KATHMANDU: Renowned climber Nirmal Purja ‘Nims’, has reportedly breached Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal (CAAN) regulations by landing at Mt Everest’s high camp on Monday.
CAAN prohibits helicopter flights above Everest Base Camp, allowing them only for emergency rescue purposes.
Eyewitnesses at Camp II revealed that Nims boarded a helicopter from Kathmandu around 8:30 am and arrived at Camp II on Everest by 11:30 am.
They stated that Nims briefly stopped at Lukla before continuing to Base Camp and then to Camp II aboard Helicopter H125/AS350 B3e with call sign 9N-ANL.
Sources mentioned Nims was accompanied by three foreigners and a Nepali guide in the helicopter.
Despite reports of private airlines violating CAAN regulations, the Authority has often failed to take appropriate action.
Genuine Everest expeditions typically start and end at the base camp. However, Nims seemingly avoided the hazardous icefall section by flying directly to Camp II, fueling speculation that he may attempt to summit Mt Everest with his clients by Monday morning.
When questioned about the incident, Gyanendra Bhul, CAAN’s information officer, reiterated that passenger flights above the base camp are strictly prohibited.
He assured swift investigation and action, including the possibility of grounding the pilots for such serious violations of regulations.
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