Mount Everest, known as Sagarmatha in Nepal and Chomolungma in Tibet, has captivated explorers and mountaineers for generations. As the highest point on Earth above sea level, it stands as a monument to human ambition and the raw power of nature. This guide provides verified facts on its exact height, precise location, the challenges of the Everest Base Camp hike, and the somber history of fatalities on its slopes.
Standing on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China, Everest is not just a single number. Its official elevation was jointly revised in 2020, and its base camps sit at vastly different altitudes on either side of the mountain. While often romanticized, the mountain presents extreme dangers, including the infamous “death zone” above 8,000 meters.
This article distills the core information into an easily scannable format. We cover the essential data from the 2020 survey, the geographical location within the Mahalangur Himal subrange, and the practical realities of trekking to its base. We also address the sobering presence of climber remains and the history of notable tragedies, including the story of “Sleeping Beauty.”
What is the exact height of Mount Everest?
Height: 29,032 ft (8,849 m)
Location: Mahalangur Himal, Nepal/China border
First Ascent: May 29, 1953 by Hillary and Norgay
Base Camp Height: South Base Camp 5,364 m (17,598 ft)
- Mount Everest’s height was re-measured in 2020 and officially agreed as 8,848.86 m (29,031.7 ft) by Nepal and China.
- Everest lies on the border of Nepal and Tibet (China). The summit is in Chinese territory.
- Nearly 400 climbers have died on Everest; many bodies remain on the mountain due to cost and danger of recovery.
- Everest Base Camp Trek is a popular non-technical hike that reaches about 5,364 m.
- The mountain grows approximately 0.5 cm per year due to tectonic uplift.
- The 2015 earthquake temporarily reduced the mountain’s height.
- China’s 2005 survey reported a rock height of 8,844.43 m, with snow and ice above it.
| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Height (official) | 8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft |
| Height in miles | 5.5 miles (approx) |
| Height in kilometers | 8.85 km |
| Country | Nepal and China (Tibet) |
| Coordinates | 27°59′18″N 86°55′31″E |
| First ascent | 1953 – Sir Edmund Hillary & Tenzing Norgay |
| Total deaths (2025) | ~400 |
| Most famous body | Francys Arsentiev (Sleeping Beauty) |
| Base Camp altitude | 5,364 m / 17,598 ft (South) |
Where is Mount Everest located?
Mount Everest is situated in the Mahalangur Himal subrange of the Himalayas. The international border runs across its summit point, meaning the peak lies on the boundary between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. This location was pinpointed by the Great Trigonometrical Survey of India in the 19th century, which identified it as “Peak XV.”
The geographic coordinates are 27°59′ N 86°56′ E. For most travelers, the mountain is approached from either the Nepalese side (via Kathmandu and Lukla) or the Tibetan side (overland from Lhasa). The mountain is part of the Seven Summits, a list of the highest peaks on each continent.
A standard Everest peak map will show two distinct approach routes: the South Col route from Nepal and the North Col route from Tibet. The mountain is the centerpiece of the Sagarmatha National Park in Nepal and the Qomolangma National Nature Preserve in Tibet. You can also read our guide to Kilimanjaro for comparison with another iconic peak.
Which country is Mount Everest in?
The summit of Mount Everest is located in China (Tibet Autonomous Region), but the mountain itself is shared. The southern slope is in Nepal, and the northern slope is in China. This dual jurisdiction means that climbers must obtain permits from both countries if attempting a traverse, though most ascents are done from one side only.
The border was formally delineated in the 1963 Sino-Nepal Treaty, which recognized the summit as the boundary point. Both nations agreed on the official height in 2020, ending a long-standing discrepancy between previous national measurements.
What is the height of Everest Base Camp and how to hike?
The “Everest hike” typically refers to the trek to Mount Everest Base Camp, not a summit climb. Reaching the summit is a technical, high-altitude expedition requiring months of preparation, multiple acclimatization rotations, and support from Sherpas. The Base Camp trek is a non-technical journey on well-established trails.
The South Base Camp in Nepal sits at about 5,364 m (17,598 ft). The North Base Camp in Tibet is lower, at about 5,150 m (16,896 ft). The trek to South Base Camp is the most popular route for non-climbers.
The standard approach from the south begins with a flight to Lukla, followed by a trek through the Sherpa capital of Namche Bazaar, and up the Khumbu Valley. The trail passes through scenic villages like Tengboche and Dingboche before reaching Gorak Shep, the last settlement before Base Camp. The entire trek usually takes 12–14 days.
From the north, the trek starts in Tingri and crosses the Pang La Pass, offering a different perspective of the mountain. While the south side is more popular for trekking, the north side offers a more remote experience. Both routes require proper acclimatization to avoid altitude sickness. For wildlife enthusiasts, the extreme environments around these altitudes host unique species; learn about one such species in our Emperor Penguin facts article.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) is a serious risk at Base Camp altitudes. HACE (High Altitude Cerebral Edema) and HAPE (High Altitude Pulmonary Edema) can be fatal. Trekkers should plan for rest days and be prepared to descend if symptoms appear.
What is the best route for an Everest peak hike?
For trekkers, the South Base Camp trail in Nepal is the best and most popular route. It is well-maintained, has abundant tea houses, and offers classic Himalayan views. The trail ends at the Khumbu Icefall, a spectacular glacial formation that marks the start of the climbing route.
