Mountaineers planning on climbing the world’s tallest peak this spring can expect a guiding light.
The Beijing Olympic flame is scheduled for a summit attempt of Mount Everest as part of the traditional torch relay.
A team of experienced Chinese mountaineers will carry the flaming torch to the top of Everest in early May, the start of a slim summiting window on the unpredictable-weather prone mountain. Conditions-permitting, torchbearers will make their mountain top climb in early May before other climbers begin lining up for their chance to summit.
The journey up Everest is considered the highlight of the torch relay. According to the Official Website of Beijing 2008 Torch Relay, the 85,000-plus mile torch journey will kick off March 24 in Olympia, Greece, and make its way across 5 continents and through China before culminating in Beijing on August 8. The relay is considered the longest route to date, covers more geography and involves more torchbearers than any Olympic torch relays in history, the site stated.
Beyond statistics, however, are challenges unique to Everest alone. The Official Website of Beijing 2008 Torch Relay noted that a successful summit attempt must meet three major goals: “the torch must reach the 8,844.43m-peak on time; it must kindle under very low temperatures, low pressure and oxygen-deficient conditions; further, a satisfactory live TV coverage must be done to allow audiences across the world to watch the event.”
For such reasons, this year's Everest mountaineers will have a chance to witness history in the making up close and personal while on the mountain and as the Olympic torch attempts to reach the top of the highest peak on earth.
The Beijing Olympic torch is scroll-shaped and carries the slogan "Light the Passion, Share the Dream.” |