Everest Expeditions in Question After Nepal Quake
More than a week since an earthquake shook Nepal, with the death toll over 7,000 and still rising, rescue efforts are still focused on basic needs for survival.
But one small slice of the devastation looms large to adventurers around the world: Mt. Everest. For the second year in a row, an avalanche has left many climbers dead, and many questions swirling around the future of climbing the mountain.
“This is probably going to change the way people climb,” said climber Ellen Miller, who has summited Mt. Everest.
Photos: Deadly Nepal Quake Devastates Vast Region
Tulsi Prasad Gautam, chief of the mountaineering department at Nepal's tourism ministry announced last Thursday that climbing could resume this week. In a controversial move, the government requested a team of Sherpas to fix the route through the treacherous icefall above Base Camp so climbing can resume. But on Sunday news reports said Sherpas in Nepal refused to rebuild a climbing route.
The avalanche swept away fixed ropes and ladders placed in the icefall, making it currently impossible for climbing teams to reach Camp One.
That, plus the fear of further aftershocks, is forcing mountaineering companies to call off their spring expeditions.
The window for reaching the summit of Everest closes at the end of May because of the start of the monsoon season. Most climbers stand to lose $70,000 or more if the mountain remains closed.
Gordon Janow, Director of Programs for Alpine Ascents International, based in Seattle is wondering about the state of the route through the icefall. “Did the avalanche make it more difficult, the same, or more stable? Maybe the route will be more difficult and not for everyone. There’s also the north side of the mountain. Maybe the commercial teams go more to the north side.”
Everest Clash: Have Sherpas Had It?
Although climbers didn’t hesitate to return to Everest after last year’s avalanche killed 16, the back-to-back tragedies may prompt Sherpas -- local guides who are critical to most Western climbing expeditions -- to reevaluate their role.
“Climbers are stronger and more resilient than most -- their adventures were interrupted. For the most part, life is going to go on,” Miller said, referring to Western climbers on expeditions.