I recently went to Uluru and the comparison of climbing up it for the Aborigines is like desecrating a relative's gravestone. Its a large rock on a flat landscape, and as far as I understand it, standing on it involves looking at the same vast flatness but only higher up.

Daniel Mackay, Edinburgh, Scotland, UK

The sort of people who climb Uluru are the same that use the phrase, having visited a country, "I've 'done' Australia/India/Thailand". It's a selfish, thoughtless box-ticking approach to travel, and the planet.

Patricia , Oslo,

I agree. Bad juju all round. But if you do decide to climb and your hat blows off - don't go after it!

Claire , Leeds, UK

I climbed on my first visit and really wish I hadn't.
To me, the aborigines should command a lot more respect than they are given. I know this through the few that I have met and from organisations working with them.
Joining a bunch of prancing backpackers on top doesn't achieve anything in life.

Marc, Manchester,

How would you feel if tourists that held different beliefs to you climbed up St. Paul's Cathedral and then abseiled down it? Heck, it's only a building. Right?

Tina Jones, Dusseldorf, Germany

My daughter and I, then 18 and 56, climbed Ayers Rock in 1988. We found that the climb was quite hard but not in our opinion dangerous, though the descent was rather more hairy but still not dangerous if taken with care. The views were well worth the effort. The base walk was equally interesting.

Neil Roberts, La Croix Comtesse, France

I tried to climb but gave up halfway through a mixture of guilt and fear (this is a dangerous climb). On returning to the base the main rush of tourists had disappeared and I did the base walk on my own which was peaceful Go to Kings Canyon which has an authorised climb with the same views.

Roger Pettitt, Wales, UK

I climbed, and it was one of the most moving, breathtaking experiences ever. It's easily in my top three lifetime moments, quite possibly at the top. The view across the desert at dawn is indescribable. I am glad I got to see what Mala man saw, and I have every respect for Aboriginal culture.

Lola C, Sydney, Australia

I did not climb out of respect. instead I took a helicopter flight which was superb, I recommend this as I was able to take fantastic shots of The Olgas and Ayers rock. I watched the Sunrise over Uluru which was magical. A guided walk around the base was informative but quite costly.

Jane Shanahan, Taunton, UK

It's only a big lump of inanimate rock - what's the big deal!

James, Bucharest,

Also, i believe behave how you would like other to behave if they were visiting your home. Enjoy your trip. We didn't climb and still had a fantastic time

s.kaur, melbourne, australia

Don't climb the rock...respect local wishes...would you be happy with all in sundry climbing your personal place of worship.... instead take a flight over the rock and the nearby Olgas...quite amazing.

Margaret, Portmellon, Cornwall

margaret jordan, portmellon, england

I went with a party of 25. Before we arrived the guide asked how many people wanted to climb Uluru and around half put up their hands. After being informed by the guide and a local aboriginal of the wishes of the aboriginal people only 2 people went up. Dont climb it. Bad Juju.

Dean, Liverpool, England

Climb it, the base walk isn't amazing. Especially if you are also planning on seeing Kings Canyon and Kata Tjuta. The view from the top is awesome, you can see for miles.

I had no problems in May. Just make sure you have water and wear sturdy shoes.

Dean, London,

I'd suggest you don't climb it and I agree with Jon, the walk around the base of the rock is lovely. When we went it was surprisingly lush and green, and of course it is spectacular when seen at sunrise or sunset.

Sophie, London,

A really good alternative is to walk around the base of the rock. This takes a couple of hours and provides some wonderful rock formations, many of which have special significance to the Anangu people. Best done early morning when it's cool.

Jon, Adelaide, Australia

But no problems with the owners' request not to climb it then Pat?

Marc Ellis, Wsicasset, USA

I climbed Uluru early on Easter Sunday in 1997. Yes, the climb can be dangerous and people have perished. Be prudent if you are unhealthy or fool hardy you should not climb. Dress appropriately and trim you toe nails, the descent is a killer.

Pat, Maryland, USA