Mount Everest | Roof of the World · Highest Peak on Earth · Iconic Himalayan Adventure

Mount Everest: Mother of the Earth｜Sunrise on the Summit & the Sacred Sky at the Roof of the World

Mount Everest, known in Tibetan as “Chomolungma” meaning “Mother of the Earth,” is the main peak of the Himalayas and the tallest mountain on Earth. With its rock elevation at 8,844.43 meters and snowcap reaching 8,848.86 meters, it sits at the border of China (Tibet) and Nepal. The Everest region is famed for its breathtaking scenery, unique alpine ecosystem, and as the habitat of many rare species.

The environment is harsh—especially in winter—with strong winds and frequent blizzards. Yet, this very extremity creates one of the most majestic landscapes on Earth. Throughout history, Everest has remained a sacred dream for mountaineers, explorers, and scientists alike.

Staying at Everest Base Camp (EBC), the best times to witness the mountain are within two hours after sunrise or before sunset — ideal moments to photograph the famous “Golden Summit” (Sunlit Snowcap). Even if the summit remains hidden, that moment when sunlight touches Everest turns every wait into pure awe.

A visitor once said: “I looked up at the stars from Everest at 2 a.m., minus 5 degrees Celsius, standing at the foot of the world’s highest peak. No photo could ever capture the sheer magnitude of what I saw with my own eyes. It was the most romantic thing I’ve ever done.”

Under the freezing winds at 5,200 meters, when the sky explodes with stars and the golden light kisses the summit, all earthly thoughts vanish. Only reverence, wonder, and deep silence remain — a cosmic encounter at the top of the world.

Mount Everest, commonly known as Everest, is the highest mountain on Earth and the main peak of the Himalayas. According to a new measurement conducted in 2020, its official elevation is 8,848.86 meters (with a rock elevation of 8,844.43 meters), securing its status as the “Roof of the World.” Located at 86.9°E longitude and 27.9°N latitude, Everest straddles the border between China and Nepal, with the northern side in Tingri County, Tibet Autonomous Region, China, and the southern side in Nepal.

Geology and Formation｜The Tectonic Evolution of Mount Everest and the Rise of the Himalayas

The formation of Mount Everest can be traced back to around 65 million years ago during major plate tectonic shifts. At that time, the Indian subcontinent drifted northward and collided with the Eurasian plate, giving rise to the vast and dramatic Himalayan mountain range. This powerful tectonic collision caused continuous uplift in the region. Geological studies estimate that the Himalayas rise approximately 20 to 30 meters every 10,000 years, and even today, the region is still rising at an average rate of 7 centimeters per century.

Geographical Environment｜Location, Terrain, and Natural Features of Mount Everest and the Himalayas

Mount Everest has a massive pyramid-shaped structure with extremely steep terrain. The snowline lies between 5,800–6,200 meters on the northern slope and 5,500–6,100 meters on the southern slope. Between the northeast ridge, southeast ridge, and west ridge, three major cliffs—North Face, East Face, and Southwest Face—form the mountain’s most dramatic walls. Numerous continental-type glaciers lie between these faces, covering a total area of 1,457.07 square kilometers with an average ice thickness of about 7,260 meters. Under sunlight, the glaciers shimmer like silver dragons winding through the Himalayas, adding an awe-inspiring and mystical charm to Everest’s grandeur.

The climate on Mount Everest is extremely harsh. At altitudes above 7,500 meters, temperatures are severely low—even in summer, the average temperature remains below –10°C. During the coldest months, the average temperature can drop to –27.1°C. These extreme alpine conditions make climbing Everest one of the most challenging feats in the world.

Mount Everest is not only a majestic peak, but also a symbol of harmony between humanity and nature. It stands as a testament to our courage and ingenuity in the face of extreme challenges, while reminding us of the importance of respecting and preserving the natural world. In the years to come, let us join hands to protect this crown of the Earth, so that its breathtaking beauty may endure for generations.