Woman Reaches Everest’s Summit

A Briton has become the first woman to reach the top of Mount Everest alone, her supporters reported Sunday.

Alison Hargreaves, 33, reached the summit of the 29,028-foot mountain on the Nepal-China border Saturday - without oxygen supplies, according to her training camp in Scotland.

Hargreaves had to withdraw from her first attempt to conquer Everest last year because of severe weather after having gotten within about 1,500 feet of the top.

She began her latest effort last week, ascending from Everest’s south side in Nepal up the North Face in China without accompanying Sherpas to carry oxygen tanks and other equipment.

Hargreaves climbed the last 2,000 feet Saturday morning, emerging onto the summit around noon into view of other campers. She planted a silk flower on the peak and returned safely to camp.