6 Interesting Facts About Mt. Everest
Mt. Everest has fascinated the world for a long time. Here are some facts about this great mountain:
- Everest is not the highest peak on earth. That prize goes to Mauna Kea, a dormant volcano in
Hawaii, which stands at 33,481 feet (compared to Everest at 29,032 feet). But the Hawaiian mountain
is mostly underwater, so it gets overlooked. Everest does have
the distinction of being the highest above sea level. - Everest’s apex is at the altitude of commercial jets. Extreme cold, high winds, and low oxygen
make this zone inhospitable. Reaching the summit is a thrill for climbers but also short-lived.
They must quickly descend in order to survive. - The first successful summit was done by two climbers, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, in 1953. It was announced to the world a few days later on June 2 of that year, the same day Queen Elizabeth II was crowned.
- Over 7,000 people have reached the summit. Nepali guide, Kami Rita Sherpa, has achieved it 30 times. Lhapka Sherpa was the first Nepali woman to summit and she has done it 10 times, including once when she was eight weeks pregnant, and another time eight months after giving birth. Japanese female climber, Tamae Watanabe, reached the top at age 73. Arthur Muir is the oldest American to summit at age 75.
- More die going down than going up. Fatigue, harsh weather, falls, and altitude sicknesses can become serious or fatal.
- Before 1865 it was merely known as Peak XV. After surveyors discovered its superior elevation by means of special instruments, the mountain was named after Sir George Everest, the British Surveyor General of India. Tibetans revere the great alp as “Chomolungma,” meaning Goddess of the Valley. They worship it as a protective deity.
Mt. Everest seems invincible but God’s Word declares that His love and power is greater still:
“‘Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed,’” says the LORD, who has compassion on you” (Isaiah 54.10).
When we trust in God, we rely on a Power that is stronger and more secure than any mountain on earth.