Everest not an exclusive preserve of 'supermen'
When Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary first stepped atop Everest in 1953, the world, and Nepal, was a very different place. Colonies were shaking off the shackles of imperialism and an isolated Nepal was just opening its doors to the world. In a famous p
This spring, like Tenzing and Hillary 60 years ago, over 500 (and counting as we went to press) successfully made the climb. Many of them from as far afield as Saudi Arabia, South Korea and Bangladesh, countries that have little mountaineering tradition. Then there were the usual suspects from Japan, Britain and the US, among others. Most of these climbers aim for the peak but there are also those who have other aspirations too: like the Brit who made the live broadcast from the summit and the Russian who made a record-breaking base jump off 7,000 metres.
What is it about Everest that inspires such feats? For experienced mountaineers, the world’s tallest mountain is their Holy Grail, to be climbed in their lifetime. For casual climbers, perhaps it is the view from up there, to get into the Everest books and boast about it over an evening cocktail. For others, it could simply be the thrill of pushing yourself beyond your own boundaries, mountaineer or no mountaineer. These climbers pay thousands of dollars to stand on top of the world and yet they spend only a few minutes at the summit. They risk of injuries, extreme hardships, and even death – 237 have perished on the slopes of Everest – for the glory of standing atop the roof of the world. This spring alone, nine people died, lest you assume that it is all hunky dory.
In this race for the prize, is the Everest conquest losing some of its old glory? While summitting once required skill, patience and endurance; today it seems as if a few capable Sherpas are enough. Purists bemoan the presence of novices on the mountain, claiming that such amateurs sully the sport of climbing. Indeed, allegations abound of people being carried, pushed and pulled to the summit by Sherpas. Given these issues, professionals want more restrictions on Everest. But why should the mountain be the exclusive province of supermen? Why can’t lesser mortals take a shot at the world’s highest? This egalitarian vision might irk specialists, who believe that Everest will turn into a destination for casual tourists who neither respect the mountain nor appreciate its history. This is an issue that will need long and varied debate, as there are valid arguments from both sides. Meanwhile, the mountain will continue to beckon and there will always be those who will heed its call. Nepal, while taking reasonable initiatives to keep mountaineers safe, should welcome them all.
