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Climbing Everest Naked
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It sounds like something I'd be dumb enough to try; scale the top of Everest and strip naked at 29,000 feet to celebrate.
Damn it if someone has already beaten me to it.
Last year a Nepali climber did just that. While it sent some chuckles through the climbing community, others weren't so amused. Everest is, after all, the holiest mountain in the country and local Nepalese were shocked at the sacrilegious act which some have likened to stripping in church. The episode has caused such an uproar, in fact, that Ang Tshering, president of Nepal's Mountaineering Association, has argued for "strict regulations to discourage such attempts by climbers." I would assume that concern for one's own private parts in minus 10 degree temperatures would be discouragement itself, but apparently it isn't.
There is, however, a bit of irony here that has been nicely pointed out by Guardian Journalist Hank Wangford. It seems that naked mountain climbing may have originated many years ago on Everest itself (or at least very near it). The above photo is of legendary climber George Mallory crossing a stream in 1922 on his way to the holy mountain. Way to go George!
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Eleanor Peters Oct 16th 2007 6:18AM
That is disgusting. He should be arrested for indecent exposure. There must be a better way of celebrate. To me he is just a man who likes to expose himself and uses this as a way.
C.Kid Oct 16th 2007 6:43AM
Hey I say go for it ! I am 53 yrs old and this does not offend me . I find it rather funny . We should ALL try to ENJOY life more and live each day as if it may be our last .
Greeneyedkzin Oct 16th 2007 7:07AM
Is he absolutely crazy? It isn't just the temperature, but the wind and the lack of oxygen up in the Death Zone above 26,000. Taking off that many layers of clothes consumes energy he could use for other things -- like breathing or getting back to Camp V.
Besides, Chomolungma -is- sacred to the Nepali. You don't moon it; it's not just rude, it's terrible karma.
Mo Oct 16th 2007 7:11AM
The man removing his clothing has a symptom of altitude sickness. Read "Into Thin Air" He is not getting enough oxygen. Tends to happen to people who climb mountains that don't have o2 at the top!
Michelle Oct 16th 2007 7:27AM
Eleanor, just because the man took his clothes of doesn't necessarily mean he likes to expose himself. In fact, my guess is you're way off in your assumption since he was at the top of a mountain with few to no people around to see him. And why is it disgusting? Are you disgusted by your own nudity? Your comment makes you sound pretentious and uptight.
ricky lock Oct 16th 2007 7:34AM
Eleanor, kindly send your nude photos.
susan Oct 16th 2007 7:56AM
DON'T LOOK, ETHEL~~~!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
prystine Oct 16th 2007 7:59AM
ricky lock, lol!
Traci Sommerville Oct 16th 2007 8:16AM
What could be holier than standing before your particular god the way you came into this world? I say he was revelling in the body his god gave him, and showing that god, whatever or whoever that may be, that he is pleased with what he was born into and not ashamed of it. I wouldn't do it, since I hate to be cold, but that's me.
Robert Oct 16th 2007 8:28AM
Good for him!! It's not as if he were profanely exhibiting himself in Times Square. I mean one hardly draws a crowd at 29,000 feet atop Mount Everest. Why people get all cranked up about nudity is something I can not understand. It's the way you were delivered into this world and most likely is the way you shall exit. One's body is what it is and with minor modifications all males are alike as all females are alike. SO WHAT? Maybe if we accepted our bodies as they are we would have less pornography and sexual abuse which are usually perpetrated by uptight sexually inhibited people who have been brainwashed to see the body and nudity as "filthy". If I ever get a chance to be atop Mount Everest it's going to be starkers!!!
gorgonzola Oct 16th 2007 8:26AM
I had to laugh, it reminded me of an old eric burdon song that went:
I was taken to a place
The hall of the mountain kings
I stood high by the mountain tops
Naked to the world
woody Oct 16th 2007 8:54AM
well like the one guy said,,you have to feel alive in some way,,even if your getting old,,id say this man felt veryyy alive that day,,more so than some will ever be,,heck its just a big mountain,,not to be worshipped,,god might have said,,,you go man!! live it up!
Tammy Oct 16th 2007 9:04AM
Is it sacrilegious when we are born? Who cares!! Your going to tell me, anyone who has ever climb the mountain, hasn't gone to the bathroom? What about that? Is no one outraged about that? So, defecating on Mt. Everest is ok? Taking your clothes off, lets shot him!!!
Marcie Oct 16th 2007 9:07AM
Aren't most men exhibitionists anyway? I say...who the heck cares? Who's going to see him anyway? Live and let live. If you're disgusted, close your eyes.
ajm33771 Oct 16th 2007 9:11AM
that NekkiD climber was probably Al Gore showing the "incovenient truth." lol
candychick Oct 16th 2007 9:17AM
if i climbed all the way up to mt everst i would tkae my clothes off and probably dance around for a while.:) hahaha those guys r funny!!!!:)
Brentsoldwife Oct 16th 2007 9:27AM
Talk about shrinkage!!!
I would never climb a mountain naked.... too cold and too much work....
Mike Oct 16th 2007 9:29AM
Bet you can't guess where he got frostbite!
JOI VAN VRANKEN Oct 16th 2007 9:30AM
Anyone that makes it to the top of Everest can do anything he wants. God bless him. The only one that can see him up there is another nut anyway.
Hooray for having a hellava adventure.
Would have liked to have seen that ..he he
tom Oct 16th 2007 3:57PM
americans are in generaal arrogant and disrespectful,,hahaha...no consideration for others land and culture..emabarassing,,,it's a Holy Place. you perverts