| mount everest, part of the himalayan mountains between nepal and tibet, was formed about 60 million years ago due to the shifting of earth's rocky plates. named after sir george everest, a british surveyor-general of india, everest is the highest mountain on earth, looming some 29,035 feet high and growing a few millimeters every year. climbing everest isn't easy, due to avalanches, strong winds, and thin air. nevertheless, in 1953, edmund hillary and sherpa tenzing norgay were the first climbers to reach the peak. more than 700 others have done so since, with at least 150 persons dying on their quest. |
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