Mountain Climbing is a beloved outdoor activity enjoyed by many, but did you know there are some interesting facts about it? Here are ten fun facts about Mountain Climbing that may surprise you.
- The Himalayan and Karakoram ranges are home to all 14 of the world’s tallest mountains, collectively known as the “Eight Thousanders.”
These peaks tower at altitudes exceeding 8,000 meters above sea level. The Sherpas, an ethnic group indigenous to the Himalaya region who have long served as guides for mountain climbers, have undergone such extensive physical adaptation to their environment over generations that they now surpass other humans in terms of biological ability to successfully scale great heights.
- The highest peak ever summited was Mount Everest, which stands at 29,029 feet. Climbing this peak is no small feat —it can take up to two months of climbing and acclimating to reach the summit.
Climbing gear has also come a long way since then: modern climbers rely on things like advanced ice axes, crampons, and mountain boots to help them up the mountain.
- Mountain climbing can be dangerous: altitude sickness, avalanches, storms, rockfalls, and poor weather conditions are just a few of the major risks associated with mountaineering.
That being said, safety is paramount for climbers — ropes, helmets, and other safety essentials are essential when climbing.
- With a death rate of more than 40%, Nepal’s Annapurna summit is the most deadly mountain climbing route. The lack of safe pathways and extreme weather conditions make it one of the hardest climbs in the world, with only five out seven climbers succeeding.
- In 2003, 70-year-old Japanese athlete Yuichiro Miura set the record as the oldest person to ever climb Mount Everest. This record was unbroken for a decade—that is until he beat his own climbing time!
- Pemba Dorje Sherpa currently holds the world record for the quickest ascent of Mount Everest. It took him a mere 8 hours and 10 minutes to summit the peak.
- Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro’s inactive volcano, Kibo. A box rests on top of this peak for all those who summit to record their current thoughts and feelings in. Most people have contributed a note by the time they reached this spot
- Chinese paintings from as early as 200 BC show people mountain climbing, proving that present-day adventurers are far from the only ones interested in the sport.
Although there are many tales that cannot be confirmed, people have been present in mountains since long ago. The remains of Ötzi were found in a glacier dating back to the 4th millennium BC.Visitations to the highest mountains were rare early on and often seen as associated with supernatural or religious concepts.
- For rock climbers, having the experience of stepping onto rocks is what it’s all about. Modern day rock climbing has been around for centuries, as evident by native South-West American tribes living in Mesa cliffs and burial graves in Mustang that were discovered by archaeologists. These areas can only be reached by ascending rocks.
- Many ascents were made of extremely high peaks by the Incas and their subjects in the Andes around the late 1400s and early 1500s. The highest they are known for certain to have climbed is 6739m at the summit of Volcan Llullaillaco.
- The IFSC reports that, of the 2500 licenced athletes that have registered, the average age is 19 years old.
- Rock climbing isn’t just a great workout- it can also lead to drastic changes in your body composition, such as gaining lean muscle mass. In fact, you can burn up to 900 calories per hour while rock climbing!
- Mountaineering is, more so than other sports, a group activity where everyone both supports and gets support from the group’s success at each stage. Most climbers find joy not only in “conquering” a peak but also in the physical and spiritual satisfaction that comes from working hard , getting better with practice, and being in nature’s beauty .
These fun facts about mountain climbing give us a glimpse into its fascinating history and the brave climbers who have dared to climb these massive peaks. Whether you’re an experienced climber or just someone curious about the sport, these facts serve as a reminder of how far people have come in the pursuit of reaching greater heights.
That’s all for this week’s fun facts about mountain climbing! Until next time, happy climbing!
