Why do people die on Everest and at what height. Where is Mount Everest? Basic information about the geographical feature Mount Everest
Greetings my inquisitive readers, or as they say in China "Nihao". You are probably wondering why I suddenly spoke in Chinese? Everything is simple! Today I would like to tell you about the most beautiful, and at the same time dangerous grief Everest.
Everest, or as the locals call it Chomolungma, is considered the highest point on earth above sea level. There are so many legends and stories around this amazing peak that you yourself begin to think “maybe I should risk conquering Everest?”
I’ll tell dreamers and just adventurers right away that even among trained professional climbers, not everyone dares to climb Chomolungma. It is only in photographs and videos that climbers smile with happiness, standing among the never-melting ice. In reality, this is an extremely life-threatening occupation. Only one attempt to climb Everest out of ten is successful. In other cases, many simply turn back when a few tens of meters remain to the top.
Everest height above sea level
Everything from the fact that the last meters are the most difficult and dangerous, and few dare to risk their lives once again. The height of Everest above sea level, according to officially accepted data, is 8848 meters, but disputes are still ongoing. China, for example, believes that the height of the highest mountain in the world is four meters less. They measured without taking into account the ice cap.
But the Americans established with the help of navigation devices that Everest is two meters higher, the Italians, in general, consider the mountain to be eleven meters higher than the official figure. In general, while there are disputes, the official height remains the same. But every year, the mountain grows by several centimeters, due to the constant movement of lithospheric plates.
Chomolungma: some historical facts
It is known from history that Everest used to be the bottom of an ancient ocean. But due to the beginning of the movement of the titanic plates, when the Indian lithospheric plate collided with the Eurasian one, a large mountainous Himalayan range rose. And Everest was at the head of it. The plates keep shifting, so in the near future the mountain will only grow. Of course, if it had not been trampled down by hundreds of tourists trying to climb to the top, it would have grown faster. Kidding.
There are many fans in the world who dream of conquering this mysterious mountain at least once in their lives. But often their dreams are not destined to come true, and the main reason for this is. After all, a full-fledged expedition needs something around $ 100,000. And this is not counting the fact that health should be just perfect. At a minimum, you should be able to run 10 kilometers of cross-country skiing. Least.
The best time to climb Everest
Everest is part of a large chain of mountain ranges of the Himalayas. Everest itself is surrounded by younger brothers, so you can see the mountain in full glory only by climbing to the neighboring peaks.
In winter, the temperature at the peak of Everest can drop to -60 0 C. And in the summer, in the warmest month, July does not rise above -19 0 C. But spring is considered the most suitable season for climbing. In summer, there are frequent monsoon rains at the top. And in the fall it is already dangerous, due to the possible avalanches.
In which country is the highest mountain Everest located?
There were many disputes here, because Nepal and China were at enmity for a very long time, and when relative peace was established (although it looks more like an occupation than peace), it was decided to draw a border, just in the middle of the peak of Everest. Now officially the mountain is located on the territory of two states, and is equally considered the property of both countries. The southern part of Everest is in Nepal and the northern part is in Tibet, autonomous region China.
Until the middle of the nineteenth century, the most high mountain considered Knchenjunga, but thanks to the Welsh mathematician George Everest, who proved that Everest is higher, the scientific world recognized this fact. The mountain was named after him.
Temperature at the top of Everest
In general, on Everest, let's say, it's not hot. The temperature there never rises above 0 degrees. The coldest month is January. This month, the average level of the thermometer is -36 degrees Celsius, and can drop to -60C. The warmest month is July. You can comfortably “warm up” at minus 19 degrees Celsius (average value).
Where is the most beautiful view of Everest?
To see how beautiful Everest is, you need to overcome several obstacles.
First is to climb to the top of Kalapattar.
It is from her that a view of the glacier opens, as if Everest rises above the whole world.
Second- choose a good time to shoot, because due to poor visibility, you can spend the whole day and not take a single photo. The weather in the mountains is constantly changing, and every minute here is worth its weight in gold.
