Monday, August 2, 2010
Thursday, July 29, 2010
2010 Autum
We trek Nepal's most special remote places during peak season then head to the Everest region once most trekkers have left - but the weather is still perfect.
Mustang and Saribung Wild
We start with Upper Mustang to fabled Lo Mongthang, the last functioning walled city in the world, then climb Saribung, a straightforward 6328m peak, and cross a glaciated pass to the Nar-Phu Valley with some exploring in between.
18 Sept-21 Oct, 34 days -- expedition style -- Jamie McGuinness -- US$3950
Inner Dolpo & Shey Phoksumdo Lake Trek - Nepal
Inner Dolpo, a mythical region of yaks, high plateaus, snow-peaks, high passes and villagers living a traditional 'Tibetan' life, is one of our favorite destinations in the Himalaya, a remote, challenging and incredibly scenic Himalayan trek. Join us for our third year of exploration with Thinle!
1-31 Oct, 31 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$4780 -- popular, book early
Annapurna Peaks & Villages Trek *introductory
A classic tea-house (lodge) trek through the terraced valleys and traditional villages of Nepal's middle-hills, with spectacular panoramas of the Annapurnas and near-by snow-peaks from Poon Hill (among many spots), all in two weeks.
7-20 Nov, 14 days -- tea-house trekking - Lhakpa Dorji or Ang Nuru Sherpa -- $1440
With Chitwan Wildlife & Raft Extension: 7-24 Nov, 18 days -- US$1880
Everest Luxury Trek - Nepal
Dreaming of a trek in Nepal but aren't sure you can handle the rigors of the mountains? Our Everest luxury trek is for you! We stay in Dwarika's Boutique Heritage Hotel in Kathmandu and luxury hotels in the Everest region, all the while experiencing breath-taking views and the best of Sherpa mountain culture.
6-19 Nov, 14 days -- teahouse trekking -- Ang Nuru Sherpa -- US$2980
Everest High Passes Trek - Nepal
The best, virtually all, of the Everest region; we cross the Cho La & Renjo La passes (with a Kongma La option), explore the spectacular Gokyo lakes region, climb Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar, visit Everest Base Camp, the Chukhung & Thame valleys, relaxing in cozy Sherpa lodges en route.
7 Nov-1 Dec, 25 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$2580 -- popular, book early
Mustang and Saribung Wild
We start with Upper Mustang to fabled Lo Mongthang, the last functioning walled city in the world, then climb Saribung, a straightforward 6328m peak, and cross a glaciated pass to the Nar-Phu Valley with some exploring in between.
18 Sept-21 Oct, 34 days -- expedition style -- Jamie McGuinness -- US$3950
Inner Dolpo & Shey Phoksumdo Lake Trek - Nepal
Inner Dolpo, a mythical region of yaks, high plateaus, snow-peaks, high passes and villagers living a traditional 'Tibetan' life, is one of our favorite destinations in the Himalaya, a remote, challenging and incredibly scenic Himalayan trek. Join us for our third year of exploration with Thinle!
1-31 Oct, 31 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$4780 -- popular, book early
Annapurna Peaks & Villages Trek *introductory
A classic tea-house (lodge) trek through the terraced valleys and traditional villages of Nepal's middle-hills, with spectacular panoramas of the Annapurnas and near-by snow-peaks from Poon Hill (among many spots), all in two weeks.
7-20 Nov, 14 days -- tea-house trekking - Lhakpa Dorji or Ang Nuru Sherpa -- $1440
With Chitwan Wildlife & Raft Extension: 7-24 Nov, 18 days -- US$1880
Everest Luxury Trek - Nepal
Dreaming of a trek in Nepal but aren't sure you can handle the rigors of the mountains? Our Everest luxury trek is for you! We stay in Dwarika's Boutique Heritage Hotel in Kathmandu and luxury hotels in the Everest region, all the while experiencing breath-taking views and the best of Sherpa mountain culture.
6-19 Nov, 14 days -- teahouse trekking -- Ang Nuru Sherpa -- US$2980
Everest High Passes Trek - Nepal
The best, virtually all, of the Everest region; we cross the Cho La & Renjo La passes (with a Kongma La option), explore the spectacular Gokyo lakes region, climb Gokyo Ri and Kala Pattar, visit Everest Base Camp, the Chukhung & Thame valleys, relaxing in cozy Sherpa lodges en route.
7 Nov-1 Dec, 25 days -- teahouse trekking -- Kim Bannister -- US$2580 -- popular, book early
2010 North summer
We LOVE Ladakh and Zanskar - share our passion for it on the one trip that isn't full.
See the bottom of the page for explanations of the dates, services, leaders and other details.
Trip status: normally every trip runs, we only put a status if the trip is nearly full or full or something else unusual applies.
Joel Schone Kim Bannister
Our trekkers are international but trips are costed in US$. For UK Pounds and Euros use the xe.com currency converter.
GHT Exploration - India
The GHT West India is being worked out - explore all or some of the eight sections - what can we tempt you with?!
14 July-1 Nov, 8-16 day sections -- expedition style -- Depi Chaudhry -- US$1780-2650 per section
Mystical Markha Valley & the Nomads of Kharnak
Ladakh's jewel and beyond; a stunning trek under the soaring Zanskar range combining village and nomadic life. Traditional villages, crumbling fortresses, ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and the green Markha river valley lead us over high passes to the high Tibetan & Ladakhi nomadic pasture lands; incredible scenery and wildlife throughout.
21 Aug-10 Sept, 21 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$2980 -- full
Nomads, Lakes & High Passes of the Changthang
One of the best remote treks in the Himalaya, simply spectacular; turquoise salt-lakes, river walks and plains, backed by soaring peaks, with yak-hair nomadic tents peppered throughout. We follow old caravan routes over high passes, fording rivers and setting up camp near the nomads after trekking through the magical Markha Valley (see above).
21 Aug-19 Sept, 30 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$3480 -- full
Classic Zanskar Traverse
The stunning classic Zanskar trek with our "bear valley" variation that avoids roads, and Phuktal Gompa, with a perfect mix of village and free camping.
4-29 Sept, 26 days -- expedition style -- Leh start-Delhi end -- Luke Smithwick & Lobsang -- US$2780 -- open
See the bottom of the page for explanations of the dates, services, leaders and other details.
Trip status: normally every trip runs, we only put a status if the trip is nearly full or full or something else unusual applies.
Joel Schone Kim Bannister
Our trekkers are international but trips are costed in US$. For UK Pounds and Euros use the xe.com currency converter.
GHT Exploration - India
The GHT West India is being worked out - explore all or some of the eight sections - what can we tempt you with?!
14 July-1 Nov, 8-16 day sections -- expedition style -- Depi Chaudhry -- US$1780-2650 per section
Mystical Markha Valley & the Nomads of Kharnak
Ladakh's jewel and beyond; a stunning trek under the soaring Zanskar range combining village and nomadic life. Traditional villages, crumbling fortresses, ancient Tibetan Buddhist monasteries and the green Markha river valley lead us over high passes to the high Tibetan & Ladakhi nomadic pasture lands; incredible scenery and wildlife throughout.
21 Aug-10 Sept, 21 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$2980 -- full
Nomads, Lakes & High Passes of the Changthang
One of the best remote treks in the Himalaya, simply spectacular; turquoise salt-lakes, river walks and plains, backed by soaring peaks, with yak-hair nomadic tents peppered throughout. We follow old caravan routes over high passes, fording rivers and setting up camp near the nomads after trekking through the magical Markha Valley (see above).
21 Aug-19 Sept, 30 days -- expedition-style -- Kim & Lhakpa -- US$3480 -- full
Classic Zanskar Traverse
The stunning classic Zanskar trek with our "bear valley" variation that avoids roads, and Phuktal Gompa, with a perfect mix of village and free camping.
4-29 Sept, 26 days -- expedition style -- Leh start-Delhi end -- Luke Smithwick & Lobsang -- US$2780 -- open
Our treks
Small - Friendly - Adventurous
Himalayan journeys are truly our passion and lifestyle. Kim runs the best Zanskar and Ladakh treks there are, and in her unique style. Naturally we know and love Nepal, our second home, and Kim also specializes in everything Tibetan. Jamie guides Everest (yep, to the summit) and runs the best exploratory treks on the planet.
Real treks in the best seasons with small groups and top crews - join us!
**It is with deep sadness that I report that Joel Schone died of a heart attack during the last trip.**
** Remember him. **
Himalayan journeys are truly our passion and lifestyle. Kim runs the best Zanskar and Ladakh treks there are, and in her unique style. Naturally we know and love Nepal, our second home, and Kim also specializes in everything Tibetan. Jamie guides Everest (yep, to the summit) and runs the best exploratory treks on the planet.
Real treks in the best seasons with small groups and top crews - join us!
**It is with deep sadness that I report that Joel Schone died of a heart attack during the last trip.**
** Remember him. **
About Everest
About Mt. Everest
Map of Nepal
Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.
Base Camp 5364m/17 598ft about sea level
The Summit is 8848m/29,029ft above sea level – or the equivalent to the size of almost 20 Empire State Buildings – or just below the cruising height of a jet
Mt. Everest rises a few millimeters each year due to geological forces
Part of the Himalayan Mountain Range – it straddles the border of Nepal and Tibet. From the summit India, Tibet and Nepal are all visible.
Approximately 60 million years old
Named after Sir George Everest a British Surveyor-General of India who was the first person to record the height and location of Mt Everest. Previously known as Peak 15.
Also called "Chomolungma" by Tibetans and Sherpas, which means "Mother Goddess of the Earth." And “Sagarmatha” (Goddess of the Sky) in Nepal
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to summit Everest on May 29th 1953
Map of Nepal
Everest is the tallest mountain in the world.
Base Camp 5364m/17 598ft about sea level
The Summit is 8848m/29,029ft above sea level – or the equivalent to the size of almost 20 Empire State Buildings – or just below the cruising height of a jet
Mt. Everest rises a few millimeters each year due to geological forces
Part of the Himalayan Mountain Range – it straddles the border of Nepal and Tibet. From the summit India, Tibet and Nepal are all visible.
Approximately 60 million years old
Named after Sir George Everest a British Surveyor-General of India who was the first person to record the height and location of Mt Everest. Previously known as Peak 15.
