Mount Everest

It’s 70 years since a New Zealand mountaineer and his Nepali-Indian Sherpa mountaineer guide reached the highest point on Earth. There have been celebrations in Nepal in recent days to mark the anniversary. Thousands of people have followed in their footsteps but this climbing season on Mount Everest is drawing international attention for the record number of climbers and the increased deaths on the mountain.

James Reynolds hosts conversations that give us an insight into one of the toughest challenges on the planet, as well as the challenges posed by climate change and the overall impact on those who rely on the mountain to earn a living.

Business owners in Nepal discuss the future of the tourism industry. We hear from a Sherpa guide, and climbers from the UK and Pakistan share their thoughts about the risks of trying to get to the summit.

“Unfortunately, over my period on Everest we do see the average level of experience of clients going to the mountain slowly come down,” says Everest guide Kenton Cool, who has summited the mountain 17 times. “It’s not unusual these days to see clients who have never worn crampons before; they’re those spikes that go on the bottom of your feet to stop you slipping on the ice. It is somewhat worrisome.”

A co-production between the BBC OS team and Boffin Media.

(Photo: Pemba Sherpa and other climbers at Mount Everest. Credit: Pemba Sherpa)