The torchbearers will take the flame to the world's highest peak on a day in May that presents the best climatic condition for the ascent.

It will be the safest month for climbing considering weather conditions.

The Olympic flame was introduced to the modern Olympics in 1928. Ahead of each Games, the torch is lit at Olympia in Greece, site of the ancient Olympic Games, and transported to the host city by a relay of runners, with the last using it to ignite a cauldron at the host stadium during the opening ceremony.

Accidents might happen. At the 1976 Montreal Games, the torch was drowned in a rainstorm. Organizers later relit it with a backup flame lit at Olympia.

Torch fuel has traditionally been a mix of butane and propane that gives off a bright yellow flame without releasing toxins or thick smoke, but the flame inside the lantern for the Qomolangma relay is burning a solid substance, one share of which can stay alight for eight hours, according to Gao.

(Xinhua News Agency May 1, 2008)