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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park information

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park information

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Pembrokeshire National Park | Pembrokeshire Coast - Visit Wales

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Welcome to Brecon Beacons National Park. Our skyscrapers are imposing sandstone bluffs over 470 million years old. Visit Wales

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Mount Everest, on the border between China and Nepal, Asia

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Reaching 29,032 feet (8,849 meters) above sea level, Mount Everest is the highest mountain on Earth. Located in the Mahalangur Himal section of the Himalayas, the mountain's summit straddles the border separating Tibet and Nepal.

Who were the first explorers to climb Everest?

Mount Everest has two main climbing routes: the southeast ridge from Nepal, and the north ridge from Tibet. Though the north ridge route is shorter, today most climbers use the southeast ridge route, which is technically easier.

The northern approach was charted in 1921 by George Mallory during the British Reconnaissance Expedition, which was an exploratory expedition that was not intended to attempt the summit, according to UM. Mallory was famously, perhaps apocryphally, quoted as answering the question "Why do you want to climb Mount Everest?" with the reply, "Because it's there," according to The Ohio State University Department of History.

In 1922, Mallory and fellow Brits Geoffrey Bruce and Charles Granville Bruce, along with Austrian chemist George Finch, attempted an ascent for the first time using oxygen, but the expedition was thwarted by an avalanche, according to UM.

In June 1924, Mallory and English mountaineer Andrew Irvine attempted to reach the summit, but they did not survive. A 1999 expedition found Mallory's body. As the ice continues to melt due to climate change, more and more bodies have been recovered in recent years, Live Science previously reported.

Early expeditions in the 1920s and 1930s attempted to make the ascent from the Tibetan side, but access was closed after Tibet officially came under Chinese control in 1951. This spurred English explorer Bill Tilman and a small party that included Americans Charles Houston, Oscar Houston and Betsy Cowles to approach Everest through Nepal along the route that has developed into the standard approach to Everest from the south, researchers reported in 1992 in The Geographical Journal.

In 1952, members of a Swiss expedition led by Edouard Wyss-Dunant reached a height of about 28,199 feet (8,595 m) on the southeast ridge, setting a new climbing altitude record, according to the Swiss Foundations for Alpine Research. Tenzing Norgay, a member of this expedition and a Nepalese Sherpa, took part in the British expedition the following year.

In 1953, a British expedition led by John Hunt returned to Nepal. Hunt selected two climbing pairs to attempt to reach the summit, Charles Wylie, a British Army lieutenant colonel and the organizing secretary to the expedition, wrote in The Himalayan Journal. The first pair - Tom Bourdillon and Charles Evans - came within 300 feet (91 m) of the summit but had to turn back due to oxygen problems. Two days later, the second pair - New Zealand mountaineer Edmund Hillary and Norgay - reached the summit, took some pictures and left some sweets and a cross, Wylie reported in 1954.

(Image credit: Photo by George Band/Royal Geographical Society via Getty Image)

Today, the mountain is becoming both less difficult and more treacherous to climb. A 2022 study published in the journal NPJ Climate and Atmospheric Science showed that Everest's glaciers are melting rapidly due to climate change, making avalanches more frequent. The South Col Glacier - the world's highest - has thinned by more than 180 feet (55 m) over the past 25 years, Live Science reported. However, warmer temperatures and ice loss have made it easier for hikers to summit the mountain.

However, technology has made climbing safer, Arnette said. Supplemental oxygen is easier to obtain these days, and if you find yourself stranded, "at a minimum, they'll get a helicopter and fly you off."

When was Everest first measured?

The height of Mount Everest was first determined in 1856, according to the University of Montana Department of Geography (UM). At the time, the Great Trigonometric Survey of British India pegged the height of the mountain, known to them as Peak XV, at 29,002 feet (8,840 m). But those surveyors were at a disadvantage because Nepal would not grant them entry due to concerns that the country would be invaded or annexed, UM says. The current accepted elevation was determined by a joint Chinese-Nepalese survey in November 2021, though technically, Everest's height is in flux; the mountain is simultaneously growing from tectonic-plate activity, according to the U.S. Geological Survey and "" from sea level rise, Live Science previously reported.

In 1865, Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India, suggested that the mountain be named in honor of his predecessor in the job, Sir George Everest, according to a study published in 1931 in the journal . The Tibetans had referred to the mountain as "Chomolungma," or Holy Mother, for centuries, but Waugh did not know this because Nepal and Tibet were closed to outsiders.

Mount Everest attracts experienced mountaineers and less-seasoned climbers from around the world, who typically enlist local guides from the Sherpa people, a Tibetan ethnic group renowned for their knowledge of the Himalayan range and skill in climbing, according to the American Himalayan Foundation. Climbing the more than 11,000 feet (3,350 m) from base camp to the summit in a low-oxygen environment is no easy feat. Altitude sickness, weather, wind and, in rare cases, altitude-induced psychosis are the major roadblocks to summiting the peak.

"It's like holding your breath and climbing a set of stairs," veteran climber and record keeper Alan Arnette told Live Science. "But not just any stairs - it's more like the Empire State Building." More than 6,000 people have summited Everest, and more than 300 have died trying, according to the Himalayan Database. Nearly 80% of those ascents have been accomplished since 2000. In 2018, a record 807 successful ascents were recorded, according to Arnette's records.

What lives on Everest?

Mount Everest is surrounded by a number of substantial peaks, including Lhotse (27,940 feet, or 8,516 m), Nuptse (25,791 feet, or 7,861 m) and Changtse (24,803 feet, or 7,560 m), according to Britannica.

