MOUNT EVEREST.

Taranaki Daily News, 12 June 1922, Page 5

MOUNT EVEREST.

NEWS FROM CLIMBERS. LONG TREK OVER. WONDERFUL SCENES. By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Received June 10, 5.5 p.m. London, June 8. General Bruce (leader of the Mount Everest expedition), writing from Rongbuk Glacier base camp on April 30, says: The long trek across Thibet is finished. We arrived at the glacier with a complete outfit and stores, and are, therefore, in good case for beginning <’ ? attack on the great mountain. Sickness is almost completely absent. Finch and Crawford overtook us at Khampadzong, bringing up the oxygen outfit. A blizzard caught the main body when leaving Gnatong, and, crossing Jelapla, the snow lay deep right into the Pharsdzong route from Khampadzong to Shelkardzong, the same as last year. We had no difficulty in crossing the Arun Valley, avoiding the disgusting mid-day duststorms by crossing early in the morning. A glorious view of Everest was obtained, filling up the whole aspect down the valley, and seeming only 20 miles away, whereas it is actually 60. Shelkardzong is astonishingly situated. The name means “shining glass.” The fort itself occupies the summit of the precipitous Khaki Hill, being cleverly built »n the mountain side, where the Shelkar monastery and town are, both, in certain lights, dazzlingly white. At the bottom of the hill there is a straggling town, actually boasting of gardens. Rongbuk lies due south from Shelkardzong, and is reachable in four days. The Dalai Lama every year sends a proxy for ’ worship at Rongbuk, which is wonderfully situated at the head of a valley of the same name, in full view of Everest. This, probably, is the highest route in Thibet. Before leaving the monastery, General Bruce and others visited the great Lama, who blessed the party and wished the-n success. The Lama searchingly inquired the reasons for the attempt to climb Everest. General Bruce satisfied him by explaining that the Geographical Society’s religion was to’ visit unknown parts of the world.—Times Service.