where they easily thrive in poor oxygen conditions. Those wildlife are endangered which has evolved in such a challenging environment.
• Mammals like red panda, snow leopard and Himalayan Tahr (wild goat) are endangered mammals in the Everest region.
• Birds like daphne (Lophophoros) which is stated as the national bird of Nepal have colourful feathers  and attract tourists. 

What are the environmental effects in the Everest Region?

The effects of global warming have greater risks in the mountains and the melting of the ice glaciers in the Khumbu region causing landscape  and the terrain highly increasing risk of crevasses. The decrease in the glaciers affects the water supply for people living in the Everest region. Changes in the weather conditions increase  snow fall exposing dark rocks; increases rocks falls and avalanches affecting the journey of the climbers and trekkers.  

Sustainability measurement in the Everest region

Various eco tourism initiatives advocate climbers for sustainable trekking before climbing Everest. Local businesses (tea shops, lodges) in that region are encouraged to use renewable energy resources like firewoods and fossil fuels, helping them to increase the economical status and keep the environment clean. Such practices should be sustainable. Awarding the local people  and businesses about the adverse effects of climate changes and needs of sustainable practices encourages greater action.

Various efforts are to be implemented through proper education, policy implementation and sustainable infrastructure. It has been conserved by the Nepal government as the part of Sagarmatha National Park and from the China side is conserved as a part of Qomolangma National Nature Reserve.

 Pollution in Mount Everest

Crowds of climbers have greater adventure to Everest every year creating tons of solid wastes which includes plastics, bottles, cans, human excreta and mountaineering tools which degrades the natural beauty of Mount Everest as well as leads to the contamination of the local watersheds degrading the health of local people of Everest region. Such contaminated water cause cholera, diarrhea, dysentry and other water born diseases. Nowadays, Everest is recognised as the ‘World’s highest garbage dump’ with piles of trash. Huge piles of solid waste are often frozen into the ice which is very difficult to remove which fewer infrastructures. 

 Overcrowding and degradation in Everest Region

As Sagarmatha National Park was established which aimed to protect mountains and wildlife, visitors increased more resulting in more effects in mountains. The crowds of Mountain climbers contribute to damaging of the mountain trails and also causing the erosion of the snow. During the climbing season there is a traffic jam in the mountains. 

Why is it important to keep Mount Everest clean?

Cleaning of Mount Everest is important to preserve the natural environment preventing the health risks to the local communities near mount Everest and ensuring the sustainable futures for mountaineering industry as hundreds of climbers  make trip up to Khumbu Valley each year which helps to promote the economical status of the country. Pollution in the Everest region decrease climbers from different parts of the world and ruins the popularity worldwide. Crowds of climbers throw the wastes like discarded tents, bottles, cans, plastics and human excreta in the mountain which serves as the critical water sources and change in climate contributes glaciers to melt increasing risk to human health and the fragile ecosystem of the mountain region..

Major public health threats

Major public health threats from pollution in Everest are water contamination, air pollution; chemical and plastic exposures. It has been the concern for public health professionals to give alert to concerned authorities for minimizing the threats of Mount Everest.

• Water contamination

The harmful wastes, human excreta and sewages help in contamination of the river water, Khumbu glaciers which contains very harmful bacteria, viruses and protozons. It leads to water borne diseases like diarrhea, dysentery, cholera and hepatitis A. Such water contain fecal coliform which is harmful bacteria.

• Air Pollution

Air pollution is also increasing in the Mount Everest by burning of the biomass, diesel and coal. Most often the solid wastes are burned near the local villages in Mount Everest which releases the harmful toxic chemicals in the air degrading the quality of the air and contributes in causing respiratory problems.

• Direct exposure to wastes

Human wastes from the climbers leads in increasing the pathogens and other harmful biological agents in the environment. There are many dead bodies of climbers in the mountain which are trapped for years creates environmental and public health risks afther the glaciers starts melting due to the rising temperatures.

Summary

Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world which measures 8,849 meters in height. It is situated at the border of two countries like Nepal and China (Tibet) in the himalayas. Mount Everest is also renowned as the roof of the world as it is the highest point in the earth which was identified on 1856. It is known as Sagarmatha in Nepali which resembles “Goddess of the sky” and Chomolunga in Tibetian which resembles “Goddness mother of the world”.  In 1865, Mount Everest was named after Sir George Everest; former British surveyor General of India from 1830 to 1843 by the Royal Geographical Society honouring him in 19th century. The first climber of the Everest are Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay from Nepal breaking the record ion 29th May 1953.  Since then over 10,000 climbers have been successful to attempt the mountain recorded till 2024. 

Mount Everest as the challenging adventure; attracts the climbers all around the world. It plays a significant role in improving the tourism industry especially in mountaineering of the country. Thousand of climbers attempt to reach the peak each year with the help of experienced Sherpas though it is the most challenging adventure. Many climbers die each year because of various conditions like unfavorable weather, dangerous avalanches and crevasses, lack of mountaineering skills, health conditions like altitude sickness.

Environmental pollutions are increasing day by day in the Mount Everest. It is also known as the world’s highest garbage dump. Concerned Authority have to make strict rules and regulations for the mountaineering groups to minimize the various forms of pollution and degradings of the natural beauties of the mountain. Various campaigns should be more active to initiate in cleaning of the mountain. We all are more responsible for the protection of the mount Everest by raising voice in various medias worldwide which helps various campaigners to take part in conservation and climbers to internally feel the significance of the mountain.