Nine Nepali women to climb 7 highest peaks of 7 continents

Everest Women Seven Summits Eco-Action, a nine member team of women, is scheduled to begin the first international leg of a mission to climb seven of the highest peaks of seven continents from July, 2010.According to the team, the main aim of the expedition is to highlight the urgent issues of climate change globally. Besides, the project will be made carbon neutral via carbon offsetting.The team has also focused on solar lanterns, bio-gas, and tree plantations in the Himalayan villages to balance the carbon emission from the project as a result.The mission is scheduled to start from Australia on June 29 marking the Golden Jubilee anniversary of diplomatic relations between Nepal and Australia.Sailee Basnet, coordinator of the campaign said that US $ 1.3 million is expected to be spent during the expedition.They also expect to finish the expedition by the end of 2011.The seven summits includes Mt. Kosciuszko (Australia), Mt. Elbrus (Europe), Kilimanjaro (Africa), Vinson Massif (Antarctica), Aconcagua (South America), Carstensz Pyramid (Oceania), and Denali (Noth America).The members of the team are Asha Kumari Singh, Chunu Shrestha, Maya Gurung, Ngabang Phuti Sherpa, Nimdoma Sherpa, Pema Diki Sherpa, Pujan Acharya, Shailee Basnet, and Usha Bist.The team members have already successfully climbed Mt. Everest in May 2008 and became the most successful women's expedition ever to summit Mt. Everest