Everest: Nepal plans to move base camp

According to Taranath Adhikari, director-general of the Nepalese Ministry of Tourism, the base camp ofEverest is in danger of being transferred. The main causes are environmental problems and the possible melting of the nearby Khumbu Glacier.

The parties involved are climbers, local residents and environmental experts. Studies for such
research can only be done in the spring, the peak in May, and it takes at least 2-3 years before a decision is made. The subjects concerned will, after completion of the study, submit a proposal to the government of the Nepal. The Nepalese cabinet has the final say on the decision.

Adhikari cited anthropogenic activities as triggers related to the base camp. In practice, it concerns human behavior in combination with climate change. Furthermore, Khumbu, the glacier near Everest it is melting faster than usual. A strong influence is given by the climate change that affects the whole world.

We have received recommendations from many interested parties to move the base camp. Although no decisions have been made yet, we take these suggestions very seriously. Nepal alone cannot reduce CO2 emissions and the impact of global warming, but we can reduce some problems by taking this kind of temporary measures, on the one hand we want to preserve the mountain and the glacier. On the other hand, we don’t want to influence the mountain economy.

Taranath Adhikari, Director General of Nepal’s Ministry of Tourism

It is not easy in Nepal for those who want to climb Everest to deal with the needs of the local residents. Over there
the country’s fourth industrial force is tourism. Permits to climb Everest cost $11,000 per person.

The base camp Mount Everest is 5,400 meters above sea level. A valid proposal for a base camp
new could be 200-300 meters below current elevation. Everything has yet to be determined.