the Majesty of Mount Everest: The World's Highest Peak

Mount Everest, known as “ཇོ་མོ་གླང་མ་” in Tibetan, is a revered and famous mountain in Tibet. The name “Jomo-Langma” translates to “Holy Mother,” reflecting its sacred status. It is the third peak of “Tshe-ring-mcheu-lnga.” Located directly south of Dingri County, Mount Everest sits on the border between China and Nepal. It is also known by other names such as “Chu-mu-lang-ma Mountain” and “Jo-mo-lang-ma-ri.” Standing at an elevation of 8,848.13 meters, it is the highest peak in the world and one of the 44 open peaks in Tibet.

The Many Names of Mount Everest

In Nepali, Mount Everest is called “Sagarmatha.” It was first mapped in the Qing Dynasty’s 56th year of Emperor Kangxi’s reign (1717) and referred to as “Jumolangma Alin” in the “Comprehensive Map of Imperial Territories.” The term “Alin” is derived from the Manchu language, meaning “mountain peak.” In 1855, British colonialists named the peak after Sir George Everest, the then-Surveyor General of India.

Mount Everest is not just a natural wonder, but also a cultural icon. Its name and status have evolved over centuries, reflecting the diverse influences and the significance it holds for different cultures. The Tibetan name “Jo-mo-glang-ma” emphasizes its sacred nature, while the Nepali “Sagarmatha” and the historical “Jumolangma Alin” highlight its prominence in various historical contexts.

The Ultimate Destination for Adventurers – Mount Everest

For those seeking adventure, Mount Everest is a dream destination. As the highest peak on Earth, it presents a formidable challenge for mountaineers from around the world. Its towering height and the harsh conditions make climbing Everest an ultimate test of endurance and skill.

Today, Mount Everest is more accessible than ever before. Tibet has opened 44 peaks to visitors, including Everest. Whether you’re an experienced climber or someone who wants to experience the majestic beauty of the Himalayas, a visit to Mount Everest offers an unforgettable adventure.

Renaming of Everest and Its Cultural Significance

In 1952, the Chinese government officially renamed “Mount Everest” to “Mount Qomolangma.” This region boasts four peaks over 8,000 meters and 38 peaks over 7,000 meters, earning it the title “The Third Pole of the Earth.”

Reverence for Mount Qomolangma

For centuries, the Tibetan people have revered Mount Qomolangma as a deity. Tibetan high monk Milarepa meditated in the caves around the mountain for nine years, composing numerous poems in praise of the peak:

The triangular snow mountain soars straight into the sky,
Her bird-like peak adorned with crystal decorations,
Shining with the brilliance of the sun and moon;
Above her floats white drifting clouds,
Her head gently swaying in the mist;
Below, vibrant rainbows embellish her,
Midway, cliffs sway like emerald eyebrows…

The Myth of the Five Long-Life Sisters

In Tibetan folklore, Mount Qomolangma and its four neighboring peaks are known as the “Five Long-Life Sisters.” The tallest, Qomolangma, is considered the leader of these celestial sisters and is named Bkra-shis-tshe-ring-ma, or the “Third Goddess.” Tibetan literature describes these sisters as the oldest deities, also known as the “Five Auspicious Long-Life Goddesses” or “Five Sisters of Longevity.”

The Role of the Five Sisters in Tibetan Buddhism

The Gelug school of Tibetan Buddhism views these sisters as goddesses residing in a mystical realm beyond the earthly world. According to legend, they were once subdued by the great teacher Padmasambhava, who converted them into protective deities of Tibetan Buddhism. Each sister is also considered a mountain goddess, worshipped in ceremonies held in beautiful, natural settings filled with lush trees and vibrant flowers.

Rituals and Offerings to the Goddesses

Devotees offer a variety of foods and drinks typical for benevolent protective deities, along with special items for the five goddesses. These offerings include medicinal tormas (ritual cakes), a smooth bronze mirror, a crystal stone, peacock feathers, flawless turquoise, conch shell dice, and precious containers filled with water (as described on page 206 of “The Gods and Demons of Tibet”).

The Legend of Milarepa and the Five Long-Life Sisters

In the 11th century, the founder of the Kagyu school, Milarepa, composed many hymns about the Five Long-Life Sisters during his retreat at Mount Qomolangma. These hymns helped endear the sisters to all Tibetans.

