Why You Probably Shouldn’t Visit Mount Everest Right Now

Climbing Everest is like… Well, like climbing Everest. Oddly enough, this seemingly unattainable achievement is exactly what makes this place so popular. In fact, it might be too popular. Apparently, in the last few years, there are too many people trying to conquer at least part of the mountain. It has become overpopulated to the point which puts even more lives at risk. In 2019, for example, 11 hikers died due to issues stemming from overcrowding (dehydration, exhaustion, etc.), doubling 2018’s death count of five people.

Imagine two ping-pong tables put together side by side. Now imagine those tables carrying 300 people. That is roughly what happens on the Everest summit — climbers waiting in a tight, hours-long line while risking a deadly fall. Waiting for such a long time at such an altitude means not everyone has time to replenish their oxygen supply, which can be deadly.

Leave it to the pros

According to veteran climbers, the mountain (as well as other famous peaks) sees more and more inexperienced climbers every year. Those climbers make the trip on a whim without proper training, not realizing how dangerous it is. Another contributor to the overpopulation is the Nepalese government. Seeing as the mountain makes up an important part of the Nepalese economy, the government seems to be a little too generous about issuing climbing permits. When you put that together with dodgy safety regulations, lives can be lost.

Natural disasters, such as avalanches, are to be expected in a place like Mount Everest, and there’s nothing we can do about it. However, there is something we can do about the growing overcrowding problem and maybe save some lives.

The legal solution

There are no requirements to meet in order to get a permit to climb Mt. Everest. According to expert climbers, this is a receipt for disaster as only trained, professional, veteran climbers should try making their way to the top. Those who aren’t trained in facing extreme conditions are just putting themselves and others at risk.

Yagya Raj Sunuwar of the Nepalese Parliament believes there should be new regulations that will limit the number of climbing permits issued. For example, climbers would have to provide proof of them being in good health and having sufficient climbing experience. Another way to make climbing safer for everyone is to put a limit on the number of people allowed on the mountain at the same time, which would be a lot safer on the narrow mountain paths. These regulations will take some time to take effect. Let’s hope no lives are lost by the time they’re in action.