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Mount Everest
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Visit Mount Everest
Mount Everest, known as the highest peak on Earth, stands as a colossal giant in the Himalayas, straddling the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. At an elevation of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet), it beckons adventurers, climbers, and nature enthusiasts from around the globe. The mountain, locally known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, is not just a physical challenge but also a journey through diverse cultures and breathtaking landscapes.
The journey to Everest typically begins in Kathmandu, the vibrant capital of Nepal, where trekkers can explore ancient temples and bustling markets before heading towards the mountain. The most popular route to the summit is the South Col Route from the Nepalese side, which starts with a scenic flight to Lukla. From there, trekkers embark on a multi-day hike through the Khumbu region, home to the famous Sherpa community. The trek includes stops at iconic locations such as Namche Bazaar, the gateway to the high Himalayas, Tengboche Monastery, and eventually Everest Base Camp. Each step of the way offers stunning views of towering peaks and gives insights into the local Sherpa culture.
Visiting Mount Everest is not only about reaching the summit. For many, the experience of trekking through the Everest region and reaching the Base Camp is a significant achievement. The landscape around the mountain is rugged and awe-inspiring, with glaciers, icefalls, and some of the world's highest peaks accompanying you as you trek. The region is also rich in biodiversity, including rare species like the snow leopard and the red panda, which live in the lower forested zones. Whether you're an experienced climber aiming for the summit or a trekker looking to soak in the natural beauty and cultural richness, Mount Everest offers an unforgettable adventure that challenges the body, stimulates the mind, and enriches the soul.
Mount Everest Monthly Weather Conditions
LOW
TEMP
HIGH
TEMP
DAYS OF PRECIP.
January
-17Ā°F
-2Ā°F
20
February
-17Ā°F
-2Ā°F
20
March
-4Ā°F
-4Ā°F
15
April
-2Ā°F
-2Ā°F
12
May
-2Ā°F
-2Ā°F
15
June
-2Ā°F
32Ā°F
15
July
-4Ā°F
-2Ā°F
15
August
-2Ā°F
32Ā°F
15
September
0Ā°F
14Ā°F
12
October
-2Ā°F
14Ā°F
12
November
-2Ā°F
1Ā°F
15
December
-4Ā°F
-2Ā°F
15
Need to Know Before You Go To Mount Everest
Nickname:
Sagarmatha
Primary Language:
Nepali
Time Zone:
Asia/Kathmandu
Current Time:
Electric Plug Type:
Type C, Type D
Annual Visitors:
Around 35,000
Primary Export:
Tourism
Busiest Travel Months:
May, October, April
Quietest Travel Months:
July, January, August
Find your Next Adventure in Mount Everest
Explore Mount Everest
Iconic Landmarks
Base Camps:
- South Base Camp (Nepal): Located at an altitude of 5,364 meters (17,598 feet), this is the primary base camp for climbers attempting to summit Everest from the southeast ridge in Nepal.
- North Base Camp (Tibet): Situated at 5,150 meters (16,900 feet), this base camp serves climbers who are approaching the mountain from the north col route in Tibet.
Khumbu Icefall:
Located just above the South Base Camp, the Khumbu Icefall is one of the most dangerous stages of the South Col route to Everest's summit. It consists of large crevasses and constantly shifting giant ice towers, making it one of the most challenging sections of the climb.
Namche Bazaar:
Often referred to as the gateway to the high Himalayas, Namche Bazaar is a bustling market town where climbers and trekkers acclimatize before proceeding higher. It is known for its remarkable views and as a cultural hub for the Sherpa community.
Tengboche Monastery:
This is a Tibetan Buddhist monastery located in the Khumbu region of Nepal. It is a spiritual center for the Sherpa community and a resting point for trekkers and climbers heading towards Everest. The monastery offers panoramic views of the Himalayan peaks, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam.
Kala Patthar:
Although not on the climbing route to Everest, Kala Patthar is a notable landmark for trekkers in the Everest region. Situated at an altitude of 5,643 meters (18,514 feet), it provides one of the best viewpoints for Everest, giving a clear view of the summit from a safe and accessible location.
