Olympic Torch Mount Everest

Guide Note

As part of the Olympic Torch Relay leading up to the 2008 Beijing Olympics, a team of Chinese mountaineers carried the Olympic Torch torch to the summit of Mount Everest.

An impressive feat by any standards, the climb is supposed symbolize China's ambitions for the Beijing Olympics and China's rapidly developing society.

As the climbers passed the torch to each other on the summit their actions were broadcast live on TV.

The climb team captain shouted "One World One Dream" as his torch was lit, repeating the slogan for the Beijing Olympics.

China hoped the new images would somehow counter some of the damaging publicity caused by high profile protests seen in other parts of the world during the torch's journey.

A 67 mile road has been constructed leading to Everest's base camp to ease the approach for the relay team. The torch's trip through Tibet was expected to generate protests from those who oppose China's control of the region. However, security in Nepal was very tight.

Fast Facts:

Ascent scheduled to take place in May, 2008
The northern side of Mount Everest is located within Tibet, China
Mount Everest is 29,028 feet (8848 meters) high
A 67 mile road has been built leading to Everest's base camp
The Everest ascent is the highlight of the 85,000-mile, 130-day Olympic Torch Relay
19-member team

Also try: Olympic Torch Relay 2008

The Mahalo Top 7

Washington Post: Chinese team takes Olympic torch to top of Mount Everest (May 8, 2008)
The Age: Flame reaches Everest, protests nowhere in sight (May 8, 2008)
The Telegraph: Olympic torch reaches top of Everest ahead of Beijing 2008 (May 8, 2008)
CNN: Olympic torch scales Everest (May 8, 2008)
VOA News: Chinese Athletes Take Olympic Torch to Mount Everest (May 8, 2008)
BBC News: Nepal Torch Security 'Too Harsh' (April 25, 2008)
Britghtcove Video: Olympic torch reaches Everest