Everest climbers not scared by Nepal's political situation
Apr 6, 2005 20: 09 EST
Despite the uneasy political situation in Nepal and the Foreign Affairs Ministry’s warnings to travelers, the number of climbers attempting Everest from its south side has increased this year compared to 2004. While the total number of tourists has decreased dramatically in the crisis-torn country, the dream of Everest seems to outweigh the fear.
“A total of 22 expedition teams, including three Nepalese ones, have received permission to climb the world’s tallest peak this spring,” the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation (MoCTCA) told The Rising Nepal. “Last spring, only 13 teams had applied for the permit to scale the peak,” they recalled.
Almost double the number of teams
“Despite a sharp decline in tourist arrivals, mountain tourism is quite encouraging this season,” said Shankar Prasad Pandey, Joint Secretary at MoCTCA. Until now, the ministry has issued permits to some 20 other expeditions to climb peaks above 8,000 meters. In spring last year, altogether 52 teams had received permits to climb different peaks.
The figures are positive, especially when you consider that many teams have switched sides and gone for Everest from Tibet, even though they had previously planned on climbing from Nepal’s Khumbu valley.
Teams on their approaching trek up the Khumbu valley have been reporting a shortage of yaks to carry gear and supplies up to BC. Those who get to the foot of the mountain hurry up to get a ‘plot’ to pitch their set of tents on the glacier.
South or North?
The dream of Everest is definitely far from fading among climbers from all over the world. However, teams choosing the Tibetan routes are growing at an amazing rate. Nepal’s political stir is not the only reason though: Climbing Everest from the north side is remarkably cheaper.
Besides, the classic North Col route, even including some complicated sections, does not require traversing an ice fall, as the Nepal normal route does. The scary Khumbu icefall, right above BC, needs to be crossed every time the climbers ascend to acclimatize at higher camps. Even with a full time team of workers taking care of the fixed ropes and aluminum ladders - known as Ice Fall Doctors - its continuous movement and frequently collapsing seracs are enough to make climbers go for the Tibetan side.
Live image sent over Contact 3.0 of a group of climbers and trekkers at lunch today in Pheriche, courtesy of Alpine Ascents.
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