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Surprising things you never knew about Mt Everest

Is heading to Mt Everest on your bucket list? Photo: Getty
Is heading to Mt Everest on your bucket list? Photo: Getty

When it comes to the Himalayas and Mt Everest, a trip to Nepal to see one of the seven wonders of the world is probably on a lot of people’s bucket lists.

And even if you aren’t up for climbing the entire mountain, the 62-kilometre long trek leading to Everest Base Camp is one of the most popular hiking destinations in the world.

Base camp is situated 5,364 metres above sea level and mountain lovers from across the globe come here to catch a glimpse of the huge peak.

But while you may think there isn’t much else to the mountain, here are a few surprising things you may not have known about Mt Everest.

The only way isn’t up

Once you arrive at Lukla Airport, after a short flight, you will actually descend 300 metres of elevation.

After that you will walk up, then down again, and then up. This is essential for acclimatisation and to give your body the necessary time to adapt to the new environment in the Everest region.

On the way back, the situation is similar, a succession of ups and downs.

7000 people, young and old, have reached the peak of Everest. Photo: Getty
7000 people, young and old, have reached the peak of Everest. Photo: Getty

Everest is not the tallest mountain on earth

You read it correctly. It is the highest peak above sea level.

But the tallest mountain on our planet is actually the Mauna Kea of Hawaii measuring 10,200 metres, that’s 1,352 metres more than Everest, but it is mostly submerged in water. Above sea level Mauna Kea is only 4,205 metres high.

But Everest is still growing. It adds up to 40 centimetres each new century.

You need permission from the Gods to climb Everest

The Buddhist culture considers Himalaya’s Everest as a sacred place – it is the “Goddess Mother of Mountains”.

Consequently, any mountaineers are required to ask for permission and blessing to climb the mountain.

This happens during a Puja ceremony, that is organised in the Base Camp, before the start of the climb. The Puja ceremony is held by a Buddhist Lama accompanied by several monks who pray and ask for protection and good luck for their endeavour. This is a century-old tradition and the Sherpa people never start the trek without it.

Himalayan Steps is a tour operator in the Himalayas, aiming to improve the trekking experience and provide the best possible service for travellers from all over the world.

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