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1. Reaching the Summit

Ten years since an avalanche killed 16 sherpas on Everest, we hear what it’s like to climb to the highest point on Earth.

Is a global obsession with Everest creating unnecessary risk for the people who work there? On 18 April 2014, an avalanche killed 16 sherpas on the mountain. They were picking their way through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall carrying heavy equipment for climbing companies. The tragedy shone a spotlight on the commercial side of the mountain, where hundreds attempt the summit each year, supported by sherpas.
Rebecca Stephens became the first British woman to reach the summit of Everest in 1993.
In this episode, she shares her summit story and hears the experiences of Sir Chris Bonington, Lakpa Rita Sherpa and Margaret Watroba.

Presenter: Rebecca Stephens MBE
Producer: Laura Jones
Production Assistance in Kathmandu: Pradeep Bashyal
Editor: Clare Fordham
Production Coordinators: Gemma Ashman and Ellie Dover
Commissioning Executive: Tracy Williams
Commissioning Editor: Dan Clarke

Available now

14 minutes

Last on

Mon 8 Apr 2024 13:45

Broadcast

  • Mon 8 Apr 2024 13:45