Also called "Chomolungma" by Tibetans and Sherpas, which means "Mother Goddess of the Earth." And “Sagarmatha” (Goddess of the Sky) in Nepal
Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay were the first to summit Everest on May 29th 1953
Program Location
Draped along the greatest heights of the Himalayas, the kingdom of Nepal is a land of sublime scenery, timeworn temples, and some of the best walking trails on earth. The kingdom is sandwiched between India to the south, and China and Tibet to the north. Although there are a few parts of the capital city, Kathmandu, that appear modern, most of Nepal is a very traditional society that depends on subsistence farming. Very few Westerners, apart from explorers and climbers, ever visited Nepal until the 1970's.
As a participant in this trek you will have the opportunity to visit ancient temples and palaces in Kathmandu, as well as the highest Buddhist monastery in the world, giving you the opportunity to observe Buddhist prayer rituals as you acclimate to an altitude of 12,687ft/3,867m. You will trek over glaciers and snow capped rocks as you ascend to the Base Camp of Mount Everest at 17,998ft/5,486m. Upon descending you will visit Sherpa villages, see the famed mountain yaks of the Himalayas and visit the hospital Sir Edmund Hilary created for the people of Nepal. Once you have returned to Kathmandu you will visit various projects designed by our partner to assist Nepali children as well as see the faces of the children your funds will benefit.
As a participant in this trek you will have the opportunity to visit ancient temples and palaces in Kathmandu, as well as the highest Buddhist monastery in the world, giving you the opportunity to observe Buddhist prayer rituals as you acclimate to an altitude of 12,687ft/3,867m. You will trek over glaciers and snow capped rocks as you ascend to the Base Camp of Mount Everest at 17,998ft/5,486m. Upon descending you will visit Sherpa villages, see the famed mountain yaks of the Himalayas and visit the hospital Sir Edmund Hilary created for the people of Nepal. Once you have returned to Kathmandu you will visit various projects designed by our partner to assist Nepali children as well as see the faces of the children your funds will benefit.
The program
Global Volunteer Network's Fundraising Trek to Mount Everest Base Camp gives participants the chance to climb part of the highest mountain in the world and visit the children the Treks funds support. Our partner is a local non-profit, non-government organization which runs Brighter Future Children's Home and Shining Stars Children's Home. Unlike many children's homes in the Kathmandu Valley, the children in these homes are well cared for by the staff working there. Many other children in the surrounding area live in appalling conditions, sometimes without adequate food, education or even water.
Funds raised through this trek will support the 14 children living in the Brighter Future Children's Home. There are 5 girls and 9 boys, aged from 7 to 17 years who reside in the home. Our partner ensures that their health, nutritional and educational needs are met fully and the funds you raise will allow us to provide ongoing quarterly grants to cover the costs of these needs.
Funds raised through this trek will support the 14 children living in the Brighter Future Children's Home. There are 5 girls and 9 boys, aged from 7 to 17 years who reside in the home. Our partner ensures that their health, nutritional and educational needs are met fully and the funds you raise will allow us to provide ongoing quarterly grants to cover the costs of these needs.
Everest Based Camp Trek
Nepal is one of the poorest counties in the world. Amongst its population of 27 million, 1 million are children without parents. The current unstable political situation in the country has further intensified the pressure and harsh conditions on the people of Nepal. These conditions have the worst effect on the most vulnerable members of society, and the ones who have the least resources help themselves: children, especially orphaned children.
Our partner in Nepal has created numerous programs to help these children. You now have the opportunity to work with them to support Nepali children while climbing the tallest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest.
Our partner in Nepal has created numerous programs to help these children. You now have the opportunity to work with them to support Nepali children while climbing the tallest mountain on Earth, Mount Everest.
Geology
The last rays of sunlight on Mount Everest on 5 May 2007
Geologists have subdivided the rocks comprising Mount Everest into three units called "formations".[71][72] Each of these formations are separated from each other by low-angle faults, called “detachments”, along which they have been thrust over each other. From the summit of Mount Everest to its base these rock units are the Qomolangma Formation, the North Col Formation, and the Rongbuk Formation.
From its summit to the top of the Yellow Band, about 8,600 m (28,000 ft) above sea level, the top of Mount Everest consists of the Qomolangma Formation, which has also been designated as either the Everest Formation or Jolmo Lungama Formation. It consists of grayish to dark gray or white, parallel laminated and bedded, Ordovician limestone interlayered with subordinate beds of recrystallized dolomite with argillaceous laminae and siltstone. Gansser first reported finding microscopic fragments of crinoids in these limestones.[73] Later petrographic analysis of samples of the limestones from near the summit revealed them to be composed of carbonate pellets and finely fragmented remains of trilobites, crinoids, and ostracods. Other samples were so badly sheared and recrystallized that their original constituents could not be determined. A thick, white-weathering thrombolite bed that is 60 m (200 ft) thick comprises the foot of the "Third Step," and base of the summit pyramid of Everest. This bed, which crops out starting about 70 m (300 ft) below the summit of Mount Everest, consists of sediments trapped, bound, and cemented by the biofilms of microorganisms, especially cyanobacteria, in shallow marine waters. The Qomolangma Formation is broken up by several high-angle faults that terminate at the low angle thrust fault, the Qomolangma Detachment. This detachment separates it from the underlying Yellow Band. The lower five metres of the Qomolangma Formation overlying this detachment are very highly deformed.[71][72][74]
The bulk of Mount Everest, between 7,000 and 8,600 m (23,000 and 28,200 ft), consists of the North Col Formation, of which the Yellow Band forms its upper part between 8,200 to 8,600 m (26,900 to 28,200 ft). The Yellow Band consists of intercalated beds of Middle Cambrian diopside-epidote-bearing marble, which weathers a distinctive yellowish brown, and muscovite-biotite phyllite and semischist. Petrographic analysis of marble collected from about 8,300 m (27,200 ft) found it to consist as much as five percent of the ghosts of recrystallized crinoid ossicles. The upper five metres of the Yellow Band lying adjacent to the Qomolangma Detachment is badly deformed. A 5–40 cm (2–16 in) thick fault breccia separates it from the overlying Qomolangma Formation.[71][72][74]
The remainder of the North Col Formation, exposed between 7,000 to 8,200 m (23,000 to 26,900 ft) on Mount Everest, consists of interlayered and deformed schist, phyllite, and minor marble. Between 7,600 and 8,200 m (24,900 and 26,900 ft), the North Col Formation consists chiefly of biotite-quartz phyllite and chlorite-biotite phyllite intercalated with minor amounts of biotite-sericite-quartz schist. Between 7,000 and 7,600 m (23,000 and 24,900 ft), the lower part of the North Col Formation consists of biotite-quartz schist intercalated with epidote-quartz schist, biotite-calcite-quartz schist, and thin layers of quartzose marble. These metamorphic rocks appear to the result of the metamorphism of late Middle Cambrian deep sea flysch composed of interbedded, mudstone, shale, clayey sandstone, calcareous sandstone, graywacke, and sandy limestone. The base of the North Col Formation is a regional thrust fault called the "Lhotse detachment".[71][72][74]
Below 7,000 m (23,000 ft), the Rongbuk Formation underlies the North Col Formation and forms the base of Mount Everest. It consists of sillminite-K-feldspar grade schist and gneiss intruded by numerous sills and dikes of leucogranite ranging in thickness from 1 cm to 1,500 m (0.4 in to 4,900 ft).[72][75]
Geologists have subdivided the rocks comprising Mount Everest into three units called "formations".[71][72] Each of these formations are separated from each other by low-angle faults, called “detachments”, along which they have been thrust over each other. From the summit of Mount Everest to its base these rock units are the Qomolangma Formation, the North Col Formation, and the Rongbuk Formation.
From its summit to the top of the Yellow Band, about 8,600 m (28,000 ft) above sea level, the top of Mount Everest consists of the Qomolangma Formation, which has also been designated as either the Everest Formation or Jolmo Lungama Formation. It consists of grayish to dark gray or white, parallel laminated and bedded, Ordovician limestone interlayered with subordinate beds of recrystallized dolomite with argillaceous laminae and siltstone. Gansser first reported finding microscopic fragments of crinoids in these limestones.[73] Later petrographic analysis of samples of the limestones from near the summit revealed them to be composed of carbonate pellets and finely fragmented remains of trilobites, crinoids, and ostracods. Other samples were so badly sheared and recrystallized that their original constituents could not be determined. A thick, white-weathering thrombolite bed that is 60 m (200 ft) thick comprises the foot of the "Third Step," and base of the summit pyramid of Everest. This bed, which crops out starting about 70 m (300 ft) below the summit of Mount Everest, consists of sediments trapped, bound, and cemented by the biofilms of microorganisms, especially cyanobacteria, in shallow marine waters. The Qomolangma Formation is broken up by several high-angle faults that terminate at the low angle thrust fault, the Qomolangma Detachment. This detachment separates it from the underlying Yellow Band. The lower five metres of the Qomolangma Formation overlying this detachment are very highly deformed.[71][72][74]
The bulk of Mount Everest, between 7,000 and 8,600 m (23,000 and 28,200 ft), consists of the North Col Formation, of which the Yellow Band forms its upper part between 8,200 to 8,600 m (26,900 to 28,200 ft). The Yellow Band consists of intercalated beds of Middle Cambrian diopside-epidote-bearing marble, which weathers a distinctive yellowish brown, and muscovite-biotite phyllite and semischist. Petrographic analysis of marble collected from about 8,300 m (27,200 ft) found it to consist as much as five percent of the ghosts of recrystallized crinoid ossicles. The upper five metres of the Yellow Band lying adjacent to the Qomolangma Detachment is badly deformed. A 5–40 cm (2–16 in) thick fault breccia separates it from the overlying Qomolangma Formation.[71][72][74]
The remainder of the North Col Formation, exposed between 7,000 to 8,200 m (23,000 to 26,900 ft) on Mount Everest, consists of interlayered and deformed schist, phyllite, and minor marble. Between 7,600 and 8,200 m (24,900 and 26,900 ft), the North Col Formation consists chiefly of biotite-quartz phyllite and chlorite-biotite phyllite intercalated with minor amounts of biotite-sericite-quartz schist. Between 7,000 and 7,600 m (23,000 and 24,900 ft), the lower part of the North Col Formation consists of biotite-quartz schist intercalated with epidote-quartz schist, biotite-calcite-quartz schist, and thin layers of quartzose marble. These metamorphic rocks appear to the result of the metamorphism of late Middle Cambrian deep sea flysch composed of interbedded, mudstone, shale, clayey sandstone, calcareous sandstone, graywacke, and sandy limestone. The base of the North Col Formation is a regional thrust fault called the "Lhotse detachment".[71][72][74]
Below 7,000 m (23,000 ft), the Rongbuk Formation underlies the North Col Formation and forms the base of Mount Everest. It consists of sillminite-K-feldspar grade schist and gneiss intruded by numerous sills and dikes of leucogranite ranging in thickness from 1 cm to 1,500 m (0.4 in to 4,900 ft).[72][75]
Flora and fauna
Euophrys omnisuperstes, a minute black jumping spider, has been found at elevations as high as 6,700 metres (22,000 ft), possibly making it the highest confirmed non-microscopic permanent resident on Earth. It lurks in crevices and may feed on frozen insects that have been blown there by the wind. It should be noted that there is a high likelihood of microscopic life at even higher altitudes.[69] Birds, such as the Bar-headed Goose, have been seen flying at the higher altitudes of the mountain, while others, such as the Chough, have been spotted as high as the South Col (7,920 m)[70] scavenging on food, or even corpses, left by prior climbing expeditions.
