# Mount Everest Facts: Height, History, Records and How to See It

_Published 21 July 2025_

Mount Everest needs no introduction, but the stories behind it are richer than most people realise. Here are the essential facts about the world's highest mountain, from its height and names to its first ascents, records and the easiest ways to see it with your own eyes.

**Quick answer:** Everest is **8,848.86 m** high, a figure announced jointly by **Nepal and China** in **2020**. It stands on the border between Nepal and Tibet. In Nepali it is **Sagarmatha**; in Tibetan, **Chomolungma**. It was first climbed on **29 May 1953** by **Edmund Hillary** and **Tenzing Norgay**. Trekkers can see it from **Kala Patthar**, **Gokyo Ri**, the **Everest View Hotel**, on a **mountain flight** or a **helicopter tour**.

## Everest at a glance

FactDetailsHeight8,848.86 m (29,031.7 ft), announced by Nepal and China in 2020LocationMahalangur Himal, on the Nepal–China (Tibet) borderNamesSagarmatha (Nepali), Chomolungma (Tibetan), Everest (English)First ascent29 May 1953: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing NorgayMain routesSouth-east ridge (Nepal), north-east ridge (Tibet)Nepal side base campAbout 5,364 mMain climbing seasonLate April to late MayNational parkSagarmatha National Park, UNESCO World Heritage Site## How high is Everest?

The height of Everest has been measured many times since the 19th century. The current official figure, **8,848.86 m**, was announced jointly by Nepal and China in December 2020, after survey teams from both countries measured the summit, including the snow cap. It replaced the long-used figure of 8,848 m.

## Names

- **Sagarmatha**, the Nepali name, is often translated as "forehead of the sky".
- **Chomolungma**, the Tibetan name, is usually translated as "goddess mother of the world".
- **Everest**: the English name honours Sir George Everest, a former Surveyor General of India. The mountain was originally catalogued as Peak XV.

## Famous firsts

YearFirst1953First ascent: Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay, on a British expedition led by John Hunt1960First ascent from the north (Tibet), by a Chinese team1975First woman: Junko Tabei of Japan1978First ascent without supplemental oxygen: Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler1980First solo ascent without oxygen: Reinhold Messner, on a new north-side route## Records

- **Most summits**: **Kami Rita Sherpa**, with his 32nd summit in May 2026.
- **Busiest season**: spring 2026, with about 1,008 summits and a record 274 on a single day (20 May). See our [news story](/news/everest-spring-2026-season-record-summits).
- **Permits**: Nepal issued a record 495 Everest permits in spring 2026.

## The cost and danger of climbing

Since 1 September 2025, the spring royalty for foreign climbers on Nepal's normal route is **US$15,000** (see our [news report](/news/everest-climbing-fee-rises-to-15000)), and full guided expeditions cost many times more. Climbing Everest is dangerous: more than 330 people had died on the mountain by the end of 2024, from avalanches, falls, altitude illness and exhaustion, and several more have died in each season since.

## How trekkers can see Everest

WayEffort[Everest mountain flight](/everest-mountain-flight) from KathmanduAbout an hour; no walking[Helicopter tour](/everest-base-camp-helicopter-tour)A morning; no walking[Everest View trek](/everest-view-trek)About a week[Everest Base Camp](/everest-base-camp-trek) and [Kala Patthar](/places/kala-patthar)About two weeks[Gokyo Ri and Renjo La](/gokyo-renjo-la-pass-trek)About two weeksInterestingly, you can't see Everest's summit well from base camp itself; Kala Patthar or Gokyo Ri give much better views. See our [best viewpoints guide](/blog/best-viewpoints-in-nepal).

## Plan your Everest trip

Whether you want to fly past it, trek to its foot or stand on Kala Patthar at sunrise, we can help. [Contact us](/contact-us).

## Frequently asked questions
### How tall is Mount Everest?
**8,848.86 m**, announced by Nepal and China in 2020.

### Who first climbed Everest?
**Edmund Hillary** and **Tenzing Norgay**, on 29 May 1953.

### What is Everest called in Nepal?
**Sagarmatha**.

### Who was the first woman to climb Everest?
**Junko Tabei** of Japan, in 1975.

### Who has climbed Everest the most times?
**Kami Rita Sherpa**, with 32 summits as of May 2026.

### Can you see Everest from base camp?
Only partly; **Kala Patthar** gives a much better view.

### How much does it cost to climb Everest?
The permit alone is **US$15,000** in spring; full expeditions cost far more.

### Can I see Everest without trekking?
Yes, on a **mountain flight** or **helicopter tour**.

### Which country is Everest in?
On the border between **Nepal** and **China (Tibet)**.

### When is the climbing season?
Mainly **late April to late May**.


Web page: https://himalayanhiking.com/blog/mount-everest-facts