14 DAY TRIAL // Mount Everest is clearly one of the best known mountains in the world, but the reality doesn't quite live up to the reputation, it seems. Visitors to the famed peak disappointed by the major drawbacks such as lack WiFi and the poor oxygen quantity took to Google Maps Place Pages to have their grievances heard.
"Don't waste your time," writes one tourist. "We heard: pleasant snowcap, grayish rocky build, some clouds about the peak. We found: Dirty brownish snow, unpleasant sponge-like rocks, and ZERO wispy clouds ringing the apex. And don't get me started on the Sherpas," Google Maps user and Mt. Everest visitor Virgil explains.
Others had better things to say, though they were still a bit underwhelmed. "I've seen bigger," writes Matt. "Cool spot to bring a date however," he adds.
Mt. Everest has an average 2.5 star rating on Google Maps, indicating that it's perhaps better to avoid the popular location. With 81 reviews, it's safe to say that you can get a fairly balanced idea of what to expect. There were more at one point, but, apparently, Google has removed some of the less-than-helpful or relevant ones.
To be fair, some tourists found the experience quite enjoyable, though there were still a few 'minus' points. "Good, if not for the Yeti," writes Spana.
"The view was awesome, the trek was great, but wasn't able to enjoy it all because was to sleepy. The Yeti was very rude, just wouldn't stop partying at night," the tourist added.
If you're going for the nightlife however, it seems that there are some fun things to do, as long as you know where to look. "View was OK. Yeti party was cool until the cops showed up," Kyle explains.
In an interesting coincidence, many of the Google Place Pages reviewers are also Reddit users, who are avid mountain climbers apparently, where they have come together to share their experiences.
This is a perfect example of how user reviews can provide a useful tool for anyone either wanting to buy a Three Wolf Moon t-shirt or climb a world-famous mountain. Who else are you going to trust if not regular and mostly anonymous folks with honest opinions to share.