KATHMANDU: Minister for Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, Badri Prasad Pandey, has highlighted the need to explore an alternative and safer route to climb the world’s highest peak, Sagarmatha (Mount Everest), citing increasing risks associated with the traditional route.
Speaking during a discussion held at the Ministry on Friday, Minister Pandey said the route passing through the Khumbu Icefall up to Camp 1 has become increasingly complex and dangerous for climbers.
“Sagarmatha is a symbol of our national pride. Every year, thousands of Nepali and foreign climbers attempt the summit. We must prioritize safer, environmentally friendly, and sustainable alternatives to ensure their safety,” Pandey said.
The meeting concluded with a decision to initiate serious consideration into exploring a new route to reduce the hazards climbers face during the ascent.
Renowned French mountaineer Marc Marie Bernard Batard also participated in the discussion, sharing extensive research, surveys, and photographic documentation on the proposed alternative route.
Batard and his team, which included Nepali climbers, has been advocating for a safer path to the summit since 2018 and continue to support efforts aimed at making mountaineering safer and more sustainable.
Officials at the Ministry noted that further technical and environmental assessments would be conducted before moving forward with any new developments.
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