Everest conquerors: the most famous records of the Earth
The first to climb the peak of Everest was the scientist Edmund Hillary, with him was his assistant Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, a local resident and guide.
The youngest conqueror of the peak is 13-year-old American Jordan Romnro. Of course, the Japanese also did not stand aside, and it was the Japanese who became the oldest conqueror - 80-year-old Yuchiro Miura
The list goes on, a variety of records were set on the roof of our world. From it they rolled on a snowboard, sent messages and photos to social networks, and much more.
The one who put on a great freestyle snowboarding show was Marco Siffredi. Not to be confused with Rocko.
Look at the photos of both Mount Everest itself and its surroundings, which the Internet is full of, and you will understand why the mountain attracts travelers from all over the world so much. By the way, Yandex did something like virtual tour to Everest.
In its significance, Everest can be compared, perhaps with, which is considered the deepest in the world.
Although Everest is considered the roof of the world, other mountains of considerable height are not far behind the mountain - Lhotse, which is its neighbor. And famous volcano Russia and Europe - which is also one of the seven largest peaks in the world.
What does above sea level mean?
Interesting question, right? Scientists several centuries ago considered that it would be more correct to measure the height of the land, starting from the sea line. It is convenient and there are no unnecessary questions. After all, everything above the sea line is land and animals and people can live on it, and what is below is the seabed. Of course, it is also from the earth, only people cannot live there.
So, any measurement of the height of mountains and various ranges is measured in this way, from sea level. If the reporting point were different, then Everest would no longer be the largest peak in the world. And its place would be taken by the famous Hawaiian volcano Mauna Kea, 4200 m high, going down another 6000 meters. Count for yourself.
The unusual story of conquering the summit of Everest
At times civil war in, many centuries ago, when a brother went to his brother, one young guy fell in love with a beautiful girl, but they were not destined to be together due to the fact that their families were enemies. The girl liked the guy too. After all, he was brave and strong, and most importantly, he did not retreat from his love. Despite prohibitions and enmity, he fought for his beloved.
But, unfortunately, the couple in love found out about their relationship and decided to forcibly marry the girl and take her to her husband in another village. The girl managed to convey a message to her lover about this event. And the guy in love decided to steal his beloved and run away from the enmity and war that was imposed on them.
On the day when the wedding ceremony was to take place, the bride was transported in a special wagon to the place where the groom was waiting. But on the way, a guy in love caught up with the wagon and extorted escort, took his girlfriend, and they galloped as far as possible. But here failure awaited them, since the horse could not carry two for a long time, so it quickly ran out of steam. And at this time, a chase was sent for the fugitives.
And when the lovers were already catching up, the girl began to pray for their salvation. God, having heard such a sincere request to save his beloved, decided to help. Suddenly, a strong whirlwind rose under the couple, and carried them to the foot of Mount Chomolungma.
And since then, the highlanders who live in the most sacred place believe that they were chosen by the gods. Therefore, traditions are still sacredly honored.
How much does it cost to conquer Everest?
Anyone who has read about Everest knows that traveling is not cheap. And with average estimates, it will cost $ 100,000, or even more. Most of this amount will go to the fee that every tourist who wants to conquer the highest mountain pays. It is $35,000 and is revised every year.
Of course, many of you will be outraged, "robbery" and so on. But even with such numbers, there are enough applicants, and every year their number is growing. But every climber conquering Everest leaves behind mountains of garbage, and who will clean it up. After all, you can’t deliver transport to the mountain, because the air is very rarefied. And not every person dares to get up and clean up dirty tourists.
Of course, most of the equipment becomes unusable or simply unnecessary, for example, used oxygen tanks, and it is very difficult to carry the extra load to the top. After all, with every kilometer it becomes more difficult to go, and weight matters when you climb the peak.
For each person, the rise can last in different ways, from a month to 4. It all depends on the state of your health and the experience of climbing other mountain peaks.
Well, if you still dare to go on an expedition, then study everything about the mountain itself and the payment in advance. additional services guides and conductors, this is not counting the porters and the climbing equipment itself. Make an estimate of the ascent, and go!
