Mount Everest, the tallest mountain on Earth, holds a kind of mystique that draws adventurers from all over the world. But beneath its breathtaking beauty and legendary status, the mountain harbors some shocking, even frightening truths. I’ve always been fascinated by Everest—not just for its height but for the stories it holds, from extreme survival tales to dark secrets hidden beneath the snow. As I learned more, I found myself both amazed and a little spooked.
If you think you know everything about this colossal peak, buckle up—there’s much more than meets the eye. Here are 15 facts about Mount Everest that are downright chilling.
Everest Grows Every Year
Believe it or not, Everest isn’t the same height it was decades ago. Due to tectonic plate activity, the mountain grows about 4 millimeters every year. While that might sound small, over centuries, it adds up! This process comes from the Indian plate colliding with the Eurasian plate, forcing the Himalayas—and Everest—to slowly rise.
The Death Zone Is an Icy Graveyard
Above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet), climbers enter what’s ominously called the “Death Zone.” Here, the oxygen levels are so low that the human body begins to shut down. Many who die in this zone are never recovered because the conditions are simply too dangerous for rescue teams to attempt retrievals. Over 340 people have died on the mountain, with many bodies still lying frozen along the route.
The Air Is One-Third As Dense As Sea Level
The thin atmosphere on Everest means the air contains only about one-third the oxygen compared to sea level. This isn’t just a problem for breathing; it wreaks havoc on the body, leading to altitude sickness, confusion, and sometimes fatal brain swelling or fluid buildup in the lungs. Even seasoned climbers struggle with these effects without supplemental oxygen.
Jet Streams Can Hit Climbers Without Warning
Everest is home to some of the strongest winds on the planet. Jet streams—high-altitude air currents—can slam into the mountain with speeds of over 200 miles per hour. These sudden, violent gusts make climbing even more treacherous, as they can topple tents, freeze climbers instantly, or force teams to abandon their summit attempts.
It Has a Secret Canyon of Ice
Beneath Everest’s Khumbu Glacier lies a series of icy crevasses and hidden caverns. Some of these are large enough to swallow entire groups of climbers, and they’re constantly shifting due to glacial movement. The glacier’s melting also creates deep ice shafts that are nearly impossible to spot, making them a constant hazard.
It Moves 3 Inches Each Year
Mount Everest doesn’t just grow vertically—it also shifts horizontally. The tectonic activity beneath it causes the mountain to move northeast at a rate of about 3 inches annually. This creeping movement has implications for the region’s seismic activity, contributing to the potential for devastating earthquakes.
It’s a Trash Mountain
Despite its remote location, Everest is shockingly polluted. Climbers and expedition teams leave behind tons of trash every year, including tents, oxygen bottles, and other gear. It’s estimated that over 50 tons of waste have accumulated on the slopes, prompting environmental groups to call it the “world’s highest garbage dump.”
Deadly Avalanches Are Common
Avalanches on Everest are both unpredictable and devastating. The 2014 avalanche on the Khumbu Icefall claimed the lives of 16 Sherpas, one of the deadliest accidents in the mountain’s history. These events are triggered by shifting snowpacks, melting ice, or even minor vibrations and are a constant threat to climbers.
Weather Changes Can Be Fatal
The weather on Everest is notoriously unpredictable. Clear skies can turn into deadly storms within minutes, with freezing temperatures, blizzards, and whiteout conditions. Many climbers have been caught off guard by these sudden changes, leading to life-threatening situations or tragic outcomes.
Helicopter Rescues Are Nearly Impossible
While helicopters have been used for some daring rescues on Everest, the high altitude makes flying extremely difficult. The thin air reduces lift, meaning helicopters can’t operate effectively above certain heights. Most rescues have to take place below 20,000 feet, leaving those higher up reliant on their own teams for help.
Frostbite Is Almost Inevitable
At Everest’s extreme altitudes, frostbite can occur in minutes. Exposed skin freezes rapidly in the subzero temperatures, leading to permanent tissue damage, loss of fingers, toes, or even entire limbs. Climbers must layer up heavily, but even the best gear doesn’t guarantee protection from the biting cold.
It Can Trigger Deadly Earthquakes
The same tectonic forces that created Everest also make the region highly earthquake-prone. In 2015, a 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Nepal, causing avalanches on Everest that killed at least 22 people at Base Camp. The quake also reshaped parts of the mountain, adding another layer of danger to future climbs.
Some Summits Are Fraudulent
Not everyone who claims to have conquered Everest is telling the truth. Over the years, several climbers have been caught faking their summit photos or exaggerating their accomplishments. With GPS tracking and photographic evidence, it’s becoming harder to lie, but fraudulent claims still tarnish the mountain’s history.
It’s Covered In Microplastics
Even in the most remote parts of Everest, scientists have found alarming levels of microplastics in the snow. These tiny particles, mostly from clothing and gear, show how human activity impacts even the world’s highest peaks. It’s a grim reminder that no place on Earth is untouched by pollution.
Climbing Costs Are Astronomical
Attempting to summit Everest isn’t just dangerous—it’s also incredibly expensive. Climbers typically spend anywhere from $30,000 to $100,000 for a single expedition. This price tag covers permits, gear, guides, and other necessities, but it also raises questions about the commercialization of such a perilous endeavor.
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Ellen has been obsessed with logic puzzles, jigsaws, and cryptograms since she was a kid. After learning she was taught how to play chess wrong by a family friend (so they could win), she joined her school chess club and the rest is history.