Those higher altitudes cannot support animal life or vegetation. However, birch, juniper, blue pines, firs, bamboo and rhododendron grow in the lower areas of the mountain, per Britannica. The highest-altitude vascular plant species, a type of herb given the scientific name Saxifraga lychnitis, grows at 21,260 feet (6,480 m) on Everest's slopes and was described in a 2018 paper in the journal Alpine Botany. No known vascular plants grow above this point.

Musk deer, wild yak, red pandas, snow leopards and Himalayan black bears inhabit altitudes below 16,400 feet (5,000 m), according to Britannica. There are also small numbers of Himalayan tahrs, langur monkeys, hares, mountain foxes, martens and Himalayan wolves.

(Image credit: Zahoor Salmi/Getty Images)

Everest milestones

Here are some other Mount Everest expedition milestones:

1895: Andrew Waugh, the British Surveyor General of India, suggests naming the tallest Himalayan peak after his predecessor, Sir George Everest.

1921: British explorer George Mallory charts the northern approach.

May 29, 1953: Tenzing Norgay and Edmund Hillary become the first expedition to officially summit Everest.

May 20, 1965: Sherpa Nawang Gombu becomes the first person to reach the summit twice, The Guardian reported in a 2011 obituary.

May 16, 1975: Junko Tabei of Japan becomes the first woman to summit Everest, The New York Times reported that year.

May 3, 1980: Japanese climber Yasuo Kato is the first non-Sherpa to reach the summit a second time, following his original 1973 summit. (Kato died in 1983 during another attempt to reach Everest's summit, according to a report in the American Alpine Journal.)

Aug. 20, 1980: Reinhold Messner of Italy is the first person to reach the summit solo, a grueling experience that Messner recounted in a 2003 interview in The Guardian.

1996 climbing season: 16 people die while climbing Mount Everest, the most fatalities in a single year up to that point, according to the Indianapolis Public Library. Eight climbers died on May 10 alone, during a storm. One of the survivors, Jon Krakauer, a journalist on assignment for "Outside" magazine, wrote the bestseller "Into Thin Air" (Anchor Books, 1999) about his experience.

May 22, 2010: Apa Sherpa, who first summited on May 10, 1990, reaches the summit a 20th time, Everest News reported.

May 23, 2013: At age 80, Japanese climber Minura Yūichirō becomes the oldest person to summit, according to CNN.

April 25, 2015: The Gorkha earthquake in Nepal triggers an avalanche on Everest, killing 22, the single deadliest day in the mountain's recorded history, Stanford University's Stanford Earth Matters magazine reported.

Additional resources

Explore Mount Everest from the safety and comfort of your home, using this interactive 3D map. Read a harrowing account of two climbers - Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler - who in 1978 attempted to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen, at PBS' NOVA Online. View highlights from the exhibit "Everest: Ascent to Glory," produced by the Bowers Museum in Santa Ana, California, in a virtual tour.

This article was originally written in 2012 by Live Science contributor Kim Ann Zimmermann, and has since been updated.

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Mount Everest towers more than 29,000 feet above sea level.

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The Great Barrier Reef, Australia, Oceania

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One of Australia's most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world's largest coral reef. The reef contains an abundance of marine life and comprises of over 3000 individual reef systems and coral cays and literally hundreds of picturesque tropical islands with some of the worlds most beautiful sun-soaked, golden beaches.
Because of its natural beauty, the Great Barrier Reef has become one of the worlds most sought after tourist destinations.A visitor to the Great Barrier Reef can enjoy many experiences including snorkelling, scuba diving, aircraft or helicopter tours, bare boats (self-sail), glass-bottomed boat viewing, semi-submersibles and educational trips, cruise ship tours, whale watching and swimming with dolphins.

A Natural Wonder

The Great Barrier Reef is one of the seven wonders of the natural world, and pulling away from it, and viewing it from a greater distance, you can understand why.

It is larger than the Great Wall of China and the only living thing on earth visible from space.

Discover more about Australia's greatest natural wonder, the Great Barrier Reef.

Queensland is unique amongst the Australian states in that it has a number of genuine coastal capitals. This sense of individuality has made cities like Cairns, Townsville, Rockhampton, Mackay, Bundaberg and Maryborough independent centres which do not rely on Brisbane. Great Barrier Reef Towns.

Cairns Hotels

Cairns is the perfect destination from which to explore the many wonders of the Great Barrier Reef. The unspoilt islands and beaches, spectacular wildlife and the pristine scenery of the surrounding tropical rainforests - all accessible from Cairns. Cairns has many great hotels and resorts to suit any budget. Hotels In Cairns.

Peppers Resort, Airlie Beach

Looking out at the Whitsunday islands, Peppers Coral Coast Resort has been purpose-designed with wide verandas and incredible panoramic ocean views to enhance the tropical lifestyle North Queensland is envied for. Peppers Coral Coast Resort offers the most stylish and elegant accommodation in Airlie Beach with 102 luxuriously appointed one, two and three bedroom apartments and three two-storey houses. Stay at Peppers Coral Coast Resort.

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Great Barrier Reef | Australia's Great Natural Wonder

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One of Australia's most remarkable natural gifts, the Great Barrier Reef is blessed with the breathtaking beauty of the world's largest coral reef.

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West Antarctic Ice Sheet, Antarctica

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1. Bamber, J.L., Riva, R.E.M., Vermeersen, B.L.A., and Le Brocq, A.M., 2009. Reassessment of the potential sea-level rise from a collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Science, 2009. 324(5929): p. 901-903.

