KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) On Tuesday, the Nepalese government publicly declared its responsibility to safeguard the Himalayas against the threats posed by climate change and the increasing number of climbers attempting to summit its peaks, particularly Mount Everest. Tourism Minister Badri Prasad Pandey emphasized the government’s commitment to supporting mountaineering while ensuring the safety of climbers, preserving the natural beauty of the mountains, and enabling local communities to benefit from the adventure tourism industry.
Pandey made these remarks during the Everest Summiteers Summit held in Kathmandu, which gathered around 100 climbers from across the globe who have successfully reached the summit of Mount Everest. The one-day conference facilitated discussions focused on enhancing climber protection and promoting environmental conservation. Concerns were voiced regarding the growing crowds attempting to conquer Everest, with veteran climbers lamenting the increasing congestion and pollution on the mountain.
Typically, climbers acclimatize to high altitudes by spending several weeks at the base camp of Everest, engaging in practice climbs to lower camps before their final summit attempt. In a significant effort to address the environmental challenges, the Nepalese government funded a mission comprised of soldiers and Sherpas last year to retrieve 11 tons (24,000 pounds) of waste, alongside four deceased climbers and a skeleton from the mountain during the climbing season.
During the summit, Minister Pandey remarked on the urgency of addressing the impacts of climate change and global warming, noting that the future of these revered mountains is at stake. He stressed the importance of taking responsible and respectful actions to protect the environment for future generations. Despite these intentions, Nepal currently lacks regulations governing the necessary duration of acclimatization days or practice climbs for climbers. The permits for ascending Everest, which are priced at $11,000 each, remain valid for a period of 90 days, with the climbing season typically concluding by the end of May when adverse weather conditions and the onset of the monsoon season occur.
Since its first successful ascent by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay in 1953, Mount Everest has seen thousands of climbers, with hundreds of new aspirants attempting the feat annually. The challenge’s soaring popularity brings increased risks, particularly as climbers often encounter lengthy queues on the routes to the summit during brief windows of favorable weather conditions, which can lead to dangerous bottlenecks along narrow and icy ridges.
Concerns also arise regarding the experience levels of some climbers, endangering not only themselves but also others on the mountain. Adriana Brownlee, the youngest woman to climb the world's 14 highest peaks, highlighted overcrowding as the primary concern in mountaineering. She stressed the need for all those on the mountain to have adequate experience to ensure their safety and that of their fellow climbers, particularly in emergencies.
Nepalese climber Purnima Shrestha added her perspective, arguing that the commercial commercialization of Everest climbs has led to an influx of climbers who are not sufficiently prepared, thus being disrespectful to the mountain. She associated this lack of preparedness with the traffic jams experienced on the ascent, further complicating the endeavor for those attempting to reach the summit.
