Final answer:
The central idea of the paragraph is that Mount Everest is the world's highest peak, with its altitude presenting challenges for climbers.
Step-by-step explanation:
The central idea of the paragraph provided is that Mount Everest is the highest peak in the world.
At 29,029 feet (8,848 meters), it is located in the Himalayas, straddling the border between China and Nepal.
Its impressive height presents various challenges to climbers, such as the significantly lower oxygen content at high altitudes and the altered boiling point of water, which impacts cooking and the enjoyment of something as simple as a cup of tea.