2. Bindschadler, R., 2006. The environment and evolution of the West Antarctic ice sheet: setting the stage. Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society A: Mathematical, Physical and Engineering Sciences, 2006. 364(1844): p. 1583-1605.

3. Scherer, R.P., Aldahan, A., Tulaczyk, S., Possnert, G., Engelhardt, H., and Kamb, B., 1998. Pleistocene Collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Science, 1998. 281(5373): p. 82-85.

4. Bentley, M.J. and Anderson, J.B., 1998. Glacial and marine geological evidence for the ice sheet configuration in the Weddell Sea-Antarctic Peninsula region during the Last Glacial Maximum. Antarctic Science, 1998. 10(3): p. 309-325.

5. Lowe, A.L. and Anderson, J.B., 2002. Reconstruction of the West Antarctic ice sheet in Pine Island Bay during the Last Glacial Maximum and its subsequent retreat history. Quaternary Science Reviews, 2002. 21(16-17): p. 1879-1897.

6. Anderson, J.B., Shipp, S.S., Lowe, A.L., Wellner, J.S., and Mosola, A.B., 2002. The Antarctic Ice Sheet during the Last Glacial Maximum and its subsequent retreat history: a review. Quaternary Science Reviews, 2002. 21(1-3): p. 49-70.

7. Graham, A.G.C., Larter, R.D., Gohl, K., Hillenbrand, C.-D., Smith, J.A., and Kuhn, G., 2009. Bedform signature of a West Antarctic palaeo-ice stream reveals a multi-temporal record of flow and substrate control. Quaternary Science Reviews, 2009. 28(25-26): p. 2774-2793.

8. Livingstone, S.J., O Cofaigh, C., Stokes, C.R., Hillenbrand, C.-D., Vieli, A., and Jamieson, S.S.R., 2012. Antarctic palaeo-ice streams. Earth-Science Reviews, 2012. 111(1-2): p. 90-128.

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1. Bamber, J.L., Riva, R.E.M., Vermeersen, B.L.A., and Le Brocq, A.M., 2009. Reassessment of the potential sea-level rise from a collapse of the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. Science, 2009. 324(5929): p. 901-903. 2. Bindschadler, R., 2006. The environment and evolution of the West Antarctic ice sheet: setting the stage.

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The Grand Canyon, USA, North America

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Grand Canyon National Park, in Northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world-unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors from the rims. The South Rim is open. The North Rim is open for day use only. Read More

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Grand Canyon National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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Grand Canyon National Park, in Northern Arizona, encompasses 278 miles (447 km) of the Colorado River and adjacent uplands. Located on ancestral homeland of 11 Associated Tribes, Grand Canyon is one of the most spectacular examples of erosion anywhere in the world-unmatched in the incomparable vistas it offers visitors from the rims. The South Rim is open.

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Amazon Rainforest, South America

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Enjoy our awesome range of Earth facts for kids. Check out the cool trivia and have fun learning about some of our planet's most amazing features.

Amazon Rainforest Facts

Learn more about the Amazon rainforest with our range of fun facts for kids. Find out where the Amazon rain forest is located, how big it is, what kind of plants and animals live there and much more.

The Amazon rainforest is the largest tropical rainforest in the world, covering over five and a half a million square kilometres (1.4 billion acres).

Over half of the Amazon rainforest is located in Brazil but it is also located in other South American countries including Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador, Colombia, Guyana, Bolivia, Suriname and French Guiana.

10% of the world's known species live in the Amazon rainforest.

20% of the world's bird species live in the Amazon rainforest.

It is home to around 2 and a half million different insect species as well as over 40000 plant species.

There are also a number of dangerous species living in the Amazon rainforest such as the cougar, jaguar and anaconda.

While the protection of the Amazon rainforest remains an issue, deforestation rates have been reducing while areas of conserved land have been increasing over the last 10 years.

In both 2005 and 2010 the Amazon rainforest suffered severe droughts that killed off large amounts of vegetation in the worst affected areas.

A recent study by climate change experts suggests that a 3 °C rise in world temperatures by the year 2010 would destroy around 75% of the Amazon.

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Enjoy our awesome range of Earth facts for kids. Check out the cool trivia and have fun learning about some of our planet's most amazing features. Amazon Rainforest Facts Learn more about the Amazon rainforest with our range of fun facts for kids.

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Stromboli Volcano, Italy, Europe

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the stromboli volcano in italy / VolcanoDiscovery

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Crater Lake, USA, North America

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Official websites use .gov
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Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity-fed by rain and snow, it's the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth. Artists, photographers, and sightseers gaze in wonder at its blue water and stunning setting atop the Cascade Mountain Range.

Last updated: February 8, 2026

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Crater Lake National Park (U.S. National Park Service)

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Crater Lake inspires awe. Native Americans witnessed its formation 7,700 years ago, when a violent eruption triggered the collapse of a tall peak. Scientists marvel at its purity-fed by rain and snow, it's the deepest lake in the USA and one of the most pristine on Earth.

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Lake Windermere, UK, Europe

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Find out more about places to visit around Lake Windermere in the Lake District, including villages, attractions, maps and car parking information.

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Salar de Uyuni Salt Flats, Bolivia, South America

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The salt flats in Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, are the largest in the world and contain 50-70% of the world''s lithium reserves

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Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania, Africa

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Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and fourth highest of the Seven Summits, is considered the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, rising 15,100 feet (4,600 meters) from base to summit. Kilimanjaro is also the most prominent mountain in Africa.

Elevation: 19,340 feet (5,895 meters)

Prominence: 19,308 feet (5,885 meters); Most prominent mountain in Africa.