Thefts and dther crime
Some climbers have reported life-threatening thefts from supply caches. Vitor Negrete, the first Brazilian to climb Everest without oxygen and part of David Sharp's party, died during his descent, and theft from his high-altitude camp may have contributed.[66]
In addition to theft, the 2008 book High Crimes by Michael Kodas describes unethical guides and Sherpas, prostitution and gambling at the Tibet Base Camp, fraud related to the sale of oxygen bottles, and climbers collecting donations under the pretense of removing trash from the mountain.[67][68]
In addition to theft, the 2008 book High Crimes by Michael Kodas describes unethical guides and Sherpas, prostitution and gambling at the Tibet Base Camp, fraud related to the sale of oxygen bottles, and climbers collecting donations under the pretense of removing trash from the mountain.[67][68]
Northeast ridge
Mount Everest north face from Rongbuk in Tibet
The northeast ridge route begins from the north side of Everest in Tibet. Expeditions trek to the Rongbuk Glacier, setting up Base Camp at 5,180 m (16,990 ft) on a gravel plain just below the glacier. To reach Camp II, climbers ascend the medial moraine of the east Rongbuk Glacier up to the base of Changtse at around 6,100 m (20,000 ft). Camp III (ABC - Advanced Base Camp) is situated below the North Col at 6,500 m (21,300 ft). To reach Camp IV on the north col, climbers ascend the glacier to the foot of the col where fixed ropes are used to reach the North Col at 7,010 m (23,000 ft). From the North Col, climbers ascend the rocky north ridge to set up Camp V at around 7,775 m (25,500 ft). The route crosses the North Face in a diagonal climb to the base of the Yellow Band reaching the site of Camp VI at 8,230 m (27,000 ft). From Camp VI, climbers will make their final summit push. Climbers face a treacherous traverse from the base of the First Step: 27,890 feet - 28,000 feet, to the crux of the climb, the Second Step: 28,140 feet - 28,300 feet. (The Second Step includes a climbing aid called the "Chinese ladder", a metal ladder placed semi-permanently in 1975 by a party of Chinese climbers. It has been almost continuously in place since, and ladders have been used by virtually all climbers on the route.) Once above the Second Step the inconsequential Third Step is clambered over: 28,510 feet - 28,870 feet. Once above these steps, the summit pyramid is climbed by means of a snow slope of 50 degrees, to the final summit ridge along which the top is reached.[35]
The northeast ridge route begins from the north side of Everest in Tibet. Expeditions trek to the Rongbuk Glacier, setting up Base Camp at 5,180 m (16,990 ft) on a gravel plain just below the glacier. To reach Camp II, climbers ascend the medial moraine of the east Rongbuk Glacier up to the base of Changtse at around 6,100 m (20,000 ft). Camp III (ABC - Advanced Base Camp) is situated below the North Col at 6,500 m (21,300 ft). To reach Camp IV on the north col, climbers ascend the glacier to the foot of the col where fixed ropes are used to reach the North Col at 7,010 m (23,000 ft). From the North Col, climbers ascend the rocky north ridge to set up Camp V at around 7,775 m (25,500 ft). The route crosses the North Face in a diagonal climb to the base of the Yellow Band reaching the site of Camp VI at 8,230 m (27,000 ft). From Camp VI, climbers will make their final summit push. Climbers face a treacherous traverse from the base of the First Step: 27,890 feet - 28,000 feet, to the crux of the climb, the Second Step: 28,140 feet - 28,300 feet. (The Second Step includes a climbing aid called the "Chinese ladder", a metal ladder placed semi-permanently in 1975 by a party of Chinese climbers. It has been almost continuously in place since, and ladders have been used by virtually all climbers on the route.) Once above the Second Step the inconsequential Third Step is clambered over: 28,510 feet - 28,870 feet. Once above these steps, the summit pyramid is climbed by means of a snow slope of 50 degrees, to the final summit ridge along which the top is reached.[35]
Comparisons
The summit of Everest is the point at which the Earth's surface reaches the greatest distance above sea level. Several other mountains are sometimes claimed as alternative "tallest mountains on Earth". Mauna Kea in Hawaii is tallest when measured from its base;[27] it rises over 10,200 m (6.3 mi) when measured from its base on the mid-ocean floor, but only attains 4,205 m (13,796 ft) above sea level.
By the same measure of base[27] to summit, Mount McKinley, in Alaska, is also taller than Everest. Despite its height above sea level of only 6,193.6 m (20,320 ft), Mount McKinley sits atop a sloping plain with elevations from 300 m (980 ft) to 900 m (3,000 ft), yielding a height above base in the range of 5,300 to 5,900 m (17,400 to 19,400 ft); a commonly quoted figure is 5,600 m (18,400 ft).[28] By comparison, reasonable base elevations for Everest range from 4,200 m (13,800 ft) on the south side to 5,200 m (17,100 ft) on the Tibetan Plateau, yielding a height above base in the range of 3,650 to 4,650 m (11,980 to 15,260 ft).[23]
The summit of Chimborazo in Ecuador is 2,168 m (7,113 ft) farther from the Earth's centre (6,384.4 km (3,967.1 mi)) than that of Everest (6,382.3 km (3,965.8 mi)), because the Earth bulges at the Equator. However, Chimborazo attains a height of only 6,267 m (20,561 ft) above sea level, and by this criterion it is not even the highest peak of the Andes.
By the same measure of base[27] to summit, Mount McKinley, in Alaska, is also taller than Everest. Despite its height above sea level of only 6,193.6 m (20,320 ft), Mount McKinley sits atop a sloping plain with elevations from 300 m (980 ft) to 900 m (3,000 ft), yielding a height above base in the range of 5,300 to 5,900 m (17,400 to 19,400 ft); a commonly quoted figure is 5,600 m (18,400 ft).[28] By comparison, reasonable base elevations for Everest range from 4,200 m (13,800 ft) on the south side to 5,200 m (17,100 ft) on the Tibetan Plateau, yielding a height above base in the range of 3,650 to 4,650 m (11,980 to 15,260 ft).[23]
The summit of Chimborazo in Ecuador is 2,168 m (7,113 ft) farther from the Earth's centre (6,384.4 km (3,967.1 mi)) than that of Everest (6,382.3 km (3,965.8 mi)), because the Earth bulges at the Equator. However, Chimborazo attains a height of only 6,267 m (20,561 ft) above sea level, and by this criterion it is not even the highest peak of the Andes.
Climbing routes
Southern and northern climbing routes as seen from the International Space Station.
Mt. Everest has two main climbing routes, the southeast ridge from Nepal and the northeast ridge from Tibet, as well as many other less frequently climbed routes.[29] Of the two main routes, the southeast ridge is technically easier and is the more frequently used route. It was the route used by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953 and the first recognized of fifteen routes to the top by 1996.[29] This was, however, a route decision dictated more by politics than by design as the Chinese border was closed to the western world in the 1950s after the People's Republic of China took over Tibet.[30]
View from space showing South Col route and North Col/Ridge route
Most attempts are made during May before the summer monsoon season. As the monsoon season approaches, a change in the jet stream at this time pushes it northward, thereby reducing the average wind speeds high on the mountain.[31][32] While attempts are sometimes made after the monsoons in September and October, when the jet stream is again temporarily pushed northward, the additional snow deposited by the monsoons and the less stable weather patterns (tail end of the monsoon) makes climbing extremely difficult.
Mt. Everest has two main climbing routes, the southeast ridge from Nepal and the northeast ridge from Tibet, as well as many other less frequently climbed routes.[29] Of the two main routes, the southeast ridge is technically easier and is the more frequently used route. It was the route used by Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953 and the first recognized of fifteen routes to the top by 1996.[29] This was, however, a route decision dictated more by politics than by design as the Chinese border was closed to the western world in the 1950s after the People's Republic of China took over Tibet.[30]
View from space showing South Col route and North Col/Ridge route
Most attempts are made during May before the summer monsoon season. As the monsoon season approaches, a change in the jet stream at this time pushes it northward, thereby reducing the average wind speeds high on the mountain.[31][32] While attempts are sometimes made after the monsoons in September and October, when the jet stream is again temporarily pushed northward, the additional snow deposited by the monsoons and the less stable weather patterns (tail end of the monsoon) makes climbing extremely difficult.
Measurement
Another aerial view of Mount Everest from the south, with Lhotse in front and Nuptse on the left
In 1856, Andrew Waugh announced Everest (then known as Peak XV) as 29,002 ft high, after several years of calculations based on observations made by the Great Trigonometric Survey.
The 8,848 m (29,029 ft) height given in this article is now officially recognised by both Nepal and China.[18] On 9 October 2005, after several months of measurement and calculation, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping officially announced the height of Everest as 8,844.43 m (29,017.16 ft) with accuracy of ±0.21 m (0.69 ft). They claimed it was the most accurate and precise measurement to date.[19] This height is based on the actual highest point of rock and not on the snow and ice covering it. The Chinese team also measured a snow/ice depth of 3.5 m (11 ft),[20] which is in agreement with a net elevation of 8,848 m (29,029 ft). The snow and ice thickness varies over time, making a definitive height of the snow cap impossible to determine.