The Five Long-Life Sisters in Tibetan Thangka Art

In Tibetan Thangka art, the Five Long-Life Sisters are depicted with their leader, the goddess Bkra-shis-tshe-ring-ma, at the center. She is portrayed with white skin and adorned with a jeweled crown. In her right hand, she wields a nine-pointed vajra, while her left hand holds a bowl filled with nectar close to her chest. She wears a flowing red silk robe and a long cloak made of peacock feathers, and she rides a white lion. She governs the fortune, prosperity, and longevity of humanity, ensuring peace across the snowy lands and the continuation of the Tibetan people, bestowing them with intelligence and wisdom.

The Subordinate Goddesses – Cultural and Spiritual Significance

To the lower right of the main deity is Mthing-gi-zhal-bzang-ma. This blue-skinned goddess raises a magic mirror in her right hand and holds a stick wrapped with colorful ribbons in her left. She rides a tall wild horse. Her primary role is to predict light and darkness, fortune and misfortune, giving people the wisdom of divination. Thus, she is also known as the “Goddess of Divination.”

These goddesses hold significant roles in Tibetan culture and spirituality. They are venerated for their protective qualities and their influence over various aspects of life, from longevity and prosperity to wisdom and divination. The hymns composed by Milarepa not only highlight their importance but also reflect the deep spiritual connection the Tibetan people have with these deities.

The Remaining Goddesses of the Five Long-Life Sisters

Mi-gyu-blo-bzang-ma: The Goddess of Wealth

Above the main deity, to the right, is Mi-gyu-blo-bzang-ma. She is depicted with yellow skin, making a mysterious hand gesture of offering treasures with her right hand, while her left hand holds a bowl filled with grains close to her chest. She rides a golden tiger. Mi-gyu-blo-bzang-ma governs earthly treasures and wealth, offering material wisdom to people. She is known as the “Goddess of Food and Wealth.”

Gtad-dkar-vgro-bzang-ma: The Goddess of Livestock

Below the main deity, to the left, is Gtad-dkar-vgro-bzang-ma. This green-skinned goddess raises a handful of grass in her right hand and holds a noose made of a poisonous snake in her left. She rides a turquoise-like dragon. Gtad-dkar-vgro-bzang-ma oversees the breeding and prosperity of livestock in the snowy regions, offering wisdom in animal husbandry. She is known as the “Goddess of Livestock.”

Cad-pan-mgrin-bzang-ma: The Goddess of Treasure

Above the main deity, to the left, is Cad-pan-mgrin-bzang-ma. She has red skin and is depicted with one face and two arms. Her right hand holds a treasure-filled box close to her chest, while her left hand extends outward holding a large gemstone. She rides a dark brown deer. Cad-pan-mgrin-bzang-ma governs human prosperity and food, offering wisdom about treasures and wealth. She is known as the “Goddess of Treasure.”

The Glacial Wonders of Mount Qomolangma

Mount Qomolangma, also known as Mount Everest, is the center of glacial activity in the mid-to-low latitudes. The area boasts numerous large modern glaciers, with a total of 548 glaciers spread over 5,000 square kilometers. The average thickness of these glaciers is 120 meters, with the thickest parts exceeding 300 meters. The northern slope alone contains 217 glaciers covering approximately 1,600 square kilometers.

Notable Glaciers

Among the famous glaciers are the Rongbuk Glacier, the Gengzhongba Glacier, the Jiabu Glacier, and the Langba Glacier. The Rongbuk Glacier, for instance, stretches 26 kilometers, with an average ice tongue thickness of 14 kilometers, covering an area of 86.89 square kilometers. The region also features well-developed glacial landforms, including cirques, horns, and arêtes. Below the snow line, towering ice pinnacles, some reaching 40-50 meters high, intermingle with deep ice caves and winding ice streams, creating a breathtaking landscape.

The Pyramid Shape of Mount Qomolangma

Mount Qomolangma itself is a massive pyramid-shaped peak. The snow line on the northern slope ranges from 5,800 to 6,200 meters, while on the southern slope it ranges from 5,500 to 6,100 meters. The northern slope within China is steep and rugged, with the upper parts of the mountain covered in snow and ice year-round. In contrast, the southern slope in Nepal has a gentler incline.