Good luck in conquering Everest and remember the wisdom of the highlanders living there for many generations: “Everest has a soul, it honors the attitude and character of the person who decided to conquer it. And if you do it only out of vanity, the mountain will never submit to you!”.
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Or Everest or Sagarmatha - the most high mountain peace. Yes, Chomolungma and Everest are one and the same.
Do not know, where is Chomolungma located? We inform you The mountain is part of the Mahalangur-Himal range in the Himalayas, on the border of Nepal and Tibet. However, its peak itself is located in China. Near Everest there are several more mountains above 7 kilometers -, Changze, including another eight-thousander - Lhotse.
Mount Chomolungma (Everest) - height and facts
The height of Everest is 8848 meters, and the last 4 meters are solid ice. Chomolungma was "built" by nature in the form of a trihedral pyramid, the southern slope is steeper. Glaciers flow down from the massif in all directions, ending at an altitude of about 5 km. Mount Chomolungma partly part of the Nepalese national park Sagarmatha. At the top of the Chomolungma, there are strong winds blowing at speeds up to 200 km / h.
Never rises above zero. The average norm in January is -36 ° C, but can drop to -60 at night. In July, the air warms up to -19.
But where is Chomolungma on the map.
Mount Chomolungma: the history of the name
Translated from Tibetan, "Chomolungma" means "Divine (qomo) Mother (ma) of life (lung - wind or life force)", named after the Bon goddess Sherab Chzhamma.
From the Nepalese name of the peak "Sagarmatha" means "Mother of the Gods".
English name given to Chomolungma - Everest(Mount Everest) was awarded in honor of Sir George Everest, the head of the Survey of British India in 1830-1843. This name was proposed in 1856 by George Everest's successor Andrew Waugh, at the same time as the publication of the results of his collaborator Radhanath Sikdar, who in 1852 first measured the height of "Peak XV" and showed that it is the highest in the whole world.
Everest: history of ascents
The first ascent of Chomolungma was made on May 29, 1953 by Sherpa Tenzing Norgay and New Zealander Edmund Hillary through the South Col. They used oxygen devices.
In subsequent years, climbers from different countries world - China, USA, India, Japan, Italy.
Spring 1975 Chomolungma, photo which you look further, is stormed for the first time by a women's expedition. The first woman to conquer Chomolungma was the Japanese climber Junko Tabei (1976). The first Polish woman and the first European to reach the summit was Wanda Rutkiewicz (1978). The first Russian woman to reach the summit was Ekaterina Ivanova (1990).
In May 1982, 11 members of the Soviet expedition of climbers conquered Everest, climbing the southwestern slope that was previously considered impassable, and 2 ascents were made at night. Prior to this, none of the climbers who were part of the expedition had climbed above 7.6 km.
In subsequent years, climbers from Great Britain, Nepal, the USA again climb Everest along the classical path of pioneers. South Korea, Austria and other countries.
As a rule, it is conquered by climbers in oxygen masks. At an altitude of 8 km, the air is rarefied, and it is very difficult to breathe. The first to reach the summit without oxygen were the Italian Reinhold Messner and the German Peter Habeler in 1978.
Flying over Everest
In 2001, a French couple, Bertrand and Claire Bernier, flew down from the summit in a tandem glider.
In May 2004, the Italian Angelo D'Arrigo for the first time in the history of aeronautics made a hang glider flight over the top of the highest mountain in the world.
On May 14, 2005, test pilot Didier Delsalle successfully landed a Eurocopter AS 350 Ecureuil helicopter on top of the mountain. It was the first such landing.
In 2008, 3 skydivers landed on the summit by jumping from an airplane flying at an altitude of just under 9 km (142 m above the highest point of the mountain).
Chomolungma and ski slopes
First attempt to descend from the summit skiing was undertaken in 1969 by the Japanese Miura. It didn't end the way he planned; Miura almost fell into the abyss, but miraculously managed to escape and survived.
In 1992, a French skier, Pierre Tardevel, skied down the slope of Everest. He left the southern peak, located at an altitude of 8571 m, and covered 3 km in 3 hours.