The elevation of 8,848 m (29,029 ft) was first determined by an Indian survey in 1955, made closer to the mountain, also using theodolites.[citation needed] It was subsequently reaffirmed by a 1975 Chinese measurement 8,848.13 m (29,029.30 ft).[20] In both cases the snow cap, not the rock head, was measured. In May 1999 an American Everest Expedition, directed by Bradford Washburn, anchored a GPS unit into the highest bedrock. A rock head elevation of 8,850 m (29,035 ft), and a snow/ice elevation 1 m (3 ft) higher, were obtained via this device.[21] Although it has not been officially recognized by Nepal,[22] this figure is widely quoted. Geoid uncertainty casts doubt upon the accuracy claimed by both the 1999 and 2005 surveys.
A detailed photogrammetric map (at a scale of 1:50,000) of the Khumbu region, including the south side of Mount Everest, was made by Erwin Schneider as part of the 1955 International Himalayan Expedition, which also attempted Lhotse. An even more detailed topographic map of the Everest area was made in the late 1980s under the direction of Bradford Washburn, using extensive aerial photography.[23]
It is thought that the plate tectonics of the area are adding to the height and moving the summit northeastwards. Two accounts suggest the rates of change are 4 mm (0.16 in) per year (upwards) and 3 to 6 mm (0.12 to 0.24 in) per year (northeastwards),[21][24] but another account mentions more lateral movement (27 mm/1.1 in),[25] and even shrinkage has been suggested.[26]
[edit] Comparisons
The summit of Everest is the point at which the Earth's surface reaches the greatest distance above sea level. Several other mountains are sometimes claimed as alternative "tallest mountains on Earth". Mauna Kea in Hawaii is tallest when measured from its base;[27] it rises over 10,200 m (6.3 mi) when measured from its base on the mid-ocean floor, but only attains 4,205 m (13,796 ft) above sea level.
By the same measure of base[27] to summit, Mount McKinley, in Alaska, is also taller than Everest. Despite its height above sea level of only 6,193.6 m (20,320 ft), Mount McKinley sits atop a sloping plain with elevations from 300 m (980 ft) to 900 m (3,000 ft), yielding a height above base in the range of 5,300 to 5,900 m (17,400 to 19,400 ft); a commonly quoted figure is 5,600 m (18,400 ft).[28] By comparison, reasonable base elevations for Everest range from 4,200 m (13,800 ft) on the south side to 5,200 m (17,100 ft) on the Tibetan Plateau, yielding a height above base in the range of 3,650 to 4,650 m (11,980 to 15,260 ft).[23]
The summit of Chimborazo in Ecuador is 2,168 m (7,113 ft) farther from the Earth's centre (6,384.4 km (3,967.1 mi)) than that of Everest (6,382.3 km (3,965.8 mi)), because the Earth bulges at the Equator. However, Chimborazo attains a height of only 6,267 m (20,561 ft) above sea level, and by this criterion it is not even the highest peak of the Andes.
In 1856, Andrew Waugh announced Everest (then known as Peak XV) as 29,002 ft high, after several years of calculations based on observations made by the Great Trigonometric Survey.
The 8,848 m (29,029 ft) height given in this article is now officially recognised by both Nepal and China.[18] On 9 October 2005, after several months of measurement and calculation, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping officially announced the height of Everest as 8,844.43 m (29,017.16 ft) with accuracy of ±0.21 m (0.69 ft). They claimed it was the most accurate and precise measurement to date.[19] This height is based on the actual highest point of rock and not on the snow and ice covering it. The Chinese team also measured a snow/ice depth of 3.5 m (11 ft),[20] which is in agreement with a net elevation of 8,848 m (29,029 ft). The snow and ice thickness varies over time, making a definitive height of the snow cap impossible to determine.
The elevation of 8,848 m (29,029 ft) was first determined by an Indian survey in 1955, made closer to the mountain, also using theodolites.[citation needed] It was subsequently reaffirmed by a 1975 Chinese measurement 8,848.13 m (29,029.30 ft).[20] In both cases the snow cap, not the rock head, was measured. In May 1999 an American Everest Expedition, directed by Bradford Washburn, anchored a GPS unit into the highest bedrock. A rock head elevation of 8,850 m (29,035 ft), and a snow/ice elevation 1 m (3 ft) higher, were obtained via this device.[21] Although it has not been officially recognized by Nepal,[22] this figure is widely quoted. Geoid uncertainty casts doubt upon the accuracy claimed by both the 1999 and 2005 surveys.
A detailed photogrammetric map (at a scale of 1:50,000) of the Khumbu region, including the south side of Mount Everest, was made by Erwin Schneider as part of the 1955 International Himalayan Expedition, which also attempted Lhotse. An even more detailed topographic map of the Everest area was made in the late 1980s under the direction of Bradford Washburn, using extensive aerial photography.[23]
It is thought that the plate tectonics of the area are adding to the height and moving the summit northeastwards. Two accounts suggest the rates of change are 4 mm (0.16 in) per year (upwards) and 3 to 6 mm (0.12 to 0.24 in) per year (northeastwards),[21][24] but another account mentions more lateral movement (27 mm/1.1 in),[25] and even shrinkage has been suggested.[26]
[edit] Comparisons
The summit of Everest is the point at which the Earth's surface reaches the greatest distance above sea level. Several other mountains are sometimes claimed as alternative "tallest mountains on Earth". Mauna Kea in Hawaii is tallest when measured from its base;[27] it rises over 10,200 m (6.3 mi) when measured from its base on the mid-ocean floor, but only attains 4,205 m (13,796 ft) above sea level.
By the same measure of base[27] to summit, Mount McKinley, in Alaska, is also taller than Everest. Despite its height above sea level of only 6,193.6 m (20,320 ft), Mount McKinley sits atop a sloping plain with elevations from 300 m (980 ft) to 900 m (3,000 ft), yielding a height above base in the range of 5,300 to 5,900 m (17,400 to 19,400 ft); a commonly quoted figure is 5,600 m (18,400 ft).[28] By comparison, reasonable base elevations for Everest range from 4,200 m (13,800 ft) on the south side to 5,200 m (17,100 ft) on the Tibetan Plateau, yielding a height above base in the range of 3,650 to 4,650 m (11,980 to 15,260 ft).[23]
The summit of Chimborazo in Ecuador is 2,168 m (7,113 ft) farther from the Earth's centre (6,384.4 km (3,967.1 mi)) than that of Everest (6,382.3 km (3,965.8 mi)), because the Earth bulges at the Equator. However, Chimborazo attains a height of only 6,267 m (20,561 ft) above sea level, and by this criterion it is not even the highest peak of the Andes.
Naming
With the height now established, what to name the peak was clearly the next challenge. While the survey was anxious to preserve local names if possible (e.g. Kangchenjunga and Dhaulagiri), Waugh argued that he was unable to find any commonly used local name. Waugh's search for a local name was hampered by Nepal and Tibet being closed to foreigners at the time. Many local names existed, with perhaps the best known in Tibet for several centuries being Chomolangma, which had appeared on a 1733 map published in Paris by the French geographer D'Anville. However, Waugh argued that with the plethora of local names, it would be difficult to favour one specific name over all others. So, he decided that Peak XV should be named after George Everest, his predecessor as Surveyor General of India.[7][10] He wrote:
I was taught by my respected chief and predecessor, Colonel Sir George Everest to assign to every geographical object its true local or native appellation. But here is a mountain, most probably the highest in the world, without any local name that we can discover, whose native appellation, if it has any, will not very likely be ascertained before we are allowed to penetrate into Nepal. In the meantime the privilege as well as the duty devolves on me to assign…a name whereby it may be known among citizens and geographers and become a household word among civilized nations.[11]
George Everest opposed the name suggested by Waugh and told the Royal Geographical Society in 1857 that Everest could not be written in Hindi nor pronounced by "the native of India". Waugh's proposed name prevailed despite the objections, and in 1865, the Royal Geographical Society officially adopted Mount Everest as the name for the highest mountain in the world.[7] Interestingly, the modern pronunciation of Everest /ˈɛvərɨst, ˈɛvrɨst/[12] is in fact different from Sir George's pronunciation of his surname, which was /ˈiːvrɨst/.[13]
Aerial view of Mount Everest from the south
The Tibetan name for Mount Everest is Chomolangma or Qomolangma (ཇོ་མོ་གླིང་མ, which means "Saint Mother"), phonetically transliterated into Chinese as Zhūmùlǎngmǎ Fēng (simplified Chinese: 珠穆朗玛峰; traditional Chinese: 珠穆朗瑪峰), or translated by meaning as Shèngmǔ Fēng (simplified Chinese: 圣母峰; traditional Chinese: 聖母峰), literally "Holy Mother". According to English accounts of the mid-19th century, the local name in Darjeeling for Mount Everest was Deodungha (meaning "holy mountain").[14]
In the late 19th century, many European cartographers incorrectly believed that a native name for the mountain was Gaurisankar.[15] This was a result of confusion of Mount Everest with the actual Gauri Sankar, which, when viewed from Kathmandu, stands almost directly in front of Everest.[citation needed]
In the early 1960s, the Nepalese government gave Mount Everest the official name Sagarmāthā (सगरमाथा).[16] This name had not previously been used; the local inhabitants knew the mountain as Chomolangma. The mountain was not known and named in ethnic Nepal (that is, the Kathmandu valley and surrounding areas).[citation needed] The government set out to find a Nepalese name for the mountain because the Sherpa/Tibetan name Chomolangma was not acceptable, as it would have been against the idea of unification (Nepalization) of the country.[citation needed]
In 2002, the Chinese People's Daily newspaper published an article making a case against the continued use of the English name for the mountain in the Western world, insisting that it should be referred to by its Tibetan name. The newspaper argued that the Chinese (in nature a Tibetan) name preceded the English one, as Mount Qomolangma was marked on a Chinese map more than 280 years ago.[17]
I was taught by my respected chief and predecessor, Colonel Sir George Everest to assign to every geographical object its true local or native appellation. But here is a mountain, most probably the highest in the world, without any local name that we can discover, whose native appellation, if it has any, will not very likely be ascertained before we are allowed to penetrate into Nepal. In the meantime the privilege as well as the duty devolves on me to assign…a name whereby it may be known among citizens and geographers and become a household word among civilized nations.[11]
George Everest opposed the name suggested by Waugh and told the Royal Geographical Society in 1857 that Everest could not be written in Hindi nor pronounced by "the native of India". Waugh's proposed name prevailed despite the objections, and in 1865, the Royal Geographical Society officially adopted Mount Everest as the name for the highest mountain in the world.[7] Interestingly, the modern pronunciation of Everest /ˈɛvərɨst, ˈɛvrɨst/[12] is in fact different from Sir George's pronunciation of his surname, which was /ˈiːvrɨst/.[13]
