According to Taranath Adhikari, Director General of the Nepal Tourism Department, the Base Camp site is in danger of melting into the nearby Khumbu Glacier. “We have received recommendations from many stakeholders to relocate the base camp. Although no decisions have been made yet, we are taking these proposals very seriously,” Adhikari told CNN Travel. These stakeholders include locals, climbers and environmental experts. However, any major changes to Mount Everest, the highest peak in the world, will not be rushed. Since research activities can only take place in the spring, it may take 2-3 years to make a decision. Some studies were conducted during this spring climbing season, which usually peaks in May. Once the parties involved have completed their investigation, they will probably need to submit a proposal to the Government of Nepal. Nepal’s cabinet will have the final say in a decision. Adhikari cited “anthropogenic activities” – otherwise known as human behaviors – and climate change as issues affecting Base Camp. Khumbu Glacier is melting faster than natural speed. A joint survey conducted by China and Nepal led to a new, higher altitude for the world’s highest mountain, Mount Everest. This is not the first time that stakeholders have sounded the alarm about environmental damage on Mount Everest. A study in the Nature Portfolio Journal of Climate and Atmospheric Science published earlier this year found that ice formed over a 2,000-year period on the South Col Glacier melted in about 25 years. Paul Mayewski, the mission leader and director of the Institute for Climate Change at the University of Maine, told CNN that the findings show “a complete change from what has been experienced in this area, probably during the entire occupation period by man in the mountains. “ Climate change is affecting many of the most valuable places in the world. “Nepal alone cannot reduce carbon emissions and the impact of global warming.” said Adhikari. “However, we can mitigate some things by taking such temporary measures.” He added: “On the one hand we want to preserve the mountain and the glacier. “On the other hand, we do not want to affect the mountain economy.” Balancing the desire to climb Mount Everest with the needs of local communities has been a constant challenge in Nepal. Tourism is the fourth largest industry in the country, employing 11.5% of Nepalese in some form, whether it means working in a hotel or hostel or guiding foreign tourists to the world’s highest mountains. Mount Everest permits cost $ 11,000 per person. Part of this money goes to communities near the mountain. If you allow too many climbers to climb within the short time allowed by the weather, it can cause “traffic jams”, which often have fatal consequences. Everest Base Camp is located 5,400 meters (17,700 feet) above sea level. A suggested location for a new base camp could be 200 – 300 meters (656 – 984 feet) below the current altitude. Top Picture: Camping Awnings at Everest Base Camp. Credit: TASHI LAKPA SHERPA / AFP / Getty Images