Location: Tanzania, East Africa

Coordinates: -3.075844 S / 37.353312 E or 03°04′33″ S / 37°21′12″ E

First Ascent: Hans Meyer (Germany), Yoanas Kinyala Lauwo (Tanzania), and Ludwig Purtscheller (Austria) on October 5, 1889.

The meaning and origin of the name Kilimanjaro are unknown. The name is thought to be a combination of the Swahili word Kilima, meaning "mountain," and the KiChagga word Njaro, loosely translated as "whiteness," giving the name White Mountain. The name Kibo in KiChagga means "spotted" and refers to rocks seen on snowfields. The name Uhuru translates as "freedom," a name given to commemorate Tanzanian independence from Great Britain in 1961.

Kilimanjaro is composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo 19,340 feet (5,895 meters); Mawenzi 16,896 feet (5,149 meters); and Shira 13,000 feet (3,962 meters). Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo's crater rim.

Kilimanjaro is a giant stratovolcano that began forming a million years ago when lava spilled from the Rift Valley zone. The mountain was built by successive lava flows. Two of its three peaks-Mawenzi and Shira-are extinct while Kibo, the highest peak is dormant and could erupt again. The last major eruption was 360,000 years ago, while the most recent activity was only 200 years ago.

Kilimanjaro has 2.2 square kilometers of glacial ice and is losing it quickly due to global warming. The glaciers have shrunk 82 percent since 1912 and declined 33 percent since 1989. It may be ice-free within 20 years, dramatically affecting local drinking water, crop irrigation, and hydroelectric power.

Kilimanjaro lies within the 756-square-kilometer Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and is one of the few places on earth that encompasses every ecological life zone including tropical jungle, savannah, and desert to montane forests, subalpine plants, and the alpine zone above timberline.

Kilimanjaro was first climbed on October 5, 1889, by German geologist Hans Meyer, Marangu scout Yoanas Kinyala Lauwo, and Austrian Ludwig Purtscheller. After reaching the summit, Meyer later wrote that they gave "three ringing cheers, and in virtue of my right as its first discoverer christened this hitherto unknown-the loftiest spot in Africa and the German Empire-Kaiser Wilhelm's Peak."

Climbing Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing or mountaineering experience. It is just a long trek from base to summit. Some parts of the mountain require basic scrambling skills (i.e. the Barranco Wall), but in general, anyone with decent fitness can climb Kilimanjaro.

The challenge is the mountain's high elevation. As high mountains go, the routes on Mount Kilimanjaro have rapid ascent profiles. Acclimatization opportunities are relatively poor, and therefore the incidence of acute mountain sickness (AMS) is rather high. Some studies show that up to 75 percent of trekkers on summit night suffer from mild and moderate forms of AMS. Deaths on Kilimanjaro are often due to improper acclimatization and the onset of severe altitude sickness rather than falls.

Kilimanjaro is not a peak you can climb on your own. It is mandatory to climb with a licensed guide and have porters carry your equipment. This sustains the local economy and allows local people to reap the rewards of tourism.

The fastest ascent of Kilimanjaro is a record that is broken time and again. As of 2017, the record is held by Swiss mountain runner Karl Egloff at 4 hours and 56 minutes, and including the descent, his total round trip was 6 hours, 42 minutes, and 24 seconds. The previous record was held by Spanish mountain runner Kilian Jornet, who reached the summit in 5 hours, 23 minutes and 50 seconds in 2010; beating the previous ascent record held by Kazakh mountain runner Andrew Puchinin by one minute. After a short break at the summit, Jornet then ran back down the mountain at a blistering speed of 1:41 to clock a total ascent and descent record of 7 hours and 14 minutes.Tanzanian guide and mountain runner Simon Mtuy owns the record for an unaided climb, carrying his own food, water, and clothing, at a round trip of 9 hours and 19 minutes in 2006.

The youngest person to climb Kilimanjaro is Keats Boyd, an American who trekked up Uhuru Peak at age 7. What's impressive is that he managed to dodge the 10-year-old minimum age limit!

The record for the oldest climber is constantly surpassed. Angela Vorobeva holds it as of early 2017, reaching the peak at the age of 86 years, 267 days, and having survived the Siege of Leningrad in 1944. For a while, the record was held by 85-year-old Swiss-Canadian Martin Kafer who reached the top of Uhuru Peak in 2012 along with his wife Esther, who became the oldest women to climb Kilimanjaro at age 84. However, both of their records have now fallen.

The allure of Kilimanjaro has led other incredible ascents. In 2011, paraplegic Chris Waddell used a hand-cycle to trek to the summit. Paralyzed from the waist down, Waddell took six and half days and 528,000 revolutions of his custom-built wheels to reach the Roof of Africa. This amazing achievement was followed in 2012 by quadruple amputee Kyle Maynard, who took 10 days to crawl on the stumps of his arms and legs to the top.

Mount Meru, a 14,980-foot volcanic cone, lies 45 miles west of Kilimanjaro. It is an active volcano; has a snowcap; lies in Arusha National Park; and is often climbed as a training peak for Kilimanjaro.

Six official routes climb to Kilimanjaro's summit.

The Lemosho Route and Shira Route start on the western side of the mountain.

The Machame Route and Umbwe Route begin to the southwest and join hikers on the Lemosho and Shira Routes on day 2.

The Marangu Route also called the "Coca-Cola route," starts southeast of the mountain and is the only route with hut accommodations for the entire duration of the trek. It also has an unfounded reputation for being the easiest route but in fact has one of the lowest summit success rates since its route profile is rapid, and its final summit slopes are steep.

Rongai, the last route, begins from the remote northeast side of Kilimanjaro and is flatter, drier, and less busy than the southern and western routes.

