Over-tourism and tragedy in Nepal

Mt Everest, ancient and ungovernable, forever looming amongst the misty peaks of the Himalayas, certainly elicits a timeless allure. For many years, locals lived in the valleys below, in the shadow of the great mountain, believing that only the sacred or monstrous could dwell at such heights. In the last hundred or so years, much has changed – technological advancements have come about, and now, such sublime scenery incites adventure, catharsis and the promise of metaphysical awakening to those willing to venture to the summit. 

That being said, the summit in question lies 29,029 feet above sea level; Sagarmatha, as the locals know it (which translates as ‘Mother of the Universe’), is the tallest mountain on earth and has long been known to be a deathly climb – prepared trekkers and climbers alike don’t go up without being aware of the risks of bad weather, extreme environments, avalanches, storms and high-altitude related problems. 

Back in 1996, a deadly blizzard claimed the lives of eight people in a single day, 13 Sherpa guides and three local workers died during the 2014 Mount Everest avalanche and a further 22 people died in 2015 in avalanches caused by the April 2015 Nepal earthquake – tragedy on Mount Everest is not uncommon, and yet more and more people set out to make the climb. 

Phil Sylvester, Head of PR & Media Communications and Travel Safety Expert at World Nomads, reasoned that most who attempt the journey are willing to take the risks: “The reality is, the type of people that wish to – and have the ability to – summit Everest are hard adventure specialists and expeditioners, not travellers, tourists or soft-adventure seekers,” he told ITIJ. “As far as I know,” he continued, “no travel insurance provider offers cover above 6,000 metres.” At 5,800 metres, he explained, Everest Base Camp (EBC) can be covered with certain conditions and exemptions; above EBC, climbers have ‘moved into the realms of expeditions and high-risk uninsurable activity’. As such, specialist insurance is more appropriate for those aiming for the peak, and these days it is hard to come by and has a price tag to match.

The death zone

Dr Kimberly Chawla of East West Rescue, an international assistance company that operates in the Indian Subcontinent and was involved in an advisory capacity regarding the search and rescue of survivors and the deceased at an avalanche near Nanda Devi, Uttarakhand in May 2019, said: “Everest is a very strenuous climb, even for the fit and experienced. Altitude, climate, weather and forces beyond control, such as avalanches, play a huge part in the success or failure to summit (and unfortunate deaths).” 

There is a moral obligation on parties to ensure the safety of climbers, guides and support staff on the mountain

With an altitude density a third of that at sea level, climbers are forced to ascend into Everest’s ‘death zone’ (above 26,000 feet) with the aid of oxygen cannisters, and even then, climbers’ bodies are effectively decomposing due to the severely low atmospheric pressure and oxygen levels. Dr Chawla cited insufficient levels of fitness and high-altitude problems such as high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE), high-altitude cerebral edema (HACE), exhaustion, hypoxia, visual problems and snow blindness, as debilitating factors that can put increasing pressure on oxygen supplies and place team members and other mountaineers at risk. “Standing in a queue in cold weather chewing up oxygen can test any climber,” she warned. She also speculated over the reliability of the supplies distributed: “A mandatory minimum number of oxygen bottles is also required, but checks may need to be performed to ensure that they are full and functional. It is hopeful that all tour companies (or the Government) keep a ready cache of oxygen bottles available for exchange and payment at key locations such as at The Balcony.”

Climbing restrictions

In terms of inexperienced mountaineers, most reputable mountaineering and exhibition agencies will insist that climbers go through a substantial vetting system. Gordon Janow, Director of Programs at Alpine Ascents, extrapolated: “A substantial vetting system requires climbers to have climbed with your company on progressively more challenging climbs, starting with a climbing school and a series of peaks, being approved after each climb for the next level.” He added that this vetting system had been in place at Alpine Ascents for 30 years.

Dr Chawla reasoned that, prior to the May fatalities, Nepal has also already made certain changes to make the peak safer for mountaineers – banning solo climbers, double amputees and those who are blind, and enforcing penalties for anyone climbing without a permit. She detailed that recent events have the Nepalese Government and authorities considering mandatory health checks by qualified physicians in Nepal and certification of an advanced climbing course. “The capabilities of the climbers and the expedition company shall hopefully be addressed,” she said. 

Still, less reputable agencies are known to operate, and less-experienced climbers can slip through the net. And Dr Chawla reasoned that experienced climbers have also suffered fatal mishaps this year.