The world’s tallest mountain has been a subject of interest since 1921. Out of all the mountains in the world, Everest has the highest altitude above sea level.
Have you ever wondered how tall Everest is? Mount Everest stands at a height of 29,032 feet (8,848.9 meters, 8.8 kilometres, 5.5 miles). It is located on the border between Nepal and Tibet.
There have been numerous debates and geological fluctuations regarding the mountain’s height. However, the most recent and accurate value is 8,848.9 meters.
How Mount Everest Is Measured
Before 2020, scientists had used various instruments, such as GPS technology, satellite data, and radar, to measure the height of Everest. The first measurement was taken in the 19th century using ground-based surveying techniques. The measurement of Everest’s height has improved over time. Various technological advances have brought increased accuracy.
In 2020, China and Nepal utilised the latest equipment, which included measuring snow depth and monitoring tectonic activity in the mountains. This measurement gave us the now widely accepted height of Mount Everest.
It is important to note that the height of Everest is not constant. It varies. The variability is due to the tectonic activity of the plates on which it lies. When these plates collide, the whole Himalayas, including Mount Everest, rise slowly. The major earthquakes, as well as annual snow and ice coverings, can also affect the measured height of the mountain.
What Is the Height of Everest Base Camp
There are two base camps on opposite sides of the mountain. The South Base Camp has an altitude of 5,364 metres (17,598 feet), while the North Base Camp in Tibet is located at 5,150 metres (16,900 feet).
The south and north base camps are used to access the south and northeast ridges. Mountain climbers use the base camps during their ascent and descent. Hikers also use the same campsites during their adventures.
Why is there an Everest Base Camp?
The base camp serves as the starting point for climbers attempting to reach the summit. Oftentimes, climbers spend time there to acclimatise themselves to the high altitude before ascending. The base camp on the north side of Tibet is located at a higher elevation than the one on the opposite side. The height of Everest’s base camp is approximately 12,000 feet lower than the summit.
For many people who want to experience the mountain without summiting, go for the base camp experience. Embarking on this adventure is a significant challenge in itself due to the height of Everest Base Camp.
Why Does Mount Everest’s Height Change?
The elevation of Mount Everest’s base camp changes over time due to various factors. Here are some of the factors that have impacted the region’s changes:
- Tectonic Activity: Plate Movement
The Himalayas, including Everest, rise due to the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. These collisions often cause slight changes in the height of the mountain, including the base camps.
- Tectonic Activity: Erosion and Uplift
Erosion from the Arun River, located in the deep valley between the base camps and the national park, contributes to the height. Also, the upward pressure of the Earth pushes the base camp higher than the normal height.
- Accumulation of Snow and Ice
An increase in temperatures affects the snow and ice accumulation on the mountain. Temperature changes can impact the amount of snowfall and the rate of snow and ice melting. Hence, changes in snow level affect the overall elevation of the Mount Everest base camp.
- Climate Changes
Extreme climate change, such as glacial melt or heavy snowfall, influences the elevation of the base camp. However, the changes in height might be short-term.
- Earthquakes
Earthquakes can cause a slight reduction in the base camp elevation. For example, the 2015 Nepal earthquake was proposed to have affected Everest’s height, including the base camp.
How Long Does It Take to Summit Mount Everest?
The standard time it takes to summit Mount Everest is between 6 and 10 weeks. This period accounts for the various stages involved in reaching the summit and ensuring a safe descent.
From the base camp, it takes about 40 days to reach the summit. During the period, the guide will lead the group and give them time to adjust to the altitude. Groups can move faster or slower depending on the weather. The pace of their movement will also determine how quickly they reach the other camps.
Once the group reaches camp 4, they have approximately 6-9 hours to summit the mountain. This area is commonly referred to as the death zone because even a minor mistake can have a significant impact on the adventure.
Before going on a climb, it’s helpful to know how tall Everest is and plan accordingly. The time to summit Mount Everest can vary. Here are the reasons:
- Acclimatization
The climate factors change as you ascend the mountain. Hence, the human body needs time to adjust to the lower oxygen at high altitude. Acclimatizing can require weeks of rest and gradual ascent.
- Weather
Weather conditions on high mountains are not always favorable. Adverse weather conditions, such as strong winds, heavy snow, and poor visibility, can delay or halt the climbing process.
- Climbing Prowess
A first-time climber’s approach to navigating the mountain will be significantly different from that of experienced climbers. Experienced individuals may acclimate, climb, and summit faster.
- Equipment and Support
The quality of equipment and guides can affect the pace and risk involved in climbing. All these contribute to the time it takes to summit the mountain.
- Physical and Mental Fitness
Climbing mountains can be stressful. Many people are surprised when they learn about the height of Everest compared to other mountains. Climbers need to be physically fit before embarking on the long journey. Any health issue can significantly impact the time it takes to summit the mountain.
- Condition of the Routes
Two major routes lead to the top of the mountain. The condition of the route taken by a group of climbers can affect the time taken to summit the mountain.
- Pre-acclimatization Techniques
The pre-acclimatization techniques can reduce the total time spent in summiting the mountain. For example, it is recommended that climbers sleep overnight for approximately 8 hours at an altitude of 10,500 feet for 6-8 weeks to help them acclimate more effectively to the high altitude.
How Tall Is Mount Everest Compared to Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Everest is taller than Kilimanjaro by 3,300 feet. Although Kilimanjaro does not hold the title of the world’s tallest mountain, it reaches a great height of 19,341 feet.
Climbing Kilimanjaro typically takes 5-9 days and does not require supplemental oxygen, unlike climbing Everest. This fact makes Mount Kilimanjaro’s height suitable for hikers who want to trek on mountains without pressure.
In Closing
Mount Everest has its peak at the highest altitude above sea level. This discovery, dating back to 1852, makes it an interesting find. For decades, few groups of climbers have successfully summited the mountain. Knowing how tall Everest is and the time it takes to climb it helps us understand why it’s such a significant achievement for people who dare to summit it.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Has Global Warming Affected the Height of Mount Everest
Global warming is affecting the height and entire outlook of Mount Everest. Experienced climbers have observed that the route to the mountain’s peak varies from year to year. With the increased rate of modernisation, global warming has also affected the height of the hill.
- What Are the Cost Implications of Climbing Everest?
The average cost of climbing Mount Everest ranges from $52,000 to $60,000. The cost depends on various expedition packages created by different agencies and Sherpa companies. The total price above includes lodging, the services of a Sherpa, and food. Despite the huge sum, approximately 500 people purchase the packages to climb the mountain every season.
- Is Mount Everest Challenging to Climb?
Mount Everest is challenging to climb due to its altitude. The human body is not used to the climate conditions as it ascends the mountain, making it difficult to survive without adequate preparation. The summit of the hill has a death zone characterised by low oxygen, extreme cold, and high winds.
- How Old Is Mount Everest?
Scientists dated Mount Everest to be between 50 and 60 million years old. The mountain formed as a result of the collision between the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. This collision continues to this day, causing the mountain to grow taller by 2 centimetres each year.