For climbers attempting the summit, the South Col route is the most commonly used. It was the route taken by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. The North Col route from Tibet is technically more demanding. Both routes involve the extreme hazards of the “death zone” above 8,000 m.
How dangerous is Mount Everest? Bodies and tragedies
Mount Everest is infamous for the number of climbers who have died on its slopes. As of 2025, nearly 400 people have perished on the mountain. Many of these bodies remain unrecovered due to the extreme altitude, dangerous terrain, and high cost of retrieval. The mountain is often described as a graveyard, with remains serving as grim waypoints.
The primary causes of death on Everest include avalanches, falls, exposure, and altitude sickness. The Khumbu Icefall is one of the most dangerous sections, with shifting seracs (ice blocks) posing a constant threat. The “death zone” above 8,000 m is where most fatalities occur, as the body rapidly deteriorates in the thin air.
The most famous body on Everest is that of Francys Arsentiev, known as “Sleeping Beauty.” She was the first American woman to summit without supplemental oxygen in 1998, but she collapsed on the descent. Her body remained in a cave for nearly a decade before being moved out of sight from the main trail.
The exact number of bodies on the mountain is unknown. Estimates range from 200 to 300 unrecovered corpses. Many are deliberately left in place because retrieval attempts put rescuers at extreme risk. International guidelines and many climbing operators now discourage body recovery above Camp 4 (around 7,920 m).
Timeline of key events in Everest history
- 1841 – Peak identified as Peak XV by Great Trigonometrical Survey.
- 1856 – Peak XV declared highest, height 29,002 ft.
- 1924 – Mallory and Irvine last seen near summit.
- 1953 – First successful ascent by Hillary and Norgay.
- 1999 – Mallory’s body discovered.
- 2020 – Official recalc: 8,848.86 m agreed by Nepal and China.
Established facts vs. ongoing uncertainties about Everest
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| The official height recognized by Nepal and China as of 2020 (8,848.86 m / 29,031.7 ft). | The exact number of bodies on the mountain is unknown (estimates around 200). |
| Location on border of Nepal and China. | The fate of Mallory and Irvine (whether they summited) remains unconfirmed. |
| The mountain grows ~0.5 cm per year due to tectonic uplift. | Height measurements may shift slightly due to tectonic activity. |
Understanding the context and meaning of Everest
Everest’s height is not a static figure. The mountain is growing approximately 0.5 cm per year due to the ongoing collision of the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates. However, this growth can be temporarily altered by major seismic events; the 2015 Gorkha earthquake in Nepal actually reduced the mountain’s height by a few millimeters.
Climbing Everest is considered one of the most dangerous physical challenges on Earth. Above the “death zone,” the body’s cells begin to die due to oxygen deprivation. Climbers face extreme cold (temperatures can drop below -60°C), high winds, and the psychological toll of the mountain. The remains of previous climbers, left behind due to retrieval risks, serve as stark markers of these dangers.
The environmental impact of tourism on Everest is a growing concern. Base Camp generates significant waste, including plastic, human waste, and discarded climbing gear. Several cleanup campaigns have been organized in recent years, but the sheer volume of traffic (hundreds of climbers per season) means the problem persists. For a detailed breakdown of climbing logistics and history, the Mount Everest page on Wikipedia offers comprehensive information.
Sources and quotes on Everest
“Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth above sea level.”
— Wikipedia
Key sources for Everest information include the Wikipedia Mount Everest page, Britannica, and government agencies such as Nepal’s Department of Survey and China’s Ministry of Natural Resources, which jointly announced the 2020 official height. The Himalayan Database provides authoritative statistics on climbing permits, success rates, and fatalities. Adventure Consultants and National Geographic offer detailed reporting on deaths and bodies. The official 2020 agreement is detailed in the National Geographic report on Everest’s height. The Britannica entry for Mount Everest provides foundational knowledge about the peak. Climbing fatality statistics are maintained by organizations like the Himalayan Database. The environmental challenges are discussed in articles from sources such as the BBC Future on Everest cleanup. The Adventure Consultants expedition page details route conditions and safety.
Summary: The most important facts about Mount Everest
Mount Everest, the highest mountain on Earth above sea level, stands at an official height of 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) as agreed by Nepal and China in 2020. It is located on the border of Nepal and Tibet (China). While the summit is a goal for elite mountaineers, the more accessible Everest Base Camp trek is a popular non-technical hike reaching about 5,364 meters. The mountain is a site of significant danger, with nearly 400 recorded deaths and many unrecovered bodies. Understanding these fundamental facts provides a clear picture of the world’s most famous peak. For those interested in other iconic mountains, read our guide to Kilimanjaro Mountain – Location, Height, Climbing and Facts. To learn about unique wildlife found in extreme environments, check out the Emperor Penguin – Facts, Habitat, and Conservation Status.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to climb Mount Everest?
A guided expedition costs between $35,000 and $100,000 depending on services, route, and operator.
How long does it take to summit Everest?
Most expeditions take about two months, including acclimatization rotations.
Eleanor Reeves is Managing Editor at readingwire.co.uk, running the daily news list, the publishing schedule and newsroom workflow.