After 4 years, the Italian skier Hans Kammerlander descended from a height of 6400 m along the northern slope.
In 1998, the Frenchman Cyril Desremo made the first descent from the summit on a snowboard.
In 2000, Slovenian Davo Karnicar left Chomolungma on skis.
Climbing Everest: cemetery and corpses on the mountain
Since the first ascent to the summit in 1953, it has become a cemetery for more than 200 people. The bodies of the dead often remain on the slopes of the mountain due to the difficulties associated with their evacuation. Some of them serve as a guide for climbers. The most common causes of death: lack of oxygen, heart failure, frostbite, avalanches.
Even the most expensive and modern equipment does not always guarantee a successful ascent to the highest peak in the world. However, every year about 500 people try to conquer Chomolungma. The total number exceeded 3000 people.
Climbing to the top takes about 2 months - with acclimatization and setting up camps. Weight loss after climbing - an average of 10-15 kilograms. The main season for climbing Everest is spring and autumn, as there are no monsoons at this time. The most suitable season for climbing the southern and northern slopes is spring. In autumn you can climb only from the south.
At present, a significant part of ascents is organized by specialized firms and performed as part of commercial groups. The clients of these firms pay for the services of guides who provide the necessary training, equipment and, as far as possible, ensure safety along the way.
The cost of an all-inclusive climb (equipment, transport, guides, porters, etc.) averages from 40 to 80 thousand US dollars, and the climbing permit alone issued by the government of Nepal costs from 10 to 25 thousand dollars per person (depending on group size). The cheapest way to conquer Chomolungma is from Tibet.
A significant proportion of travelers reaching the summit are now wealthy tourists with minimal mountaineering experience.
According to experts, the success of the expedition directly depends on the weather and equipment. Climbing Everest continues to be a serious challenge for everyone, regardless of their level of preparation.
An essential role is played by acclimatization before climbing Everest. A typical expedition from the south side takes up to two weeks to climb from Kathmandu to Chomolungma Base Camp at 5364 meters, and another month to acclimatize to the altitude before the first summit attempt is made.
The most difficult part of climbing Everest is the last 300 meters, nicknamed by climbers "the longest mile on Earth." Successful passage of this section requires overcoming a steep, smooth stone slope covered with powdered snow. no less difficult is the conquest of Chogori.
Chomolungma (Everest) and ecology
The number of tourists visiting the mountain (not the summit) from Nepal and Tibet over the past ten years has been in the hundreds of thousands. The volume of garbage accumulated on the slopes of the mountain is so great that Chomolungma (Everest) is "the highest mountain dump in the world." According to ecologists, after the conquerors, an average of 3 kg of garbage remains for each.
Mount Chomolungma photo:
Mount Everest, other names Chomolungma (Chomolungma) or Sagarmatha, the highest peak in the world. Its height has been repeatedly measured recently. Therefore, even in official materials there are three sets of numbers: 8848 m, 8850 m, 8844 m. The first of them is firmly embedded in our memory. The latter was given by measurements from the Chinese side.
This question is not easy, because we are talking about the height of the highest mountain on Earth. And it is very correct that the parties concerned agreed to conditionally consider the height equal to 8848 meters in the near future.
Where does the British name come from?
The Himalayas is a very old word, the Indo-Aryans have called and called the highest mountains of the world for more than one thousand years. Maybe someone has already given a name to the highest peak of this mountainous country? Maybe it will open up in time.
Geologists believe that Everest began to form 60 million years ago, when the Indian platform began to run into the Eurasian one. The Himalayas and other mountainous regions of Central Asia are recognized as young mountains.
In the late 40s of the 19th century, English surveyors measured the height of the peaks located on the border of Tibet and Nepal. It was part great job border mapping Indian possessions Great Britain and part of the "great game" against a rival for expansion in Asia, Russian empire. For a long time, for several years, materials were processed, only in 1856 a report appeared, which contained information that the peak at number XV reaches a height of 29002 feet or 8840 meters. It must be said that at that time neither Nepal nor Tibet allowed foreigners into their territory at that time. Therefore, the measurements were carried out from a distance of 170 -190 km, from the tops of the border mountains. The error in this case is determined within 300 meters. So the accuracy was almost unbelievable.
