Mt. Everest Quiz
What team was the first to reach the summit of Mt. Everest?
- On May 29, 1953, Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay became the first to reach the roof of the world. Their climb was made from the Nepalese side.
Whose body was found on Mt. Everest in 1999?
- George Mallory and Andrew Irvine died on Everest in 1924. An expedition in May 1999 found Mallory's body at 27,000 feet on the North side of the mountain.
What was Edmund Hillary�s profession?
- Even though he became famous overnight, Hillary resumed his job as a beekeeper when he returned to New Zealand.
Tibetans and Sherpas call Mt. Everest "Chomolungma." What does it mean?
- Sherpas are a people of Tibetan ancestry who migrated to Nepal about 600 years ago. They are known for their fortitude, their ability to tolerate high altitudes, and their mountaineering abilities.
How high is Mt. Everest?
- On Nov. 11, 1999, the new official height of Mt. Everest was announced as 29,035 feet. Until that point, the official height of Everest had been 29,028 feet.
More than 200 people have died attempting to climb Mt. Everest, and 1996 was the deadliest year. How many people died trying to climb the mountain that year?
- In May 1996, eight people lost their lives in the single greatest disaster on the mountain. The total for the year was 15.
When did climbers first attempt to climb Mt. Everest?
- Tibet opened its borders to foreigners in 1920.
Who was the first American to reach the summit of Mt. Everest?
- Whittaker reached the top of Everest in 1963.
Mt. Everest is part of what chain of mountains?
- Mt. Everest is in the central Himalayas, on the border of Tibet and Nepal.
Who was the first climber to reach the summit of Mt. Everest alone?
- Messner was also the first climber to summit Everest without oxygen.
