Mount Everest (7)
Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world at 29,029 feet, has a long history of being conquered by humans. Most expeditions to the summit use oxygen masks and tanks above 26,000 feet due to the thin air at high altitudes. While it is possible to climb the mountain without supplementary oxygen, this option is only viable for the most skilled and experienced climbers, and carries a higher risk of death. In fact, the death rate for climbers attempting to reach the summit without supplementary oxygen is double that of those who use it. The low oxygen levels at high altitudes can also cause brain damage and other symptoms, including impaired cognitive function, dementia, and hallucinations.
The use of bottled oxygen to ascend Mount Everest has been a controversial topic. It was first used during the 1922 British expedition, but was considered unsportsmanlike by some. However, by the mid-20th century, the use of oxygen had become standard practice for successful summits. In 1978, Reinhold Messner became the first climber to successfully reach the summit without supplemental oxygen, and he later climbed the mountain solo without oxygen or any support. In the aftermath of the 1996 disaster, which was partly caused by the large number of climbers attempting to reach the summit, there was a renewed debate over the use of oxygen and the role of guides. Some have argued that the use of oxygen creates a false sense of security and encourages unqualified climbers to attempt the ascent, leading to dangerous situations. Others argue that oxygen is necessary for the safety of climbers and guides.
Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, has long been a challenge for climbers and adventurers. Many have attempted to scale its heights, and many have succeeded, reaching the summit and achieving their dreams. However, the journey to the top is not without its dangers and challenges. The thin air and harsh conditions at high altitudes can take a toll on the body, and even the most experienced climbers can find themselves struggling to survive. Despite these dangers, the lure of Everest remains strong, and many continue to attempt to conquer its heights, driven by the desire to push their limits and test their strength and determination.
As the popularity of Mount Everest as a mountaineering destination grew in the late 20th century, so too did the business of guiding people to the summit. In the 1980s, companies began offering guided tours to the mountain, and by the 1990s, this had become a full-fledged industry. However, the cost of reaching the summit of Everest can vary significantly. Some companies offer a range of services, from acquiring permits and transportation to providing food, tents, and medical assistance, for anywhere from $35,000 to $200,000. Climbers may also need to purchase their own climbing gear and oxygen, which can add an additional $8,000 and $3,000, respectively. On top of these costs, a permit to enter the Everest area from Nepal costs between $10,000 and $30,000. For those who prefer a more budget-conscious approach, it is technically possible to reach the summit with minimal additional expenses, though this is considered dangerous and difficult.
Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, has become a popular destination for those with disabilities such as amputations and diseases in the 21st century. Among these climbers are Sudarshan Gautam, a man with no arms who reached the summit in 2013, and Arunima Sinha, who climbed the mountain with one leg. However, the dangers of Everest are still present, even at base camp, as demonstrated by the 2015 Mount Everest avalanches. Erik Weihenmayer made history in 2001 by becoming the first blind person to reach the summit of the mountain.
Despite the challenges and dangers of climbing Everest, the mountain has also been the site of several unusual and record-breaking feats. In 1988, Jean-Marc Boivin made the first paraglider descent of the mountain, setting a record for the fastest descent and the highest paraglider flight. In 1991, four men in two hot-air balloons achieved the first hot-air balloon flight over the mountain. In 2014, Wang Jing and her team used a helicopter to fly from the base camp to Camp 2 and then climbed to the summit, causing controversy and outrage in the mountaineering community. In 2016, Nepal increased the use of helicopters to haul material over the dangerous Khumbu icefall for the sake of efficiency.
The commercialisation of Mount Everest has been a source of criticism for many in the mountaineering community. Guided tours to the mountain, which can cost upwards of $200,000, have led to the ascent of inexperienced climbers who may not fully understand the dangers of the mountain. This trend has also led to a rise in low-budget firms that do not prioritize the safety of their clients. However, not all mountaineers are opposed to the commercialisation of the mountain, with some seeing the influx of Westerners as an opportunity to improve the living conditions of local communities through the construction of schools, hospitals, and other infrastructure projects.
