High Crimes: The Fate of Everest in an Age of Greed

· Hachette UK
4.7
9 reviews
Ebook
368
Pages
Eligible
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About this ebook

High Crimes is journalist Michael Kodas's gripping account of life on top of the world--where man is every bit as deadly as Mother Nature. In the years following the publication of Into Thin Air, much has changed on Mount Everest. Among all the books documenting the glorious adventures in mountains around the world, none details how the recent infusion of wealthy climbers is drawing crime to the highest place on the planet. The change is caused both by a tremendous boom in traffic, and a new class of parasitic and predatory adventurer. It's likely that Jon Krakauer would not recognize the camps that he visited on Mount Everest almost a decade ago. This book takes readers on a harrowing tour of the criminal underworld on the slopes of the world's most majestic mountain.High Crimes describes two major expeditions: the tragic story of Nils Antezana, a climber who died on Everest after he was abandoned by his guide; as well as the author's own story of his participation in the Connecticut Everest Expedition, guided by George Dijmarescu and his wife and climbing partner, Lhakpa Sherpa. Dijmarescu, who at first seemed well-intentioned and charming, turned increasingly hostile to his own wife, as well as to the author and the other women on the team. By the end of the expedition, the three women could not travel unaccompanied in base camp due to the threat of violence. Those that tried to stand against the violence and theft found that the worst of the intimidation had followed them home to Connecticut. Beatings, thefts, drugs, prostitution, coercion, threats, and abandonment on the highest slopes of Everest and other mountains have become the rule rather than the exception. Kodas describes many such experiences, and explores the larger issues these stories raise with thriller-like intensity.

Ratings and reviews

4.7
9 reviews
M M
June 9, 2024
Warning ~ anyone thinking of going to any mountain should read this first. It's a reflection on society today, a tale of how genuine, honest people can be robbed, not just for money, but of their life. Those that are dishonest see that & talk & prey into that trust. They use climbing worlds closed ranks to openly ply nefarious trade to the unwary. Its time for climbers to join forces as much as they can to protect the innocent from these rogues. Try having a register of qualified "guides" able to check their records and skills. We know people are responsible for their own safety, but more could be done to stop taking of money from those are unfit to make it back down the mountain. The ultimate prize is coming back down ALIVE. One of the most important books I'd read, made me excited, angry, upset by turns. Made me cry for those poor souls who remain on a cold mountain miles away from those that loved them. RIP all who remain on mountains & condolences to loved ones they left behind.
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About the author

A Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist, Michael Kodas has made a mark as an outdoor adventure reporter and photographer. Since 1987, Kodas has worked at The Hartford Courant on a remarkable set of stories. His work has also been published in The Los Angeles Times, The Washington Post, The Boston Globe, The Chicago Tribune, Newsweek magazine, and Backpacker Magazine. He lives in Hartford, CT.

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