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They don't need to do anything -- "they" is the poor country of Nepal and it's about money. If people are dump enough to pay the fees - then they are going to keep handing out the permits. People don't need to be saved from themselves - they know the risks.
Do they? If those pictures are genuine, they cast much doubt.
I understand where you're coming from and, in theory, I agree with you. In practical reality, people will be dying by dozens per day if something isn't done. And yes, a case could still be made for individual freedom to choose to engage in suicidal behavior.
Would you take action in the aftermath of inevitable catastrophe? And, if you would, might it make more sense to take that action before dozens more lives are lost?
The bottom line for me might be knowing how I would look at this if I were a serious, skilled climber. I'd surely vote for lots of yahoo repellent.
Insane. When I was a kid an someone told me about people climbing Mount Everest or similar, and what an ordeal it was, I said, "Why don't they take a helicopter up?"
Most important line: "A record breaking 381 people were issued permits to climb Everest this year by Nepal's government. And the actual number of people on the mountain is at least double that to account for the Sherpas who do much of the work for the climbers."
Nope. A few years back there was an heroic evacuation on Everest of a stricken climber high on the mountain, but I believe it was just a bit beyond what is considered the maximum elevation for flying these machines, which is around 20,000 ft.
The experience of climbing Everest is gone. Thanks to all these tourists. They really should drastically limit the amount of people allow to make the climb. If this is your bucket list then get in line and wait. If you don't get the opportunity then too bad.
I don't understand the appeal. But really, if the world were left to people like me, we'd all be hanging out at home on weekends snuggling dogs and reading books all day. While I appreciate such zeal and ambition, I think if a friend told me they were doing it, I'd ask "But wouldn't you rather come over for sandwiches and tea and talk about books in front of the fire? I promise there will be no frozen poo or corpses."
YES! Sign me up! That sounds like a great way to spend an afternoon!
Cost to climb with a reputable outfit is much higher...round numbers: $50,000 The permit, I believe, is $11,000
Teams that summited just a couple of days prior had no problems. No lines. No crowds. No problems. One team spent an hour on the summit before returning.
The tourist crowd all tried to go up on the same day. That reflects poorly on their guide outfits (NOT the sherpas) and just common sense. But with the peak in sight, you HAVE to try, don't you?
Nope. But maybe people will learn that. And maybe they won't. Not our problem people do stupid things.
Nepal has said they will fix TWO ropes below and over the step for 2020. That gives people a "path" up and a route down. Until some asshat decides, like on the freeway, to go UP the DOWN lane. Would love to see a serious climber throw him over the edge.
No change in permits for 2020. Maybe even more with the new procedures.
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