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Climbing and mountaineering

Climbing and mountaineering
The latest news, analysis and opinion on Climbing and mountaineering. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.
Kanchha Sherpa, a member of the expedition team that placed Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary on the summit of the world’s highest mountain, gestures during a celebration in Kathmandu in 2013. Photo: AFP
Nepal

‘History has vanished with him’: last link to Everest’s first summit dies at 92

Kanchha Sherpa was among the 35 members of the team that put Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay atop the peak on May 29, 1953.

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Accidents and disasters in China

800 people rescued in China after being stranded by Everest blizzard

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Japan

Video | Centenarian becomes oldest person to climb Mount Fuji

Wellness

‘Tempted to give up halfway’: 102-year-old climbs Mount Fuji, breaks record

A Japanese centenarian who in August became the oldest person to summit Mount Fuji says he couldn’t have done it without the help of his friends.

Kokichi Akuzawa smiles as he and his team of family and friends climb Mount Fuji, Japan’s highest mountain, on August 5, 2025. Photo: AP
Japan

Hiker in Japan found dead after bear attack in forest

The man was attacked while walking a trail on Mount Rausu on the northern island of Hokkaido.

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Pakistan

German biathlete killed in rockfall on Pakistan mountain

The body of Olympic gold medallist Laura Dahlmeier will be left on Laila Peak, honouring her final wish.

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Japan

2 Americans rescued from Japan’s Mount Fuji prompt more calls for tougher rules

The recurrence of such incidents on the peak has renewed calls in Japan for stiffer penalties and for errant hikers to pay for their rescue.

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Mount Fuji in Japan seen from a mall in the city of Gotemba, Shizuoka prefecture. Photo: AFP

Watch: 9-year-old Hong Kong climber Veronica Chik breaks world record

Youngster adds to growing collection of achievements with her climb on formidable Spanish route.

Nepal

Nepal uses drones to clean up Mount Everest’s trash-covered slopes

Between mid-April and mid-May, the drones operated by Nepal-based firm Airlift Technology handled more than 280 kilograms of refuse.

Wellness

How to save your own life after cancer? Exercise, a survivor explains

Mountaineer Petra Thaller, who survived breast cancer, leaned on exercise to thrive in recovery and set up an NGO to help others do the same.

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Petra Thaller leads a group on a mountain hike. The veteran mountaineer set up Outdoor Against Cancer after her own cancer diagnosis in 2015, to help convince others of the power of outdoor exercise in helping cancer survivors heal. Photo: OAC
Indonesia

Mount Rinjani tragedy puts spotlight on Indonesia’s adventure tourism safety

The death of Brazilian climber Juliana Marins follows a string of accidents at some of Indonesia’s most popular natural attractions.

Rescue workers attempt to reach Juliana Marins, a Brazilian tourist who fell into a ravine on Mount Rinjani, Lombok island, on June 21. Her body was spotted by drone and later recovered after days of search efforts hampered by bad weather and rough terrain. Photo: Indonesia’s National Search and Rescue Agency / AFP
Asia travel

These extreme adventures in Asia are not for the faint-hearted

From cave diving in Palawan to volcano hikes up Mount Bromo, Asia delivers some of the most thrilling experiences on the planet.

Asia travel

Evading bears and hiking in a Hokkaido storm – then rewarded with a rainbow

The ‘great snowy mountains’ are a must for many hikers, but the fickle weather poses a threat for even the most accomplished.

Mount Everest

The Hong Kong bar owner who climbed over dead to stand on top of the world

Raj Gurung joins just handful of Hongkongers to successfully reach summit of Mount Everest.

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Raj Gurung poses at the summit of Mount Everest with a Hong Kong flag. Photo: Dreamers Destination Treks & Expedition
Switzerland

6 die in weekend mountain accidents in Swiss Alps

Bodies of 5 skiers found on Swiss glacier near Zermatt; climber killed in an avalanche on the Morgenhorn in Bern.

The Rimpfischhorn, a 4,000-metre peak in the Valais Alps. Photo: Police Cantonale Valaisanne via AFP
Nepal

British climbers conquer Everest in record time using Xenon gas innovation

Xenon is a colourless, odourless gas with anaesthetic properties that can improve acclimatisation and protect against altitude sickness.

Japan

Make ‘selfish’ Mount Fuji climbers pay for off-season rescue: Japanese officials

The call came after a Chinese student, who was rescued twice from Mount Fuji, said he went back the second time to try to retrieve his phone.

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Nepal

Nepal to demand experience for Everest climbers in new safety push

Aspiring to conquer the world’s highest peak? Nepal says not so fast – you’ll need a 7,000-metre climb in the country under your belt first.

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A mountaineer holds on to a rope during an ice climbing session at Everest Base Camp in Nepal earlier this month. Photo: Reuters
Japan

Man’s rescue from Mount Fuji twice after bid to retrieve phone sparks anger

Many in Japan are demanding that the 27-year-old Chinese man, who lives in the country, pay for the costs of rescuing him twice.

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Nepal

Record-breaking sherpa Kami Rita to climb Everest for 31st time

Kami Rita holds the record for the most successful ascents of Mount Everest at 30 times – in May last year he climbed the peak twice.

Malaysia

Should there be an age limit for climbers on Malaysia’s Mount Kinabalu?

Industry player says the state’s natural attractions are ‘too special to only be marketed to hardcore adventurers’.

Mount Kinabalu in Malaysia’s Sabah state. Photo: Nam Cheah
Hong Kong sports

Video | Nine-year-old Hong Kong climber sets national record

Nine-year-old Hong Kong climber sets national record
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Chik’s latest climbing record takes 9-year-old Hongkonger to top of heap in China

Veronica Chik becomes youngest in China to conquer 50-metre long ‘rock of life’ route.

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Nepal

Planning a helicopter tour of Everest? Nepal has some bad news for you

Officials say locals angry at the environmental impact of helicopter flights and loss of income from trekkers have threatened landing sites.

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Wellness

Hong Kong girl, 13, launches mentorship programme for girls in Africa

Climbing Africa’s highest peak inspired Emma Demopoulos, 13, to help Tanzania. She’s recruited international mentors for schoolgirls there.

Portrait of Emma Demopoulos, the youngest Hongkonger to summit Africa’s highest peak, at Mid Levels. 16DEC24 SCMP / Jonathan Wong
Japan

Japan eyes Chinese tram for Mount Fuji to cut costs and emissions

The Chinese-made Autonomous Rail Rapid Transit, which runs on rubber tyres and promises lower construction costs and reduced CO2 emissions.

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A view of cherry blossom trees with Mount Fuji in the background. Photo: Reuters

Record-setting teen climber says Sherpas should be seen as more than just guides

Nima Rinji Sherpa, who this month completed a mission to scale the world’s 14 tallest mountains, wants to change his community’s image.

Nepal

Video | Nepali teen climber returns to hero’s welcome

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