Every climber preparing to summit Everest, as well as every trekker planning to complete the popular Everest trail, will look up the most recent updates and facts about the Himalayan massif. If you are one of them, here is some information on Everest that is rarely shared on the internet that may pique your interest.
Ways to conquer the mighty.
Everest does not belong to a single country because it is located in both Tibet and Nepal. The South Base Camp is located in Nepal, while the North Base Camp is located in Tibet. Everest is more popular because it is easier to climb from the Nepalese side than from the Tibetan side. Everest Base Camp is located in Northern Nepal’s Khumbu Valley, surrounded by the Sagarmatha National Park.
The Celestial Goddess.
In Nepali, the world’s tallest mountain is known as “Sagarmatha,” which translates to “A Forehead in the Sky.” Some prefer to refer to it as “The Celestial Goddess.” Tibetan speakers, including the Sherpa people of northern Nepal, refer to the mountain as “Chomolungma,” which translates as “Mother of the World” in Tibetan.
Tragedy still afresh.
Every year, fatal accidents occur, most notably during expeditions, but also during the trek to Base Camp. Many incidents have occurred while attempting to conquer the mighty Himal (mountain). The most common causes of death are AMS, dangerous trails and terrain, insufficient weather, a lack of preparation and information, and natural disasters such as avalanches (the worst one occurring in 1996 taking the life of 12 climbers). Perhaps it is the willpower and significance of the Everest expedition that keeps one motivated to sign up for it.
The mountain life.
The Solukhumbu Sherpas are the epitome of the Khumbu way of life. They proudly display their traditions and culture to onlookers. You’ll usually come across a dozen Sherpas herding their yaks down a treacherous trail. For you, it may be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but for them, it is their hard-earned bread and butter. A trekker should never forget that they are visitors and should treat the locals with respect.
Base Camp on foot.
The new Everest trail allows visitors to see the world’s tallest mountain on foot. Previously, the only way to reach Everest Base Camp was to fly from Kathmandu to Tenzing Hillary Airport in Lukla (also known as one of the most dangerous airports in the world). A road trail from Jiri, on the other hand, is an option for travelers who want to experience less traveled roads at a lower cost.
Peaks and Passes.
Along the way to Base Camp, you will see other mountains and pass through various passes that are equally beautiful and alluring. Perhaps the best view of the mountains is from Kala Patthar, where the surrounding mountains are at their most beautiful from mid-morning to sunset. Some of the mountains visible include Lhotse, Makalu, Cho Oyu, Nuptse, Pumori, and Changtse.
Facing the challenge.
The adventure requires careful planning, but the potential rewards are also satisfying. Not only should one be physically prepared, but one should also be mentally convinced and ready to face changes in climate, bodily movements, lifestyle, and culture. Prevention is always preferable to cure.
Early to bed and early to rising, makes a trekker healthy and wise.
Early in the morning offers both the best view and the best climb. Prepare to get up at 5 a.m. to either see the glory of the mountains or to begin the trek early to avoid traffic or bad weather.
Take altitude seriously.
Numerous blogs and articles about high-altitude mountain climbing or trekking always mention AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness). It happens when a person is not used to being at high altitudes. Sleeping difficulties, fatigue, headaches, hallucinations, and even death can result from the elevation. When symptoms of altitude sickness appear, 2-3 days of acclimatization and rest are required.
Rare but stupendous view.
The popular mountain appears only on rare occasions, but when it does, the view is truly pure and brilliant. The first view of Everest is from the trail to Namche from Larja Dobhan. The celestial mountain is also hidden from the Base Camp, but a clear and beautiful view can be seen from Kala Patthar.
Turning vegetarian and squatting!
Because the meat is transported from villages to the mountains, eating refrigerated meat high in the mountains is not a good idea. The sanitation of the trek is determined by the type of trekking chosen. Nonetheless, most lodges have squat toilets, so bringing toilet paper is a good idea.
Everest on numbers:
- The formation of Everest is said to be 60 million years old formed by the movement of the Indian tectonic plate pushing up and against the Asian plate
- It grows by about a quarter of an inch (0.25″) every year
- Everest has been summited by 6,098 different people, for a total of (Approx.) 11,346 summits. till 2022
- It costs about 30000-80000 USD to climb Mount. Everest
- It takes about 2 months to climb Everest via the Northeast Ridge
