Seven Summits: Everest

by Daniel Johnson July 21, 2019

The "Seven Summits" are the seven highest mountains in each of the world's seven continents. Climbing all seven peaks is regarded in mountaineering circles as a formidable achievement. The first person to climb all of the Seven Summits was American businessman, rancher and mountaineer Richard Bass, who achieved this in 1985.

Although lists differ slightly as to which mountains make up the Seven Summits (due to controversies over the boundaries of the various continents), they all include seven of the following ten mountains.

Everest
Aconcagua
Denali
Kilimanjaro
Vinson Massif
Elbrus
Puncak Jaya
Mount Kosciuszko
Mont Blanc
Mount Wilhelm

But what do you know about these seven mountains that make up the Seven Summits? In a series of articles called "Seven Summits", I want to explore these beautiful, enigmatic, and sometimes dangerous mountains. Next up - 10 facts about the highest mountain in Asia, and in fact in the world - Everest!

1) IT'S VERY OLD

Mt Everest is a very old lady - roughly 60 million years old.

2) SAY MY NAME

It was given its English name in 1865 after former British Surveyor General of India George Everest.

3) THE REAL DEAL

Its Nepalese name is Sagarmatha, translated as "Forehead (or Goddess) of the Sky", and its Tibetan name is Chomolungma, translated as "Mother Goddess of the Universe".

4) LIKE FATHER LIKE SON

Everyone knows that along with Sherpa Tenzig the first man known to have climbed Everest is Sir Edmund Hillary. What is not well known is that his son, Peter, has climbed Everest a whopping FIVE TIMES! His first summit was in 1990.

5) YOUNGEST CLIMBER

American Jordan Romero became the youngest person to climb Everest. He reached the top aged 13 in 2010.

6) THE TALLEST OF THEM ALL

At 8,848 m (29,029 ft) Everest earned the title of world's tallest mountain in 1856 when the Great Trigonometric Survey of India established its height.

7) HIGH WINDS

Winds on Mount Everest can reach a terrifying 200 mph. It is perhaps not surprising that over 297 people have died ascending or descending it.

8) DEATHS

Most deaths have been attributed to avalanches, falls, falling ice, exposure, or health problems related to conditions on the mountain.

9) ROUTES

There are two main routes taken to the top of Everest: the north ridge from Tibet, and the south-east ridge from Nepal.

10) HOT PROPERTY

Everest lies in one of the most hotly contested geographical regions on the planet. Parts of the Himalayas are claimed variously by China, Pakistan and India, all nuclear armed military super powers with a history of conflicting interests.

So there you have it. Mount Everest's appeal seems to be stronger than ever, and as anyone who has ever visited the Himalayas will tell you, it truly is a wonder to behold. However, like all great and magnificent natural wonders, it must be approached with respect, as is evident from some of the sadder statistics above.

Bonus: Seven Summits Wall Art

For adventurers, Everest is one of the most alluring - perhaps THE most alluring - and enigmatic locations in the world. Along with the other Seven Summits it offers a challenge that many climbers find hard to resist. With our Seven Summits posters we hope to inspire people to be adventurous and rise to their own challenges. Check out our Seven Summits Wall Art Collection and let us know what you think!

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