Latest news with #Sagarmatha
Forbes
08-07-2025
- Forbes
Trash On Mount Everest Gets The Headlines, But That Is Not The Full Story
A toppled, damaged sign and prayer flags mark the entrance to Everest Base Camp on October 13, 2024 ... More in Nepal. Since the start of the climbing season on Mount Everest this year, Nepal has faced renewed global scrutiny over waste and overcrowding. While images of trash-strewn slopes often dominate headlines, expedition leaders argue it is a misleading picture. "Mountaineering expeditions, especially to Mount Everest, have improved significantly over the last few years," said Roland Hunter, managing director of The Mountain Company, which organises treks and expeditions in the Himalayas and Karakoram, in an email interview. Hunter, who lives in Nepal for four to five months every year, also pointed out that 'the Base Camp is clean these days due to the higher level of monitoring and checking by the Nepalese authorities.' So, if the Everest Base Camp is now closely monitored and kept clean, where exactly do the trash-filled slopes in the pictures originate? How Nepal Holds Expeditions Accountable Hunter emphasized that effective waste management is already a core part of Everest expeditions. The rule that climbers must carry down at least 8 kg (17.6 pounds) of trash has been in place for 10 years. If not, their $4,000 garbage deposit that funds Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee will be lost, which has been a standard requirement since 2013. Each expedition has also an assigned government-appointed Liaison Officer who must certify that the team's base camp has been appropriately cleaned before any refund is issued. As of today, human waste bags, also known as WAG bags, are carried down by pack animals from Everest Base Camp in barrels for disposal in Gorakshep. The Mount Everest Biogas Project could change that, but it is still seeking funding of $650,000 to construct a biogas digester that would process human waste more effectively. Why is managing human waste important? In high-altitude terrain and freezing temperatures, it does not decompose naturally, said Gavin Bate, member of the Millennium Seven Summits team and founder of Adventure Alternative, in an email interview. If left unmanaged, human waste can sit for months and eventually seep into water sources, polluting the waters that local communities and ecosystems rely on. The Real Waste Problem May Lie Beyond The Everest Base Camp Hunter explained that the other 8,000- and 7,000-meter base camps in Nepal often see more trash accumulation than Mount Everest, mainly because they receive less attention from both Nepalese authorities and international media. "We organise trekking groups to many of these Base Camps, such as at Dhaulagiri, and they are much dirtier and have more trash than Everest Base Camp," said Hunter. Dhaulagiri Mountain (8167 m) with Jhong Village in the foreground. He also pointed out that trekking groups may have an even larger environmental impact than mountain expeditions. Why? Because trekking in Nepal attracts far more people than mountaineering, and the trails cover a much larger area. However, unlike Mount Everest, these routes are usually not monitored by the authorities, Hunter explained. That means it is up to each trekking company to manage the environmental impact of their guests. "On the websites of most operators, they disclose they are eco-friendly and sustainable, although we have found in practice that this is not usually the case," said Hunter. Fathom Stead, high-altitude expert and Nepal product manager at Explore Worldwide, agreed with this assessment in an email interview but noted that she has seen both tour operators and travelers making more conscious choices. Still, she acknowledged that waste management has significant room for improvement. Group of three trekkers passing signpost "Way to Mount Everest Base Camp" in Sagarmatha National ... More Park, the highest national park in the world. Experts Agree It Is Not About Stopping People From Coming Bates believes it is time to rethink our sense of entitlement when it comes to travel. Since the 1950s, the freedom to explore the world has become so normalized in wealthier countries that it is often treated as a basic right, even to remote and fragile environments. "We have reached a point where flying to iconic destinations like Mount Everest is something people just expect to do. Because they can, and because they can afford it,' he said. But Bates argues the industry must grapple with a bigger question: Is tourism simply about making money? Or should it be a force for education and environmental stewardship, helping people understand the wonder and vulnerability of the places they visit and motivating them to protect them? "It is not about stopping people from coming, it is about making sure they spend their time in Nepal the right way,' agreed Stead. "Choosing to travel overland rather than flying helps ensure that future generations can enjoy the Himalayas too. Haze caused by pollution has become an increasing issue in recent years, often clouding views of the mountains that once seemed untouchable," she said. Stead listed the benefits of overland travel as slower, more immersive, and more sustainable experiences that allow travelers to engage meaningfully with local communities. She also noted that Explore Worldwide's Nepal itineraries are entirely overland by design, giving trekkers more time to acclimatize, support family-run lodges, eat local food, and contribute directly to village economies, creating a deeper and more positive impact than fly-in, fly-out treks. Sherpa village and teahouse lodges high on the Everest base camp trail deep in the remote Khumbu ... More valley overlooked by the dramatic white spire of Ama Dablam. How Responsible Travel In The Himalayas Should Look Like? "There is no doubt that the increase in tourism in popular hiking areas is impacting the environment and putting a strain on local infrastructure. However, there are ways in which travellers can be more responsible and steps they can take to help protect the environment of the destination they are visiting," said Shalmali Rao Paterson, Nepal specialist at adventure travel company, Wild Frontiers. Paterson recommends researching carefully before your trip and choosing locally owned hotels, guesthouses, or community-led homestays. These will not only provide a more authentic experience but also offer a chance to connect with local culture and support the communities directly. "During your visit, make sure you contribute to local businesses and give back to the community by purchasing locally made handicrafts to support the traditional industries in the area," she said. In Nepal, there are numerous opportunities to learn from volunteers in conservation areas or participate in experiences such as cookery classes or village walks. Cooking Sel Roti (Nepali style bread). Bates also argues that meaningful change in tourism starts with education and accountability. 