An unambiguous local name, like, say, Kanchenjunga, was not found by English surveyors. They searched badly, they just really wanted to call the peak by its name. However, this could not be done without long discussions. Years passed, and only in 1865, the head of geodetic services, Andrew Waugh, managed to agree with the Royal Geographical Society to give the peak the name Mount Everest. In honor of the merits of one of the most outstanding explorers in this region, George Everest (1790 - 1866).
George Everest arrived in India in 1806. At first he was an artillery cadet, then he was sent to the geodetic service. In 1818 Everest became assistant director, and in 1823 director of the Great Trigonometrical Survey. It was under his leadership that in the next 20 years an unprecedented action for those times was carried out on the geodetic survey of Hindustan from the extreme South to the Pamirs. It was an outstanding work, a real breakthrough in the development of practical geodesy. So the name of the peak was given in honor of a worthy person.
It's funny that John Everest himself was of Welsh origin and called himself Ivrist. But the mountain in English transcription immediately began to be called Everist. For the whole world, who does not speak English well, she began to be called Everest .., which, with a certain stretch, can be called "always resting." Again, it is interesting that George himself had the nickname "Neverest" - "never resting."
Note that Everest himself in 1857 took part in a meeting about the names and spoke out against the use of his name. In his opinion, the name does not correspond well to local languages and cannot be assimilated by the natives.
Results of cartographic works
and process
Or maybe Gaurizankar?
The Schlaginweit brothers are real knights of science
In 1862, the German traveler geographer Hermann Schlaginweit, after returning from Tibet, announced in Berlin that this peak has a local name Gaurizankar. I must say that this message was favorably received by the world scientific community, which did not quite agree with the fact that the highest peak in the world was so easily given an English name. Gradually, the name Gaurizankar became generally accepted, almost everyone agreed with this. Even in England. An ardent supporter of the statement in the name of the local name was Douglas Freshfield, the greatest authority in geography and mountaineering.
Freshfield was the first climber in the Caucasus (1868). In 1899 he conducted the first Himalayan expedition "Around Kanchenjunga". Together with Clinton Dent, he was the first to voice the idea of the possibility and necessity of climbing Everest. But he called him Gaurizankar for a long time...
However, the specialists of the Indian Trigonometric Service did not give up. They stood their ground and had an advantage: the game took place "on their field and by their rules." At the beginning of the 20th century, special studies were carried out, which provided the facts that Gaurizankar is a completely different peak. The age-old confrontation between the British and the Germans, which escalated at the beginning of the century, led to the fact that the matter also acquired a political character. On the eve of the World War, England fully adopted the name "Everest".
Francis Younghusband, the famous explorer-traveler, took the Everest initiative into his reliable hands in the 20th century ...
And the final victory on a global scale occurred in the early 1920s, when the British expeditions hit the front pages of newspapers and the name became known to every cultured person. Although at the same time it became clear to almost everyone that the peak has a name, and it was long before the arrival of the British. Tibetans and Sherpas called the mountain Chomolungma. Moreover, this name was known in Europe. On the maps made by French preachers at the end of the 18th century, there was the name Chumulankma. The London geographers could not have been unaware of this!
"Call me Chomolungma!"
So the struggle continued on and continues now. The point of view of opponents of English names in the 20th century was supported by the national liberation forces of India. At a meeting of their Congress (Parliament), they ridiculed the British, not wanting any mercy for the outgoing "big brother". And the Chinese communists, together with their Soviet comrades-in-arms, preferred the Tibetan word Chomolungma (in ours) or Chomolungma (in theirs, which is more correct). This is how our geography textbooks called the top of the world. Under this name, Tenzing Norgay recognized her as a boy, as the Sherpas and Tibetans living in the district call her.
However, the climbing world as a whole continues to use the name Everest... However, the game continues. "Call me Chomolungma!" Appellez my Chomolungma! - such a slogan was put forward in 2002 in France. He did not have a great response and joined the general outline of the public struggle for the preservation of the identity of Tibet. It has the character of an anti-Chinese company. But for the French (I wonder if they read it as "Chomolyungma") and a bit anti-English.
