The torch relay will travel across cities all over the world, but the most challenging route will be on Mt. Qomolangma. This kind of ascent¹ has never happened at any previous torch relay, so let's find out more about the preparations for the run.

Jiang Xiaoyu, BOCOG executive Vice Pres., said, "The torch bearers'  team for the Qomolangma leg will carry the torch to ascend the peak  in any possible day with favorable weather conditions in May."

Mt. Qomolangma towers 8,848 meters above sea level. And this May, the Olympic torch will be carried to the world's highest peak.

Jiang Xiaoyu, BOCOG executive Vice Pres., said, "The torch bearers' team for the Qomolangma leg will carry the torch to ascend the peak in any possible day with favorable weather conditions in May."

The torch relay's ascent of Mt. Qomolangma, known in the west as Mount Everest, takes the Olympic Flame to new heights and celebrates the very best of human achievement.

It symbolizes the three chapters of the 2008 Games: a Green Games, a High-tech Games and the People's Games.

Full preparations have been made for this highlight of the torch relay: Step 1: Mountaineering Since 1960, a great number of Chinese mountaineers have reached the summit. So it hasn't been a problem to plan the route.

The torch will ascend the northern slope of Qomolangma in Tibet Autonomous Region to the world's highest peak. The flame will then be carried down along the same route back to the foot of the mountain.