Natural Wonders of the World – Mount Everest
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Our series on the Natural Wonders of the World continues today with a spotlight on Mount Everest. Straddling the border between Nepal and China, Mount Everest is famous for being the highest peak in the world at over 29,000 feet.
Photo credit: reurinkjan
A part of the Himalaya range of mountains spanning six Asian countries, Mount Everest is an attraction to seasoned climbers and tourists alike. One of the “youngest” mountain ranges on earth, the Himalayas are said to have been formed through plate tectonics with the collision of the Indo-Australian and Eurasian plates. This type of formation is known by some as a “fold mountain” which is responsible for the huge craggy peaks for which Everest is famous.
Photo credit: topgold
By the end of 2008, there were 2,700 individuals recorded who have reached the summit of Mount Everest, which is a dangerous and expensive feat. The climb has claimed 210 lives and it can cost over £15,000 just to secure the necessary permits from the government of Nepal to have the right to attempt the climb. However, this is a huge source of revenue for this tiny country which has a huge poverty rate and unemployment rate. Conditions are extremely difficult on the summit, and climbs are recommended during May before the summer monsoon systems come through as monsoon conditions generally mean less stable weather patterns and higher wind speeds which make an already tricky climb extremely difficult.
Photo credit: ilkerender
For many adventure travellers, the peak of Mount Everest is on their “must-see” list – accessing the summit may be expensive but getting to Kathmandu to make the trek to the base of the mountains doesn’t have to be. Flights in peak climbing time in May from London to Kathmandu start at only £457 return.
Next Wednesday, we’ll continue our series with a look at the next Natural Wonder of the World, Aurora or the Northern Lights.
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