Mount Everest, the highest peak on Earth, has captivated adventurers, scientists, and dreamers for centuries. Known to the Nepalese as Sagarmatha and to the Tibetans as Chomolungma (meaning “Goddess Mother of the World”), Mount Everest stands at a staggering 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) above sea level. It sits along the border between Nepal and China, and its allure has driven thousands of climbers to face its icy, perilous slopes. However, beyond its sheer height, Everest is cloaked in mysteries and hidden wonders that continue to intrigue experts and explorers alike. From geological marvels to chilling disappearances, here are 15 unexpected facts about Mount Everest and the mysteries that surround it.
1. Everest Is Growing Taller
It may surprise many, but Mount Everest isn’t static—it’s actually growing taller. Due to tectonic activity, particularly the collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates, the Himalayas, including Everest, are pushed upward by about 4 millimeters per year. This gradual growth, albeit small, is part of an ongoing geological process that began over 50 million years ago. Periodically, earthquakes can also alter the height, either adding or subtracting a few centimeters.
In 2020, a collaborative survey between China and Nepal revealed that Everest stands at 8,848.86 meters, slightly taller than previously measured. The mountain’s height will likely continue to change, demonstrating that Everest’s geological history is still very much alive, evolving along with Earth’s tectonic movements. This constant change also adds a layer of mystery, as the “world’s highest point” isn’t as fixed as we might think.
2. It’s One of the Deadliest Mountains
Climbing Mount Everest is not only grueling but also extremely dangerous. The death rate for climbers attempting to reach the summit has remained at approximately 1% over the years. More than 300 climbers have died on Everest since the first successful ascent in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay. Most fatalities occur due to avalanches, falls, exposure to extreme cold, and complications related to altitude sickness.
The mountain’s unforgiving terrain, harsh weather conditions, and lack of oxygen at high altitudes make it a deadly environment. The infamous “Death Zone,” above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet), has claimed many lives as the body begins to shut down due to lack of oxygen. Rescue operations are nearly impossible in this zone, and the bodies of those who perish are often left where they fall, turning Everest into a somber, frozen graveyard.
3. Everest’s Summit Contains Marine Fossils
One of the most fascinating discoveries on Everest is the presence of marine fossils at its summit. This fact defies common expectations, as the fossils suggest that the rocks atop Everest were once part of the Tethys Ocean seabed, hundreds of millions of years ago. When the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates collided, these oceanic sediments were pushed up, forming the Himalayas and, eventually, Everest.
The presence of fossils is evidence of the mountain’s geological history and shows how dramatically Earth’s landscape has changed over millennia. Today, climbers are literally walking on ancient ocean beds, illustrating the vast shifts that can occur through tectonic activity and raising questions about the landscapes and life that existed long before Everest was even a peak.
4. There’s a Constant “Traffic Jam” of Climbers
In recent years, Mount Everest has become accessible to more climbers, leading to a situation where traffic jams of climbers form on the way to the summit. During peak climbing seasons, hundreds of climbers attempt to summit at once, leading to delays, bottlenecks, and congestion, especially in the final stages. These crowds increase the risk of accidents, as climbers are forced to wait in the Death Zone, which severely limits their oxygen supply.
This congestion has raised ethical and safety concerns, as inexperienced climbers and overcrowding make the mountain more hazardous. The traffic jams have become so severe that they contribute to fatalities, as people can be stranded for hours in extreme conditions. Everest’s allure has ironically made it more dangerous, turning what was once a solitary adventure into a crowded, high-stakes wait.
5. The “Rainbow Valley” Is Filled with Climbers’ Remains
Near Everest’s summit, there’s an area called the Rainbow Valley, a chilling yet beautiful stretch where the bodies of climbers remain, dressed in their brightly colored jackets. This “valley” lies close to the Death Zone, and the bodies here have become permanent fixtures, preserved by the extreme cold. The name “Rainbow Valley” comes from the bright hues of the climbers’ gear, a haunting reminder of the dangers Everest presents.
Due to the altitude and harsh conditions, retrieving bodies from this area is nearly impossible. Each body represents a climber who faced unimaginable challenges but ultimately succumbed to the mountain. This tragic aspect of Everest adds an eerie mystery to the climb, as each year more climbers are added to Rainbow Valley, becoming part of Everest’s somber legacy.
6. The First Recorded Attempt Was in the 1920s
Mount Everest wasn’t attempted until 1921, when a British reconnaissance expedition set out to survey the mountain. Though they didn’t reach the summit, their findings paved the way for future attempts. Notably, in 1924, George Mallory and Andrew Irvine made a historic climb, but they disappeared near the summit. Mallory’s body was discovered in 1999, but Irvine’s remains have never been found, and the mystery of whether they reached the summit before their deaths remains unsolved.
Mallory and Irvine’s story adds an air of mystery to Everest’s history. Did they achieve what no one had before? Did they stand on the summit before meeting their tragic end? These unanswered questions continue to intrigue mountaineers and historians, keeping alive one of Everest’s most enduring mysteries.
7. Yaks Are Essential for Everest Expeditions
Yaks play a critical role in supporting Everest expeditions. These strong, high-altitude animals are used by Sherpas and climbers to carry heavy loads of equipment, food, and supplies up to base camps. Yaks are well-adapted to cold and low-oxygen environments, making them indispensable in areas where other pack animals would struggle to survive.
Without yaks, supplying base camps and supporting climbers would be nearly impossible, as helicopters can only carry limited loads and the treacherous terrain makes it hard to bring in supplies any other way. These animals have become Everest’s unsung heroes, quietly supporting climbers as they pursue their ambitions on the world’s highest peak.