Lhotse Face:
A dramatic and steep wall of ice and snow, the Lhotse Face lies on the standard route to Everest's summit via the southeast ridge. Climbers must ascend this treacherous slope on their way to the South Col and the summit. It is also the way to the summit of Lhotse, the fourth highest mountain in the world, which shares part of its route with Everest.
Cultural Experiences
Sherpa Culture Experience: The Sherpas, an ethnic group from the eastern mountainous regions of Nepal, are renowned for their mountaineering skills and deep connection with the Himalayas. Engaging with Sherpa communities provides insight into their traditions, religion, and lifestyle. Visitors can stay in local tea houses, enjoy traditional Sherpa cuisine, and learn about their practices and beliefs, particularly their reverence for the mountains.
Visit to Tengboche Monastery: Located on the trek to Everest Base Camp, Tengboche Monastery is one of the most significant and largest monasteries in the Khumbu region. It offers a panoramic view of the Himalayan peaks including Everest. Visitors can observe Buddhist rituals, interact with monks, and immerse themselves in the spiritual ambiance of the monastery.
Participation in Local Festivals: Festivals such as Mani Rimdu (celebrated in Tengboche, Thame, and Chiwong Monasteries) are great cultural experiences. These festivals feature masked dances, religious ceremonies, and community gatherings, providing deep insights into the local Buddhist culture and an opportunity to witness the vibrant cultural expressions of the Sherpa people.
Exploration of Namche Bazaar: Often referred to as the gateway to the high Himalayas, Namche Bazaar is a bustling market town where traders from Tibet and the Nepalese lowlands have mingled for centuries. It's a cultural melting pot and offers museums like the Sherpa Culture Museum where visitors can learn about the history and culture of the region.
Trekking the Ancient Trade Routes: The trek routes to Everest are not just paths to a destination but are steeped in history, used by local Nepalese and Tibetan traders for centuries. Walking these routes is a way to experience the traditional lifestyles that are still prevalent in remote Himalayan villages.
Rongbuk Monastery and Everest North Base Camp in Tibet: If approaching Everest from the Tibetan side, visiting the Rongbuk Monastery provides a unique cultural perspective. This is the highest monastery in the world and offers a different view of Everest. The area is less commercialized and provides a more serene experience compared to the Nepalese side.
Each of these experiences offers a window into the lives and traditions of the people living in the shadow of Mount Everest, adding a rich cultural layer to the adventure of visiting the highest point on Earth.
Outdoor Adventures
Everest Base Camp Trek: This is one of the most popular treks in the world. It typically takes about two weeks and offers stunning views of some of the highest peaks in the world, including Everest, Lhotse, Nuptse, and Ama Dablam. The trek takes you through the heart of the Himalayas and includes a visit to the famous Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters (17,598 feet).
Climbing Mount Everest: For the ultimate adventure, climbing to the summit of Mount Everest is the pinnacle. This expedition is extremely challenging and requires months of preparation and acclimatization. Climbers face extreme weather, altitude sickness, and other significant risks.
The Three Passes Trek: This is a more challenging and less crowded alternative to the standard Everest Base Camp trek. It includes crossing three high passes - Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La - all above 5,000 meters. This trek offers spectacular views and the opportunity to visit both the Gokyo Lakes and Everest Base Camp.
Helicopter Tour: For those who want the views without the trek, a helicopter tour provides a breathtaking aerial view of Everest and the surrounding Himalayas. This tour can include stops at Kala Patthar for an up-close view of Everest's peak and at Everest Base Camp.
Gokyo Lakes Trek: This trek is an excellent alternative for those who wish to avoid the crowded Everest Base Camp route. It focuses on the Gokyo Valley and its series of beautiful turquoise lakes. Climbers can ascend Gokyo Ri (peak) for spectacular views of Everest and surrounding mountains.
Island Peak Climbing: For adventure seekers looking to try out Himalayan peak climbing, Island Peak (Imja Tse) offers a manageable climb for those with some mountaineering experience. It involves crossing a glacier, ascending steep slopes, and using fixed ropes. The peak provides excellent views of Lhotse and Ama Dablam.
Each of these adventures offers a unique way to experience the majesty of Mount Everest and requires varying levels of physical fitness and preparation. Whether you're looking for a challenging trek or a scenic flight, the Everest region has something to offer every outdoor enthusiast.
