Life at the base of Mount Everest

by Tom Crann, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — As Mount Everest has gained popularity as a climbing adventure, the mountain's base camp - where people acclimate to the high altitude - is turning into a destination of its own.

To hear what life is like at Everest's base-camp, MPR's Tom Crann spoke with someone who's there. Stephen Regenold normally calls Minneapolis his base camp, where he writes a leading column on outdoor gear - Gear Junkie.

Climbing Everest, the world's tallest peak, has long been the pinnacle achievement in the world of mountaineering, but its unparalleled 29,000 foot altitude still keeps the Himalayan summit out of reach for many people.

Still, a relatively gentle slope, sherpa assistance, and advances in equipment have made standing on top of the world an achievable goal for thousands of climbers.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 04/12/2010, 5:24 p.m.