Crowd control could soon become an important skill for climbers on Mount Everest, as important as physical strength or watching the weather. In a single day last week, nearly 40 people reached the top of the world — a record. Reports from base camp spoke of queues at dangerous ridges and crowds as people passed each other in the final dash for the 8,848 meters top.
More traditional mountaineers have been concerned about the circus atmosphere surrounding Everest in recent years, and there are warnings that the crowds are making the mountain more dangerous. In 1996, 14 died on the mountain when the members of several groups were trapped at high altitudes by sudden snowstorms. Bad weather in early May led to this year’s jam on the summit ridge, but the loss, luckily, was light. Just four climbers died, including a Nepali Sherpa who had made 11 previous successful climbing.
Traditionalists are also worried about the growing tendency of climbers to set records and achieve “firsts”, rather than simply climb the mountain. This year’s crop of mountaineers included the oldest man, 64-year-old Sherman Bull from Connecticut, and the youngest, 16-year-old Temba Tsheri Sherpa of Nepal. An American with only one arm was on the mountain this year; an Indian with no legs also tried but failed. Erik Weihennieyer, an American, became the first blind person to reach the top of the world. His fellow climbers stayed in front of him on the way up, describing the type of land and ringing bells.
Nepal views Mount Everest as something of a cash cow. The government charges journeys a minimum of $70,000. That is probably why officials in Katmandu are ignoring concerns about overcrowding and talking about even more climbers coming next year. But a celebration of the 48th anniversary of the first conquest of Everest, by Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay, was cancelled after violent strikes. Tumultuous (动乱的) Nepali politics, it seems, could be just the crowd-control measure that Everest needs.
1. According to the author, what skills are important for climbers on Mount Everest?2. What are traditional mountaineers worried about?
3. Please decide which part is false in the following statement, then underline it and explain why.
●The Nepal government cares little about the overcrowding problem because of its internal tumultuous politics.
4. Do you think it is a good idea to limit the number of visitors to a tourist attraction? Why?
2 . Places You Should Visit in China in Summer
There are definitely some places in China that add romance to the days and nights. We have listed the best places that are especially brought to life by summer. All our tours can be customized (定制). We will create a trip for your summer vacation according to your requirements.
Yunnan Province — a Colorful Fairyland
Yunnan has a year-round spring-like climate. You will have a cool summer trip here. Start from Kunming to see the wonderful Stone Forest, enjoy a relaxing tour along the lakeshore of Erhai in Dali, visit the Old Town of Lijiang, and take a cable car ride to Jade Dragon Snow Mountain. Finally, immerse yourself in mysterious eastern atmosphere of Shangri-La and Pudacuo National Park.
Recommended Tours：
8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour
7-Day Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour
6-Day Lijiang to Shangri-La Tour
Inner Mongolia — Vast Grasslands
Inner Mongolia has vast grasslands where you can enjoy horse riding and hiking. During the short summers, grasslands stretch as far as the eye can see. It is also the best time to take a desert hiking tour. The 2021 Summer Naadam Festival is scheduled to take place in Xilamuren Grassland from July 23 to July 30, 2021. Our 5-Day Inner Mongolia Grass & Sand Tour is a great way to attend this grand event.
Recommended Inner Mongolia Tours:
5-Day Inner Mongolia Grass & Sand
4-Day Authentic Mongolian Nomad Experience Tour
Chengdu — Meet Cute Pandas
The lovely giant pandas are the No. 1 reason to come. If you want a deeper panda experience, you can join in a giant panda volunteer program. See our 2-Day Wolong Red Keeper Volunteer Program Tour.
Jiuzhai Valley, with cool weather, is the best time to see its waterfalls and green lakes.
Mount Emei is one of the most well-known summer destinations thanks to its pleasant weather, the inspiring natural scenery and the influence of the Buddhist culture.
Recommended Tours：
7-Day Chengdu, Mount Emei and Jiuzhaigou Scenic Tour
5-Day Chengdu, Leshan and Mount Emei Tour
2-Day Wolong Red Keeper Volunteer Program Tour
1. What can you do in Yunnan?| A．Visit an old town. | B．Ride a horse and hike. |
| C．See waterfalls and green lakes. | D．Enjoy mysterious dragon culture. |
| A．2-Day Wolong Red Keeper Volunteer Program Tour. |
| B．8-Day Kunming, Dali, Lijiang, and Shangri-La Tour. |
| C．4-Day Authentic Mongolian Nomad Experience Tour. |
| D．7-Day Chengdu, Mount Emei and Jiuzhaigou Scenic Tour. |
| A．recommend coolest places in summer |
| B．attract tourists to customize tour service |
| C．introduce characteristics of China’s cities |
| D．report China’s multicultural development |
Jiuzhaigou is famous
4 . A trip to London
My family had dreamed of a trip to London for a long time. Luckily it was possible for us to realize our dream because all of us were free on the weekend.
We planned to drive into Cambridge and caught the 7: 34 train to Liverpool Street Station.Then my wife and I would separate from Joan, my wife’s sister, to do different things and finally meet again for lunch. And after lunch, we would go to the concert.
But we were late because of a thick London fog. The train had to move along so slowly that it was not until 10:30 that it got there. In spite of our late arrival, Joan decided that she would go to see the Crown Jewels in the Tower of London while we went shopping. It was only after her sister had disappeared into the fog that my wife realized that we hadn’t decided where we should meet for lunch. Since I had our three tickets for the concert in my pocket, this was indeed a problem. We didn’t have any mobile phones at that time. There seemed to be nothing we could do except taking a taxi to the Tower of London, and try to find her there. Needless to say, we didn’t find her.
It was now one o'clock, and the concert began at 2: 30. “Perhaps she will think of waiting outside the concert hall,” said my wife hopefully. By this time the fog was so thick that road traffic had to stop, and the only way to get there was by subway. Hand in hand we felt our way along the road to where we thought the nearest station should be. An hour later we were still trying to find it.Just when I was about to become angry, we met a blind man tapping his way confidently through the fog. With his help we found the subway station which was just fifty meters down the road.
By now it was far too late to get to the concert hall before the performance began at 2: 30, so we decided to return to Cambridge. It took seven hours instead of the usual two to make that journey. Nor were we able to get any food and drink on the train. We were tired and hungry.
We finally reached home at ten. Opening the door we were amazed to find Joan at home; she had seen the Crown Jewels, had managed to get another ticket for concert, and had had a wonderful dinner at a restaurant. Of course, she managed to get home, too. Oh my god!
1. What did the writer plan to do after lunch that day?| A．Go to the concert. | B．Return to Cambridge. |
| C．Go shopping. | D．See the Crown Jewels. |
| A．they were late for the concert |
| B．Joan didn’t want to go to the concert |
| C．there was a thick fog |
| D．they planned to do different things until lunch time |
| A．A taxi driver. | B．A blind man. |
| C．His wife. | D．Joan. |
