Conférence : Qu'avons-nous fait des 8000m ?

What's happening on the Roof of the World?

Every spring, between 500 and 1,000 people climb to the summit of Mount Everest, at an altitude of 8,848 metres. From one end of the Himalayas to the other, the fourteen peaks above 8,000 metres are opening up to mass tourism. The "death zone" is becoming commonplace.
In 2019, one man has given a face to the high-altitude revolution. Nirmal Purja, born in Nepal and trained in the British commandos, smashed the record for the fastest ascent of the fourteen 8,000s and propelled the Himalayas into a new era. Nepal has found its hero, its tourist agencies reign over the high altitude. Highly professional Sherpas equip the ascent routes with fixed ropes, carry oxygen cylinders and clients' equipment, supported by a noria of helicopters to the base camps, which resemble ephemeral cities. Industrialization? Decolonization of the 8,000? François Carrel investigates and recounts this historic turning point that transformed Nepal and our view of the snow country. With the various guests, this evening will therefore be an opportunity to address the whole evolution of tourism at 8000m.
Speakers:
François Carrel, journalist and mountaineer from Grenoble, François has been reporting and investigating in the Alps and around the world for the past twenty-five years. A contributor to Libération, he is the author of a biography of a French Himalayan pioneer: Pierre Beghin, L'homme de tête.
Michel Pellé is a mountain guide with a passion for the Himalayas. Since the 1970s, he has organized numerous expeditions there, notably with Terres d'aventure, and has guided clients to the top of Everest on several occasions. In addition to his vision of the evolution of tourism in these mountains, Michel has forged special, emotional links with Nepal. His "Swayaamb" association supports the schooling of Nepalese children.
Pascal Tournaire, renowned photographer, Pascal Tournaire is also a "summiter" of Everest with the commercial expeditions of the time.
Event organized to coincide with the release of the book "Himalaya business, qu'avons-nous fait des 8 000?" by François Carrel, published by Guérin.