The Everest Obsession

Original version

BBC Radio 4 LW

Documentaries

Factual

Is an obsession with Everest creating unnecessary risk for the people who work there?

Rebecca Stephens, the first British woman to reach the summit of Everest in 1993, explores how climbing Everest has changed, creating both opportunities and challenges.

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 series, she explores how climbing Everest has changed, creating both opportunities and challenges.

BBC Radio 4 FM

The Everest Obsession: 1. Reaching the Summit

1. Reaching the Summit

BBC Radio 4 - The Everest Obsession, 1. Reaching the Summit

The global obsession with Everest, from those who have been to the top.

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

BBC Radio 4

Intelligent speech, the most insightful journalism, the wittiest comedy, the most fascinating features and the most compelling drama and readings anywhere in UK radio.

Accessibility links

Programme Index

The Everest Obsession

1. Reaching the Summit

Genres

Brand

BBC Radio 4 LW

About BBC Radio 4