Women climbers to focus on Mt Elbrus

Everest Women 7 Summits Eco-Action (EW7SEA) team is now gearing up to climb the tallest peak in Europe Mt Elbrus (5,642 m) in Russia from August 23, 2010. The team has estimated a total expenditure of Rs 30 lakh for the expedition to Mt Elbrus.

EW7SEA has successfully started the mission from Australia in June 2010. The team left for Australia on June 28 and climbed the tallest mountain in Australia Mt Kosciuszko on July 7.

The team took a scenic route up the mountain and spent about 45 minutes on the summit.

“We learnt about the impact of climate change in the snowy mountains,” said Shailee Basnet, coordinator of the team. According to Basnet, Australia has lost 30 per cent of its snow cover in the last 50 years.

The team requested the Australian government to consider the impact of climate change in the Himalayas while taking stands during the climate negotiations.

The team also highlighted the impact of climate change on the Himalayas and urged individuals and governments to make right decisions.

“There is great interest in Australian to see, learn and know about Nepal. There is immense potential for a mission like this to promote various Nepal, including eco-tourism, which can directly benefit Nepal Tourism Year 2011,” said Basnet.

In June 2010 EW7SEA began the first international leg of a mission to climb seven of the highest peaks on each of the seven continents. On successfully climbing seven summits, the team will be setting a world record for being the largest team to do so, said the team.
source:thehimalayantimes