Rush hour at Everest
2005-05-31 11:43
Kathmandu - Several climbers were still scrambling up Mount Everest on Tuesday, despite the end of the usual climbing season and the onset of extra dangers as warmer weather makes the snow and ice unstable.
Climbing season on the world's tallest peak traditionally ends on May 31. But a long spell of bad weather recently broke, offering a late chance at the summit, so climbers have agreed among each other to keep the route open for a few more days.
Nepalese mountaineering officials said on Tuesday there were reports of several climbers leaving the highest camp for the push to the top, but they had yet to reach the 8 850m summit.
Weather on Everest has been treacherous this year. It improved briefly this week, and at least 46 climbers made it to the top on Monday.
They included eight Iranians, seven Americans, three Koreans, a Canadian and a Mexican climber, as well as one Nepalese woman and 25 Sherpa guides. All have safely returned to lower camps.
Summer warmth has been melting snow and ice, making the climbing surface unstable and dangerous, said Wongchu Sherpa of the Everest Summiteers Association in Katmandu.
Also, officials and various expedition websites on Tuesday reported worsening weather on the mountain, with wind and fresh snow.
Since New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay first reached the summit of Mount Everest on May 29 1953, more than 1 400 climbers have scaled the peak. About 180 people have died trying.
The most risky part of the climb is an area called the Khumbu Icefall — a stretch of huge ice blocks and deep crevasses that climbers use aluminium ladders to cross.
- AP