As commercialization on Mount Everest increased in the 21st century, so did incidents of theft and ethical issues. In 2006, Vitor Negrete, a Brazilian climber, died during his descent from the mountain, and some believe that theft from his high-altitude camp contributed to his death. Other climbers have reported similar experiences, with gear and food being stolen from their camps. Along with theft, unethical behavior from guides and Sherpas, prostitution and gambling at the Tibetan base camp, and fraud related to the sale of oxygen bottles have also been reported. In the late 2010s, reports of theft of oxygen bottles from camps became more common. The Chinese side of Everest in Tibet was described as "out of control" in 2007, with numerous cases of theft and abandonment reported by climbers.
In May 2005, French pilot Didier Delsalle made history when he landed his Eurocopter AS350 B3 helicopter on the summit of Mount Everest. The landing was necessary to set the official record with the Fédération Aéronautique Internationale (FAI), but Delsalle stayed on the summit for a total of four minutes, landing and taking off again to set world records for both landing and takeoff at the highest altitude. However, some press reports suggested that the landing had actually taken place on South Col, though Delsalle had also landed on South Col two days prior. The flight was confirmed by the FAI, and Delsalle also rescued two Japanese climbers while on the mountain.
In 2011, Nepalis Lakpa Tsheri Sherpa and Sano Bapu Sunuwar made headlines when they paraglided from the summit of Everest to Namche Bazaar in just 42 minutes. After the flight, the duo hiked, biked, and kayaked to the Indian Ocean, reaching the Bay of Bengal by the end of June and becoming the first people to complete a continuous summit-to-sea descent from Everest. Despite the fact that Bapu had no prior climbing experience and Lakpa had never kayaked and couldn't swim, they still managed to accomplish this groundbreaking feat. They were subsequently recognized as National Geographic Adventurers of the Year for 2012.
In 2014, a team led by mountaineer Wang Jing caused controversy when they used a helicopter to fly from South base camp to Camp 2 to avoid the dangerous Khumbu Icefall. The climb was met with outrage and criticism over the propriety and legitimacy of the ascent. Nepal eventually investigated Wang, who initially denied flying to Camp 2, but later admitted that some support crew had been flown to the higher camp. The incident sparked discussions within the mountaineering community about the use of helicopters in climbing.
The majestic and revered Mount Everest, located on the border between Nepal and Tibet, holds a special place in the hearts and beliefs of many people. Its southern side is thought to be one of several "hidden valleys" where the 9th century Buddhist saint, Padmasambhava, sought refuge. Rongbuk Monastery, located at the base of the mountain's north side, is a sacred and important pilgrimage site for Sherpas in Nepal's Khumbu region. The Sherpas also believe that Mount Everest is the home and playground of Miyolangsangma, the Tibetan Buddhist "Goddess of Inexhaustible Giving," and that the mountain is blessed with spiritual energy. It is said that the karmic effects of one's actions are magnified in this sacred landscape, and impure thoughts should be avoided.
Mount Everest, the highest mountain in the world, has become a highly commercialized tourist destination. Guided tours to the summit can cost anywhere from $35,000 to $200,000, and even more if a "celebrity guide" with extensive climbing experience is hired. In addition to the cost of the guiding service, expenses such as climbing gear, bottled oxygen, and permits can add thousands of dollars to the cost of the trip. Full service guide companies offer a range of services including the acquisition of permits, transportation, food, medical assistance, and experienced mountaineer guides. However, there are also budget travel agencies that offer logistical support for trips with minimal additional expenses. While some mountaineers and tourists have praised the improvements brought to the Everest region by Westerners, including the construction of schools, hospitals, and infrastructure, the commercialization of the mountain has also drawn criticism. Some have expressed concern about the safety of inexperienced climbers being led to the summit, and the mountain's reputation for unethical behavior, including theft, prostitution, and fraud. The problem of pollution, particularly human waste, has also reached critical levels on the mountain. In an effort to address this issue, the Nepali government now requires climbers to pack out eight kilograms of waste when descending the mountain. In 2019, the Chinese government even closed the base camp on its side of the mountain to tourists without climbing permits. Despite these challenges, the allure of conquering Mount Everest continues to attract adventurers from around the world.