Off the Beaten Path
The Three Passes Trek:
This trek is for the truly adventurous. It includes crossing the Renjo La, Cho La, and Kongma La passes, all of which are above 5,000 meters. This trek offers spectacular views of the Everest region and less crowded paths. Itās a challenging route that takes you through remote valleys, traditional Sherpa villages, and stunning landscapes.
Heli-Skiing:
For a completely different experience of Everest, consider heli-skiing. This activity involves being dropped off by a helicopter on some of the high snowy slopes of the Himalayas, where you can ski or snowboard down. It's an exhilarating way to experience the majesty of the mountains surrounding Everest.
Gokyo Lakes Trek:
A less crowded alternative to the Everest Base Camp trek, the Gokyo Lakes Trek takes you to the beautiful Gokyo valley with its series of emerald green lakes. The trek also includes a climb to Gokyo Ri, from where you can get panoramic views of Everest and surrounding peaks.
Island Peak Climbing:
For those who want a taste of mountaineering, climbing Island Peak (Imja Tse) is a great option. Itās a challenging climb but does not require prior mountaineering experience, though good physical fitness is necessary. The peak offers breathtaking views of the Himalayas, including the south face of Lhotse and the eastern face of Ama Dablam.
Sherpa Cultural Experience in Khumjung/Khunde:
Spend time in the villages of Khumjung or Khunde, where you can immerse yourself in Sherpa culture. Visit the Khumjung Monastery, see the Yeti scalp, and learn about the traditions and way of life of the Sherpa people.
Rongbuk Monastery and the North Face Base Camp:
Located in Tibet, the Rongbuk Monastery is the highest monastery in the world and offers a unique viewpoint of Everestās north face. The North Face Base Camp (accessible from the Tibetan side) is less visited compared to the south base camp in Nepal and offers a different perspective of the mountain.
Mount Everest Fun Facts
Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, has fascinated adventurers, climbers, and scientists for decades. Here are ten fun facts about this majestic mountain:
- Highest Point on Earth: Mount Everest reaches a staggering height of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level, as updated by China and Nepal in 2020. It's part of the Himalaya range in Asia, sitting on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.
- Growing Taller: Everest is still growing at a rate of about 1 centimeter per year due to the tectonic plates' movement ā the Indian plate is pushing against the Eurasian plate, which pushes the mountain higher.
- Named After Sir George Everest: Mount Everest was named in 1865 after Sir George Everest, a British surveyor-general of India. Interestingly, Sir George Everest pronounced his last name as "Eve-rest," not "Ever-est" as it is commonly pronounced today.
- Local Names: To the locals, Mount Everest is known as āSagarmathaā in Nepal which means "Forehead in the Sky," and āChomolungmaā in Tibet which means "Mother Goddess of the World."
- First Confirmed Ascent: Sir Edmund Hillary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa of Nepal, were the first confirmed climbers to reach the summit on May 29, 1953.
- Wind Speeds Can Be Overwhelming: The summit of Everest is so high that it sits in the jet stream for part of the year, which can bring winds exceeding 200 miles per hour.
- Extreme Temperatures: The temperature at the summit never rises above freezing, averaging -19Ā°C (-2Ā°F) in the summer and can drop to -60Ā°C (-76Ā°F) in winter.
- Deadly Beauty: Over 300 people have died attempting to climb Mount Everest. Many bodies remain on the mountain, as itās too dangerous to retrieve them.
- A Crowded Place: Despite the dangers, Everest attracts many climbers. In 2019, a traffic jam of climbers in the "Death Zone" was widely reported, with over 200 climbers attempting to reach the summit on the same day.
- Ecological Concerns: Everest faces significant ecological challenges, including waste left by climbers. Efforts are ongoing to clean up what has been termed the "world's highest garbage dump."
Mount Everest continues to be a symbol of human endurance and curiosity, representing both monumental achievements and significant challenges.
Featured Picture Gallery
View Mount Everest from the Cityside
An Aerial Shot Over Mount Everest
Surround Yourself in the Nature Around Mount Everest
It is Common to Leave a Flag Behind When Hiking Mount Everest
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