Aerial view of Mount Everest from the south
The Tibetan name for Mount Everest is Chomolangma or Qomolangma (ཇོ་མོ་གླིང་མ, which means "Saint Mother"), phonetically transliterated into Chinese as Zhūmùlǎngmǎ Fēng (simplified Chinese: 珠穆朗玛峰; traditional Chinese: 珠穆朗瑪峰), or translated by meaning as Shèngmǔ Fēng (simplified Chinese: 圣母峰; traditional Chinese: 聖母峰), literally "Holy Mother". According to English accounts of the mid-19th century, the local name in Darjeeling for Mount Everest was Deodungha (meaning "holy mountain").[14]
In the late 19th century, many European cartographers incorrectly believed that a native name for the mountain was Gaurisankar.[15] This was a result of confusion of Mount Everest with the actual Gauri Sankar, which, when viewed from Kathmandu, stands almost directly in front of Everest.[citation needed]
In the early 1960s, the Nepalese government gave Mount Everest the official name Sagarmāthā (सगरमाथा).[16] This name had not previously been used; the local inhabitants knew the mountain as Chomolangma. The mountain was not known and named in ethnic Nepal (that is, the Kathmandu valley and surrounding areas).[citation needed] The government set out to find a Nepalese name for the mountain because the Sherpa/Tibetan name Chomolangma was not acceptable, as it would have been against the idea of unification (Nepalization) of the country.[citation needed]
In 2002, the Chinese People's Daily newspaper published an article making a case against the continued use of the English name for the mountain in the Western world, insisting that it should be referred to by its Tibetan name. The newspaper argued that the Chinese (in nature a Tibetan) name preceded the English one, as Mount Qomolangma was marked on a Chinese map more than 280 years ago.[17]
Identifying the high mountain
In 1808, the British began the Great Trigonometric Survey of India to determine the location and names of the world's highest mountains. Starting in southern India, the survey teams gradually moved northward using giant 500 kg (1,100 lb) theodolites (each requiring 12 men to carry) to measure heights as accurately as possible. They reached the Himalayan foothills by the 1830s, but Nepal was unwilling to allow the British to enter the country because of suspicions of political aggression and possible annexation. Several requests by the surveyors to enter Nepal were turned down.[7]
The British were forced to continue their observations from Terai, a region south of Nepal which is parallel to the Himalayas. Conditions in Terai were difficult owing to torrential rains and malaria — three survey officers died from malaria while two others had to retire owing to failing health.[7]
Nonetheless, in 1847, the British pressed on and began detailed observations of the Himalayan peaks from observation stations up to 240 km (150 mi) away. Weather restricted work to the last three months of the year. In November 1847, Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India made a number of observations from Sawajpore station located in the eastern end of the Himalayas. At the time, Kangchenjunga was considered the highest peak in the world, and with interest he noted a peak beyond it, some 230 km (140 mi) away. John Armstrong, one of Waugh's officials, also saw the peak from a location further west and called it peak 'b'. Waugh would later write that the observations indicated that peak 'b' was higher than Kangchenjunga, but given the great distance of the observations, closer observations were required for verification. The following year, Waugh sent a survey official back to Terai to make closer observations of peak 'b', but clouds thwarted all attempts.[7]
In 1849, Waugh dispatched James Nicolson to the area. Nicolson was able to make two observations from Jirol, 190 km (120 mi) away. Nicolson then took the largest theodolite and headed east, obtaining over 30 observations from five different locations, with the closest being 174 km (108 mi) away from the peak.[7]
Nicolson retreated to Patna on the Ganges to perform the necessary calculations based on his observations. His raw data gave an average height of 9,200 m (30,200 ft) for peak 'b', but this did not take into account light refraction which distorts heights. The number clearly indicated, however, that peak 'b' was higher than Kangchenjunga. However, Nicolson came down with malaria and was forced to return home, calculations unfinished. Michael Hennessy, one of Waugh's assistants, had begun designating peaks based on roman numerals, with Kangchenjunga named Peak IX, while peak 'b' now became known as Peak XV.[7]
In 1852, stationed at the survey's headquarters in Dehradun, Radhanath Sikdar, an Indian mathematician and surveyor from Bengal, was the first to identify Everest as the world's highest peak, using trigonometric calculations based on Nicolson's measurements.[8] An official announcement that Peak XV was the highest was delayed for several years as the calculations were repeatedly verified. Waugh began work on Nicolson's data in 1854, and along with his staff spent almost two years working on the calculations, having to deal with the problems of light refraction, barometric pressure, and temperature over the vast distances of the observations. Finally, in March 1856 he announced his findings in a letter to his deputy in Kolkata. Kangchenjunga was declared to be 28,156 ft (8,582 m), while Peak XV was given the height of 29,002 ft (8,840 m). Waugh concluded that Peak XV was "most probably the highest in the world".[7] In fact, Peak XV (measured in feet) was calculated to be exactly 29,000 ft (8,839.2 m) high, but was publicly declared to be 29,002 ft (8,839.8 m). The arbitrary addition of 2 ft (61 cm) was to avoid the impression that an exact height of 29,000 feet (8,839.2 m) was nothing more than a rounded estimate.[9]
The British were forced to continue their observations from Terai, a region south of Nepal which is parallel to the Himalayas. Conditions in Terai were difficult owing to torrential rains and malaria — three survey officers died from malaria while two others had to retire owing to failing health.[7]
Nonetheless, in 1847, the British pressed on and began detailed observations of the Himalayan peaks from observation stations up to 240 km (150 mi) away. Weather restricted work to the last three months of the year. In November 1847, Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India made a number of observations from Sawajpore station located in the eastern end of the Himalayas. At the time, Kangchenjunga was considered the highest peak in the world, and with interest he noted a peak beyond it, some 230 km (140 mi) away. John Armstrong, one of Waugh's officials, also saw the peak from a location further west and called it peak 'b'. Waugh would later write that the observations indicated that peak 'b' was higher than Kangchenjunga, but given the great distance of the observations, closer observations were required for verification. The following year, Waugh sent a survey official back to Terai to make closer observations of peak 'b', but clouds thwarted all attempts.[7]
In 1849, Waugh dispatched James Nicolson to the area. Nicolson was able to make two observations from Jirol, 190 km (120 mi) away. Nicolson then took the largest theodolite and headed east, obtaining over 30 observations from five different locations, with the closest being 174 km (108 mi) away from the peak.[7]
Nicolson retreated to Patna on the Ganges to perform the necessary calculations based on his observations. His raw data gave an average height of 9,200 m (30,200 ft) for peak 'b', but this did not take into account light refraction which distorts heights. The number clearly indicated, however, that peak 'b' was higher than Kangchenjunga. However, Nicolson came down with malaria and was forced to return home, calculations unfinished. Michael Hennessy, one of Waugh's assistants, had begun designating peaks based on roman numerals, with Kangchenjunga named Peak IX, while peak 'b' now became known as Peak XV.[7]
In 1852, stationed at the survey's headquarters in Dehradun, Radhanath Sikdar, an Indian mathematician and surveyor from Bengal, was the first to identify Everest as the world's highest peak, using trigonometric calculations based on Nicolson's measurements.[8] An official announcement that Peak XV was the highest was delayed for several years as the calculations were repeatedly verified. Waugh began work on Nicolson's data in 1854, and along with his staff spent almost two years working on the calculations, having to deal with the problems of light refraction, barometric pressure, and temperature over the vast distances of the observations. Finally, in March 1856 he announced his findings in a letter to his deputy in Kolkata. Kangchenjunga was declared to be 28,156 ft (8,582 m), while Peak XV was given the height of 29,002 ft (8,840 m). Waugh concluded that Peak XV was "most probably the highest in the world".[7] In fact, Peak XV (measured in feet) was calculated to be exactly 29,000 ft (8,839.2 m) high, but was publicly declared to be 29,002 ft (8,839.8 m). The arbitrary addition of 2 ft (61 cm) was to avoid the impression that an exact height of 29,000 feet (8,839.2 m) was nothing more than a rounded estimate.[9]
Mount Everest
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Changes must be reviewed before being displayed on this page.(+)
This is the latest accepted revision, accepted on 25 July 2010.
Jump to: navigation, search
"Everest" redirects here. For other uses, see Everest (disambiguation).
"Chomolungma" redirects here. For the song of the same name, see Alan Parsons.
This article contains Tibetan script. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Tibetan characters.
Mount Everest
Sagarmāthā
ཇོ་མོ་གླང་མ
Qomolangma
珠穆朗玛峰
Everest from Kala Patthar in Nepal
Elevation 8,848 m (29,029 ft) [1]
Ranked 1st
Prominence 8,848 m (29,029 ft)
Notice special definition for Everest.
Listing Seven Summits
Eight-thousander
Country high point
Ultra
Location
Mount Everest is located in Nepal
Mount Everest
Location on the Nepal–Tibet border
Location Nepal Solukhumbu District, Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal
People's Republic of China Tingri County, Xigazê Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China[2]
Range Mahalangur Himal, Himalayas
Coordinates
27°59′17″N 86°55′31″E / 27.98806°N 86.92528°E / 27.98806; 86.92528Coordinates: 27°59′17″N 86°55′31″E / 27.98806°N 86.92528°E / 27.98806; 86.92528
[3]
Climbing
First ascent 29 May 1953
New Zealand Edmund Hillary
Nepal IndiaTenzing Norgay
Easiest route South Col (Nepal)
Mount Everest is located in Earth
Location on Earth
Mount Everest relief map
Mount Everest – also called Qomolangma Peak (Mount Sagarmāthā (Nepali: सगरमाथा), Tibetan: ཇོ་མོ་གླང་མ; Chinese Zhumulangma Peak simplified Chinese: 珠穆朗玛峰; pinyin: Zhūmùlǎngmǎ Fēng), Chajamlangma (Limbu), or Mount Chomolangma – is the world's highest mountain above sea level at 8,848 metres (29,029 ft). Part of the Himalaya range in Asia, it is located on the border between Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal, and Tibet, China.
In 1856, the Great Trigonometric Survey of India established the first published height of Everest, then known as Peak XV, at 29,002 ft (8,840 m). In 1865, Everest was given its official English name by the Royal Geographical Society upon recommendation of Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India at the time. Chomolangma had been in common use by Tibetans for centuries, but Waugh was unable to propose an established local name because Nepal and Tibet were closed to foreigners.