The Ultimate Climbing Dream

Mount Qomolangma is the ultimate dream for mountaineers. The Chinese Mountaineering Team reached the summit twice from the northern slope, on May 25, 1960, and May 27, 1975. On May 5, 1988, a joint expedition of climbers from China, Japan, and Nepal accomplished the first-ever climb of both the north and south sides of the peak.

Rongbuk Monastery: The Highest Monastery in the World

At an altitude of 5,000 meters on the northern slope of Mount Qomolangma lies Rongbuk Monastery, the highest monastery in the world. It also serves as the base camp for climbing the mountain from the northern side. Looking south from Rongbuk Monastery, one can see the massive pyramid-shaped peak of Mount Qomolangma towering majestically among the surrounding mountains, an awe-inspiring sight.

Mount Qomolangma, with its towering glaciers, rugged terrain, and cultural significance, remains a symbol of natural grandeur and human aspiration. Its diverse glaciers and unique landforms create a stunning and varied landscape. The mountain’s formidable peaks continue to challenge and inspire climbers from around the world, cementing its status as the ultimate mountaineering goal. Whether admired for its natural beauty or revered for its spiritual significance, Mount Qomolangma stands as a testament to the wonders of our planet.

Highlights of Mount Everest

The Spectacular Banner Clouds of Everest

One of the most breathtaking natural phenomena on Mount Qomolangma is the formation of “banner clouds.” These clouds appear as a white band of snow at the peak, resembling a flag fluttering in the wind, hence the name “banner cloud.” Typically seen after sunrise, especially between 11 AM and 3 PM, these clouds are a unique feature created by the mountain’s exceptional height and geographical conditions.

They take on various shapes, resembling flags, ocean waves, rivers, and even galloping horses, making them a remarkable natural wonder of Everest. Chinese meteorologists describe them as “the world’s highest wind vane,” while foreign explorers call them “the veil of the Holy Mother.”

Travel Tips for Mount Everest

According to a report by the “New Nepali Times” on May 29, 2012, thirteen Sherpas from a village in Solukhumbu District, located at the northeastern foot of Mount Qomolangma, successfully reached the summit between 8 and 9 AM on May 26, setting a new world record. In 2011, twelve Sherpas from another village in the same district also successfully summited Everest. Additionally, Kami Sherpa, a 51-year-old from another village, remarkably reached the summit three times in eight days (on May 19, 24, and 27, 2012). Since his first successful summit in 1997, Kami Sherpa has climbed Everest 14 times.

Currently, the Guinness World Record for the most summits of Mount Qomolangma is held by Apa Sherpa, who has reached the peak 21 times. On May 26, 2012, a record-breaking 150 climbers successfully summited from the southern Nepalese side, setting the world record for the most people to reach the summit in a single day.

Mount Qomolangma continues to captivate with its natural wonders and the incredible feats of those who dare to climb it. The banner clouds, unique to this majestic peak, are a testament to its beauty and the powerful natural forces at play. The achievements of the Sherpas and other climbers highlight the enduring human spirit and the allure of conquering the world’s highest mountain. Whether you’re a climber or a nature enthusiast, Mount Qomolangma offers a spectacle unlike any other.

Travel Tips for Visiting Mount Qomolangma

Trekking from Dingri to Base Camp

The distance from Dingri to Mount Qomolangma Base Camp is about 70 kilometers. The trek typically takes 3 to 4 days, and along the way, you can stay in villages. Camping is also an option, but you will need to bring your own stove and tent. The best time for trekking is from April to October.

Fossil Souvenirs

At the base camp, Tibetan children sell fossils that feature intricate patterns of sea snails, fish, and shrimp. These fossils make for unique and valuable souvenirs.

Weather Considerations

Rongbuk Monastery and the base camp are cold and windy, so visitors should bring adequate warm clothing. It’s also essential to protect your camera from the cold and to bring a tripod for capturing the stunning sunrises and sunsets over Everest. The best seasons for photography are from April to July and from September to November.

Permits and Best Travel Times

Visitors to Mount Qomolangma must obtain a border pass. The optimal times to visit are from early April to late June and from early September to late October. It is advisable to avoid traveling in winter or during July and August, as these periods can present significant challenges and inconveniences.

Conclusion

Mount Qomolangma offers a unique and awe-inspiring experience for trekkers and nature enthusiasts. By planning your visit during the optimal seasons and preparing adequately for the conditions, you can fully enjoy the beauty and majesty of the world’s highest peak.

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