This rule is aimed at strengthening rescue operations in case of emergencies
Nepal is ready to introduce mandatory safety measures for all climbers embarking on the difficult journey to Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world. Starting this spring, all climbers will be required to carry an electronic chip. This rule is aimed at strengthening rescue operations in case of emergencies during the ascent or descent from a mountain with a height of 8,849 meters (29,032 ft).
Thus, the government is in the process of drafting a regulation that will require the use of such a chip. The reports add that this initiative is expected to take effect from the upcoming spring season, which will coincide with the start of the Everest climbing season. This period marks the beginning of a limited period of time suitable for climbing exceptionally high altitudes.
With the opening of the narrow climbing window, which takes place during the spring season, thousands of climbers from all over the world, including from India and Nepal, are reaching for Everest, also known in Nepali as Sagarmatha. Although many manage to successfully reach the top, there have also been reports of unfortunate fatalities and serious injuries over the years. According to the Nepalese government, about 300 people have died on Everest since 1953.
Further reports add that in the spring season of 2023 alone, until May 22, 12 climbers died during expeditions to Mount Everest, including four Nepalese, one Indian and one Chinese. Difficult terrain and extreme weather conditions, including snowstorms and avalanches, force search and rescue operations from Everest Base Camp, located at an altitude of 18,000 feet.To solve the security problems, the Nepalese government plans to provide electronic chips to all climbers at a nominal cost, which is currently estimated at between 10 and 15 US dollars. Rakesh Gurung, Director of the Tourism Department, stressed that the installation of these chips in the jackets of climbers will not only increase the safety of expeditions, but also increase the effectiveness of emergency rescue operations.
The reports add that some reputable climbing agencies have already adopted this safety measure, providing their climbers with electronic chips before the rule officially comes into force.
