Sherpa people

There’s a debate on the mountain this week, as Sherpas decide whether to continue climbing or leave for their homes after last week’s avalanche. PRI’s The World talks with the son of one of the most famous Sherpa mountaineers.

Mount Everest climbs depend on Sherpa guides — the Nepali ethnic group renowned for years for leading teams of climbers up the world’s highest mountain peak. But a deadly avalanche last week has some Sherpas calling for better conditions — or at least greater rewards.Mount Everest climbs depend on Sherpa guides — the Nepali ethnic group renowned for years for leading teams of climbers up the world’s highest mountain peak. But a deadly avalanche last week has some Sherpas calling for better conditions — or at least greater rewards.

North Korea isn’t known for its beer, but former “dear leader” Kim Jong Il was certainly a fan. And when he decided he wanted to make beer at home, he spared no expense finding a brewery he could buy. That and more in today’s Global Scan.North Korea isn’t known for its beer, but former “dear leader” Kim Jong Il was certainly a fan. And when he decided he wanted to make beer at home, he spared no expense finding a brewery he could buy. That and more in today’s Global Scan.

Wednesday marks the 60th anniversary of Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay’s climb to the summit of Mt. Everest on May 29, 1953.

Global warming is having a dramatic impact in the Himalayas, where the glaciers are melting at a rapid pace. One local mountain climber has started a campaign to educate villagers and trekkers alike about the effects of climate change on the mountains.