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Scaling New Heights
Ever wanted to climb Everest? Now you can - in a way*
*In a way that is nothing like actually climbing Everest, but is still pretty good.
MANY PEOPLE PUT climbing Mount Everest on their bucket list.
Climbing the highest peak on the planet would be an awesome accomplishment for any human. Unfortunately, climbing Everest requires years of work and tons of skill.
Now, though, Google can help.
The company announced last week that they had partnered with Apa Sherpa, a Sherpa mountaineer who holds the world record for reaching the summit of Mount Everest 21 times—more than any other person – to allow Google Maps users explore the area around Everest.
While you can’t go to the top, you can explore the towns and villages in the Khumbu region of Nepal.
The “Yak Parking Lot” is a particular highlight:
Sherpa began carrying goods up the mountain when he was 12. By 30, he reached the summit for the first time.
He says:
Our region is famous for being home to Everest, but it’s also the home of the Sherpa community and has been for centuries. The region has much more to offer than just the mountain. So last year, I guided the Google Maps team through my home region to collect Street View imagery that improves the map of our community.
To begin your exploration of the area, click here.
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