'The rules are always harder to comply with when people do not understand why they exist,' he said. He believes travelers need to feel part of the problem if they are ever going to be part of the solution. A sentiment often shared by other experts in conservation-led tourism. Since tourism is not going to disappear, he notes the only way forward is to embed talking about climate change into school curricula and to place it at the heart of government policy, where regulation becomes not just necessary, but inevitable. Nepal Introduces Toughest Everest Climbing Rules in Decades Indeed, the Nepali government is cracking down on Mount Everest expeditions with its strictest climbing rules in nearly 30 years. Lawmakers introduced a new bill to the National Assembly in April 2025. Although it has not yet passed, officials have already begun enforcing many of its provisions this climbing season. Among the new regulations, the most consequential are: 1) the requirement that climbers must summit at least one 7,000-meter (22,965-foot) peak in Nepal before applying for a permit for Mount Everest, and 2) the ban on solo expeditions on Mount Everest and all other 8,000-meter (26,247-foot) peaks. A roped team ascending Mount Everest wearing oxigen masks. Last but not least, as of September 1, 2025, the cost of a permit for Mount Everest will also rise by 36%, from $11,000 to $15,000. Taking bold steps like the above to redefine what responsible high-altitude tourism should look like in Nepal is just one part of the equation. Real change may require more than regulation, it may require 'the whole village'. It demands conscious choices from travelers, meaningful accountability from operators, and a broader shift in how people value these remote, fragile landscapes. As the Himalayas face increasing pressure from climate change and mass tourism, the question remains: can the future of mountain travel be one of protection and purpose, rather than just a privilege for the wealthy or the ultimate bucket-list adventure?
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
Global experts shaken by fast-moving collapse across iconic mountain range: 'On thin ice'
The government of Nepal has convened its first Sagarmatha Sambaad, a forum that explores issues affecting the Himalayan mountain range. The opening ceremonies featured a high-profile speaker with a dire warning about the region. "Record temperatures have meant record glacier melt," said United Nations secretary-general António Guterres. "Nepal today is on thin ice — losing close to one-third of its ice in just over 30 years. And your glaciers have melted 65% faster in the last decade than in the one before." He further warned that the "rooftops of the world" were in danger of vanishing altogether. The UN also took the opportunity to highlight the rights of children in this crisis. Over 100 Nepalese children and youths signed a declaration demanding participation in climate decisions, youth-led programs, and promotion of their climate innovations. Satellite imagery has illustrated the mountain range's retreating snowline, while on-the-ground research has revealed a wealth of microplastics. Combined with the careless treatment by tourists, it's no surprise to see rising concern for this fragile ecosystem. Mountain ice gradually feeds water to tributaries downstream. In this way, the snow builds up over the winter and eventually compacts into glaciers, serving people throughout the year. If snow or ice melts too quickly or snowfall is insufficient, water supplies are put at risk. This can result in limited water for agricultural and residential use. Nepalese farmers are already facing drought conditions this year. Guterres called on UN members to meet pledges for investment in renewable energy and contribute to the Loss and Damage fund, which aims to support countries suffering most from extreme climate shifts. Human activity is contributing directly to the kind of heat and limited precipitation that's affecting snow and ice levels. This especially includes the pollution released from home energy use. While international cooperation is required for large-scale solutions, on an individual basis, you can limit your pollution by switching to solar power. This not only reduces or prevents the need for using the dirty grid, but it also can save you more than a few bucks on monthly utilities. EnergySage has an online tool that can connect homeowners to vetted local solar installers. It can whip up a free quote that includes energy storage and even save you up to $10,000 in installation costs thanks to rebates and incentives. How often do you feel hopeful about the future of the planet when you read news stories or watch entertainment content? Often Sometimes Rarely Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
The Star
29-05-2025
- The Star
The summit that started it all
