Everest: History, Achievements, and the Dream of Reaching Base Camp

Everest viewed from Base Camp.

Each year, as the anniversary of the first ascent of Everest on May 29, 1953, approaches, we turn our gaze once more to the mountain that remains a symbol of adventure, resilience, and human limits. Standing at 8,848.86 meters, Everest is not only the highest peak on Earth but also one of the most coveted and feared. To date, more than 6,000 people have reached its summit, though the cost has sometimes been high: over 300 deaths have been recorded on its slopes. Still, its allure is undiminished, and each year, hundreds of adventurers embark on the iconic Everest Base Camp Trail, a route that leads to the heart of mountaineering history.

Though few dream of the summit itself, thousands of people from around the world choose the Everest Base Camp Trek as their personal challenge. The trekking to Everest Base Camp is much more than a hike: it’s a journey through mountaineering history, among Himalayan giants, Buddhist monasteries, and breathtaking landscapes.

Why does Everest attract so many?

The Everest Base is more than just a starting point; it’s a place charged with energy. Being there means becoming part of a story that has challenged explorers, mountaineers, and adventurers for decades. Whether it’s for the physical challenge, the majestic surroundings of the Himalaya Base Camp, or the desire to connect with something greater, the Everest trekking experience has become a dream within reach for mountain lovers.

The journey to the Everest Base Camp blends Sherpa culture, unforgettable views, and the magnetism of walking in the footsteps of mountaineering legends. It’s not just a hike: it’s a life-changing experience.

Historical milestones of Everest in chronological order:

🏔️ 1921: First photographic reconnaissance

The first British expedition to Everest, led by Charles Howard-Bury, aimed mainly to explore possible ascent routes. There was no attempt to summit, but much of the unknown terrain was mapped, and the first detailed photographs of the eastern Himalayas were taken.

This mission was key in laying the logistical and geographic foundation for future expeditions. It also sparked enormous interest in the West about this mysterious mountain and its surroundings—an interest that would only grow.

🏔️ 1924: Mallory and Irvine disappear

During an ambitious summit attempt, George Mallory and Andrew Irvine were last seen near the northeast ridge. They never returned. Their remains weren’t found until decades later.

The great mystery remains: did they reach the summit before perishing? If so, they would have been the first. This uncertainty has fed the Everest legend and enshrined Mallory as a romantic figure in classic mountaineering.

✈️ 1933: First flight over Everest

In April 1933, British aviators Douglas Douglas-Hamilton and David McIntyre conducted the first flight over Everest aboard small Westland Wallace aircraft. Equipped with cameras, they captured unprecedented images of the top of the world.

The flight was a technological and logistical feat, considering the low temperatures, air pressure, and fragility of the planes. This achievement marked the beginning of aerial exploration in the Himalayas, essential for future expeditions and geographical studies.

🏔️ 1953: First successful ascent

On May 29, 1953, New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay reached the summit of Everest, becoming the first confirmed humans to do so. They were part of a British expedition led by John Hunt.

Their success was celebrated worldwide and marked the start of a new era in mountaineering. Hillary and Tenzing became icons, and Everest transitioned from an unreachable peak to a symbol of human capability to overcome the impossible.

🏔️ 1975: Junko Tabei, first woman on the summit

Japanese mountaineer Junko Tabei broke gender and cultural barriers by becoming the first woman to reach the summit of Everest. Her ascent was part of an all-female Japanese expedition.

Her accomplishment inspired women around the world to take part in mountain sports. Tabei proved that the mountain doesn’t distinguish between genders—and that determination is stronger than any external obstacle.

🏔️ 1978: Messner and Habeler summit without oxygen

Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler achieved the unthinkable: reaching Everest’s summit without supplemental oxygen. Until then, it was believed to be physiologically impossible due to the extreme altitude.

This ascent was a turning point in mountaineering. It opened the door to alpine-style climbs on 8000-meter peaks and solidified Messner as one of the greatest climbers of all time.

🏔️ 2019: Summit congestion

In May 2019, a photograph by Nirmal Purja went viral: dozens of climbers waiting in line to reach Everest’s summit. The image sparked intense debate about overcrowding and safety on the mountain.

That year saw a record number of permits issued by the Nepali government, leading to bottlenecks, exhaustion, and several deaths in the “death zone.” Everest became a symbol of an industry in urgent need of sustainable regulation.

🏔️ 2025: Kami Rita Sherpa breaks his own record

In May 2025, Kami Rita Sherpa summited Everest for the 31st time, extending his own world record. Born in the heart of the Khumbu, this guide has dedicated his life to the mountain.

His achievement speaks not only of physical endurance but also highlights the vital role of the Sherpas—true unsung heroes of Himalayan mountaineering. Kami Rita embodies the blend of tradition, experience, and leadership.

Your journey to Everest starts at base camp

At Altura Expeditions, we believe Everest is within reach—not just for climbers, but for everyone. That’s why we design safe and transformative experiences to the Everest Base Camp. Our journey to Everest includes thorough preparation, expert guidance, and seamless logistics so you can enjoy the best trekking to Everest Base Camp experience. Whether you’re looking for adventure, connection, or personal growth, the base camp Himalayas trekking is waiting for you.

✨ Get in touch to discover our upcoming groups to the Everest Base Camp. We have the following routes open for Autumn and Spring:

• Standard trek: ideal for those who want to enjoy without complications.

• Gokyo route: crosses glacial lakes and offers unique views of Everest from Gokyo Ri.

• High passes route: for experienced hikers in good physical condition.

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