What is the Tallest Mountain?

The tallest mountain in the world is Mount Everest located between China and Nepal. Measured from sea level, its peak is 8,850 meters above sea level (29,035 feet).

Other Facts

Mount Everest was formed 60 million years ago. In Nepal, the mountain is known as the Sagarmatha, the goddess of the sky. In Tibet it is called Chomolungma, the mother goddess of the universe.

Its western name was given in honor of Sir George Everest in 1865. The first ascent by a westerner was made by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953.

Climbing Records

The first solo climb made on the tallest mountain in the world was done on August 20, 1980 by Reinhold Messner. On February 17, 1980, L.Cichy and K. Wielicki made the first winter ascent on the mountain. The first American to ascend Everest was James Whittaker on May 1, 1963. The first woman to make a successful ascent was Junko Tabei of Japan on May 16, 1975.

On May 8, 1978, Peter Habeler and Reinhold Messner made the first oxygenless ascent up the mountain. The youngest individual to climb the site was 15 year old Temba Tsheri on May 22, 2001.

The oldest so far is Sherman Bull, who was 64 years old when he climbed the mountain on May 25, 2001. The first legally blind person to climb was Erik Weihenmeyer. He ascended the mountain on May 25, 2001. Appa Sherpa holds the record for most ascents with 11.

Dangers and Risks

Although many people have successfully ascended Mount Everest, it is still dangerous. In 1993, eight people died, while in 1998, 15 died trying to reach the top. The most common cause of death is an avalanche.

The country with the most deaths is Nepal with 16. The Khumbu Ice Fall is the most dangerous area on Mount Everest. It has claimed 19 lives. It has been estimated there are 120 corpses still on the mountain.

Mauna Kea

As stated, the measurement of Mount Everest is from sea level. If mountains that rise from the ocean are included, the highest would be Mauna Kea in the Hawaiian Islands. It is 10,005 meters tall. However, half of the mountain is underwater, so its height from sea level is 4,205 meters (13,796 feet). Over 5,800 meters (19,000 feet) are beneath the sea.

Being the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest continues to attract climbers all over the world. It is also very popular among tourists.