A little later, another name appeared: Sagarmatha. It was already introduced by the Nepalese authorities. They picked a suitable Hindu-sounding word for the occasion. Sagarmatha is called highest peak world official Nepalese documents, so called national park organized at its foot.
The Sherpa people, inhabiting the foot of the Mountain, accepted all three names with philosophical calmness. After all, human language is a process. And any object is called the way people call it. In this case, Everest is 80 percent Everest, and only the remaining 20 percent is Chomolungma, and almost zero is Sagarmatha. After all, his name is pronounced, first of all, by climbers. Or in the context of mountaineering .... And it is with the word Everest that the whole dramatic history of struggle and victories is connected, the history of Mallory and Irwin, Tenzing and Hillary, Messner and Bonington, Myslovsky and Balyberdin, many and many others ....
The story that made the mountain come alive.
Every inhabitant of the planet who has studied geography at least a little knows that the highest peak of the Earth is Mount Everest. Few people know that many legends and mystical stories are associated with it. Due to complex weather conditions conquering the summit becomes a difficult mission for many climbers. Read on to find out where the legendary hill is located, its history and climate.
Chomolungma is the highest peak on the planet, located in the Himalayas. Translated from Tibetan, “Chomolungma” means “Divine Mother of Life”. The mountain has two more names - Sagarmatha and Everest. The latter was awarded in honor of the head of the Indian Geodetic Survey, George Everest, in 1856. He devoted 37 years to the study of this territory. That is how the name of the mountain was proposed by the successor of George Everest, Andrew Waugh. In 1852, Radhanath Sikdar measured its height and proved that Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
In 1950, a Chinese expedition measured the height of the mountain, which is how the figure of 8,848 meters appeared. These indicators are considered officially recognized. Further there were still attempts to measure the height of Everest. The Italian scientist Ardito Desio measured the height of Chomolungma using radio equipment. He proved that its height is 8,872 meters, which is 11 meters more than the official data.
Already in 1999, American scientists measured the exact height using GPS navigators, it was 8,850 meters above sea level. Due to the movement of the earth's plates, the height of Everest increases by several millimeters every year. As of 2014, the official height of the peak was 8,848 meters.
Where is Everest
Chomolungma is part of the Himalayan mountain range, is part of the Khumbu Himal and is part of the Nepalese Sagarmatha National Park. The mountain has the shape of a trihedral pyramid. It has two peaks. The highest - northern, belongs to the territory of China. The southern peak is 8760 meters, located on the Chinese-Nepalese border. For a long time there were disputes about which country this miracle of nature belongs to. Since 1959, it has been considered that Chomolungma is national treasure Nepal and China.
The southern slope of the mountain is steeper, as a result of which it remains without snow cover. Glaciers are located on the last four meters of the peak. Glacier waters flow down all the slopes, ending at an altitude of five km. System Himalayan mountains stretches for 3000 km, and their width is 350 km.
Everest is adjacent to the mountains of Lhotse, South and North Col and Changse. In the east there is an indescribable mountain wall Kangashug. The mountain range is located in China, India, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Myanmar and Nepal.
How did Everest originate?
Chomolungma is over 60 million years old. As a result of a noticeable movement of two tectonic plates (Asian and Indian), the Himalayas were formed, above which Everest towered majestically. This region is considered seismically active, so the height of the peak gradually increased. This is the scientific version of the emergence of the highest elevation of the world.
Tibetans think differently. They support the theory of the origin of the mountain from the sea. This is evidenced by the finds of archaeologists in the form of fossilized remains of prehistoric fish and shells. In their opinion, a five-headed monster rose from the sea, which animals and birds were afraid of. Fairies began to protect nature, then they turned into five snowy hills. One of them was Chomolungma.