There are variations on these routes. For example, the Northern Circuit is a popular alternative for trekkers on the Lemosho Route, and the Western Breach provides a challenging climb from a crater camp for trekkers approaching from the west or southwest.

There are three main summit routes:

The Southern passage via Barafu camp and Stellar Point (used by trekkers on the Lemosho, Shira, Machame and Umbwe Routes).

The Eastern passage via Gilman's Point (used by the Marangu, Rongai, and Northern Circuit trekkers).

The technical Western Breach, which is mostly used by experienced trekkers who approach from the western and southern routes.

The Mweka Route is used for descent only.

If you are dreaming of climbing Kilimanjaro, consider these guidebooks, available on Amazon.com

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Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa and fourth highest of the Seven Summits, is considered the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, rising 15,100 feet (4,600 meters) from base to summit. Kilimanjaro is also the most prominent mountain in Africa. Elevation: 19,340 feet (5,895 meters) Prominence: 19,308 feet (5,885 meters); Most prominent mountain in Africa.

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The Taj Mahal, India, Asia

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taj mahal - taj mahal india - taj mahal agra - taj mahal travel- taj mahal information - tajmahal india

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Taj Mahal - Taj Mahal India - Taj Mahal Agra - Taj Mahal Travel- Taj Mahal Information - Tajmahal India

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Taj Mahal, one of the most beautiful monuments, is one of the wonders of the world.

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The Empire State Building, USA, North America

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The Center of New York

Run Up Announcement

2020 Run-Up Cancellation

Unfortunately, for the safety of our athletes, sponsors and staff we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Empire State Building Run-Up.

On , the Empire State Building will be lit Heartbeat & hourly sparkle honoring NYC's Fight for COVID-19 & First Responders
Full Lighting Calendar

The Empire State Building lobby is one of the few interiors in New York to be designated a historic landmark by the Landmarks Preservation Commission.

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2020 Run-Up Cancellation Unfortunately, for the safety of our athletes, sponsors and staff we have made the difficult decision to cancel the 2020 Empire State Building Run-Up.

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Machu Picchu, Peru, South America

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Machu Picchu

Welcome to the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru. Prepare yourself as you are about to embark on a virtual tour exploring one of the most intriguing destinations on the planet. Don't worry ... you won't need heavy hiking gear or an experienced guide to tour the spectacular views and scenery the magnificent complex has to offer.

Start by viewing a virtual tour of Machu Picchu, and then follow the map on your left to continue your journey ...

A Brief Overview

7,000 feet above sea level and nestled on a small hilltop between the Andean Mountain Range, the majestic city soars above the Urabamba Valley below. The Incan built structure has been deemed the "Lost Cities", unknown until its relatively recent discovery in 1911. Archaeologists estimate that approximately 1200 people could have lived in the area, though many theorize it was most likely a retreat for Incan rulers. Due to it's isolation from the rest of Peru, living in the area full time would require traveling great distances just to reach the nearest village.

Separated into three areas - agricultural, urban, and religious - the structures are arranged so that the function of the buildings matches the form of their surroundings. The agricultural terracing and aqueducts take advantage of the natural slopes; the lower areas contain buildings occupied by farmers and teachers, and the most important religious areas are located at the crest of the hill, overlooking the lush Urubamba Valley thousands of feet below.

Hikers, tourists, and the early explorers describe similar emotions as they climb their way through the Inca Trail. Many call the experience magical. Glancing out from the Funerary Rock Hut on all the temples, fields, terraces, and baths seems to take you to another time. Blending in with the hillside itself, many say the area creates a seamless and elegant green paradise, making it a must for anyone who travels to Peru.

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Welcome to the mysterious ruins of Machu Picchu, Peru. Prepare yourself as you are about to embark on a virtual tour exploring one of the most intriguing destinations on the planet. Don't worry ... you won't need heavy hiking gear or an experienced guide to tour the spectacular views and scenery the magnificent complex has to offer.

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Venice, Italy, Europe

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Few cities can claim such a priceless art and history heritage as Venice. This unique city with its magical, spectacular scenery is not just beautiful; it is a real miracle of creative genius: a city built on mud, sand and the slime of a difficult, inhospitable landscape.

The biggest attraction in the gorgeous city of Venice is the architecture - which is enhanced by the ancient canals that surround it. As well as Piazza San Marco and St. Mark's Basilica, the city is home to the Gothic masterpiece Doge's Palace. This pink and white marble buildings has to be seen in the flesh to be fully appreciated. Not only is it a breathtaking example of Italian architecture, it is also the centre of Venice Carnival celebrations every year.

Just a short gondola ride from Doge's Palace is the Peggy Guggenheim Collection, which is one of the world's most illustrious modern art collections. If you're looking for more traditional works from the Renaissance period, spend some time at the Galleria dell'Accademia, which houses several classics from this era.

There are many places in Venice which characterise the city's illustrious history and association with the arts and architecture. Take the Bridge of Sighs, for example, which is a white limestone masterpiece that the interrogation rooms of Doge's Palace to the prison.

But the most beautiful bridge in all of Venice has to be the Rialto Bridge. This ornate structure hangs over the Grand Canal with masterful confidence. Connecting San Polo to the sestieri of San Marco, the bridge has been rebuilt many times over the years.

If you're looking for entertainment in Venice, you truly are spoilt for choice. Spend a few hours perusing the artworks at Museo Correr, or explore an exciting mix of Renaissance and modern art at Punta della Dogana.

