Secrets of heights

Unsolved mysteries, strange finds, and fossils: The truth about Everest

Credit: Martin Jernberg

At 29,032 feet, Mount Everest is known as the "rooftop of the world." While that's a fact most people already know, this ancient mountain holds more secrets than you might expect. From mythical creatures to the most unusual objects ever found there, today we're taking a journey up Everest, and what we'll discover might surprise you!

Credit: Ben Lowe

Most of us know it simply as Everest, but this mountain has more identities. In the 19th century, the British named it after Sir George Everest, a British surveyor. But in Nepal, it's called Sagarmatha, which means "Forehead of the Sky." In Tibet, meanwhile, it's known as Chomolungma, meaning "Goddess Mother of the World." Beautiful, right?

Credit: Konstantin Mishchenko

If you think marriage is only for the daring, you won't believe this. Despite the danger and harsh weather, several couples have chosen the world's highest peak as the location for their wedding. A recent example is Ashley Schmieder and James Sissom, who in 2017 became the first couple to get married on the summit of Everest wearing traditional wedding outfits. Imagine wearing a wedding dress at -10°F!

Credit: Sebastian Pena Lambarri

On average, 800 to 900 people try to climb Everest each year, with many more visiting its base. Along the way, climbers often leave behind a surprising amount of items like crampons, clothing, cooking utensils, climbing tools, and oxygen bottles. In fact, there are "Trash zones" filled with these and many other articles left behind by people. You can imagine what else might be found there, especially since not everyone makes it to the summit.

Credit: Joseph Corl

At the top of Everest, there's more than just leftover climbing gear. There, at almost 30,000 feet above sea level, they have found something else: marine fossils!

Although the summit is far from the sea today, it wasn't always that way. Millions of years ago, the area where Everest now stands was once part of a seabed at the bottom of the ocean. Over time, tectonic plates pushed the land upward, forming not just Everest but the entire Himalayan mountain range.

Credit: Jonathan Ansel Moy de Vitry

Experienced climbers typically take 6 to 9 weeks to reach the summit of Everest, something incredible given the mountain's extreme conditions. But hear this: In 2003, expert Nepalese climber Lakpa Gelu reached the summit in just 10 hours and 56 minutes. And as if that wasn't impressive enough, in 2004, Sherpa Pemba Dorje beat that record, making it to the top in only 8 hours and 10 minutes!

Credit: Luo Lei

The movement of tectonic plates causes the Himalayas to rise. Incredible as it may seem, Mount Everest isn't just tall: It's actually growing a fraction of an inch every year! It may not sound like much, but over millions of years, it really adds up.

Credit: Ehab Al-Hakawati

There's an unsolved mystery on Everest involving two British climbers, George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, who aimed to be the first to reach the summit back in 1924. They were reportedly last seen close to the top, but no one knows if they actually made it.

Both climbers disappeared, and while Mallory's body was discovered in 1999, Irvine has never been found. Many people report encountering ghosts that haunt the mountain and sometimes even offer help. Could those spirits be the two of them?

Credit: Kirsten Frank

In 2024, Nat Geo explorers found a boot with a sock inside that read "A. C. Irvine." That's right! It took a hundred years before they finally discovered this boot, believed to have belonged to Irvine.

If it took a century to find just one boot, imagine everything else that might still be up there!

Credit: Agnès Maillard

Part of the mountain's folklore is the mythical Yeti, also known by his stage name: the Abominable Snowman. Reports of a huge, ape-like creature walking on two legs date back as early as the 19th century.

Most research suggests it's likely all about a bear species, but even today, some people still claim to have seen the Yeti. In the mountain, there have also been discoveries of footprints too large to be human, and even enormous bones!

Credit: JC Gellidon

The extreme altitude, cold, and other harsh conditions make life on Everest tough. However, to many people's surprise, the mountain does have its own unique plants and animals, all known for their ruggedness. On one hand, you can find hardy plants like mosses, lichens, and the Himalayan Blue Poppy. When it comes to animals, the area is home to snow leopards, Himalayan tahr (wild goats), and yaks. Of course, the higher you go, the scarcer wildlife becomes.

