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How climbing Mt. Everest turned into a business
Tents of mountaineers are pictured at Everest base camp in the Mount Everest region of Solukhumbu district on the tenth anniversary of an avalanche which killed 16 Nepali guides.
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Where 1A is produced, in Washington, D.C., is about 250 feet above sea level.
Today, we’re going much higher – to 17,000 feet above sea level. That’s the height of Everest Base Camp in Nepal.
Hundreds of climbers and guides are gathered there now before attempting to ascend another 12,000 feet to the world’s tallest point, the summit of Mount Everest.
Since New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay first climbed to the top of Mount Everest in 1953, nearly 7,000 people have accomplished the feat.
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The number of climbers has skyrocketed in recent years, and along with it, a bustling industry to support the most adventurous among us.
What has the boom meant for the Nepali Sherpas, the climbers, and the mountain itself?
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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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