Climbing for challenge, hubris and content

Renowned Sherpa mountain guide Kami Rita returning from Mount Everest after his record 30th successful ascent. — AP

THE climbing season has come to a close. May is the month when climbers the world over scramble to reach the top of the highest mountain in the world. The window of opportunity is very limited. Soon Mother Nature will make the mountain unclimbable again.

Mount Everest is not a friendly mountain. The terrain is treacherous and the weather is unpredictable. At more than 8,000m the level of oxygen is hardy a third of that at sea level.