Abstract
t’s taken a few weeks to catch up on life, work, and the simple routines of daily living. After six intense weeks in Nepal, I’ve finally had a moment to reflect on the experience of summiting Mt. Everest—and the long journey back home.
My return began with Fly Dubai flight FZ 576 from Kathmandu to Abu Dhabi. I shared a cab to the airport with Ryan and Tsering—Ryan headed to Spain, and Tsering, ever loyal, came to give us a proper send-off. Wearing khakis, a collared shirt, and loafers felt oddly foreign after weeks of down suits, base layers, and windproof shells. My duffel bags were noticeably lighter. Before leaving base camp, I gave away my triple-layer boots, crampons, and ice axe to my guides. It was my way of thanking them for their strength and support—and it was also a message to myself: I was done with 8,000-meter climbs. That chapter had closed.
Description
Mount Everest, mountain on the crest of the Great Himalayas of southern Asia that lies on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, at 27°59′ N 86°56′ E. Reaching an elevation of 29,032 feet (8,849 meters), Mount Everest is the highest mountain in the world.
Mount Everest
Mount EverestNew Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay were the first to summit Mount Everest in 1953. As of 2017, more than 7,600 people have reached the top of the mountain, and nearly 300 have perished in the attempt.
Like other high peaks in the region, Mount Everest has long been revered by local peoples. Its most common Tibetan name, Chomolungma, means “Goddess Mother of the World” or “Goddess of the Valley.” The Sanskrit name Sagarmatha means literally “Peak of Heaven.” Its identity as the highest point on the Earth’s surface was not recognized, however, until 1852, when the governmental Survey of India established that fact. In 1865 the mountain—previously referred to as Peak XV—was renamed for Sir George Everest, British surveyor general of India from 1830 to 1843. According to etymological sources, the mountain’s Western name is often mispronounced “Ever-est” or “Ev-rest,” despite the pronunciation of Sir George Everest’s surname being “EVE-rest.”
Research Details
Methology
