A golden age of mountaineering,1950-1964,was marked by first ascents of the 8,000 meter peaks.
1950
Annapurna I
1953
Mt.Everest
Nanga Parbat
1954
K2
Lhotse
Cho Oyu
1955
Makalu
Kangchenjunga
1956
Manaslu
Gasherbrum III
1957
Broad Peak
1958
Gasherbrum I
1960
Dhaulagiri I
1964
Shisha Pangma
Today,Everest is quite congested at times,with trash accumulated at the higher camps.There is a question as to whether too many unqualified persons are attempting the climb.National Geographic published a scathing assessment of conditions on the roof of the world recently.It would seem that Nepal needs to step back and reform this sacred site while they still can.
In contrast,the other high Himalayan peaks are relatively sparsely explored.The most dangerous of them all,Annapurna I,has taken one life for every three safe returns.
In 1953,climbing Everest was an astonishing challenge.Those who met it with the first ascent,Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Sherpa,will forever merit their foothold in history.
No comments:
Post a Comment