Perhaps you'd prefer to take in an evening of ballet or live music at Teatro La Fenice, which is a truly magnificent 1000-seat theatre. If you're interested in the history of Venice, a trip to either the Lace Museum or Fortuny Museum will take you on a journey of discovery. And no trip to Venice should pass by without a trip to Ca' d'Oro - a Venetian-Gothic palace that also happens to be home to the Franchetti collection of Renaissance art.

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Virtual travel to Venice, Italy: attractions & things to do - ItalyGuides.it

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Few cities can claim such a priceless art and history heritage as Venice. This unique city with its magical, spectacular scenery is not just beautiful; it is a real miracle of creative genius: a city built on mud, sand and the slime of a difficult, inhospitable landscape.

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The Bird's Nest Stadium, China, Asia

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National Stadium, Beijing Bird's Nest - 2008 Olympic Main Stadium

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National Stadium, aka Bird's Nest, used to be the main stadium of 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, is now a tourist attraction and a venue for important matches.

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The International Space Station

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INTERNATIONAL SPACE STATION

About the International Space Station

The station was designed between 1984 and 1993. Elements of the station were in construction throughout the US, Canada, Japan, and Europe beginning in the late 1980s.

The International Space Station Program brings together international flight crews, multiple launch vehicles, globally distributed launch and flight operations, training, engineering, and development facilities, communications networks, and the international scientific research community.

Read More about About the International Space Station

Expedition 70

The Expedition 70 crew members will be studying an array of microgravity phenomena to benefit humans living on and off the Earth. The astronauts and cosmonauts will explore heart health,...

International Cooperation

The International Space Station Program's greatest accomplishment is as much a human achievement as it is a technological one-how best to plan, coordinate, and monitor the varied activities of many organizations and operations.

An international partnership of space agencies provides and operates the elements of the space station. The principals are the space agencies of the United States, Russia, Europe, Japan, and Canada.

Discover More Topics From NASA

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To view more images, visit the Space Station Gallery.

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The Burj Khalifa Skyscraper, United Arab Emirates, Asia

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The Eiffel Tower, France, Europe

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Pause Play

A journey to the top

Come and discover the Eiffel Tower on the only trip to the top of its kind in Europe, and let pure emotions carry you from the esplanade to the top.
Discover the Eiffel Tower

The Eiffel Tower on social media

See more photos

Follow us on social networks :

Competitions

Exclusive photos

All the news on the Eiffel Tower

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The official Eiffel Tower website: tickets, news, info...

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Discover or visit the tower: buy a ticket (10.5 to 26.10 € maximum for adults and 2.6 to 13.10 € for children and young people), news and practical information

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Uluru, Australia, Oceania

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Visit Uluru/Ayers Rock | Northern Territory, Australia

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Experience sunrise, sunset and the transformation from ochre to burnished orange of Uluru (Ayers Rock). Find out the top five things to do at Uluru.

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Stonehenge, UK, Europe

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UNLIMITED ACCESS TO OVER 400 HISTORIC PLACES

Live and breathe the story of England at royal castles, historic gardens, forts & defences, world-famous prehistoric sites and many others.

FREE ENTRY FOR UP TO SIX CHILDREN

Free entry for up to six children accompanied by an adult member (under 18 years and within the family group).

FREE HANDBOOK TO PLAN INSPIRING DAYS OUT, WORTH £10.95

Complimentary full colour handbook worth £10.95. Plus our award winning Members' Magazine delivered four times a year.

FREE OR REDUCED ENTRY TO OUR EXCITING EVENTS

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Live and breathe the story of England at royal castles, historic gardens, forts & defences, world-famous prehistoric sites and many others. Free entry for up to six children accompanied by an adult member (under 18 years and within the family group). Complimentary full colour handbook worth £10.95.

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Aswan Dam, Egypt, Africa

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Aswan High Dam | Description, History, Capacity, Problems, & Facts

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Aswan High Dam, rock-fill dam across the Nile River at Aswan, Egypt, completed in 1970 at a cost of about $1 billion. The dam impounds the annual floodwaters of the Nile, releasing them when needed to maximize their utility on irrigated land. It also generates hydroelectric power.

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park information

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park information

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The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park | Visit Pembrokeshire

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The Pembrokeshire Coast National Park is Britain's only coastal national park, come for a visit to see why it's such a special place to be.

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park - Home

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Pembrokeshire Coast National Park, Homepage

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Pembrokeshire Coast Path

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Pembrokeshire Coast Path | National Trails

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Snowdonia National Park information

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If you're looking for a holiday, short break or an epic weekend away this autumn then you'll find all you need here. Home to Snowdon the highest mountain in Wales and England at 3,560ft.

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Tourism in Snowdonia

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The Snowdonia National Park boasts vast areas of natural beauty and unique scenery. It is known as Eryri by Welsh a name that can be translated as "the place of the eagles".

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Snowdonia National Park information

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Snowdonia National Park | UK Mountains & National Parks

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Snowdonia National Park is the largest National Park in Wales. Home to the tallest mountain in Wales, Coastline, Beaches and Wetlands.

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A true mountain and place of legend, come with us and see exactly why Snowdon Mountain Railway has been described as one of the most wonderful railway journeys in the world.

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From rolling hills to bustling market towns, the South Downs National Park's landscapes cover 1,600km2 of breathtaking views and hidden gems. A rich tapestry of wildlife, landscapes, tranquillity and visitor attractions, weave together a story of people and place in harmony.

