KATHMANDU: The 2010 Spring Mountaineering season this year saw lower number of expeditions attempting Mt Everest. From the Nepal side, 157 foreign climbers and 190 High Altitude Sherpa climbed Mt Everest. Total number of climbers from the Tibet side is around 165.
“Between 1953 and 2009, the total number of ascents was 4,557 by 3,163 individuals (some having summited more than once),” said Ang Tshering Sherpa, immediate past president of Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). This adds this year’s Spring season total of 513 ascents, of which 268 are new summiteers and the rest are repeat summiteers.
The total number of ascents till today is 5,070 whereas, the actual number of persons having summited Mt. Everest is 3,431 till date, informed Sherpa. “Compared to last year, the number of expeditions has decreased by 5 per cent,” said Sherpa.
According to him, there are different reasons for the fall in the number of expeditions. The fall in expeditions is due to economic crisis, recent general strike during the spring season, volcanic eruption in Iceland and late expeditions from Tibet side, he said.
Till date, the year 2007 observed the largest number of expeditions which decreased during the year 2008 while there was an increasing trend during 2009. Spring ( March – May ) is the most appropriate season for the Everest expedition. However, before 20 ago it was autumn season regarded as the appropriate season for Everest expedition.
“Growing climate change is the reason that is changing weather at Everest affecting the expedition season also,” said Sherpa adding that if there was no climate change, autumn is regarded as a favorable season for the expedition.
Apa Sherpa, Climbing Leader of Eco Everest Expedition 2010, beat his own world record by summiting the world’s highest mountain, Mt. Everest (8848m) for the 20th time on 22 May 2010. Another world record was made by a 13 years old boy Jordan Romero from USA by successfully climbing Mt. Everest.
Jordan is now the youngest person to ever summit Mt. Everest. Apa Sherpa climbed Everest from the South Col route whereas Jordan Romero from Northeast Ridge Route.
For new expeditions from the Tibet side, now the expedition must apply the climbing permits in one month before. If the climbers required applying visas in their own country, they must mention it one month in advance, said Sherpa.
As per this new regulation, the size of the team for three major peaks (Mt. Qomolangma, Cho-oyu and Shishapangma) must be above 5 pax (can contain Nepalese staff) and the ratio for clients with Nepalese staff should be 6:4. The age bar for the climbers has been limited between 18 and 60 years and if the climbers’ age is not within this provision, he must provide proof of special health-related applications. |
