Mt.Qomolangma was first conquered (征服)in 1953,when Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing,his guide,became the climbers to reach the top.More than 750 times have people tried to conquer the mountain,but not all successful,yet every climber knows the dangers.This doesn’t stop teams of climbers arriving at the base camp every year with the courage of reaching the top.
Two such climbers,and two unlucky ones are Scott Fischer and Rob Hall.Fischer,an American guide with much experience,was lost in a terrible storm which swept across the mountain.A rescue team found him and his friend,but didn’t manage to bring Fischer to safety in the terrible conditions because he was dying.New Zealander RobHall,another experienced climber and guide,was lost near the top.These two men had something in common:they were both guides and always took a “tour” of less experienced climbers up the mountain.
There is a lot that can go wrong in an action to reach the top of Mt.Qomolangma;a sudden change in weather conditions or a wrong turning.Planes will only be sent to rescue if they have been paid for in advance.In spite of all these there is a business in leading guided tours to the top.Wealthy mountain climbers can now pay 64 000 or more to achieve their aim.
Many people wonder how guides can hope to look after their inexperienced climbers when they fail to keep themselves alive.Steve Bell,also a guide who has recently led a team to Mt. Qomolangma,believed that they are safer than others,because the guide can ask a weak climber to turn back at any point if he feels that climber is a danger to the team.
Whether these expeditions(远征)are safe or not,many climbers feel they have turned Mt.Qomolangma into a business,like a park for the very rich people.One truth,however,will always remain:it doesn’t matter how much money you have,if you make a mistake on Mt.Qomolangma,the possible result will be death.
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