Mount Everest on This Day in History

This Day in History: Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay became the first people to reach the summit of Mount Everest on this day in 1953. They didn't spend much time there, only 15 minutes. Norgay left chocolates there for the gods. You could argue that Mt Everest is not really the tallest mountain in the world. Mauna Kea in Hawaii is taller (33,500 feet) but most of that is underwater.

Over 4,000 people have attempted to climb Everest, and 1 in 10 successful summits ends in death. Over 300 people have died on Everest, there are around 120 dead bodies of climbers still on the mountain, most of whom died as a result of  avalanches. It takes 10 weeks to climb, and it will cost you $30,000 USD (on transportation, guides, training, and professional gear).

There is 66% less oxygen in each breath on the summit than at sea level, and the base camp has wifi.

3 Mysterious Events That Have Been Reported On Mount Everest