Mount Everest, located in the Himalayas, has always captivated mountaineers and researchers worldwide. At over 8,848 meters (3,000 feet), this mountain is not only a challenge for climbers but also the site of numerous mysteries, tragedies, and inexplicable phenomena. This article examines some of the most chilling and enigmatic discoveries that have shaped the history of this iconic mountain.
The Mystery of Mallory and Irvine
One of Everest’s greatest mysteries is that of George Mallory and Sandy Irvine, two British mountaineers who disappeared in 1924 while attempting to reach the summit. They were last seen just 30 meters from the top and were never seen again. Mallory’s body was recovered in 1999, but without the camera that could have proven whether they had reached their goal. Mallory had promised his wife he would leave a photograph of her on the summit, but it was never found on his body. The mystery remains: were they the first to conquer Everest?
Strange phenomena and ghost stories
Mount Everest is not only known for its dizzying height, but also for its ghost stories. Several climbers have reported mysterious apparitions during their ascents. In 2004, Sherpa Pemba Dorje claimed to have seen dark figures asking him for help. Are these sightings, often accompanied by inexplicable voices and lights, hallucinations due to lack of oxygen, or signs of a supernatural presence?
The death zone: a terrifying place
Above 8,000 meters, climbers enter what is known as the “death zone,” where the air is so thin that even with supplemental oxygen, survival is barely possible. This is where most deaths occur on the mountain. Brutal weather conditions often force climbers to abandon their ascent. This region is also the scene of personal tragedies, such as the 2015 earthquake that killed 18 people on the mountain.
