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Description
Every year, on Mount Everest Day – May 29, adventure lovers, mountaineers, and dreamers across the globe come together to honor a truly legendary moment in human history. Whether you've hiked a hill or dream to climb Mount Everest, this day is your invitation to look up, feel inspired, and maybe plan your own big adventure someday!
History
Long before Western explorers ever laid eyes on it, Mount Everest was known and respected by the local people. The Tibetans called it "Chomolungma", meaning "Goddess Mother of the World," while Nepalis referred to it as "Sagarmatha," which translates to "Forehead in the Sky."
In the 19th century, during the British survey of India, a man named George Everest (yep, that’s the name!) was the Surveyor General of India. Although he never actually saw the mountain, it was later named Mount Everest in his honor in 1865 by the Royal Geographical Society.
In 1856, during the Great Trigonometrical Survey, British surveyors first calculated Everest’s height as 8,840 meters (29,002 feet). This made it officially the tallest mountain on Earth. More recent measurements have updated the official height to 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet), thanks to modern GPS and satellite technology.
For decades, climbers dreamed of conquering the mighty peak. Early mount everest expeditions in the 1920s and 1930s tried from the north side via Tibet, but harsh conditions, avalanches, and extreme cold stopped them short. One famous early climber, George Mallory, vanished in 1924—and it remains a mystery whether he reached the summit or not.
After World War II, Nepal opened its doors to foreign climbers, shifting the focus to the southern route through the Khumbu region and what we now call the Mount Everest base camp.
Everything changed on May 29, 1953, when Sir Edmund Hillary, a beekeeper from New Zealand, and Tenzing Norgay, a seasoned Sherpa from Nepal, reached the top of the world during a British expedition.
How To Celebrate
1. Host an Everest-Themed Party
Decorate with snowflakes, Himalayan prayer flags, and serve warm cocoa. Bonus points if you can get a mini "base camp" tent!
2. Read Climbing Memoirs
Check out real-life stories from climbers who attempted Everest. You’ll learn how tough—and beautiful—the journey really is.
3. Take a Virtual Tour
Several platforms offer virtual tours of mount everest base camp. No altitude sickness, we promise.
4. Plan Your Own Hike
You don’t have to be in Nepal. Just hit a local trail, breathe in nature, and walk in honor of Hillary and Tenzing.
5. Support Nepalese Causes
Donate to organizations that help Nepalese communities and the Sherpa people, who make mount everest expeditions possible.
Amazing Facts
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It grows each year! Everest rises about 4 millimeters annually due to shifting tectonic plates.
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It’s freezing up there! Temperatures can drop below -60°C (-76°F) near the summit.
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Traffic jam at the top? During peak season, hundreds of climbers attempt Everest at once—leading to lineups near the summit.
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The oldest person to climb Everest is Yuichiro Miura of Japan, who did it at age 80.
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Sherpas are superheroes—these Nepalese guides can carry heavy loads at high altitude like it's no big deal.
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Everest is not the deadliest—Annapurna has a higher death rate, but Everest gets more attention because it’s the tallest.
Importance
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It’s a tribute to courage: You get reminded of what humans can achieve with teamwork and grit.
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It inspires wanderlust: Even if you’re not into snow and steep cliffs, the story of Everest gives you travel goals.
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It connects people: Climbers from all over the globe gather at Mount Everest base camp, making new friends with shared dreams.
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It’s a celebration of nature: The Himalayas are not just mountains; they are works of art sculpted by time.
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It boosts local pride: Nepal especially celebrates this day with parades, events, and community pride.
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