Brains and barks

The world's smartest dogs: Wait until you see which tops the list!

Credit: Cookie the Pom

Every dog has its own unique traits that make it stand out. At the same time, pups of the same breed often share common characteristics, such as strength, speed, or sociability. Today, we're focusing on a peculiar feature: intelligence. If you're wondering how smart your dog is, love learning about different breeds, or are just intrigued by the idea of canine IQs, this article is for you. Join us as we explore the 10 dog breeds considered the smartest in the world!

Credit: Marcin Wojna

If you're looking for a tough, hardworking, and dependable dog, the Australian Cattle Dog is a top choice! Also known as the Blue Heeler, this breed is widely recognized as one of the most intelligent. Originally bred in the 19th century, it was developed to herd cattle across long distances and rugged terrain. Experts praise its strong problem-solving skills, quick learning ability, and independent thinking.

Credit: Kevin Seibel

The Rottweiler is one of the oldest herding breeds, with origins dating back to the Roman Empire. Though often feared for their large size and powerful jaws, these dogs are much more than just muscle. Experts note that Rottweilers are quick learners, highly obedient, and excel in search, rescue, and protection work.

Credit: Niko Nieminen

If dogs went to college, the Papillon would be on the honor roll. Also known as the Continental Toy Spaniel, this breed is easily recognized by the shape of its ear fringes, which resemble wings. Known for being smart and alert, this little pup is great at learning new commands and performing complex tricks. And there’s more: Papillons are highly social dogs that get along well with people and other pets. Did you know that this was Marie Antoinette's favorite dog breed?

Credit: Vincent van Zalinge

These are the gentle souls of the neighborhood. Known for serving as guide and therapy dogs, this English breed is often praised for its energy, sociability, loyalty, sensitivity, anticipatory skills, and strong obedience. Perhaps that’s why the Labrador Retriever held the title of the most popular dog breed in the United States for more than 30 consecutive years!

Credit: Kat van der Linden

As its name suggests, this beautiful breed was developed to herd sheep and protect livestock. Don’t let their small size fool you—Shelties have a surprisingly powerful bark that carries over long distances. Experts highlight their loyalty and their impressive ability to learn new commands quickly and respond with great precision. Additionally, their alertness and problem-solving skills make them ideal for herding tasks.

Credit: Ryan Hyde

Let’s be honest: most of us feel a little intimidated by the piercing gaze of a Doberman Pinscher—and with good reason! These dogs are naturally protective and highly alert. The Doberman is fast, smart, and fearless, qualities that make it a preferred breed for police, military, and protection work. It might not be the friendliest dog on the block, but it's definitely sharp and focused.

Credit: Taylor Sondgeroth

Here’s a true star: the Golden Retriever, one of the most popular dog breeds worldwide, especially as a family pet. Their friendly, affectionate, and trustworthy temperament pairs perfectly with their high intelligence and quick learning ability. Thanks to their emotional awareness and impressive cognitive skills, Golden Retrievers excel in therapy work and search-and-rescue missions.

Credit: Yuriy Bogdanov

Do you remember Rin Tin Tin? Known worldwide as a "police dog," the German Shepherd is a hardworking and dedicated breed. While it sometimes gets a bad rap, this dog is actually very affectionate, loyal, and fiercely protective. Its intelligence ranks it among the top dog breeds, with experts highlighting its obedience, problem-solving skills, and ability to learn complex commands.

Credit: RR Rivera

This adorable breed ranks number 2 out of 110 in intelligence! Friendly, athletic, highly obedient, and impressively smart, Poodles were recruited by European circuses in the 18th and 19th centuries to perform amazing tricks and routines. Among their most remarkable traits are exceptional learning ability, excellent memory, and strong problem-solving skills.

Credit: Anna Dudkova

We have a winner! The Border Collie is widely recognized as the most intelligent of all dog breeds. It has it all: athleticism, energy, agility, speed, quick learning, sharp memory, excellent tracking skills, fast responses, intense focus, and outstanding problem-solving ability. In the early 2000s, a Border Collie named Chaser earned the title of "The smartest dog in the world." She shocked researchers by learning and remembering over 1,000 words linked to objects and actions!