Text size

40th anniversary of the first Bulgarians to climb Everest

published on 4/19/24 3:55 PM

Hristo Prodanov

Photo: Archive

This year marks the 40th anniversary of the first Bulgarian expedition to climb Everest, the world's highest peak.

On 20 April 1984, 41-year-old Hristo Prodanov climbed the most difficult western slope without an oxygen mask. He reached the summit at 6.10pm and reported his climb by radio. He remained there for 32 minutes.

On his way down, he reported that it was getting dark and the weather was bad, so he was going to abort his descent and look for a place to spend the night. The next day, he reported that he was in a serious condition. Attempts by other members of the expedition to locate him were unsuccessful. Hristo Prodanov died.

On 8 May, Ivan Valchev and Metodi Savov set foot on Everest, followed on 9 May by Nikolai Petkov and Kiril Doskov, the other members of the expedition.

In a poll of BNT viewers, the dramatic 1984 Everest ascent was voted the "Bulgarian sporting event of the twentieth century".

Последвайте ни и в Google News Showcase, за да научите най-важното от деня!

Radio Bulgaria Sport 40th anniversary everest climb hristo prodanov

More from category

Historic triumph: Bulgaria's girls team is the new world volleyball champion

Bulgaria is the new world volleyball champion for girls under 19 , after in the final of the championship in Osijek (Croatia) they dethroned the previous champions from the USA with a 3:1 games (21:25, 25:16, 25:17, 29:27). "For the first time in..

published on 7/14/25 9:26 AM

Bulgaria's Ivan Ivanov triumphs with the Wimbledon juniors title: "The feeling is unique!"

16-year-old Bulgarian tennis player Ivan Ivanov won the Wimbledon junior singles title with six consecutive victories and not a single lost set! In the final, the Bulgarian from Rafael Nadal's academy convincingly defeated US qualifier Ronit Karki with..

published on 7/14/25 9:05 AM

Mountain emotions and sports challenges at Vitosha Summer Fest 2025

On July 13, 2025, Vitosha Mountain will welcome nature lovers with music, sports and emotion during the long-anticipated Vitosha Summer Fest. For yet another year, Momina Skala Hut will will serve as the main venue of this beloved event which is part..

published on 7/13/25 9:05 AM

WEATHER

Pick city: Sofía

Mostly Cloudy
Min: 18 | Max: 30

BULGARIA IN PICTURES

Which world-famous Bulgarian artist designed QSL cards for Radio Bulgaria?

Bulgaria's Ivan Ivanov triumphs with the Wimbledon juniors title: "The feeling is unique!"

16-year-old Bulgarian tennis player Ivan Ivanov won the Wimbledon junior singles title with six consecutive victories and not a single lost set! In the..

published on 7/14/25 9:05 AM

Historic triumph: Bulgaria's girls team is the new world volleyball champion

Bulgaria is the new world volleyball champion for girls under 19 , after in the final of the championship in Osijek (Croatia) they dethroned the previous..

published on 7/14/25 9:26 AM

Share

40th anniversary of the first Bulgarians to climb Everest

More from category

Historic triumph: Bulgaria's girls team is the new world volleyball champion

Bulgaria's Ivan Ivanov triumphs with the Wimbledon juniors title: "The feeling is unique!"

Mountain emotions and sports challenges at Vitosha Summer Fest 2025

Bulgaria's Ivan Ivanov triumphs with the Wimbledon juniors title: "The feeling is unique!"

Historic triumph: Bulgaria's girls team is the new world volleyball champion