Quck answer
The highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest, located in the Himalayas on the border of Nepal and China. It reaches a staggering height of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet). Mount Everest is part of the famous Seven Summits, which includes the highest mountains on each of the seven continents. Despite its extreme altitude and challenging conditions, Mount Everest attracts climbers from around the globe who seek to conquer its summit. The mountain has a rich history and is a symbol of human endurance and determination.
On certain days, you may feel so elated that you believe you are on top of the world. Did you know that some people have actually stood on top of the world? It’s true!
Those individuals who have successfully climbed to the summit of Mount Everest — the tallest mountain on Earth — can proudly claim to have reached the highest point on this planet. And how high have they ascended? A staggering 29,029 feet (8,848 meters) — approximately 5.5 miles! — above sea level.
However, Mount Everest has not always been the highest peak on Earth. Around 60 million years ago, the Indian and Asian tectonic plates collided, resulting in the formation of immense rock formations that soared into the sky. Consequently, the Himalayan mountain range emerged, with Mount Everest standing as its highest elevation. Presently, Mount Everest continues to grow at a rate of about one quarter-inch per year!
Despite its ancient existence, Mount Everest has only been explored in the last couple of centuries. In 1841, Sir George Everest led a British survey team that initially identified Mount Everest and designated it as Peak 15. Later on, it was renamed Mount Everest in honor of Sir George Everest.
The pinnacle, or utmost point, of Mount Everest is situated at an altitude that surpasses the usual flight level of many airplanes and surpasses the altitude of birds’ flight. The summit essentially demarcates the border between Nepal to the south and Tibet to the north. In Nepal, Mount Everest is referred to as “Sagarmatha,” meaning “Goddess of the Sky,” while in Tibet, it is called “Chomolungma,” meaning “Mother Goddess of the Universe.”
The summit of Mount Everest protrudes into the jet stream, a potent wind current in the upper atmosphere of the Earth. Consequently, the top of Mount Everest can experience wind speeds exceeding 200 miles per hour and temperatures as low as -80° F.
Such weather conditions would make it nearly impossible to stand on the summit of Mount Everest. However, twice a year (in May and November), the jet stream shifts just far enough north to provide climbers with an opportunity to attempt reaching the top when the winds are calm and temperatures are relatively warmer. These periods are referred to as “summit windows” by climbers.
Nevertheless, ascending to the top of Mount Everest is an arduous task. The first individuals to ever reach the summit were Sir Edmund Hilary from New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay from Nepal. They accomplished this feat on May 29, 1953.
Since then, thousands of people have successfully reached the summit. Unfortunately, many climbers have lost their lives while attempting the climb. Due to the high altitude, the climb takes approximately two months, as the human body requires ample time to acclimatize to the reduced oxygen levels at high altitudes.
Climbers also encounter numerous other challenges. Apart from extremely cold weather, they must navigate through rugged terrain. Additionally, they must carry essential items such as tents, sleeping bags, and food supplies, while also utilizing specialized climbing equipment. This includes crampons (spikes) on their boots, ice axes, nylon ropes, ladders, and oxygen tanks, all of which are necessary for their trek to the summit.
Fortunately, climbers receive significant assistance from the Sherpas, the local people of Nepal who reside near Mount Everest. These individuals play the role of climbing guides and help transport supplies between base camps along the climbing routes.
Give It a Try
Are you prepared to reach new heights? Enlist the help of a friend or family member and explore the activities below:
- Respiration, also known as breathing rate, plays a crucial role in mountain climbing. Watch this video to learn how to measure your respiration. Then, follow the provided instructions to track your breaths per minute. Measure your breathing rate at rest, after exercise, and during mild activity. Were you surprised by the results? Can you repeat the activities and measurements twice more and calculate the average? Add the three respiration numbers together and divide by three. Did you get the result you expected? Share your findings with a friend or family member.
- Imagine you are packing for a mountain climb. Which mountain would you choose? What equipment would you bring? Need some inspiration? Watch Highsnobiety’s guide to climbing Mount Fuji video! What equipment does Ambrose Leung mention? What are his tips? Share your packing list with a friend or family member.
- Which do you think would be more thrilling: reaching the summit of Mount Everest or diving to the deepest part of the ocean? What other adventures do you find even more exhilarating than these remarkable feats? Create your own bucket list of adventures you would like to experience someday. Share your list with a friend or family member. What types of adventures would they join you on?
Sources of Wonder
- http://www.alanarnette.com/kids/everest11.htm
- http://www.buzzle.com/articles/mount-everest-facts-for-kids.html
FAQ
1. Where is the highest mountain located?
The highest mountain in the world is Mount Everest. It is located in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and China (Tibet Autonomous Region). Mount Everest is part of the Mahalangur Himal sub-range of the Himalayas.
2. How tall is Mount Everest?
Mount Everest stands at a height of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level. It is known for being the highest point on Earth, and climbers from all over the world strive to reach its summit.
3. Can Mount Everest be climbed?
Yes, Mount Everest can be climbed, but it is a challenging and dangerous endeavor. Climbing Mount Everest requires extensive preparation, physical fitness, and mountaineering skills. Only experienced climbers with proper training and equipment attempt to reach the summit.
4. How many people have successfully climbed Mount Everest?
As of 2021, more than 6,000 people have successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest. However, climbing Mount Everest is not without risks, and there have been numerous fatalities over the years due to extreme weather conditions, avalanches, and other hazards.
5. Are there any other notable mountains in the world?
Yes, apart from Mount Everest, there are several other notable mountains in the world. Some of these include K2 (located on the China-Pakistan border), Kangchenjunga (located on the border of Nepal and India), and Mount Kilimanjaro (located in Tanzania). Each of these mountains offers its own unique challenges and experiences for climbers.
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