Mt. Everest is the highest peak in the world. Mount Everest, called Peak XV after its survey by the Great Trigonometric Survey of India, conducted by Great Britain, in 1856, is also called Chomolangma, meaning “Goddess Mother of Snows” or literally "Holy Mother" in Tibetan and Sagarmatha, meaning "Mother of the Universe" in Nepalese. The mountain is sacred to the native people in Tibet and Nepal.
Mount Everest's current elevation of 29,035 feet is based on a GPS device implanted on the highest bedrock point under ice and snow in 1999 by an American expedition led by Bradford Washburn. This exact elevation is not officially recognized by many countries, including Nepal. A measurement in 2005 by the Chinese State Bureau of Surveying and Mapping determined that the elevation of Mount Everest is 29,017.16 feet (8,844.43 meters), with a variance of 8.3 inches. This elevation was also made from the highest rock point.A cap of ice and snow atop the bedrock varies between three and four feet deep, as determined by both the American and Chinese expeditions.
The official altitude of the world's highest peak is 29,029 feet (8,848m). However, the National Geographic Society has determined the height to be 6 feet taller, 29,035 feet, but the Nepali government has not yet been made this new altitude official. Shifting tectonic plates continue to push Everest upward, along with the whole Himalaya mountain range, at 1.6 to 3.9 inches (4 to 10 centimeters) per year. Everest is part of the Himalaya mountain range along the border of Nepal and Tibet. It is located 27° 59' North latitude, 86° 55' East longitude.
In 1841, Sir George Everest, Surveyor General of India from 1830 to 1843, first recorded the location of Everest. It was subsequently named "Peak XV". In 1865, it was renamed Mt. Everest to honor Sir George. Each climber has a different opinion about what is the most difficult part of climbing Everest. Most would agree, though, that the altitude is tough to deal with. And most will also have stories about crossing the infamous Khumbu Icefall going from Base Camp to Camp One. Mountaineers climb through this moving sea of ice using ordinary aluminum garden ladders.
Location: On the border of Nepal and Tibet/China, Asia
Elevation: 29,035 feet (8,850 meters)
Prominence: 29,035 feet (8,850 meters). Most prominent mountain in the world.
Coordinates: 27°59′17″ N / 86°55′31″ E
First Ascent: Sir Edmund Hillary (New Zealand) and Tenzing Norgay (Nepal) on May 29, 1953.
