Mount Everest Peak – Height, Location, Base Camp & Weather

Mount Everest, known as Sagarmāthā in Nepal and Qomolangma in Tibet, is the highest mountain on Earth above sea level. Its official summit elevation, based on the 2020 joint Nepal-China survey, is 8,848.86 meters (29,031.69 feet). The mountain sits on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China in the Himalayas.

For decades, the exact height of Everest was a subject of debate. The 2020 measurement ended years of discrepancy between different surveys and provided a single, agreed-upon figure. This article compiles the most current facts about the peak’s height, location, base camp, weather, climbing statistics, and the risks involved.

How Tall is the Mount Everest Peak?

• The official height of Mount Everest was updated in 2020 to 8,848.86 meters (29,031.7 feet) after a joint Nepal-China survey.
• Mount Everest straddles the border of Nepal (Solukhumbu District) and Tibet (China), making it accessible from two sides.
• Everest Base Camp on the south side (Nepal) sits at 5,364 m, while the north side camp (Tibet) is at 5,150 m.
• The ‘death zone’ above 8,000 m is where most fatalities occur due to altitude sickness, exhaustion, and weather.
• Over 6,000 people have summited Everest, with more than 300 deaths recorded (2019 data).

Where is Mount Everest Peak Located?

Mount Everest in Which Country?

Mount Everest lies on the border between Nepal and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. The summit itself is on the boundary line, so it is shared by both countries. Most commonly, people associate Everest with Nepal because the southern approach from Nepal is the most popular climbing route.

Mount Everest Location and Borders

The mountain is part of the Great Himalayas range. Its coordinates are approximately 27°59′N 86°55′E. The local names reflect its cultural significance: Sagarmāthā in Nepal and Qomolangma (or Chomolungma) in Tibet. The position on the border means that climbers must obtain permits from either Nepal or China depending on the side they choose.

What is Mount Everest Base Camp and Its Height?

Height of Everest Base Camp

Everest has two main base camps. The South Base Camp in Nepal sits at an altitude of about 5,364 meters (17,598 feet). The North Base Camp in Tibet is at approximately 5,150 meters (16,896 feet). Some sources give slightly different figures due to seasonal variations and measurement methods, but these are the commonly cited elevations.

How Long is the Everest Base Camp Trek?

The classic trek from Lukla to Everest Base Camp on the south side takes about 12 to 14 days round trip. This includes acclimatization days. The climb from base camp to the summit typically takes weeks, with one source describing the entire ascent as around 40 days when factoring in acclimatization rotations and weather delays.

What is the Weather Like on Mount Everest Peak?

Summit Temperature

The summit of Everest experiences extreme cold. The average temperature in January is around -36°C (-33°F). Even in summer, temperatures rarely rise above -20°C (-4°F). The air at the summit is only about one-third as dense as at sea level, making oxygen deprivation a serious issue.

Seasonal Climbing Window

The main climbing window is short, typically in mid-May when the jet stream winds ease. Outside this period, conditions become far more dangerous. During the monsoon season, summit winds can exceed 100 mph (160 km/h) and produce whiteout conditions. Snow depth on the summit varies seasonally, fluctuating by about 5 to 20 feet (1.5–6 meters) depending on the time of year.

How Many People Have Reached the Peak of Mount Everest?

First Ascent

The first successful ascent of Mount Everest was achieved on May 29, 1953, by Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Tenzing Norgay, a Sherpa from Nepal. Their achievement opened the door for thousands of subsequent climbers.

Climbing Statistics

According to NASA Earth Observatory, in the 50 years after the first ascent, more than 5,000 attempts resulted in about 1,600 successes. As of 2019, over 6,000 distinct individuals have summited Everest. The total number of climbs is higher because some people have summited multiple times. Kami Rita Sherpa holds the record for the most summits, with 28 as of 2023.

Costs of Climbing

A standard guided expedition to Everest costs between $35,000 and $100,000. This includes permits, logistics, equipment, guides, and support staff. The price varies depending on the side, the guiding company, and the level of service.

What Are the Risks and Dangers of Climbing Mount Everest?

The Death Zone

Above 8,000 meters (26,247 feet) lies the “death zone,” where oxygen levels are too low to sustain human life for extended periods. Prolonged exposure can cause severe altitude sickness, brain swelling, and other life-threatening conditions. Most fatalities on Everest occur in this zone.

Avalanches and Storms

Other major hazards include avalanches, storms, frostbite, extreme cold, and exhaustion. The 2015 Nepal earthquake triggered an avalanche that buried part of Everest base camp, killing at least 18 climbers, according to the BBC. Avalanches remain a constant threat, especially in the Khumbu Icefall region.

Body Retrieval

National Geographic notes that many climbers die on the mountain and that bodies are often impossible to retrieve. Some routes pass by the remains of deceased climbers. Exact numbers are uncertain, but estimates suggest over 200 bodies remain on Everest, many in the death zone.

How Has Mount Everest’s Height Been Measured Over Time?

1. 1856 – Great Trigonometrical Survey: Peak XV estimated at 29,002 ft (8,840 m)
2. 1955 – Indian survey: 29,029 ft (8,848 m) — becomes widely accepted
3. 1999 – GPS expedition: 29,035 ft (8,850 m)
4. 2005 – Chinese survey: 8,844.43 m (29,017 ft) — excluding snow cap
5. 2010 – Nepal and China agree on 8,848 m (29,029 ft)
6. 2020 – Joint Nepal-China survey: 8,848.86 m (29,031.7 ft) — current official height

What Is Known and What Remains Uncertain About Mount Everest?

Why Does Mount Everest’s Height and Location Matter?

Mount Everest is the quintessential symbol of extreme altitude exploration. Its height is not static—it changes due to tectonic activity and measurement technologies. The 2020 revision reflects improved geodetic techniques and bilateral cooperation. Understanding its location (border of two countries) clarifies access routes and political considerations for climbers. The base camp heights are critical for trek planning and acclimatization. Weather at the summit is extreme, with jet-stream winds and temperatures that make survival possible only in narrow seasonal windows. Climbing statistics highlight both human achievement and the cost in lives. For those interested in exploring other high-altitude peaks, see our guide to the Highest Peaks in the World.

What Are the Key Sources for Mount Everest Information?

The primary sources for Everest’s height and facts include the Nepal Survey Department and the Chinese Academy of Sciences, which jointly announced the 2020 official height. Other authoritative sources are National Geographic, the British Mountaineering Council, and the Nepal Tourism Board. Below are some key quotes and references.

“The new height is 8,848.86 meters – that is the final and conclusive height of Mount Everest.”

– Nepal’s Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali (2020)

“Everest is the mountain that has lured climbers and explorers for over a century.”

– Britannica

For further reading, consult the Wikipedia: Mount Everest entry, Britannica: Mount Everest, BMC: Everest Facts and Figures, National Geographic: Everest, and Nepal Tourism Board: Everest. Additional context on the 2020 height revision is available from The Guardian and NASA Earth Observatory.

What Is the Most Important Thing to Know About Mount Everest?

Mount Everest is the highest peak on Earth, with a current official height of 8,848.86 meters. It sits on the Nepal-Tibet border and is known by local names Sagarmāthā and Qomolangma. The mountain presents extreme challenges: deadly altitude, fierce weather, and significant risks. Yet it continues to attract climbers from around the world, symbolizing human endurance and the drive to explore the limits of our planet. For those planning a trek, our Everest Base Camp Trek Guide provides practical information.

Frequently Asked Questions