Conquering Mt. Qomolangma

People today deem hiking as a fashionable way of traveling, and also a way full of challenge. For those adventurous travelers, hiking is no doubt a unique way to travel, experiencing the breathtaking scenery and feeling the local culture personally. China boasts a number of destinations suitable for hiking with their own characteristics. Among which, Mt. Qomolangma is definitely the supreme destination. The area has 4 peaks above 8,000 m. (26,247 ft.) and 38 peaks above 7,000 m. (22,965 ft.), hence the laudatory title 'the Third Pole of the Earth'.



Pilgrims trek long distances to present a pious worship, climbing enthusiasts run great risks to challenge its high altitude and the common visitors also yearn for a reverent look at this holy peak.

As the highest peak in the world, Mt. Everest, also called Mt. Qomolangma, is 8,848 metres (29,029 ft) above sea level and is the 5th furthest point from the center of the Earth. Without any doubt, climbing Mt. Everest is very dangerous, the external condition of the nature may bring various troubles to travelers, such as the change of the weather and extreme circumstances. At the foot of this world's highest mountain is located the highest temple in the world, Rongbuk Monastery. At the altitude of about 5000 m. (16,404 ft.) and 25 km. (15.5 mi.) in the distance, it is also the best point to appreciate the scenery of Mt. Everest. Rongbuk Glacier around this area is also the largest among all the glaciers here.



As the appealing tourism destination, Mt. Qomolangma is also blessed with many extreme wonders. The top part of the mountain is covered with snow all the year round. When the glaring sun shines on the mountain, the peak is just like a white pyramid miraculously transformed by the Goddess, leading us to imagine her semblance further. More often than not, the thick freely moving clouds and fogs, seeming as if a flag with the mast of the peak was swinging, will shroud the peak. This peculiar phenomenon is known as 'Flag Cloud'.



An additional wonder generated here are the bright glaciers, where ices are formed into various shapes like bridges, pagodas and others. You can also find miles of efflorescent rock physiognomy there, such as stalagmites, stelae, stone sword, and stone pagodas. The climbing pathfinders call this splendor at such high attitude 'the Largest Park on the High Mountain'.

Hikers climb any mountain may face the challenge of their physical strength, willpower and wisdom. Not to mention the area is frequently beset with sudden storms, snow, wind and the weather may change quickly in a day. Only the periods between early March and late May, along with early September and late October are fit for climbing, among which less than 20 days are actually fine. So keep a very close eye on the weather changes there if you want to climb. Climbing Mt. Everest is very challenging, only those who can endure the adverse weather and experienced climbers should venture onto it's slopes. Once stepping on the top of the mountain, you may feel the world is under your feet!