KATHMANDU, MARCH 8
Local authorities in the Khumbu region have eased some of the major restrictions which were announced to curb luxury in the Everest base camp.
The Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality has revised certain clauses of the newly promulgated, Base Camp Management Procedure 2024, aiming to strike a balance between conservation efforts and expedition facilitation as the spring climbing season approaches.
Under the revamped regulations, a 17-member committee, led by the Rural Municipality Chair, will oversee the implementation of the new provisions.
Notably, helicopters will now be permitted to transport expedition logistics to the base camp, subject to clearance from the monitoring committee. To streamline the process, a committee-appointed member or institution may be bestowed exclusive authority to enforce all or certain aspects of the regulations. However, it has been emphasized that traditional means, such as local porters and yaks, should still be utilized for transporting climbing gear under normal circumstances.
Furthermore, the updated guidelines obtained by THT, specify allotted space for individuals at the base camp, with each person allowed 60 square feet for dining and 80 square feet for sleeping quarters. Additionally, strict prohibitions are in place against commercial ventures such as bars, spas, bakeries, and cafes within the base camp premises. Climbers staying above the base camp are required to carry a poop bag or biodegradable bag for waste disposal.
While trekkers and general visitors are barred from overnight stays, exceptions are made for specific groups, including family members, relatives, well-wishers, friends, medical personnel, base camp managers, and sponsors of expedition members, the revised document reads.
The latest provision clarifies that each expedition team, comprising a maximum of 15 members, can enlist as many high-altitude and base camp workers as needed.
The regulations also specify that no attached toilets will be permitted inside the tents. However, each expedition, with a maximum of 15 members, will be allowed to set up a maximum of four toilet tents, two shower tents, and two additional urinary tents. Additionally, the base camp will feature three helipads, with them designated solely for rescue and evacuation purposes above the base camp.
"An instant check-in-out system will be adopted at the base camp to track the climbers' status above the base camp," the new regulations adds. According to the regulations, expedition teams are required to register an inventory of essential logistics needed above the base camp. Furthermore, they are prohibited from storing these items at the high camps once their expeditions have concluded.
"Box tents will not be allowed above the base camp, and the use of new ropes are made mandatory while fixing the climbing route," it said, adding that all teams ascending Everest, Lhotse and Nuptse must bring back a minimum of eight kilograms of garbage per member, while three kilograms are required per member on Ama Dablam.
"Expedition agencies will be responsible for retrieving the bodies of their respective members, and they will be given the 'Garbage Clearance Letter' only after the bodies are recovered and the waste is properly disposed of," the statement clarified.
