Top 20 Best Books about Mount Everest of All Time

Here are a selection of the top 20 best books that explore the fascinating historical events, tense political situations, and devastating catastrophes that have occurred on the highest mountain in the globe over time. 

Into Thin Air, by Jon Krakauer (1997)

"Getting to the top of any given mountain was considered much less important than how one got there: prestige was earned by tackling a route that no one else had climbed or by climbing a familiar route in a style that no one else had ever attempted."

Jon Krakauer's riveting non-fiction story "Into Thin Air" recounts the tragic 1996 Mount Everest expedition, in which an unexpected storm claimed the lives of eight climbers. As a member of the expedition and an accomplished climber, Krakauer offers an eyewitness account of the events that preceded and succeeded the tragic occurrence. The intricate workings of commercialized climbing, the attraction of reaching the summit of Everest, and the ethical quandaries that confront climbers in dire circumstances are all explored in this book.

Touching My Father’s Soul, by Jamling Tenzing Norgay (2001)

"In the silent communion of the mountains, I had found my father's spirit and the soul of my own being. The bond that had always eluded me was finally forged on the roof of the world."

The biography "Touching My Father’s Soul" was written by Jamling Tenzing Norgay, the son of Tenzing Norgay, who, along with Sir Edmund Hillary, became the first people to climb Mount Everest. In this book, Jamling explores the spiritual and cultural significance of the mountain to the Sherpa people in addition to recounting his ascent of Everest, following in his father's footsteps. He addresses issues of identity, heritage, and the enduring appeal of Mount Everest via his own experiences.

The Third Pole: Mystery, Obsession, and Death on Mount Everest, by Mark Synnott (2021)

"Everest is a seductress. She beckons with the promise of glory, but those who heed her call must confront not only her physical challenges but also the inner demons that drive them upward, into thin air, where life hangs by a thread and death is an ever-present companion."

The dangerous world of Mount Everest is explored in "The Third Pole: Mystery, Obsession, and Death on Mount Everest" by Mark Synnott, who also discusses the inherent hazards that entice climbers to the mountain's harsh slopes. Synnott skillfully blends compelling accounts of mountaineering victories and setbacks with thoughtful analysis of the ethical, cultural, and environmental challenges associated with climbing the highest peak on Earth. He depicts the dire consequences of Everest's increasingly congested and dangerous terrain, as well as the tremendous effect it has on those who dare to climb it, through evocative storytelling.

The Moth and the Mountain, by Ed Caesar (2020)

"Wilson’s journey was a quixotic dream, a lunatic gamble, a beautifully British folly, a tale of madness and transcendence."

Ed Caesar's true narrative "The Moth and the Mountain" captivates readers with its tale of adventure, tenacity, and the human spirit. It chronicles the incredible quest of World War I veteran Maurice Wilson, who had the audacious goal of piloting a Gipsy Moth aircraft to the top of Mount Everest. With the early 1930s as the backdrop, Wilson's bold proposal defied all expectations and common sense as he set out on a treacherous journey filled with amazing difficulties and unanticipated roadblocks. Caesar skillfully combines historical analysis with evocative storytelling to vividly depict Wilson's incredible journey and provide readers with an engrossing look into the mind of a man who is devoted to pursuing an unattainable goal.

The Disposable Man: A Western History of Sherpas on Everest (2013)

"Mount Everest has become a symbol of the challenges, both natural and human, that confront those who seek to master it. But amidst the tales of triumph and tragedy, the story of the Sherpas, the backbone of Everest expeditions, is often overlooked. 'The Disposable Man' shines a light on their experiences, revealing the harsh realities faced by those who labor in the shadows of the world's tallest peak."

In addition to examining the historical marginalization and exploitation of Sherpa climbers, "The Disposable Man: A Western History of Sherpas on Everest" explores the complex interaction between Sherpas and Western climbers on Mount Everest. Based on in-depth investigation and eyewitness recollections, the book explores how Sherpas have been viewed as disposable workers, frequently putting their lives in danger to support Western climbers in their pursuit of fame and dominance. It questions Western perceptions of Everest expeditions by shedding insight into the cultural, economic, and environmental effects of mountaineering on the Sherpa population.

You can read here at Outside online.

Rising: Becoming the First North American Woman on Everest by Sharon Wood (2019)

"Standing on the summit, I realized that this was not the end, but rather the beginning of a journey that would shape the rest of my life. The mountain had tested me in ways I never imagined, but it also revealed to me the boundless potential within."

The fascinating memoir "Rising: Becoming the First North American Woman on Everest" by Sharon Wood details her incredible adventure to become the first woman from North America to summit Mount Everest. Wood describes, in compelling detail, the mental and physical difficulties she encountered, the teammate bond, and the victories and setbacks that accompanied her remarkable ascension. Her narrative encompasses more than just scaling a mountain; it also tells of overcoming obstacles, going against the grain, and finding inner power.

