What is the highest mountain in the world?

Mount Everest, also known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, is recognized as the highest point on Earth, with an official altitude of 8,848.86 meters. This measurement was approved by the Nepalese and Chinese authorities in 2020.

Located in the Himalayas, Mount Everest lies on the border between Nepal and China’s Tibet Autonomous Region. It is part of the Mahalangur Himal massif, home to other remarkable peaks such as Lhotse, Nuptse and Cho Oyu.

The formation of Everest is the result of a tectonic collision between the Indian and Eurasian plates, a process that began around 50 million years ago. This convergence gave rise to the Himalayan chain, gradually raising Mount Everest to its present altitude. Tectonic movements continue, resulting in a continuous rise of the massif.

Everest’s altitude has been the subject of various measurements over the years. In 1955, an Indian expedition established its height at 8,848 meters, a value widely accepted for decades. However, more recent technologies, such as GPS and radar, have enabled more accurate assessments. In 2020, a collaboration between Nepal and China resulted in a new official measurement of 8,848.86 meters.

The history of mountaineering on Everest is marked by numerous attempts and feats. On May 29, 1953, New Zealander Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay made the first ascent of the summit via the southeast route on the Nepalese side. This expedition paved the way for many others, making Everest a symbol of challenge and achievement for mountaineers the world over.

There are two main routes to the summit of Everest:

• The South-East route: Located in Nepal, this is the most popular route due to its relative safety and the accessibility of the base camp;
• The North Route: Located in Tibet, it is considered more difficult due to climatic conditions and technical challenges.

Each route has its own inherent dangers, such as avalanches, falling seracs and crevasses, which make the climb perilous.

The massive influx of mountaineers has given rise to major environmental concerns. Base camps and ascent routes are often littered with garbage, from empty oxygen cylinders to abandoned tents. Clean-up initiatives have been set up to preserve the mountain’s fragile ecosystem. In addition, global warming is affecting the region’s glaciers and permafrost, altering climbing conditions and increasing the risk of avalanches.

Since the first ascent in 1953, thousands of climbers have attempted to climb Everest. According to data available up to 2024, over 10,000 successful ascents have been recorded, although the exact number varies from source to source. Unfortunately, the mountain has also been the scene of numerous tragedies, with over 300 deaths recorded. The main causes are acute mountain sickness, falls, avalanches and extreme weather conditions.

Mount Everest remains an icon of natural majesty and the ultimate challenge for climbers the world over. Its imposing stature, rich history and challenges continue to fascinate and inspire. However, it is essential to reconcile this quest for achievement with greater environmental responsibility, in order to preserve this natural jewel for future generations.

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