High number of climbers poses risk of a 'traffic jam' at Everest

Published On: April 15, 2017 09:50 AM NPT


SOLUKHUMBU, April 15: A surging number of mountaineering expedition teams at Mt Everest is posing a risk of a 'traffic jam' at one of the world's most treacherous climbing routes. 

The expedition teams arrive a month before at the Everest Base Camp (EBC) to acclimatize. The expedition to Mt Everest, the highest peak in the world, begins after mid May if the weather system permits. 

A good weather is one of the most significant factors that can be a thin line between life and death at Everest. So climbers jostle to climb upwards from Camp 2, 3 and 4 during favourable weather which inevitably leads to risk of a traffic jam. 

Tourism Department says that there are more climbers this season as compared to last year. High Altitude Worker, Pemba Dorje Sherpa, warned of the risk of a traffic jam at Everest this climbing season due to high number of aspiring climbers. 

Many climbers had taken permission in 2014 when an avalanche struck Everest. They are still allowed the climb Everest which has resulted in high number of climbers. 

In 2015, the government introduced a new law allowing climbers three years' window to climb Mt Everest with a single permit and fare. 


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