A Chinese official said Monday that scientists have begun operating an earthquake monitoring station at the foot of Mount Everest in an effort to learn more about the world's highest peak.

By ELEANOR RADFORD Herald Reporter Five Girl Guides from the Plymouth area took part in the World's Highest Coffee Morning in the Himalayas on Sunday.

By Jasbir Authi A WARD End pharmacist will be scaling new heights in his quest to raise money for a city charity. Yaser Baig, aged 26, is busy training for a gruelling ten-day trek to Mount Everest Base Camp from November 22.

By Charles Hutzler, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BEIJING - Chinese mountaineers made final preparations Wednesday to take the Olympic flame up Mount Everest in a grand but contentious feat that is being accorded an unusual mixture of fanfare and secrecy.

By Charles Hutzler, THE ASSOCIATED PRESS BEIJING - China's new plan for press coverage of the Olympic torch's ascent of Mount Everest has touched off a new controversy. Health experts and media groups said Wednesday the plan will expose reporters to undue health risks due to the altitude.