On top of the world: The Olympic torch scales Everest
Climbers carrying the Olympic torch reached the summit of Mount Everest this morning.
The ambitious ascent was capped when Cering Wangmo reached the top of the world's highest mountain, which stands at 8,848 metres (29,029 feet) and is known as Mount Qomolangma in China, at 9.18am local time, Chinese news agency Xinhua reported.
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Made it: The Olympic torch at the top of Everest
VIDEO: See the climb to the top of the world with the Olympic Torch
The feat was celebrated by 12 climbers with an enthralled nation watching live television pictures.
The torch's global journey has been marred by protests along the route over China's stance on Tibet and the base camp at Everest has been closed for fear of further unrest.
An American climber was reportedly deported from Nepal, which shares a border with China in the Himalayas, last week while in possession of a 'Free Tibet' banner.
The torch relay will resume in Shenzhen later today, with the Everest flame to be reunited with the main flame later in the journey to Beijing.