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Top 10 things to do in the South Downs

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Sussex local Annabelle Thorpe recommends what to see and do in Britain's new national park

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Visit Eastbourne, South Downs, Sussex

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Stay in Eastbourne, gateway to the new South Downs National Park. Visit Beachy Head, the Seven Sisters Country Park, Cuckmere valley, the Long Man of Wilmington and downland villages. Eastbourne's spectacular downland coastline also includes marine conservation areas and sites of special scientific interest. Book hotels, guest houses and B&B accommodation and self catering cottages.

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Explore the rolling hills and dramatic coastline of the South Downs National Park and stay in Eastbourne. Gateway to Beachy Head and the South Downs Way, Eastbourne is the eastern gateway and the perfect spot for walkers, families, adventure sports enthusiasts and pet owners looking for an active and scenic break.

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Exmoor National Park Authority

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Information about Exmoor National Park in south west England. A beautiful landscape of moorland, woodland, coast and rivers shaped by people and nature over thousands of years.

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Visit Exmoor National Park

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Visit Exmoor - Exmoor accommodation, holidays and things to do

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Find Exmoor holiday accommodation and almost anything you wish to know about what Exmoor has to offer for a great holiday.

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Exmoor National Park information

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Exmoor has high cliffs, dark skies, deep valleys and open moors with unspoilt villages.

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Cairngorm National Park information

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Visit Cairngorms: The Official website for the National Park | Visit Cairngorms

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Your official guide to the Cairngorms National Park! Find out about things to do , accommodation and events across the National Park.

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Cairngorm National Park Authority

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Discover, experience and be part of the UK's largest National Park

Help us look after this special place...

We want you to enjoy the Park responsibly and please remember to 'tread lightly'.

Outdoor Access Advice

This unique and special place needs caring for...

The heart of the world

To mark the 20th anniversary of the Cairngorms National Park, the Park Authority commissioned 'The heart of the world', a poem by Highland based creative John Glenday inspired by the voices and landscapes of this special place.

Play Video

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Home - Cairngorms National Park Authority

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Discover, experience and be part of the UK's largest National Park We want you to enjoy the Park responsibly and please remember to 'tread lightly'. Outdoor Access Advice This unique and special place needs caring for...

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Cairngorm National Park information

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Twice the size of the Lake District, the Cairngorms National Park has more mountains, forest paths, rivers, lochs, wildlife hotspots, friendly villages and distilleries than you can possibly imagine.

So you want to get away from it all? Looking for extraordinary things to do that will thrill you? The mighty, majestic Cairngorms National Park is the place for you.

The Cairngorms are calling...

Mother Nature dealt the Cairngorms a hand full of aces. That's not fair, but that's how it is. Five of the UK's six highest mountains lie inside the park, and there are 55 Munros - mountains over 3,000 ft. There are huge forests of ancient native trees, cascading waterfalls, and more wildlife than you can shake a capercaillie at.

More people come to ski in the Cairngorms than at any other resort in the UK. Hillwalkers and rock-climbers will never run out of routes to try. There are oodles of top-class mountain-bike trails, cross-country skiing trails, pony treks and orienteering courses. Should you be into husky racing, well, you can do that here, too.

You can also enjoy some downtime amid the glorious scenery. Why not browse the bookshops and bars in Aviemore or make your way along the Malt Whisky Trail?

In just one day...

The Cairngorms National Park is huge, but from the bustling outdoor hub of Aviemore you could have all these adventures in just one day:

Pretend you're Father Christmas and visit the UK's only free-grazing reindeer herd at Glen More.

Take a ride on the highest railway in Britain. You'll step out of the top station at a giddy 1,097 m (3,599 ft) above sea level.

Go windsurfing and have a smoothie at a beach cafe. It might be 40 miles from the sea, but Loch Morlich has its own golden sand beach, complete with watersports centre.

Travel back in time on a steam train on the Strathspey Railway.

You might just have time to fit in a reviving dram of single malt whisky at the Glenlivet Distillery at Tomintoul, part of the world renowned Malt Whisky Trail.

Take a waterside stroll

Where there are mountains there is usually water, and you'll find plenty of crashing waterfalls, chucking streams and hidden lochs to explore. Loch an Eilein is a jewel of a loch with a 13th century island castle. It has been voted Britain's Best Picnic Spot in a nationwide competition by Warburtons and the woodland path around its shores is suitable for motorised wheel chairs and off-road buggies.

Fancy a snowball fight in August?

The Cairngorm plateau is the highest, coldest and snowiest plateau in Britain. You can still see snow patches up here in the heat of summer, and in winter it is a place of savage beauty. The creatures that call this home have adapted to the harsh conditions - mountain hares, snow bunting, golden eagles, ptarmigan, capercaillie and wildcats all find shelter here amid the winter snows.

Be inspired by our natural wonders

The Higgs boson has been making science headlines the world over in recent years. The idea for this revolutionary idea popped into the head of physicist Peter Higgs while he was walking in the Cairngorms in 1964. So if you're looking for inspiration, come and walk through our wonderful hills and see what drops into your head!

The UK's lowest temperature of -27.2 ºC has twice been recorded in the Cairngorms, at Braemar in 1895 and 1982.

The highest British wind speed of 150 knots (173 mph or 278 km/h) was recorded on Cairngorm Summit.

The Cairngorms is where the majority of Scotland's wildcats call home.

Endangered and highly secretive, these fabulous felines are tricky to spot in the wild.

Happily you can see them close up at the Highland Wildlife Park near Kingussie.

It's not just a ski resort, you know! Check out this video by Natural Retreats and discover some of the fantastic activities you can enjoy on the majestic CairnGorm Mountain.

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Twice the size of the Lake District, the Cairngorms National Park has more mountains, forest paths, rivers, lochs, wildlife hotspots, friendly villages and distilleries than you can possibly imagine. So you want to get away from it all? Looking for extraordinary things to do that will thrill you?

