Recently, with the arrival of the traditional climbing season on the southern route to Everest, the world’s highest mountain has seen a large influx of climbers. Local Nepalese tourism officials are concerned that this year’s climbing season on the southern route is expected to be the “most crowded” in history, presenting challenges for safety and rescue operations.
The Nepal Tourism Board noted that as of April 13, 482 people had applied for Everest climbing permits this year, and the number of applicants is still rising.
Last year, an avalanche on the southern route to Everest resulted in 16 deaths and disappearances. At that time, about 360 people obtained climbing permits but ultimately gave up. Many of them may attempt the climb again this year. Officials from the Nepal Tourism Board said the number of Everest climbers this year could hit a historical record.
Dawa Sherpa, chairman of the Nepal Mount Everest Expedition Association, said that generally speaking, 50% to 60% of Everest climbers successfully reach the summit. Considering the recent weather conditions on the southern slopes of Everest, this year’s climbing season will likely begin in mid-May. Due to the short “weather window” for Everest climbs, a concentration of climbers could lead to route congestion.
Since 1953, when Tenzing Norgay, a Nepalese mountaineer, and Edmund Hillary from New Zealand first summited Everest, around 5,000 people globally have successfully reached the top, while approximately 300 have died during the ascent. In recent years, there have been multiple reports of crowding-related accidents during the Everest climbing season on the southern route.
Tulasi Gautam, director general of the Nepal Tourism Board, told China News Service that climbing Everest is a major tourism activity for Nepal and a primary source of income for local Sherpa guides. He stated that the Nepalese government will strive to improve weather forecasting, communication services, and rescue operations to promote the development of the mountaineering industry in Nepal.
Additionally, due to decades of mountaineering activity leaving behind substantial waste on Everest, some environmental experts are concerned that human impact may continue to worsen the mountain’s environment. Last year, Nepal introduced new regulations requiring climbers to carry down 8 kilograms of trash, with violators facing confiscation of their deposit. (End)