Officials in Nepal recently implemented a new safety measure for climbers embarking on the daunting journey to conquer Mount Everest. If you didn’t know, Mount Everest is the world’s highest peak and often can be extremely dangerous for thrill seekers who like mountain climbing.
New Safety Equipment for Mount Everest Climbers
Beginning this spring during summit season, between the months of April and June, all climbers ascending or descending the mountain will have to carry an electronic chip embedded with GPS-tracking technology sewn into their jackets. This mandate aims to enhance search and rescue operations, according to Rakesh Gurung, director of Nepal’s Department of Tourism in an interview with CNN.
Mount Everest is known for its treacherous terrain. Recently, it has become increasingly crowded and dangerous. Nepal issued a record number of climbing permits last year, totaling 478 permits, according to Gurung. This number did not even include the Sherpas, local Nepali guides commonly accompanying climbers.
Sadly, this surge in activity coincided with one of the deadliest climbing seasons in recent memory. Unfortunately, 19 individuals were confirmed dead or reported missing, according to documents reported by BBC.
Responding to mounting concerns about the high number of permits and the resulting casualties, Gurung informed news outlets that government agencies and mountaineering associations held discussions about safety measures just five days prior.
Costs and Safety
Gurung emphasized that it is now obligatory for all climbers. The chips, available for a small fee of $10 to $15 for temporary use, and are expected to be returned after the climbers complete their expedition.
Nepal heavily relies on mountaineering tourism to fuel its Himalayan economy. Trekkers climbing Mount Everest contribute vital income to rural villages through guide hiring and other mountain jobs. However, the dangers of Everest, underscored by last year’s summit season was the mountain’s second-deadliest on record. Among the 677 trekkers in 2023, there were 18 fatalities, according to data from the Himalayan Database, which tracks summit attempts across various Himalayan peaks.
Search and Rescue on Mount Everest
Rescues on Mount Everest are notoriously risky, particularly beyond the elevation of 27,200 feet. This level of elevation is coined the “death zone.” In this zone, the temperatures are rigid and oxygen levels are sparse. It poses severe risks to climbers. For example, in May 2023 it took six hours for Sherpas to rescue a stranded Malaysian hiker from the death zone. Not only are search and rescue missions dangerous but often come with significant expenses, too. Sometimes they can reach tens of thousands of dollars in equipment and manpower.
To further prioritize the safety or climbing, the Nepalese government also banned solo trekking to Mount Everest last spring and increased permit fees for non-locals by 36%, now totaling $15,000.
