Mount Everest Reopened To Climbers

Japanese mountaineer Nobukazu Kuriki is heading up Everest. This week he became the first person granted a permit to climb the mountain since a 7.8 magnitude earthquake devastated much of Nepal in April.

After four attempts, Kuriki hopes to reach the top. He also says he hopes to send a message that the mountain is safe for climbers.

Seven-time summiter Peter Athans says Nepal needs tourists now more than ever. He speaks with Here & Now’s Robin Young.

• Related: Longtime Everest Climber Calls Mountain A ‘Powder Keg'

Guest

• Peter Athans, mountaineer, seven-time Mount Everest summiter and filmmaker. He’s co-director of The Khumbu Climbing Center, a vocational school for indigenous people living near Everest.

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