Available Answers

1. 1.

   What do you think Bachendri Pal must be feeling when she looked up? How would you feel if you were in her position?

2. 2.

   Put the sentences in the correct sequence to reconstruct the story.

   1. At 6.20 am. Ang Darjee and Bachendri stepped out from the South Col and began their climb.
   2. Lhatoo Darjee increased the oxygen flow on her regular to make her ascent easier.
   3. They climbed unroped and had to use the ice-axes to bite into the frozen surface.
   4. Bachendri was ready for the climb at 5.30 am.
   5. Ang Dorjee wanted to start immediately as he planned to go to the top from the South Col and be back in a day.
   6. She bowed in respect before Ang Dorjee and congratulated him on his second ascent of Everest without oxygen.
   7. They had to do very challenging and perilous climbing between the South Summit nd Hillary's step.
   8. They reached the Summit Camp in less than two hours.
   9. Lhatoo Dorjee, her rope mate, caught up with them when they rested below the South Summit.
   10. Finally, at 1.07 pm on 23 May. 1984, Bachendri stood on top of Everest, the first Indian woman ever to have done so.
   11. He also congratulated her and whispered, "You climb well - very happy, Didi."
   12. Bachendri first anchored herself and then sank on her knees. Putting her forehead on the snow, she kissed Sagarmatha's crown.
3. 3.

   In your own words justify the title I Keep My Tryst with Everest.

4. 4.

   Bachendri took a risk and for Ang Dorjee it was a challenge. Justify the statement.

5. 5.

   Describe the difficulties the team faced between the South Summit and Hillary's Step.

6. 6.

   Ang Dorjee's team consisted of three members. Describe how each one contributed to making their ascent a success. What did you observe about team work?