The highest mountain in the world attracts well-experienced mountaineers as well as novice climbers who are willing to pay substantial sums to professional mountain guides to complete a successful climb. The mountain, while not posing substantial technical climbing difficulty on the standard route (other eight-thousanders such as K2 or Nanga Parbat are much more difficult), still has many inherent dangers such as altitude sickness, weather and wind. By the end of the 2008 climbing season, there had been 4,102 ascents to the summit by about 2,700 individuals.[4] Climbers are a significant source of tourist revenue for Nepal, whose government also requires all prospective climbers to obtain an expensive permit, costing up to US $ 25,000 per person.[5] By the end of 2009 Everest had claimed 216 lives,[4] including eight who perished during a 1996 storm high on the mountain. Conditions are so difficult in the death zone (altitudes higher than 8,000 m/26,246 ft) that most corpses have been left where they fell. Some of them are visible from standard climbing routes.[6]
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Identifying the highest mountain
* 2 Naming
* 3 Measurement
o 3.1 Comparisons
* 4 Climbing routes
o 4.1 Southeast ridge
o 4.2 Northeast ridge
* 5 Ascents
o 5.1 Early expeditions
o 5.2 First successful ascent by Tenzing and Hillary
o 5.3 First ascents without supplemental oxygen
o 5.4 First Winter Ascent
o 5.5 1996 disaster
o 5.6 2005: Helicopter landing
o 5.7 2006: David Sharp controversy
o 5.8 2008: Summer Olympic torch summit
o 5.9 Various records
* 6 Death zone
* 7 Using bottled oxygen
* 8 Thefts and other crimes
* 9 Flora and fauna
* 10 Geology
* 11 See also
* 12 Bibliography
* 13 References
* 14 External links
Changes must be reviewed before being displayed on this page.(+)
This is the latest accepted revision, accepted on 25 July 2010.
Jump to: navigation, search
"Everest" redirects here. For other uses, see Everest (disambiguation).
"Chomolungma" redirects here. For the song of the same name, see Alan Parsons.
This article contains Tibetan script. Without proper rendering support, you may see question marks, boxes, or other symbols instead of Tibetan characters.
Mount Everest
Sagarmāthā
ཇོ་མོ་གླང་མ
Qomolangma
珠穆朗玛峰
Everest from Kala Patthar in Nepal
Elevation 8,848 m (29,029 ft) [1]
Ranked 1st
Prominence 8,848 m (29,029 ft)
Notice special definition for Everest.
Listing Seven Summits
Eight-thousander
Country high point
Ultra
Location
Mount Everest is located in Nepal
Mount Everest
Location on the Nepal–Tibet border
Location Nepal Solukhumbu District, Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal
People's Republic of China Tingri County, Xigazê Prefecture, Tibet Autonomous Region, People's Republic of China[2]
Range Mahalangur Himal, Himalayas
Coordinates
27°59′17″N 86°55′31″E / 27.98806°N 86.92528°E / 27.98806; 86.92528Coordinates: 27°59′17″N 86°55′31″E / 27.98806°N 86.92528°E / 27.98806; 86.92528
[3]
Climbing
First ascent 29 May 1953
New Zealand Edmund Hillary
Nepal IndiaTenzing Norgay
Easiest route South Col (Nepal)
Mount Everest is located in Earth
Location on Earth
Mount Everest relief map
Mount Everest – also called Qomolangma Peak (Mount Sagarmāthā (Nepali: सगरमाथा), Tibetan: ཇོ་མོ་གླང་མ; Chinese Zhumulangma Peak simplified Chinese: 珠穆朗玛峰; pinyin: Zhūmùlǎngmǎ Fēng), Chajamlangma (Limbu), or Mount Chomolangma – is the world's highest mountain above sea level at 8,848 metres (29,029 ft). Part of the Himalaya range in Asia, it is located on the border between Sagarmatha Zone, Nepal, and Tibet, China.
In 1856, the Great Trigonometric Survey of India established the first published height of Everest, then known as Peak XV, at 29,002 ft (8,840 m). In 1865, Everest was given its official English name by the Royal Geographical Society upon recommendation of Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India at the time. Chomolangma had been in common use by Tibetans for centuries, but Waugh was unable to propose an established local name because Nepal and Tibet were closed to foreigners.
The highest mountain in the world attracts well-experienced mountaineers as well as novice climbers who are willing to pay substantial sums to professional mountain guides to complete a successful climb. The mountain, while not posing substantial technical climbing difficulty on the standard route (other eight-thousanders such as K2 or Nanga Parbat are much more difficult), still has many inherent dangers such as altitude sickness, weather and wind. By the end of the 2008 climbing season, there had been 4,102 ascents to the summit by about 2,700 individuals.[4] Climbers are a significant source of tourist revenue for Nepal, whose government also requires all prospective climbers to obtain an expensive permit, costing up to US $ 25,000 per person.[5] By the end of 2009 Everest had claimed 216 lives,[4] including eight who perished during a 1996 storm high on the mountain. Conditions are so difficult in the death zone (altitudes higher than 8,000 m/26,246 ft) that most corpses have been left where they fell. Some of them are visible from standard climbing routes.[6]
Contents
[hide]
* 1 Identifying the highest mountain
* 2 Naming
* 3 Measurement
o 3.1 Comparisons
* 4 Climbing routes
o 4.1 Southeast ridge
o 4.2 Northeast ridge
* 5 Ascents
o 5.1 Early expeditions
o 5.2 First successful ascent by Tenzing and Hillary
o 5.3 First ascents without supplemental oxygen
o 5.4 First Winter Ascent
o 5.5 1996 disaster
o 5.6 2005: Helicopter landing
o 5.7 2006: David Sharp controversy
o 5.8 2008: Summer Olympic torch summit
o 5.9 Various records
* 6 Death zone
* 7 Using bottled oxygen
* 8 Thefts and other crimes
* 9 Flora and fauna
* 10 Geology
* 11 See also
* 12 Bibliography
* 13 References
* 14 External links
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Spanish Translation
Escalada Monte Everest Este panorama se completa publicada en relación con el 50 aniversario en mayo de 2003, para que la primera alcanzado la cima del Everest Hace 50 años, Mayo 29 1953 La cima del monte Everest era alcanzó por primera vez por Edmund Hillary y Tenzing Norgay. Desde entonces 1.200-1.500 ha subido la parte superior. Nadie sabe el número exacto. Más de 140 alpinistas murieron en el camino. El 24 de mayo de 1989, la australiana fotógrafo y alpinista Roderick Mackenzie llegó a la cumbre. Él no era desde 271 1953 Hizo como que lo que yo sé es el único de 360 grados Panorama de la parte superior. Roderick Mackenzie hizo la imagen en la parte superior del Monte Everest 24 de Mayo de 1989. A continuación se muestra en sus propias palabras sus sentimientos del evento. Se trata de un libro titulado Reflexiones Everest desde la parte superior por Christine Gee & Garry Somos lo que acaba de publicarse. Contiene las contribuciones de muchos de los escaladores que han llegado a la cima durante los últimos 50 años. ¿Por qué he escalar el Everest? Tengo una teoría que la gente para subir el olor de ella. Aire a gran altura olores completamente diferente a menor altura. La gente se convierte en adicto a este olor y la necesidad más y más para obtener cada vez menos de ella. Esto es lo que les hace llegar más alto. ¿Qué he de pensar en la cumbre? Cuando llegué a la I Cumbre del Sur estaba sufriendo de una falta español de los Olivos. Yo estaba más preocupado con pensamientos de la lata de aceitunas sentado en mi tienda de campaña en el campamento base. El preocupación fue el resultado de un sueño muy intenso sobre aceitunas que se vio interrumpido por la alarma citación a mí nuestro intento de cumbre. Cuando llegué a la cumbre el sur vistas a la cumbre principal me interesa de un montañismo punto de vista y todos los dreamings de aceitunas fueron desterrados de mi cabeza. En la cumbre me sentí una mezcla de aprensión y curiosidad. Nuestra única comentarios el uno al otro después de la primera se felicitaciones por el hecho de que la cumbre es precisamente a mitad de camino. Me parecía que la curvatura de la tierra era evidente, y pasé algún tiempo tratando de pensar en un medio de prueba si se trataba de una observación real o una ilusión. Al final decidí que era una ilusión, pero se trataba de una fuerte ilusión. En general mi principal sentimiento era de sorpresa. A menudo me sorprende de las situaciones que yo encontrar mi pulg Mi trabajo en la India se ha aliviado un poco de mi ascenso de Everest. Muchas personas en el subcontinente creer que una ascensión del Everest transmite al escalador de alguna manera una mayor sabiduría en múltiples temas. Esto no puedo estar de acuerdo , pero nunca he controversia.
Spanish Translation
scalada Monte Everest Este panorama se completa publicada en relación con el 50 aniversario en mayo de 2003, para que la primera alcanzado la cima del Everest Hace 50 años, Mayo 29 1953 La cima del monte Everest era alcanzó por primera vez por Edmund Hillary y Tenzing Norgay. Desde entonces 1.200-1.500 ha subido la parte superior. Nadie sabe el número exacto. Más de 140 alpinistas murieron en el camino. El 24 de mayo de 1989, la australiana fotógrafo y alpinista Roderick Mackenzie llegó a la cumbre. Él no era desde 271 1953 Hizo como que lo que yo sé es el único de 360 grados Panorama de la parte superior. Roderick Mackenzie hizo la imagen en la parte superior del Monte Everest 24 de Mayo de 1989. A continuación se muestra en sus propias palabras sus sentimientos del evento. Se trata de un libro titulado Reflexiones Everest desde la parte superior por Christine Gee & Garry Somos lo que acaba de publicarse. Contiene las contribuciones de muchos de los escaladores que han llegado a la cima durante los últimos 50 años. ¿Por qué he escalar el Everest? Tengo una teoría que la gente para subir el olor de ella. Aire a gran altura olores completamente diferente a menor altura. La gente se convierte en adicto a este olor y la necesidad más y más para obtener cada vez menos de ella. Esto es lo que les hace llegar más alto. ¿Qué he de pensar en la cumbre? Cuando llegué a la I Cumbre del Sur estaba sufriendo de una falta español de los Olivos. Yo estaba más preocupado con pensamientos de la lata de aceitunas sentado en mi tienda de campaña en el campamento base. El preocupación fue el resultado de un sueño muy intenso sobre aceitunas que se vio interrumpido por la alarma citación a mí nuestro intento de cumbre. Cuando llegué a la cumbre el sur vistas a la cumbre principal me interesa de un montañismo punto de vista y todos los dreamings de aceitunas fueron desterrados de mi cabeza. En la cumbre me sentí una mezcla de aprensión y curiosidad. Nuestra única comentarios el uno al otro después de la primera se felicitaciones por el hecho de que la cumbre es precisamente a mitad de camino. Me parecía que la curvatura de la tierra era evidente, y pasé algún tiempo tratando de pensar en un medio de prueba si se trataba de una observación real o una ilusión. Al final decidí que era una ilusión, pero se trataba de una fuerte ilusión. En general mi principal sentimiento era de sorpresa. A menudo me sorprende de las situaciones que yo encontrar mi pulg Mi trabajo en la India se ha aliviado un poco de mi ascenso de Everest. Muchas personas en el subcontinente creer que una ascensión del Everest transmite al escalador de alguna manera una mayor sabiduría en múltiples temas. Esto no puedo estar de acuerdo , pero nunca he controversia.
