Introduction -- Below the surface -- The Himalayan mountain range -- How do you measure a mountain? -- Looking up to the mountain -- Life at the foot of the mountain -- Magic in medicine -- Sacred mountain -- The Sherpa people of Khumbu Valley -- The legend of Shambhala -- Everest's alpine world -- What is the alpine environment? -- Alpine animals -- Ice giants -- The legend of Ganga -- The humble yak -- What makes a climber? -- Oxygen -- Climbing the mountain -- The five sisters of long life -- Perils of the mountain -- The three-faced goddess -- Attempts to the top -- The first successful attempt -- The climb -- Inventions for Everest -- At the top of the mountain -- The summit -- Human vs nature -- The myth of the Yeti -- Garbage on Everest -- Beyond the peaks -- Mount Everest -- Glossary

"There is a place where a mountain grows. It is the highest spot on Earth, the ultimate challenge for mountain-climbing adventurers, the towering figure of Sagarmatha, the Goddess of the Sky ... Welcome to Mount Everest. In this stunning book, travel back to the mountain's ancient origins, learn about the flora and fauna of its great flanks, and discover the rich culture and history surrounding it."--