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Isle of Arran information

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Isle of Arran information

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The Isle of Arran is a place where you can find a little bit of everything you'd ever want from a Scottish island; an ever-changing coastline, dramatic mountain peaks, sheltered beaches, verdant forests, great cultural festivals and a wealth of tasty local produce. A holiday on Arran packs in a lot of flavour - taste your way around the island as you try creamy cheeses, refreshing beers, traditional oatcakes, tempting chocolates and delicious ice cream. Book a tour at the Arran Distillery to discover the secrets behind the distilling process before sampling a dram of malt whisky or the creamy liqueur Arran Gold. See Arran, feel Arran, be Arran - watch the video.

A short break on Arran is perfect all year round, and is a great location to escape the busy city life. Don't forget to pack your binoculars - red squirrels, deer, golden eagles, otters, seals, basking sharks and more can often be seen across the island and on the coastline. Get the adrenalin pumping as you try some thrilling outdoor adventure activities, or why not scale Goatfell, the largest mountain on Arran? It's a Corbett, sitting at 2,866 ft above sea level.

Arran Travel Information

How to get to Arran

Two car ferry services, operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (CalMac), serve the island. The Ardrossan to Brodick service is the more popular of the two routes, connecting the island with the region of Ayrshire on the mainland. Ardrossan is only a 45 minute journey from Glasgow, and is accessible by car or public transport. Lochranza in the north of the island is served by a ferry from Claonaig, a small port on the Kintyre Peninsula in Argyll.

The Ardrossan to Brodick ferry service is one of a number of Scottish CalMac ferry routes where the ticket prices have been slashed due to road equivalent tariffs (RET) being applied to fares, meaning the cost of travel is very reasonable.

How to get around Arran

The road networks skirt the island's coastline, with a road dissecting the centre of the island, known locally as 'the String'. Some of the roads are single track, with plenty of passing places. There are three main bus routes covering north Arran, south Arran and 'the String' which generally tie in with the ferry timetables. In the summer, additional seasonal bus operators run tours which are a great way to take in the sights.

Get friendly, local and helpful advice for your trip at Brodick iCentre, located right on the Isle of Arran on The Pier.

Visit Brodick iCentre

Our iKnow partners offer local information and there are currently 24 partners in the region.

Visit iKnow partners in Ayrshire & Arran

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Discover the Isle of Arran - Scotland in miniature!

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The Isle of Arran is a place where you can find a little bit of everything you'd ever want from a Scottish island; an ever-changing coastline, dramatic mountain peaks, sheltered beaches, verdant forests, great cultural festivals and a wealth of tasty local produce.

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How to get to Arran and other information

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Ferry To & From Arran | Visit Arran | CalMac Ferries

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CalMac sail to Arran and 23 more destinations on Scotland's West Coast. Find what a visit to Arran can offer and order your ferry tickets online

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Giant's Causeway information

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Discover the amazing stones at the Giant's Causeway in Northern Ireland with the National Trust

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Giant's Causeway information

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Giant's Causeway - National Trust, Bushmills

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Follow in the footsteps of giants at Northern Ireland's iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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Giant's Causeway UNESCO World Heritage Site

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There's nothing modest about Antrim's coastline. Drive along the famous Causeway Coast, and one stunning site leads to another, from the craggy castle ruins of Dunluce Castle to the pale cream sands of Whiterocks Beach. But as you weave along this great driving route, one sight jumps out as truly spectacular: the Giant's Causeway.

Stand on the hills that gently arc this precious place and you'll look down on thousands of basalt columns tumbling down into the Atlantic Ocean. It's an epic sight, with a whopping 40,000 or so of these hexagonal-shaped pillars, which dates back to a volcanic age almost 60 million years ago.

Gigantic tales

Step into the Giant's Causeway Visitor Centre and you can discover a story that's close to the heart of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The star of the show is Fionn mac Cumhaill (Finn McCool) - an Irish giant who picked a fight with Scottish big man Benandonner.

Legend has it that the giants loathed each other. And so one day after enduring insults from Benandonner, Fionn built a path to use as stepping-stones to reach Scotland, which was then ripped up by Benandonner. The result was the Giant's Causeway.

Geological marvel

And what a truly unique place it is. An enjoyable walk of just under a kilometre will bring you down to the Causeway itself, where you can hop over the stones, explore the surrounding hills, or just sit and contemplate the puzzling geology that has led to one of the most remarkable natural sites in Europe. Here, the light changes through the day, with remarkable beauty from sharp greens and greys to warm tobacco brown.

It's what dreams are made of.

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There's nothing modest about Antrim's coastline. Drive along the famous Causeway Coast, and one stunning site leads to another, from the craggy castle ruins of Dunluce Castle to the pale cream sands of Whiterocks Beach. But as you weave along this great driving route, one sight jumps out as truly spectacular: the Giant's Causeway.

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Lough Neagh information

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Date: 15th September Time: From 4pm Venue: Seamus Heaney HomePlace Price: £5 (£3 Concession) Ten-year-old Sophie is in for the adventure of a lifetime when she meets the Big Friendly Giant. Naturally scared at first, the young girl soon realizes that the 24-foot behemoth is actually quite gentle and charming.

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Lough Neagh information

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your place and mine: article on Lough Neagh

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Lough Neagh physical geography information

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Lough Neagh levels | Department for Infrastructure

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Numerous rivers flow into Lough Neagh which in turn discharges to the sea via the Lower Bann River. The Lough Neagh catchment drains 43 per cent of