Introducing the Mahalangur Himal: Chomolongma – Mount Everest map, a masterful piece of cartographic history created by Erwin Hermann Manfred Schneider in 1957. This map stands as the first to depict the entire Mount Everest–Khumbu region at an unprecedented scale of 1:25,000. The map was born out of the intense interest sparked by the first successful ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953. Schneider's meticulous fieldwork during the 1955 International Himalaya Expedition, coupled with the artistic finesse of Fritz Ebster, resulted in a map that is both a scientific triumph and a work of art.
This map is a testament to the advanced techniques of triangulation and terrestrial photogrammetry employed by Schneider. It captures the intricate details of the Mount Everest region, showcasing the bedrock, moraines, and glaciers with twenty-meter contour lines. The relief-like reproduction of the terrain is not only visually stunning but also provides an invaluable resource for understanding the geographical complexities of this iconic area. The map's accuracy and detail were made possible by the latest data from the Survey of India, which fixed the height of Everest at 29,028 feet.
The Mahalangur Himal map is more than just a topographic representation; it is a historical document that chronicles a pivotal moment in mountaineering history. The routes taken by early climbers, including the legendary Hillary Step and the treacherous Khumbu Icefall, are meticulously plotted. Campsites from Base Camp to Camp IV (South Col) are marked, providing a detailed guide to the path taken by those who dared to conquer the world's highest peak. This map serves as a tribute to the bravery and determination of the mountaineers who paved the way for future expeditions.
The map also highlights significant geographical features of the region, such as the Khumbu Glacier, Western Cwm, and the Rongbuk Glacier. These natural landmarks are not only crucial for climbers but also hold immense scientific interest. The depiction of surrounding peaks like Lhotse, Nuptse, and Pumori adds to the map's comprehensive coverage of the Everest region. Each feature is rendered with precision, offering a clear and informative view of the landscape that has fascinated explorers and scientists alike.
Owning this map is akin to possessing a piece of mountaineering history. It captures the essence of an era when the world was captivated by the conquest of Everest. The Mahalangur Himal: Chomolongma – Mount Everest map is not just a tool for navigation; it is a celebration of human achievement and the relentless pursuit of knowledge. This historically significant map is a must-have for collectors, historians, and anyone with a passion for the majestic Himalayas.
Places on this map
- Mount Everest (Chomolongma)
- Khumbu Glacier
- Khumbu Icefall
- Western Cwm
- Lhotse
- Nuptse
- South Col
- North Col
- Rongbuk Glacier
- Rongbuk Monastery
- Everest Base Camp
- Camp I
- Camp II
- Camp III
- Camp IV (South Col)
- Hillary Step
- Pumori
- Kala Patthar
- Lingtren
- Imja Tse (Island Peak)
Notable Features & Landmarks
- Mount Everest (Chomolongma)
- Khumbu Glacier
- Khumbu Icefall
- Western Cwm
- Lhotse
- Nuptse
- South Col
- North Col
- Rongbuk Glacier
- Rongbuk Monastery
- Base Camp (Everest Base Camp)
- Camp I
- Camp II
- Camp III
- Camp IV (South Col)
- Hillary Step
- Khumbu Valley
- Pumori
- Kala Patthar
- Lingtren
- Khumbu La
- Changtse
- Lhotse Shar
- Imja Tse (Island Peak)
- Makalu
- Ama Dablam
- Thamserku
- Gokyo Ri
- Gokyo Lakes
- Lobuche
Historical and design context
- "A Masterpiece of Reconnaissance Surveying" -- The First Modern Map of The Mount Everest Region
- First map to show the entire Mount Everest–Khumbu region at such large scale
- Created by Erwin Hermann Manfred Schneider in 1957
- Stimulated by the first ascent of Mount Everest by Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay in 1953
- Published by the DAV, ÖAV, and Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft
- Fieldwork (triangulation and terrestrial photogrammetry) conducted during the 1955 International Himalaya Expedition
- Relief representation with twenty-meter contours and rock drawing by Fritz Ebster
- Uses the latest position and height of Everest, as determined by the Survey of India (1952-55) and fixed at 29,028 feet
- Schneider's career as a mapmaker in the region lasted until 1977
- Detailed representation of bedrock, moraines, and glaciers
- Monumental importance in the history of cartography
- A tribute to the bravery and determination of early mountaineers
Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.
This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.
This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.
Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 20in (50cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.
The model in the listing images is holding the 16x20in (40x50cm) version of this map.
The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.
If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.
Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.
This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.
This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.