Legendary duo: Statues of Hillary (left) and Norgay seen in Kathmandu. — AP The nation's mountaineering community celebrated the conquest of the world's highest mountain with a rally of climbers, guides and others who gathered for International Everest Day. Yesterday's event marked the 72nd anniversary of the first summit climb of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay. Nepal's Culture and Tourism Minister led the celebration in the capital, Kathmandu, that included a walk around the city and a gathering at the old palace. 'We are celebrating May 29 as the international Sagarmatha (Everest) day because the world needs to continue to recognise the achievement and contribution of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay,' said Ang Tshering, who runs Kathmandu-based Asian Trekking. The event was not just a celebration for the mountaineering community but also a festival for Nepal and the world, said Tshering, who has helped hundreds of clients scale the Himalayan peaks. Nepal contains eight of the highest peaks in the world and every year hundreds of foreign climbers fly to the country in South Asia to tackle the mountains. The climbers hire thousands of people in Nepal to assist their climbs by carrying gear, cooking food and generally taking care of them as they spend weeks in the mountains. Nepal's government collects money from the climbers through permit fees. The end of May also marks the end of the popular spring mountaineering season, when climbers finish their adventures and retreat from the peaks before the monsoon season brings foul weather. 'This day is celebrated also to mark the end of the climbing season where we gather climbers and the community,' Jiban Ghimire of Shangri-La Nepal Trek said. According to Nepal's Department of Mountaineering, 468 foreign climbers from 57 countries received permits to climb Everest by the end of May, along with a roughly equal number of Nepalese mountain guides. Many were able to scale the peak, but officials were still working to verify how many reached the 8,849m summit. Climbers must report to the department with proof they reached the summit and cleared their garbage before they are issued the official certificate. Famed Sherpa guide Kami Rita reached the Everest summit for the 31st time on Tuesday, breaking his own record for the most climbs to the top of the famed mountain. — AP
Nahar Net
29-05-2025
- Nahar Net
Nepal celebrates 72nd anniversary of Mount Everest conquest
by Naharnet Newsdesk 29 May 2025, 15:46 Nepal's mountaineering community celebrated the conquest of the world's highest mountain with a rally of climbers, guides and others who gathered for International Everest Day. The event Thursday marked the 72nd anniversary of the first summit climb of Mount Everest on May 29, 1953, by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay. Nepal's minister for culture and tourism led the celebration in the capital, Kathmandu, that included a walk around the city and a gathering at the old palace. "We are celebrating May 29 as the international Sagarmatha (Everest) day because the world needs to continue to recognize the achievement and contribution of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay," said Ang Tshering, who runs Kathmandu-based Asian Trekking. The event was not just a celebration for the mountaineering community but also a festival for Nepal and the world, said Tshering, who has helped hundreds of clients scale the Himalayan peaks. Nepal contains eight of the highest peaks in the world and every year hundreds of foreign climbers fly to the country in South Asia to tackle the mountains. The climbers hire thousands of people in Nepal to assist their climbs by carrying gear, cooking food and generally taking care of them as they spend weeks in the mountains. Nepal's government collects money from the climbers through permit fees. The end of May also marks the end of the popular spring mountaineering season, when climbers finish their adventures and retreat from the peaks before the monsoon season brings foul weather. "This day is celebrated also to mark the end of the climbing season where we gather climbers and the community," Jiban Ghimire of Shangri-La Nepal Trek said. According to Nepal's Department of Mountaineering, 468 foreign climbers from 57 countries received permits to climb Everest by the end of May, along with a roughly equal number of Nepalese mountain guides. Many were able to scale the peak, but officials were still working to verify how many reached the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) summit. Climbers must report to the department with proof they reached the summit and cleared their garbage before they are issued the official certificate. Famed Sherpa guide Kami Rita reached the Everest summit for the 31st time Tuesday, breaking his own record for the most climbs to the top of the famed mountain.
Euronews
29-05-2025
- Euronews
Nepal marks 72 years since first conquest of Mount Everest summit
Nepal's mountaineering community has celebrated the conquest of the world's highest mountain with a rally of climbers, guides and others who gathered for International Everest Day. The event marked the 72nd anniversary of the first summit climb of Mount Everest on 29 May 1953 by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay. Nepal's minister for culture and tourism led the celebration in the capital, Kathmandu, that included a walk around the city and a gathering at the old palace. "We are celebrating May 29 as the international Sagarmatha (Everest) day because the world needs to continue to recognise the achievement and contribution of Sir Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay," said Ang Tshering, who runs Kathmandu-based Asian Trekking. The event was not just a celebration for the mountaineering community but also a festival for Nepal and the world, said Tshering, who has helped hundreds of clients scale the Himalayan peaks. Nepal contains eight of the highest peaks in the world and every year hundreds of foreign climbers fly to the country in South Asia to tackle the mountains. The climbers hire thousands of people in Nepal to assist their climbs by carrying gear, cooking food and generally taking care of them as they spend weeks in the mountains. Nepal's government collects money from the climbers through permit fees. The end of May also marks the end of the popular spring mountaineering season, when climbers finish their adventures and retreat from the peaks before the monsoon season brings bad weather. "This day is celebrated also to mark the end of the climbing season where we gather climbers and the community," Jiban Ghimire of Shangri-La Nepal Trek said. According to Nepal's Department of Mountaineering, 468 foreign climbers from 57 countries received permits to climb Everest by the end of May, along with a roughly equal number of Nepalese mountain guides. Many were able to scale the peak, but officials were still working to verify how many reached the 8,849-metre summit. Climbers must report to the department with proof they reached the summit and cleared their rubbish before they are issued the official certificate. Famed Sherpa guide Kami Rita reached the Everest summit for the 31st time on Tuesday, breaking his own record for the most climbs to the top of the world's highest mountain.