Dark Summit, by Nick Heil (2009)

"Everest has always been a magnet for kooks, publicity seekers, hopeless romantics, and others with a shaky hold on reality."

The compelling story "Dark Summit" by Nick Heil explores the people who risk everything to scale Mount Everest's heights and the lethal fascination of the mountain. Heil looks into the mountaineering culture, the commercialization of Everest, and the risks that climbers inevitably encounter. He presents a striking picture of the victories and tragedies that have occurred at the highest peak in the world through detailed research and evocative storytelling.

The Climb: Tragic Ambitions on Everest by Anatoli Boukreev (1997)

"Mountains are not stadiums where I satisfy my ambition to achieve, they are the cathedrals where I practice my religion." - Anatoli Boukreev

Anatoli Boukreev's book "The Climb: Tragic Ambitions on Everest" provides a first-hand account of the 1996 Everest disaster from the perspective of one of the expedition guides, making for a compelling read. An experienced climber, Boukreev gives a thorough account of what transpired before and during the fatal ascent, illuminating the difficulties involved in high-altitude mountaineering and the tough choices that had to be made in harsh circumstances. His story provides insightful information on the difficulties and dangers of ascending the highest mountain in the world as well as the intense human drama that took place in the harsh Himalayan environment.

High Adventure: The True Story of the First Ascent of Everest by Edmund Hillary

"We knew that it was the moment of success. On top of Everest, the world seemed complete. I believed then, as I do now, that we were not conquerors of Everest, but merely men on her summit for a few brief moments, and we must never lose sight of that fact."

Author Edmund Hillary's book "High Adventure: The True Story of the First Ascent of Everest" details the historic trip that resulted in the first ascent of Mount Everest to be completed successfully. Together with Tenzing Norgay, Edmund Hillary scaled the highest peak in the world in 1953, despite all odds. Readers are taken on an exciting adventure of tenacity, friendship, and the triumph of the human spirit against nature's most terrible obstacles through Hillary's stunning narration.

The Summit of the Gods by Baku Yumemakura

"In the mountains, every mistake exacts a price. Sometimes it's pain, sometimes it's death."

A fascinating adventure book, "The Summit of the Gods" by Baku Yumemakura, chronicles the journey of a photographer named Fukamachi as he gets entangled in the mystery surrounding a great mountaineer named Habu Jiro, who vanished while attempting to conquer Mount Everest. Due to his quest, Fukamachi ventures far into the realm of extreme climbing, where he faces treachery, danger, and the harsh truths of the natural environment. Fukamachi eventually seeks meaning and forgiveness in the quest for the impossibly difficult as he digs more into the mystery surrounding Habu Jiro's last ascent and faces his anxieties and limitations.

Left for Dead: My Journey Home from Everest by Beck Weathers

"I had discovered that I could will myself into action by concentrating on the most basic of all human needs—survival."

Beck Weathers' gripping narrative of surviving Mount Everest during the catastrophic storm of May 1996, against all chances, can be found in "Left for Dead: My Journey Home from Everest". A novice climber, Weathers perished from acute hypothermia and frostbite and was abandoned by his party after being stuck. By some miracle, he came to and was able to crawl back to the base camp where he was eventually rescued. His story demonstrates the human spirit's incredible resiliency in the face of hardship, as well as perseverance and resolve.

High Crimes: The Fate of Everest in an Age of Greed by Michael Kodas

"In an age of greed, Everest had become a playground for the rich, where the entrance fee for the most coveted summit on Earth had become climbing expertise, but cash could buy nearly everything else."

The book "High Crimes: The Fate of Everest in an Age of Greed" by Michael Kodas explores the complex network of environmental deterioration, corruption, and commercialization that surrounds Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Experienced journalist and climber Kodas shows the darker side of Everest excursions, showing how the quest for profit has caused environmental damage, congestion, and moral quandaries on the mountain. Kodas illuminates the effects of greed and exploitation in one of the most cherished natural marvels of the world by providing a clear image of the modern Everest experience through compelling storytelling and perceptive analysis.

Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest by Wade Davis

"Beyond the great epic of polar exploration, there exists no more powerful story of individual heroism than that of the war in the air, where men, like the pilots of the Royal Flying Corps, confronted the heavens in craft of canvas and wood, engaged in mortal combat amidst the clouds, and where, at altitudes scarcely imagined, souls froze and engines congealed, a landscape so alien that it brought the promise of transcendence and the prospect of damnation in equal measure."

Wade Davis's compelling book "Into the Silence: The Great War, Mallory, and the Conquest of Everest" masterfully combines the account of the great battle of Mount Everest with the background of World War I. In his analysis of the Great War's psychological and cultural effects on the generation of mountain climbers who tried to reach the top of the world's tallest peak, Davis goes deeply into these themes. George Mallory, the renowned British climber who tragically died on Mount Everest in 1924, is the main character in the narrative. Amidst the backdrop of a world ravaged by war, Davis creates a portrait of heroism, sacrifice, and the unwavering pursuit of the unattainable through painstaking research and compelling narrative.

