Is it a bad idea? Every year, thousands of people put themselves in great danger to walk to the top of the world’s highest mountains. Is mountain climbing really worth the risks?
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The highs and lows of mountain climbing
Is it a bad idea? Every year, thousands of people put themselves in great danger to walk to the top of the world's highest mountains. Is mountain climbing really worth the risks?
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What's happening?
In 1923, a journalist asked explorer George Mallory why he wanted to climb the highest mountain in the world, Mount EverestThe world's tallest mountain, which straddles the borders of Nepal and China. Temperatures can drop to -60C. The first known people to climb the mountain were New Zealand's Edmund Hillary and the Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay.. "Because it's there," he replied.
Lots of people want to climb very tall mountains like Mount Everest. They want to challenge themselves in nature.
But climbing to great heights can be very risky. The air becomes thin and people struggle to breathe in enough oxygenAn element that is vital for life on Earth. It makes up 21% of our atmosphere. . On small mountain tops covered in ice, it is easy to fall.
George Mallory died climbing Mount Everest. Nobody knows if he made it to the top before he died. Climbers today have more tools, like warm clothes. But it is still dangerous to climb very high mountains.
In France, one mayor of a small village near Mont Blanc says climbers should pay some money before they climb - in case they need rescuing.
Find out more
Is mountain climbing a bad idea?
Yes! Mountain climbing is very dangerous. The views at the top of the mountain are not worth the risk.
No! For people who know what they are doing, mountain climbing is amazing. There is no better place to be than on top of the world.
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Keywords
Mount Everest - The world's tallest mountain, which straddles the borders of Nepal and China. Temperatures can drop to -60C. The first known people to climb the mountain were New Zealand's Edmund Hillary and the Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay.
Oxygen - An element that is vital for life on Earth. It makes up 21% of our atmosphere.
The highs and lows of mountain climbing
Queue for the top: Around 300 people lined up to reach Everest’s peak. Glossary
Mount Everest - The world's tallest mountain, which straddles the borders of Nepal and China. Temperatures can drop to -60C. The first known people to climb the mountain were New Zealand's Edmund Hillary and the Sherpa, Tenzing Norgay.
Oxygen - An element that is vital for life on Earth. It makes up 21% of our atmosphere.