Chomolungma - the sacred mountain of the Sherpas
Among the local residents of Nepal, you can meet Sherpas who live near Chomolungma. They are an ethnic group that migrated from China five centuries ago to the south side of the Himalayas. For several decades now, they have been serving as guides and accompanying groups of climbers to Everest. Centuries of residence high altitude made Sherpas immune to data climatic conditions, so their experience is especially appreciated by many tourists.
Sherpas consider Everest sacred mountain, because, in their opinion, gods, demons and spirits live in it. There is a legend among the locals that once the Indian preacher Padmasabhava (the founder of Tibetan Buddhism) came up with the idea of organizing competitions to see who would quickly conquer the top of Chomolungma. One of the lamas of the official Bon religion became his rival. The elder brought a sunbeam to the top so that the enemy would lose. As a sign of his defeat, he left a drum on the mountain. Since then, when an avalanche of snow descends from the slopes of the mountain, the Sherpas beat drums to scare away evil spirits.
Before each ascent to Chomolungma, Sherpas perform a special ritual. It consists of meditation and prayer. Thus they put their soul and thoughts in order. Asking sacred mountain don't ruin their lives. At the foot of the mountain there is a repository of special items for ritual ceremonies: stupas, drums and mantras. Also, they commemorate all those who died on the mountain. A memorial pyramid was erected in their honor.
Climatic conditions of Everest
Hundreds of climbers strive to conquer the mountain. The harsh climate prevents many from achieving their goal. In autumn and spring, at the top, the wind reaches a speed of 300 km per hour. In winter, severe storms can also occur. At night, the air temperature can drop to -50 - 60 C °, and in the daytime to -40 C °. It is dominated by monsoon winds that come from the south and bring precipitation. Before each expedition, climbers wonder what the air temperature is at the top of the mountain. At any moment, you can get into a strong storm or find yourself under an avalanche.
Cold air, low atmospheric pressure and lack of oxygen prevent the existence of vegetation. At the same time, below on the slopes you can find bunches of grass, some representatives of coniferous plants and moss. In some places there are legendary shrubs (snow rhododendron), which can grow at a temperature of -23 C °, at an altitude of 5000 meters above sea level. Regarding the animal world, it is also poor, like vegetable world. Himalayan spiders and grasshoppers live here, which are able to survive at an altitude of 6000 meters.
The history of climbing Everest
Chomolungma is considered one of the most dangerous places in the world. When it became known that this is the highest point on the planet, many brave men went to conquer it. About 235 climbers and local residents died during the ascent or descent from the mountain from oxygen starvation, low atmospheric pressure, frostbite, heavy winds, mountain sickness and rock falls.
In 1950, French climbers were only able to reach the summit of Annapurna. This is considered the first ascent to a height of more than eight thousand meters. As for the highest peak, the history of conquering the summit has thousands of attempts. The first successful summit of Everest took place in 1953 by Edmund Hillary and Norgay Tenzing. In their expedition they use oxygen tanks.
From that moment on, for every climber, climbing this mountain has become a dream of a lifetime. In 1982, a detachment of Soviet climbers climbed Everest. The route ran along a difficult slope at night. Only one of the expedition members, Vladimir Balyberdin, was able to climb without using an oxygen tank.
The most terrible and mystical stories are considered such.
An unusual legend is connected with the death of David Sharp, an English mountaineer. He climbed the mountain without additional equipment because he did not have enough money to buy it. At an altitude of 8000 meters, his oxygen tank failed. The climber lost consciousness and was left to die on the mountainside. The expedition members who passed by did not provide first aid to the dying man, as they sought to become the first conquerors highest peak Earth. 100 meters from the summit, one of these climbers suddenly began to feel unwell and died a few hours later. Another experienced climber barely survived frostbite, but was saved. Locals believe that people were punished by mystical forces for their deed.
A similar situation has developed with Indian athletes who fell under an avalanche. Japanese climbers, who at that time were climbing to the top, saw helpless colleagues, but passed by. Therefore, before climbing a mountain, you should always rely only on your own strength and financial resources.
In 1994, climbers Irving and Mallory were able to conquer the summit, but way back died. What caused their death is not known. Climbers claim that to this day, the remains of Mallory's body can be seen on the mountainside, which produce a frightening spectacle.
