In Tibet, which on its north side, it's called Chomolungma. In the West, it was called Peak 15 until 1859 when it was renamed for Sir George Everest, the British surveyor general of India. Decreasing atmospheric pressure at high altitude means there are fewer oxygen molecules in a given space. At the top of Mount Everest, each breath pulls in one-third of the oxygen it would at sea level. Even acclimated, the body begins to shut down, and if a person stays that high long enough, they will die.
Most climbers use oxygen for climbing and sleeping.
Sharon Wood became the first North American woman to summit in 1986. Ang Rita Sherpa and Apa Sherpa have each reached the summit 10 times. We welcome your feedback. All rights reserved.