Nepal could transfer Everest Base Camp | CNN Travel

(CNN) — Nepal is contemplating relocating Everest Base Camp as a result of environmental considerations.

According to Nepal’s Department of Tourism Director-General Taranath Adhikari, Base Camp’s location faces some threat from the soften of close by Khumbu glacier.

“We have received recommendations from numerous stakeholders to relocate the base camp. While no decisions have been made yet, we are taking these suggestions very seriously,” Adhikari advised CNN Travel.

These stakeholders embrace native residents, mountaineers and environmental consultants.

Since analysis actions can solely be performed throughout spring, it may take 2-3 years to decide. Some research passed off throughout this yr’s spring climbing season, which usually peaks in May.

Once concerned events full their analysis, they may possible must current a proposal to the Nepali authorities. Nepal’s Cabinet would have the ultimate say on a choice.

Adhikari cited “anthropogenic activities” — in any other case often known as human behaviors — and local weather change as points affecting Base Camp. Khumbu glacier is melting at a pace quicker than the pure price.

This will not be the primary time involved events have sounded the alarm about environmental harm at Mount Everest.

Paul Mayewski, the expedition chief and the director of the Climate Change Institute on the University of Maine, advised CNN that the findings confirmed “a complete change from what has been experienced in that area, throughout probably all of the period of occupation by humans in the mountains.”

Climate change is affecting most of the world’s most valuable locations.

“Nepal alone cannot reduce carbon emissions and global warming impact.” Adhikari mentioned. “However, we can mitigate some matters by doing such kind of temporary measures.”

He added: “On the one hand, we want to preserve the mountain and the glacier. On the other hand, we don’t want to affect the mountain economy.”

Balancing wishes to climb Everest with the wants of native communities has been an ongoing problem in Nepal.

Permits to climb Everest value $11,000 per individual. A portion of that cash is earmarked for communities close to the mountain.

Mount Everest’s Base Camp is 5,400 meters (17,700 toes) above sea stage.

A proposed location for a brand new Base Camp may be 200 – 300 meters (656 – 984 toes) beneath the present altitude.

Top picture: Camping tents at Everest Base Camp. Credit: TASHI LAKPA SHERPA/AFP/Getty Images