Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, stands at an elevation of 29,032 feet above sea level. It is located in the Himalayas, on the border between Nepal and China. Climbing Mount Everest is a challenging and dangerous feat, with extreme weather conditions and treacherous terrain.
The first successful ascent to the summit was made by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Since then, thousands of climbers have attempted to reach the top, but not all have been successful. Mount Everest continues to be a popular destination for experienced mountaineers, attracting adventurers from around the globe.
Mount Everest Facts for Kids
- Mount Everest is the Earth’s highest mountain.
- It’s in the Himalayas in Asia.
- Everest is 29,032 feet tall.
- It’s on the border of Nepal and Tibet.
- Many climbers try to reach its summit.
- The first ascent was in 1953.
- Sherpas are local guides for climbers.
- Avalanches and cold are big dangers.
- It’s named after Sir George Everest.
- Everest Base Camp is where climbs usually start.
Himalayas
As the crowning jewel of the Himalayan Mountain Range, Mount Everest, impressively towers over the globe at an altitude of 29,031.7 feet, even piercing the Earth’s stratosphere with its formidable height. Located on the border of Nepal and China, this majestic peak is part of a larger geological marvel that spans five countries, including India, Bhutan, and Pakistan.
Besides being a geographical spectacle, Mount Everest, along with the Himalayas, is a sanctuary for diverse wildlife like the elusive snow leopards and Himalayan black bears. The first successful ascend to this sky-touching peak was accomplished in 1953 by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal. However, despite its awe-inspiring beauty, Everest is a formidable challenge for climbers, notorious for its severe weather conditions.
Sir Edmund Hillary
Notable New Zealand mountaineer, Sir Edmund Hillary, alongside Tenzing Norgay, a native Sherpa of Nepal, etched their names in global recognition by becoming the first individuals to reach the peak of Mount Everest successfully on May 29, 1953.
This monumental feat, achieved when Hillary was merely 33 years old, was accomplished using rudimentary climbing gear, far less sophisticated than what climbers use today. Their triumphant ascent of the world’s highest peak serves as a remarkable testament to the power of determination and courage, proving that one can surmount the most formidable heights with unwavering resolve.
Tenzing Norgay
The renowned Nepalese mountaineer, Tenzing Norgay, etched his name in history on May 29, 1953, when he, alongside New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary, ascended the summit of Mount Everest, the world’s highest mountain, rising 8,848 meters above sea level in the Himalayas. Norgay’s remarkable feat, which demanded immense bravery and physical endurance, was a testament to the perils of extreme weather, high altitudes, and icy terrains prevalent in Everest’s climb.
His inspirational journey, a testament to the virtues of perseverance and diligence, continues to motivate children worldwide about the profound rewards of relentless effort and determination.
Base Camp
Mount Everest’s Base Camp, perched at a formidable altitude of 17,600 feet, presents an intriguing learning opportunity for children. Serving as the initial step for climbers on their quest to conquer the world’s highest peak, the Base Camp is more than just a starting point, with its tented city-like structure where climbers live, eat, train, and acclimatize to the high altitude for weeks.
Interestingly, there are two Base Camps, one located in Nepal called the South Base Camp, and another in Tibet known as the North Base Camp. Adding to its unique charm, the South Base Camp in Nepal even houses the world’s highest post office, allowing you to send postcards from the top of the world!
Sherpa
Sherpas, the local people of Nepal, hold an invaluable role in the exploration of Mount Everest, universally recognized for their exceptional climbing skills and intimate knowledge of the mountain. They are frequently employed as guides by global climbers, shouldering the responsibility of carrying hefty equipment, establishing camps, preparing meals, and securing ropes to ensure safe navigation.
Their profound understanding of the mountain, honed over generations of dwelling in the high-altitude area, significantly fortifies the likelihood of successful expeditions. This unique adaptation to the harsh conditions of Everest underscores the Sherpa community’s essential contribution to mountaineering endeavors.
Seven Summits
Sherpas, the local Nepalese renowned for their exceptional climbing skills and profound knowledge of Mount Everest, serve an indispensable role in its exploration. Globally sought out as guides, they shoulder heavy equipment, establish camps, prepare meals, and secure ropes to ensure climbers’ safety.
Their unparalleled familiarity with Everest, honed over generations living at high altitudes, equips them uniquely for the grueling conditions and significantly contributes to the success of numerous expeditions. This genetic adaptation to withstand the mountain’s challenging heights underscores the Sherpas’ critical importance in navigating this formidable terrain.
