The majestic Mount Everest, nestled in the heart of the Himalayas, has fascinated and intrigued for centuries. Although its fame is well established, this impressive peak still holds many mysteries. Let’s discover together five surprising facts that will surely amaze you.
1) George Everest would have preferred not to be given this name.
Mount Everest owes its name to George Everest, a British surveyor. However, it is surprising to note that the latter did not approve of this decision. In 1852, the Great Trigonometrical Survey team identified a mountain located on the border of Nepal and Tibet as the highest point in the world. The British initially named it Peak XV, before Andrew Scott Waugh, a collaborator of George Everest, proposed to name it in honor of his predecessor. George Everest, himself, preferred to use local names during his surveying work. It is uncertain whether he ever laid eyes on the mountain that now bears his name.
2) Mount Everest continues to grow.
It may seem incredible, but Mount Everest continues to rise slowly but surely. This mountain is part of the Himalayan chain, formed by the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates millions of years ago. This process continues, and the mountain rises about 4 millimeters (0.16 inches) per year.
3) More than 300 people have lost their lives on Everest.
Despite its undeniable appeal to climbers, Everest is also a dangerous place. More than 300 people have lost their lives trying to reach its summit. Most deaths are caused by avalanches, falls, altitude sickness, or exhaustion. The bodies of many climbers remain on the mountain due to the dangerous conditions that make recovery nearly impossible.
4) Climbing Mount Everest takes weeks.
Climbing Mount Everest takes an average of two months to complete a full expedition, including acclimatization to the altitude, setting up camps, and making the final summit attempt. Climbers typically spend weeks at base camp and upper camps adjusting to the low oxygen levels before attempting the final ascent.
5) Everest is covered in trash.
An unfortunate consequence of Everest’s popularity is the amount of trash left behind by climbers. The mountain is now littered with abandoned oxygen tanks, tents, equipment, and human waste that has accumulated over the years, earning it the nickname “the world’s highest dump.” In recent years, several clean-up expeditions have been organized to remove the trash and restore the mountain to its original state.
Mount Everest remains a symbol of challenge, beauty, and danger. As the years go by, it continues to inspire fascination and respect among adventurers around the world, inspiring everyone to consider the need to protect and respect these unique natural wonders.