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Spanish Translation
Escalada Monte Everest Este panorama se completa publicada en relación con el 50 aniversario en mayo de 2003, para que la primera alcanzado la cima del Everest Hace 50 años, Mayo 29 1953 La cima del monte Everest era alcanzó por primera vez por Edmund Hillary y Tenzing Norgay. Desde entonces 1.200-1.500 ha subido la parte superior. Nadie sabe el número exacto. Más de 140 alpinistas murieron en el camino. El 24 de mayo de 1989, la australiana fotógrafo y alpinista Roderick Mackenzie llegó a la cumbre. Él no era desde 271 1953 Hizo como que lo que yo sé es el único de 360 grados Panorama de la parte superior. Roderick Mackenzie hizo la imagen en la parte superior del Monte Everest 24 de Mayo de 1989. A continuación se muestra en sus propias palabras sus sentimientos del evento. Se trata de un libro titulado Reflexiones Everest desde la parte superior por Christine Gee & Garry Somos lo que acaba de publicarse. Contiene las contribuciones de muchos de los escaladores que han llegado a la cima durante los últimos 50 años. ¿Por qué he escalar el Everest? Tengo una teoría que la gente para subir el olor de ella. Aire a gran altura olores completamente diferente a menor altura. La gente se convierte en adicto a este olor y la necesidad más y más para obtener cada vez menos de ella. Esto es lo que les hace llegar más alto. ¿Qué he de pensar en la cumbre? Cuando llegué a la I Cumbre del Sur estaba sufriendo de una falta español de los Olivos. Yo estaba más preocupado con pensamientos de la lata de aceitunas sentado en mi tienda de campaña en el campamento base. El preocupación fue el resultado de un sueño muy intenso sobre aceitunas que se vio interrumpido por la alarma citación a mí nuestro intento de cumbre. Cuando llegué a la cumbre el sur vistas a la cumbre principal me interesa de un montañismo punto de vista y todos los dreamings de aceitunas fueron desterrados de mi cabeza. En la cumbre me sentí una mezcla de aprensión y curiosidad. Nuestra única comentarios el uno al otro después de la primera se felicitaciones por el hecho de que la cumbre es precisamente a mitad de camino. Me parecía que la curvatura de la tierra era evidente, y pasé algún tiempo tratando de pensar en un medio de prueba si se trataba de una observación real o una ilusión. Al final decidí que era una ilusión, pero se trataba de una fuerte ilusión. En general mi principal sentimiento era de sorpresa. A menudo me sorprende de las situaciones que yo encontrar mi pulg Mi trabajo en la India se ha aliviado un poco de mi ascenso de Everest. Muchas personas en el subcontinente creer que una ascensión del Everest transmite al escalador de alguna manera una mayor sabiduría en múltiples temas. Esto no puedo estar de acuerdo , pero nunca he controversia.
Escalada Monte Everest Este panorama se completa publicada en relación con el 50 aniversario en mayo de 2003, para que la primera alcanzado la cima del Everest Hace 50 años, Mayo 29 1953 La cima del monte Everest era alcanzó por primera vez por Edmund Hillary y Tenzing Norgay. Desde entonces 1.200-1.500 ha subido la parte superior. Nadie sabe el número exacto. Más de 140 alpinistas murieron en el camino. El 24 de mayo de 1989, la australiana fotógrafo y alpinista Roderick Mackenzie llegó a la cumbre. Él no era desde 271 1953 Hizo como que lo que yo sé es el único de 360 grados Panorama de la parte superior. Roderick Mackenzie hizo la imagen en la parte superior del Monte Everest 24 de Mayo de 1989. A continuación se muestra en sus propias palabras sus sentimientos del evento. Se trata de un libro titulado Reflexiones Everest desde la parte superior por Christine Gee & Garry Somos lo que acaba de publicarse. Contiene las contribuciones de muchos de los escaladores que han llegado a la cima durante los últimos 50 años. ¿Por qué he escalar el Everest? Tengo una teoría que la gente para subir el olor de ella. Aire a gran altura olores completamente diferente a menor altura. La gente se convierte en adicto a este olor y la necesidad más y más para obtener cada vez menos de ella. Esto es lo que les hace llegar más alto. ¿Qué he de pensar en la cumbre? Cuando llegué a la I Cumbre del Sur estaba sufriendo de una falta español de los Olivos. Yo estaba más preocupado con pensamientos de la lata de aceitunas sentado en mi tienda de campaña en el campamento base. El preocupación fue el resultado de un sueño muy intenso sobre aceitunas que se vio interrumpido por la alarma citación a mí nuestro intento de cumbre. Cuando llegué a la cumbre el sur vistas a la cumbre principal me interesa de un montañismo punto de vista y todos los dreamings de aceitunas fueron desterrados de mi cabeza. En la cumbre me sentí una mezcla de aprensión y curiosidad. Nuestra única comentarios el uno al otro después de la primera se felicitaciones por el hecho de que la cumbre es precisamente a mitad de camino. Me parecía que la curvatura de la tierra era evidente, y pasé algún tiempo tratando de pensar en un medio de prueba si se trataba de una observación real o una ilusión. Al final decidí que era una ilusión, pero se trataba de una fuerte ilusión. En general mi principal sentimiento era de sorpresa. A menudo me sorprende de las situaciones que yo encontrar mi pulg Mi trabajo en la India se ha aliviado un poco de mi ascenso de Everest. Muchas personas en el subcontinente creer que una ascensión del Everest transmite al escalador de alguna manera una mayor sabiduría en múltiples temas. Esto no puedo estar de acuerdo , pero nunca he controversia.
Escalada Mount Everest
Escalade Mont Everest
Ce panorama de plein a été publié dans le cadre de les 50 ans de la création en Mai 2003, pour la première qui atteint le sommet de l'Everest Il ya 50 ans, Mai 29 1953 Le sommet du mont Everest était atteint pour la première fois par Edmund Hillary et Tenzing Norgay. Depuis 1.200-1.500 a gravi les haut. Personne ne sait le nombre exact. Plus de 140 alpinistes sont morts en route. Sur Mai 24, 1989, le photographe australien et alpiniste Roderick Mackenzie atteint le sommet. Il a été depuis le n ° 271 1953 Il a fait qui pour autant que je sais, c'est la seule sur 360 degrés Panorama Du haut. Roderick Mackenzie fait l'image en haut du mont Everest 24 Mai 1989. Vous trouverez ci-dessous dans ses propres mots ses sentiments de l'événement. C'est dans un livre intitulé Réflexions Everest par le haut par Christine Gee & Garry Weare qui viennent d'être publiés. Il contient des contributions d'un grand nombre de grimpeurs qui ont atteint le sommet au cours des 50 dernières années. Pourquoi ai-je monter l'Everest? J'ai une théorie que les personnes pour monter l'odeur de celui-ci. Air à très haute altitude sent complètement différentes à la baisse altitude. Les gens deviennent accros à cette odeur et la nécessité de plus en plus à obtenir de moins en moins de celui-ci. C'est ce que les rend plus élevés. Qu'est-ce que je pense sur le sommet? Lorsque j'ai atteint le sommet sud je souffrais d'un manque de l'espagnol Oliviers. J'ai été très préoccupé par des pensées la boîte d'olives assis dans ma tente au camp de base. Le préoccupation est le résultat d'un rêve très intensesur olives qui a été interrompu par l'alarme-moi de convocation notre sommet tentative. Lorsque j'ai atteint le sommet le sud vue sur les principaux sommet m'intéressait d'un alpinisme point de vue et tous les dreamings d'olives ont été bannis de ma tête. Au sommet je me suis senti un mélange d'appréhension et curiosité. Notre seule commentaires à l'autre après le premier félicitations étaient sur le fait que le sommet est précisément à mi-chemin. Il m'a semblé que la courbure de laterre est apparu, et j'ai passé quelques temps à essayer de penser à un moyen de tester si ce n'était une véritable observation ou une illusion. Dans la fin, j'ai décidé qu'il était une illusion, mais il a été une forte illusion. Globalement mon sentiment était de surprise. Je suis souvent surpris par les situations queje me trouve po Mon travail en Inde a été légèrement atténuée par mon ascension du Everest. Beaucoup de gens sur le sous-estimons qu'une ascension de l'Everest transmet au grimpeur de quelque manière que ce soit plus de sagesse en multiples sujets. Je ne puis être d'accord , mais je n'ai jamais différend.
