KATHMANDU: The increasing popularity of Everest, buoyed by social media and the promise of instant fame, is alarming experienced mountaineers in India, who say it is encouraging some who lack the necessary skills or training to attempt the feat.

“If an inexperienced climber reaches the Everest summit, he is invited to social functions as an honorary guest,” said Malay Mukherjee, a veteran Indian climber from Kolkata. “That doesn’t mean he is a good or responsible climber, but it sends the wrong message to others.”

Maya Sherpa, 41, chairperson of Everest Summiteers’ Association, who has climbed the peak three times, said she was returning from the summit of Kanchenjunga, the world’s third highest mountain on May 15, when she passed an Indian struggling with the climb.

“He was sick but he still insisted on going up,” she said.

Allee, the 18-year-old from Kashmir, said after being told about lack of oxygen on Everest he came back down the mountain in tears, but is now able to put the setback in perspective.

“Since childhood I have been dreaming about it,” he said. “(But) the mountain is always there. There is no point in killing yourself.” — Reuters