8. Everest’s Weather Is Among the Harshest on Earth
The weather on Mount Everest is notoriously unpredictable and extreme. Temperatures on the summit can plunge as low as -60°C (-76°F), and hurricane-force winds exceeding 200 miles per hour can sweep across its slopes. The atmosphere is also incredibly thin, with only about one-third of the oxygen available at sea level. These harsh conditions make the journey to the summit a life-threatening challenge, even for the most experienced climbers.
This brutal weather is one of the reasons climbing windows are so short, often lasting only a few days in spring and fall. Weather-related risks, from sudden storms to extreme cold, are a constant danger, making Everest not just a test of physical endurance but also a battle against one of Earth’s most hostile environments.
9. Mount Everest Is a Treasure Trove of Scientific Data
Beyond mountaineering, Everest is also an invaluable source of scientific data. Researchers study the mountain’s ice cores to learn about ancient climates, while the unique environment provides insights into high-altitude biology and adaptation. The mountain serves as a natural laboratory, allowing scientists to examine the impact of climate change, as melting glaciers and shifting snow patterns reveal environmental changes.
Studies on Everest also extend to human physiology, with climbers serving as subjects for research on how the human body responds to extreme altitude, low oxygen, and intense cold. Everest’s challenging conditions offer scientists a unique environment to observe the limits of human endurance and adaptability.
10. Everest Is a Global Hotspot for Pollution
While Everest is an icon of natural beauty, it has also become a symbol of environmental pollution. The increase in climbers has led to an accumulation of trash, discarded equipment, oxygen bottles, and even human waste, which has earned it the nickname “the world’s highest garbage dump.” Over the years, cleanup efforts have made strides, but the remoteness and harsh conditions make waste management an ongoing struggle.
In recent years, Nepalese authorities have implemented stricter regulations, requiring climbers to bring down their waste. However, keeping the mountain clean remains a significant challenge, as both the number of climbers and the waste they generate continue to grow. This pollution issue highlights the environmental impact of tourism on one of the world’s most sacred and challenging natural sites.
11. The Khumbu Icefall Is One of the Most Dangerous Sections
The Khumbu Icefall is a treacherous glacier that climbers must navigate early in their ascent from base camp. This area is notorious for its unpredictable ice formations, deep crevasses, and towering ice seracs, which can collapse without warning. Many climbers regard the Khumbu Icefall as one of the most dangerous sections of the climb, as avalanches and icefalls can happen suddenly, putting climbers at high risk.
Navigating the Khumbu Icefall requires specialized equipment, skill, and luck, as climbers must carefully time their passage to avoid the icefall’s inherent dangers. The risks in this section underscore the unpredictable nature of Everest’s landscape and the relentless challenges climbers face as they ascend the mountain.
12. The Summit Is in the Jet Stream
Mount Everest’s summit sits in the jet stream, a powerful high-altitude wind current. The jet stream can bring extreme winds of up to 200 miles per hour, creating dangerous conditions for climbers. These winds are especially fierce in winter, making summit attempts nearly impossible. In spring and fall, the jet stream briefly shifts, providing climbers with short windows of calmer weather for summit attempts.
These brief breaks in the jet stream’s power are what create Everest’s narrow climbing seasons. The jet stream’s presence at the summit is a constant reminder of the mountain’s extreme conditions and the delicate balance required to achieve a successful ascent.
13. “Green Boots” Marks a Grim Landmark
One of Everest’s most well-known yet haunting landmarks is “Green Boots,” the body of an unidentified climber wearing distinctive green climbing boots. Green Boots is believed to be the remains of an Indian climber who died in 1996, and the body has since become a tragic marker on the route to the summit. Due to the harsh conditions, the body remains preserved and has served as a waypoint for other climbers.
Green Boots is a stark reminder of the perils of Everest, symbolizing both the mountain’s allure and its unforgiving nature. Many climbers pass by this landmark, reflecting on the risks they face and the thin line between success and tragedy on the mountain.
14. Some People Have Summited Multiple Times
For many, reaching Everest’s summit is a once-in-a-lifetime achievement, but a few climbers have made the journey multiple times. Kami Rita Sherpa holds the record with 26 successful ascents, demonstrating incredible endurance, skill, and familiarity with Everest’s dangers. Sherpas, in particular, often make multiple trips as they assist climbers, showing unparalleled expertise and resilience on the mountain.
These repeat ascents highlight the strength, experience, and deep connection that some individuals have with Everest. Each ascent poses unique challenges, and the fact that climbers like Kami Rita have repeatedly faced and overcome these dangers is a testament to human willpower and the enduring appeal of Everest.
15. The Mystery of Missing Climbers
One of Everest’s enduring mysteries is the disappearance of climbers. In addition to George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, numerous climbers have vanished on Everest, their fates unknown. The extreme environment, changing glaciers, and remote terrain make locating lost climbers difficult, and many bodies are never recovered.
The mystery of missing climbers adds an eerie dimension to Everest’s history. As glaciers shift and melt, climbers’ remains occasionally reappear, but many are forever lost to the mountain’s icy grip. These disappearances remind us that Everest remains an untamed frontier, a place where the unknown continues to hold sway.
Mount Everest’s reputation as the highest peak on Earth is just the beginning of its allure. Beneath its icy surface, Everest holds countless mysteries, from its geological history to the stories of climbers who never returned. This mountain’s awe-inspiring beauty and deadly challenges continue to draw explorers, adventurers, and scientists, each captivated by its secrets. The mysteries of Everest remind us of the limits of human knowledge and the eternal allure of Earth’s highest point, where the line between the known and the unknown is as thin as the air.
