EverestEverest

Everest(Chomolungma)Everest(Chomolungma)

• It is the highest mountain in the world and it is going up a few millimetres every year. It is 8,850 metres high, which is nearly nine kilometres above sea level.

Climate Climate

• In January, the average temperature is -36°C and can go down -60°C. In July, the warmest month, the average temperature is -19°C and between June and September.

ClimbersClimbers• For over a hundred years

this beautiful mountain has been a fascinating obsession for thousands of people from around the world. Over 4 000 climbers have tried to reach the summit but fewer than 700 have made it. For more than 160 climbers the dream of getting to the top has cost them their lives.

Everest(Chomolungma)Everest(Chomolungma)

First expeditionFirst expedition• The expedition to climb

Everest started in 1920. The climbers helped by Sherpa guides were unprepared for the extreme weather conditions and altitude. Despite these disadvantages, in 1924 the British climbers were ready for the final climb. They were going to the top at 8850 metres but they never came down again.

SOSSOS• The number of tourists

visiting the mountain in 2000-2003 reached hundreds of thousands. The volume of garbage accumulated on the slopes of the mountain is so great that Everest is called the “world’s highest junkyard”. To remove such a number of beer bottles, plastic bags and aluminum cans, oxygen tanks, ropes and broken ladders, it took about two months.

Black runBlack run• Ian and Steve were staying in the village in the Alps. They were

experienced skiers, so they decided to ski down a difficult track, known as a black run, on a nearby mountain.

• When they set off up the mountain, it was a beautiful day. They reached the top and started skiing. But soon they got lost. It grew colder and colder. They made a ‘snow hole’ to keep warm but it didn’t work.

• Nothing seemed to stop the cold from getting deeper into their bones. Then, eight hours later , they heard voices. The rescuers found them. Ian and Steve were safe!