Climbers went to conquer the top of the mountain not only in groups, but also with their spouses. For local residents I especially remember the story of Sergei Arsentev and his wife Francis. They set a record by climbing to the top of Everest without oxygen, but something went wrong on the way down. The couple were separated under the influence of harsh weather conditions. When the climber first reached the camp, he realized that something had happened to his wife. The woman was covered by an avalanche. The attempts of the Russian athlete to save his wife turned out to be fruitless. Arsentiev died after falling off the slope. Francis is the first woman to conquer the mountain. They called her "Sleeping Beauty".
It is hard to imagine that the words "Chomolungma", "Everest", "Peak XV", "Sagarmatha" are the names of the same mountain, high point on the planet. To date, the height of Everest is 8848 meters, and this is far from the final figure - according to scientists, the peak increases by another 5 mm every year.
Everest height. Description of the object and general information
On the planet, it rushes up among the eternal snows of the Himalayan mountain range on the border of two states: China and Nepal. Nevertheless, it is generally accepted that the peak itself is located on the territory of the Celestial Empire.
One of the names - "Chomolungma" - translated from Tibetan sounds very beautiful "Mother of the Wind" or, according to some other sources, "Mother life force earth." The Nepalese are accustomed to calling her "Sagarmatha", which means "Mother of the Gods".
The more familiar name for us "Everest" in 1856 was proposed by the Englishman Andrew Waugh, who at that time was the successor of D. Everest, the head of the geodetic department in British India. Before that, in Europe, the mountain was called "Peak XV".
It is noteworthy that it is unlikely that you will be able to immediately see Everest from the Nepalese side - it is blocked from the outside world by the Nuptse and Lhotse mountains, whose height is no less impressive and is 7879 m and 8516 m, respectively.
The most courageous and enduring adventurers climb Kala Pattar or Gokyo Ri to admire the top of the world and take breathtaking pictures.
Everest height. Climbing history
This mountain attracted and continues to attract climbers from all over the world. Without exaggeration, we can say that Everest has become a place of "pilgrimage" for climbers. Every year, hundreds of climbers come here who strive, if not to visit the summit, then at least to see the legendary mountain with their own eyes.
Everest is considered difficult to climb: the peak has a pyramidal shape with a steeper slope on the south side. At an altitude of 5 thousand meters, the glaciers end, and on the steep slopes of the mountain, snow does not linger at all.
For the first time, the mountain was conquered at the end of May 1953. The team consisted of thirty people who used - it is impossible without them. Almost 30 years later, Soviet climbers climbed the southeastern wall. Ukrainian athletes M.Turkevich and S.Bershov were especially distinguished - they made the first night ascent in history.
To date, according to the latest statistics, about 3,000 climbers from all over the planet have already managed to visit Everest. Unfortunately, the mountain never let go of about 200 athletes - they died: someone on the ascent, someone on the descent from a lack of oxygen, frostbite or heart failure, some broke down or fell under an avalanche.
This once again proves the fact that on such routes, as a rule, it is not expensive and modern equipment that plays a decisive role, but the concomitant luck that can save the traveler from falls and hurricanes that demolish everything in their path.
Everest height. How realistic is it to be in the vicinity of a great mountain?
Year by year the number of such untouched places, like the Himalayas, the planet is by no means increasing. Everyone who has recovered to conquer the peak will certainly find himself among those unspoiled by civilization and scientific progress pristine places.
Everest is a height for those who seek to conquer the irresistible. But, as they say, nothing is impossible in this world, the main thing is to want. For many years, the giant mountain has been striking in its grandeur, impressive formidability and attracting millions of adventurers. Although not everyone goes to the very top. Why do they come to Everest? Photos taken at the foot or in the foothills, and the atmosphere itself is unlikely to leave anyone indifferent. In addition, international gatherings are held here every year, base camps are set up and dating evenings are arranged.
Those who certainly want to see the earth from the highest point on the planet need to hire a guide or get into a special group. However, I would like to warn you right away that this pleasure is not cheap - the cost of climbing will cost 45-60 thousand dollars.
