I've always been fascinated by Mount Everest — and honestly, quite terrified of it at the same time. Between the freezing temperatures, lack of oxygen, avalanches, and having to push your body beyond its limits, it's one of the few places on earth that feels otherworldly.

If you're anything like me, once you start reading about Everest history, you can't stop. One story turns into five, and suddenly you're deep into a full-on Mount Everest rabbit hole.

From record-breaking climbs to heartbreaking tragedies and survival stories that seem almost impossible, here are 12 Mount Everest stories that will truly fascinate you:

Disclaimer: Some of these stories contain descriptions of death and graphic injuries.

1.

Way back in 1924, British climbers George Mallory and Andrew Irvine disappeared while attempting to become the first people to summit Mount Everest.…