Ce panorama de plein a été publié dans le cadre de les 50 ans de la création en Mai 2003, pour la première qui atteint le sommet de l'Everest Il ya 50 ans, Mai 29 1953 Le sommet du mont Everest était atteint pour la première fois par Edmund Hillary et Tenzing Norgay. Depuis 1.200-1.500 a gravi les haut. Personne ne sait le nombre exact. Plus de 140 alpinistes sont morts en route. Sur Mai 24, 1989, le photographe australien et alpiniste Roderick Mackenzie atteint le sommet. Il a été depuis le n ° 271 1953 Il a fait qui pour autant que je sais, c'est la seule sur 360 degrés Panorama Du haut. Roderick Mackenzie fait l'image en haut du mont Everest 24 Mai 1989. Vous trouverez ci-dessous dans ses propres mots ses sentiments de l'événement. C'est dans un livre intitulé Réflexions Everest par le haut par Christine Gee & Garry Weare qui viennent d'être publiés. Il contient des contributions d'un grand nombre de grimpeurs qui ont atteint le sommet au cours des 50 dernières années. Pourquoi ai-je monter l'Everest? J'ai une théorie que les personnes pour monter l'odeur de celui-ci. Air à très haute altitude sent complètement différentes à la baisse altitude. Les gens deviennent accros à cette odeur et la nécessité de plus en plus à obtenir de moins en moins de celui-ci. C'est ce que les rend plus élevés. Qu'est-ce que je pense sur le sommet? Lorsque j'ai atteint le sommet sud je souffrais d'un manque de l'espagnol Oliviers. J'ai été très préoccupé par des pensées la boîte d'olives assis dans ma tente au camp de base. Le préoccupation est le résultat d'un rêve très intensesur olives qui a été interrompu par l'alarme-moi de convocation notre sommet tentative. Lorsque j'ai atteint le sommet le sud vue sur les principaux sommet m'intéressait d'un alpinisme point de vue et tous les dreamings d'olives ont été bannis de ma tête. Au sommet je me suis senti un mélange d'appréhension et curiosité. Notre seule commentaires à l'autre après le premier félicitations étaient sur le fait que le sommet est précisément à mi-chemin. Il m'a semblé que la courbure de laterre est apparu, et j'ai passé quelques temps à essayer de penser à un moyen de tester si ce n'était une véritable observation ou une illusion. Dans la fin, j'ai décidé qu'il était une illusion, mais il a été une forte illusion. Globalement mon sentiment était de surprise. Je suis souvent surpris par les situations queje me trouve po Mon travail en Inde a été légèrement atténuée par mon ascension du Everest. Beaucoup de gens sur le sous-estimons qu'une ascension de l'Everest transmet au grimpeur de quelque manière que ce soit plus de sagesse en multiples sujets. Je ne puis être d'accord , mais je n'ai jamais différend.
Mount Everest Facts
Following are some of the interesting facts and figures related to Mount/Mt Everest. It contains information about various expeditions and geographical facts and figures related to the Mount Everest.Age of Mt EverestMt Everest was formed about 60 million years ago Elevation 29,035 (8850m) was found to be 6' higher in 1999 Name in NepalSagarmatha (goddess of the sky) In TibetChomolungma (mother goddess of the universe) Named afterSir George Everest, the British surveyor-general of India Location:Latitude 27° 59' N,.Longitude 86° 56' E First AscentMay 29, 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary, NZ and Tenzing Norgay, NP First Solo AscentAug. 20, 1980, Reinhold Messner, IT First winter AscentFeb. 17, 1980 -L.Cichy and K. Wielicki, POL First Ascent by a WomanMay 16, 1975, Junko Tabei, JAP, via the South-Col Fastest AscentHans Kammerlander (IT) May, 24, 1996,16 hours 45 minutes from base camp Youngest personTemba Tsheri (NP) 15 on May, 22,2001 Oldest PersonSherman Bull May, 25,2001 -64 yrs First Legally Blind PersonErik Weihenmeyer May, 25,2001 Most AscentsEleven, 24th May 2000 Appa Sherpa became the Highest cause of deathAvalanches-about a (2:1) ratio over falls Country with most deathsNepal-46 Most dangerous areaKhumbu Ice Fall-19 deaths First ski-descentDavo Karnicar (Slovenia) 10-7-2000 Corpses on EverestAbout 120 Largest teamIn 1975, China, with a 410-member team Fastest descentIn 1988, Jean-Marc Boivin of France descended from the top in just 11 minutes, paragliding Climber to climb all 4 sidesKushang Sherpa Firstperson to hike from sea level 11th May 1990, Tim Snape, Australian First person to summit Everest twiceNawang Gombu
Mount Everest History
The history of the expedition of Mount Everest is interesting, yet gruesome. Since the first expedition in the year 1924, there were numerous attempts made for the summit but the first success came as late as in the year 1953. The expeditions have till now claimed more than 400 lives. Following is the Timeline of the expeditions of Mount Everest: -1841: Sir George Everest, Surveyor General of India from 1830 to 1843, records the location of Everest.1852: The Great Trigonometrical Survey of India determines the Peak XV is the highest mountain in the world. 1856: Surveyor Andrew Waugh completes the first height measurement, declaring Everest to be 8840 meters high. (29,002 feet)1865: Peak XV re-named Mt. Everest to honor Sir George Everest, the Surveyor General of India. Everest is known as Chomolungma in Tibet and Sagarmatha in Nepal.1923: While on a lecture tour in the United States, a reporter asks Mallory why he wants to climb Everest, and Mallory immortally replies, "Because it's there". 1924: June 8th: George Mallory and Andrew Irvine attempt the summit using oxygen and Irvine's modified oxygen apparatus. Noel Odell, climbing in support below, catches a glimpse of the climbers at 12:50 pm ascending a "great rock step" on the NE Ridge above. They never returned. During the 1933 expedition, Andrew Irvine's ice ax is found on the upper slopes of the mountain at about 27,690 feet (8440 meters) and approximately 250 yards (meters) east of the First Step. Mallory's remains were found at 26,750 feet (8150 meters), on a line vertically below the ice ax position. No evidence of a successful summit bid has been found, nor have any signs of the two climbers been found above the Second Step, the key to the route. Despite the lack of hard evidence, the debate on whether they reached the summit of Everest continues to this day.1953: British Expedition and First Summit. 1953,May 26: First Assault by Evans and Bourdillon from the South Col using closed-circuit oxygen sets. The same day Hunt leads a party of Sherpas from the South Col. Evans and Bourdillon reach the South Summit at 1 PM at an elevation of 28,750 feet (8770 meters), but are forced to descend due to the lateness of the hour, strong winds, and lack of oxygen.1953,May 29: Second Assault by Hillary and Tenzing using open-circuit oxygen sets. They leave Camp IX at approximately 27,900 feet (8500 meters) by 6:30 AM, and reach the S. Summit by 9 AM. After negotiating the 40 feet (12 meter) Hillary Step, they are the first to reach the summit of Everest, reaching the top at 11:30 AM. After descending to the South Col, they are met by George Lowe where Hillary states: "Well, George, we knocked the bastard off!"1955: The height of Everest is adjusted to 29,028 feet (8848 meters).
Mount Everest Heigh
Human mind is by nature sadist. It is by nature voyeuristic too. It likes controversy and lives by it. And if we talk precisely of South Asian societies then we can easily conclude that it is the most argumentative society between the two worlds. It is impossible to find a man or a thing for which two different and contradicting views are not proposed. The same goes true with Mount Everest too. Almost every man you ask will give you his and her exclusive data on it. I am positive that during your tours to Nepal you will come across so many conspiracy theories and versions about Mount Everest summit and related facts that you will faint only to be woken by another bizarre version of the same. The current height of Mount Everest has been deduced to 8848 meters or 29,028 feet above the sea level. It was in 1852 that this giant was first measured. Some sporadic efforts for its measurement were done earlier too but all of them were abandoned in the middle. In the year 1852, The British Trigonometrical Survey of India measured Everest's elevation as 29,002 feet above the sea level. How could, with such limited means and such primitive instruments, anyone find the actual height of the Everest? But surprisingly, that figure was extremely close to the actual height. This remarkably accurate figure remained the officially accepted height for more than one hundred years. It was only in the year 1955 that this figure was slightly adjusted. The adjusted height was merely 26 feet adrift of the 1852 figure. The adjusted figure stands at 29,028 feet (8,848 m). In the year 2007, the Federal Government of China decided to initiate another drive to measure the height of the Mount Everest. It has been done keeping in view the availability of modern technique and equipments. Besides, due to global warming and its counter-repercussions, the height of various mountain peaks has varied from the established figures.
Climbing Mount Everest
Tourists come to Nepal and relive their dreams. Some dream of meeting Lamas, the other dream of Yeti. Nevertheless, the most beautiful among all dreams is to conquer the Everest. Or as Sir Edmund Hillary said,"to knock the bastard off". Amateurs and Novices are not allowed to scale the Everest, though they can go to the highest base camp that is very close to the peak. It is the place from where the final and decisive ascent starts. The Everest experience begins at Lukla airport that is at the height of 2,850 meters. The trail runs almost parallel to the thundering Dudh Koshi River as it sally down the narrow gorges. Just a kilometer walk and hillocks give way to the gigantic peaks that look so intimidating. The vivid fauna and flora of Himalayas mark the route. After a couple of hours of tedious trek you reach Namche Bazaar that is at 3,446 meters. It is an enchanting settlement set in a horseshoe-shaped mountain amphitheater. Its Saturday market is a social event where merchandise of daily use as well as souvenirs left by the mountaineers is sold. Tengboche Monastery is just a 3-hour walk from here. The place gives a clear view of various mountain peaks including the Everest. Time and weather permitting, you can also visit the school in Khumjung village, which was built by Sir Edmund Hillary. The next hurdle comes in the form of forest. You have to cross the dark tropical forests that are above 4,000 meters from the sea level. This is the place where you will find different varieties of plants and birds including Rhododendron and Dhanfe, the national flower and bird of Nepal respectively. At Pheriche a visit to the Trekkers aid post will be an educational as well as an interesting experience. During Trekking season there are western Doctors to treat mountaineers from complications like frostbite and altitude sickness. An hour's trek takes you to Dingboche. To aid your acclimatization process you have a rest day in Dingboche. Depending on how you feel; you may wish to rest for the day and relax, or you may wish to do some exploring around. From Phalang Karpo at 4340 m. the view of valley is spectacular. On this trek you will also come across stone monuments that have been erected in the memory of those who have fallen during the various expedition to Everest since the year 1970.The trek from Lobuje to Gorakshep (5160 m.) is a short one and in normal course you will arrive at Gorakshep before lunchtime. You have an option of having lunch at Gorakshep and then climbing Kalapattar or taking a packed lunch to Kalapattar and eating your lunch while enjoying the view. From Kalapattar you will be descending back to Gorakshep that was the base camp for the 1952 Swiss Everest Expedition. The climb to Kalapattar is a steep ascent but form there the entire Everest south face is visible. As you near the top of Kalapattar, more of the peak of Everest comes into view. The summit of Kalapattar on the ridge towards Pumori will allow a view all the way to the South Col. For those who are fine and have no problem with altitude sickness can further explore towards the Base Camp. The highlight of going to Base Camp is that you can come across Expedition going to Everest and get a first hand insight as what happens Expedition of Everest.
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