Khumbu Icefall
The Khumbu Icefall, notorious for being one of the most perilous sections of the South Col route to Mount Everest’s summit, is an immense, rapidly moving glacier situated approximately 5,486 meters (18,000 feet) high on the Nepalese side of the mountain. This daunting icefall, which derives its name from the Khumbu region of Nepal where it is located, is characterized by deep crevasses and towering seracs- immense blocks of ice, comparable in size to a house, continuously shifting and thus adding to the treacherous nature of the climb.
The Khumbu region is also home to the Sherpa people, renowned for their exceptional climbing abilities. Despite the inherent dangers, the Khumbu Icefall’s remarkable beauty and uniqueness captivate the interest of adventurous kids learning about Mount Everest.
Lhotse
Situated in the Himalayas, Mount Everest and Lhotse are neighboring peaks that hold prestigious records in the world of mountains. Standing majestically at 29,031.7 feet, Mount Everest holds the title of the highest peak on Earth, while Lhotse, with an equally impressive height of 27,940 feet, is the world’s fourth-highest peak.
Notably, the typical path to Everest’s summit involves traversing the South Col, a sharp-edged col separating Everest and Lhotse, which adds an intriguing fact that a climb to Mount Everest’s top also involves passing by Lhotse.
Altitude sickness
The world’s highest peak, Mount Everest, towers at an awe-inspiring height of 29,035 feet (8,848 meters), offering a spectacle of nature’s grandeur. However, the thrill of exploring its majestic heights comes with the risk of altitude sickness, a condition that can afflict individuals unaccustomed to elevations, especially those exceeding 8,000 feet.
Due to the reduced oxygen levels at such altitudes, symptoms such as fatigue, dizziness, shortness of breath, and severe headaches can occur. Therefore, climbers often spend a few days acclimatizing to manage the shift in altitude before furthering their upward journey. Children must be made aware that while Mount Everest’s towering grandeur offers an exciting adventure, it also necessitates meticulous preparation and caution to minimize the risk of altitude sickness.
Nepal
Located in the picturesque nation of Nepal in South Asia, Mount Everest stands as the tallest mountain in the world, reaching a staggering height of 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) above sea level. Locally known as ‘Sagarmatha’, or ‘Forehead in the Sky,’ its icy slopes and formidable winds make it a formidable challenge, even for seasoned climbers.
Yet, Everest is not just a symbol of adventure; it holds significant cultural and economic value for Nepal. It draws climbers globally, bolstering tourism and creating income opportunities for the Nepalese. Furthermore, the region around Everest hosts a variety of unique plant and animal species, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts.
Mt. Everest sits on the border of Nepal and Tibet. It was formed about 60 million years ago when India moved northward and bumped into Asia. This movement caused the seabed between Asia and India to crumple and rise up. The plates underneath the Himalayan Mountains and Mt. Everest are still moving. In fact, Mt. Everest grows about 2 inches every year!
Fun Facts about Mount Everest for Kids
- A climber can expect to pay $50,000 or more to climb Mt. Everest.
- Over 4,000 climbers have attempted to climb Mt. Everest but only 660 have succeeded.
- Over 142 people have died trying to reach the summit. Between 8 and 10 people die every year making the attempt.
- Why is Mt. Everest so dangerous? Avalanches, freezing temperatures, storms, altitude sickness and low oxygen. The temperature on Mt. Everest is 97 degrees below 0. Brrrr!
- The first people to reach the top were probably Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay on May 29, 1953.
- George Mallory and Andrew Irvine may have reached the summit first in 1924. They died on the mountain so we have no way of knowing if they reached the top.
- The trash left behind by climbers on Mt. Everest is a huge problem. Empty oxygen bottles, torn tents, food containers, broken equipment and poop litter the trails.
Mount Everest Vocabulary
- Border: edge
- Crumple: break or fall apart
- Summit: highest peak
All About Mount Everest Video for Kids
Check out this cool video about Mount Everest for kids:
This is a video documentary about how the Mount Everest was formed.
Mount Everest Q&A
Question: Do people climb Mt. Everest alone or in groups?
Answer: People usually go in groups, along with sherpas, who are native guides. Sherpas are accustomed to the altitude and the fierce conditions.