The Lost Explorer: Finding Mallory on Mount Everest by Conrad Anker

"Mountains have a way of breaking down the arrogance in men, of forcing them to listen to the universe and learn the wisdom of humility. In their shadow, we can see our insignificance—and our true size."

The disappearance of George Mallory and Andrew Irvine on Mount Everest in 1924 is one of the greatest mysteries in climbing history, and Conrad Anker's book "The Lost Explorer: Finding Mallory on Everest" explores this mystery. Renowned mountaineer Anker shares his account of his hunt for Mallory's body and illuminates the enduring attraction of Everest and the quest for adventure.

Everest The Hard Way by Chris Bonnington

"For me, conquering Everest was not just an ascent of a mountain, but a journey into the depths of the human spirit, where resilience and determination are forged in the crucible of adversity."

The riveting story of Sir Chris Bonington's historic 1975 expedition to ascend Mount Everest via the treacherous Southwest Face may be found in "Everest: The Hard Way". Famous British mountaineer Bonington describes the terrifying adventure of his group as they overcome severe weather, dangerous terrain, and personal anxieties to summit one of the most difficult summits on earth. Bonington's striking narrative transports readers to the treacherous peaks of Everest, where each stride demands bravery and perseverance.

Tiger of the Snows by Tenzing Norgay

"I will come again and conquer you because as a mountain you can't grow, but as a human, I can."

Tenzing Norgay, who co-authored the first successful ascent of Mount Everest in 1953 with Sir Edmund Hillary, wrote an autobiography titled "Tiger of the Snows". In this book, Norgay writes about his early years spent in the Sherpa community, his mountaineering adventures, and the famous Everest trip. Along with excitement, it offers a fascinating look into the life of one of the most well-known climbers in history and a window into the customs and culture of the Sherpa people.

The Crystal Horizon by Reinhold Messner

"The mountain is not something external, out there; it is not something other than ourselves. It is part of us. We are the mountain."

The captivating autobiography "The Crystal Horizon" is written by renowned mountaineer Reinhold Messner, who is well-known for his audacious climbs and innovative spirit. In this engrossing book, Messner describes his 1980 solo ascent of Mount Everest without the use of oxygen suppliers, a feat that cemented his status as one of history's greatest mountaineers. The author transports readers to the heart of the world's highest peaks with evocative descriptions and thoughtful observations, delving into the psychological and physical difficulties associated with climbing at great altitudes.

Everest, Kangshung Face by Stephen Venables

"In the mountains, there are no shortcuts to the summit; perseverance and resilience are the only currencies worth anything."

Stephen Venables's book "Everest, Kangshung Face" describes his historic ascent of Mount Everest via the little-used Kangshung Face route. Renowned mountaineer Venables masterfully describes the struggles, victories, and unwavering resolve needed to ascend one of the most difficult peaks in the world by an unusual path.

Snow in the Kingdom by Ed Webster

"High-altitude mountaineering isn't just about reaching the summit; it's about confronting your deepest fears, forging bonds with fellow climbers, and finding moments of sublime beauty amidst the unforgiving landscape. In the kingdom of snow and ice, every step is a battle, every breath a victory."

The compelling memoir "Snow in the Kingdom" by Ed Webster recounts the author's adventures as a climber in the Himalayas, focusing on his attempts to reach K2, the second-highest summit in the world. Webster explores the complicated causes behind people's pursuit of such severe difficulties while skillfully capturing the beauty, peril, and companionship of high-altitude mountaineering through evocative storytelling.

Everest West Ridge by Tom Hornbein

"It was an unimaginable, almost surrealistic setting, a 'prisoner of the elements' sort of thing. We were specks in an immense wall of space, hanging on to what bit of rock and ice we could." - Tom Hornbein, "Everest: The West Ridge"

A compelling narrative of one of the most audacious and fabled ascents in mountaineering history may be found in Tom Hornbein's "Everest: The West Ridge". The West Ridge of Mount Everest is extremely dangerous, and only two people have ever successfully climbed it. Tom Hornbein and Willi Unsoeld made the bold decision to tackle this route in 1963. Extreme weather, technical problems, and the ongoing danger of avalanches were just a few of the amazing challenges that characterized their adventure. Hornbein and Unsoeld stretched the limits of human achievement in pursuit of their summit dream, demonstrating incredible courage and tenacity in the face of insurmountable circumstances.

These great books about climbing Mount Everest show you both the positive and the horrible things that can happen on a mountain. In addition to the list above, a plethora of renowned mountaineers and writers have documented the experience of climbing Mount Everest. More than just chronicling ascents, the best books on Mount Everest provide insights into the human condition by illustrating the intricacies of desire, tenacity, and the never-ending dance between man and mountain. Everest literature enthralls and inspires readers with tales of historical victories and modern struggles alike, beckoning them to set out on their expeditions of exploration and discovery, on the slopes of the world's highest mountain and in the recesses of the human soul.