How to Climb Mount Everest Responsibly

By Ivan PetrenkoMay 5, 2024 12:30 PMNews
Share:
Red green and yellow banner
Red green and yellow banner. Source: unsplash

Rising to 29,032 feet on the border between Nepal and Tibet, Mount Everest, known as Sagarmatha to the Sherpa people, has long held a mystical allure for climbers and hikers. In 2024, the mountain will see new rules aiming to protect the Himalayas’ Sherpa communities and guide trekkers towards making a more positive impact. This year, climbers and trekkers are facing new regulations, introduced to improve safety, support local communities, and tackle the growing waste problem on Everest.

New Regulations at Everest Base Camp

Trekkers visiting Everest Base Camp can still do so with a day trip from Gorak Shep, but staying overnight has become more challenging due to new rules banning commercial enterprises at the camp. The rules also require climbers to carry their waste down the mountain, among other measures. However, most trekkers aiming for Base Camp or nearby viewpoints like Kala Patthar will only be affected when visiting the mountaineers' tent village, situated at 17,598 feet beside the Khumbu Glacier.

Climbing to the Summit

Climbing Everest is more demanding than trekking to Base Camp, requiring extensive preparation, support from a mountaineering agency, and costs over £80,000. Expedition teams guide climbers through new rules, including using a feces bag provided by the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee. The summit attracts around 600 climbers annually, but responsible climbers should ensure their guides and porters are fairly compensated and insured.

Supporting Local Communities

Since April 2023, trekkers in Sagarmatha National Park must hire a licensed Nepali guide, providing employment for Himalayan communities. Hiring local porters and staying in village teahouses also supports the Sherpa people. Trekkers should ensure guides are paid at least $21 per day and porters $18 per day. Responsible international operators like Intrepid and Exodus employ local guides and train future mountain workers.

Protecting the Environment

Climate change is affecting the Himalayas, and trekkers can minimize their impact by taking a bus to Lukla instead of flying and staying in lodges that use solar power or water generators. They should also avoid single-use plastics and bring a reusable water bottle.

Reducing Overtourism and Following Etiquette

Trekkers can spread tourism benefits by staying in smaller villages and exploring quieter routes like the Gokyo Lakes or Three Passes Trek. Respecting local customs, donating responsibly, and following established trails also contribute to responsible trekking.

Top Articles
Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Not Just a Suitcase: My Personal Checklist for Smart Travelers in 2025

Mar 3, 2025 18:00 PM
Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Practical Eco-Friendly Travel Solutions for Sustainable Tourism

Feb 14, 2025 15:00 PM

Top Tips for Securing Your Luggage and Preventing Loss

Feb 7, 2025 14:00 PM

Your Guide to Hand Luggage and Baggage Rules

Feb 4, 2025 20:00 PM
More News
Seating area inside Dublin Airport lounge overlooking runway with international aircraft in view

Dublin Airport Broadens Global Reach for Summer 2025

Mar 29, 2025 13:43 PM
A passenger taps their card at a train station ticket barrier using contactless payment

Ticket Office Cuts Raise Travel Concerns

Mar 29, 2025 11:27 AM

Brussels Airlines Unveils Refined Inflight Dining

Mar 29, 2025 09:36 AM

Southern Italy Rail Upgrades to Disrupt Travel

Mar 29, 2025 07:41 AM
flydubai aircraft on runway with mountain backdrop

flydubai Restores Pisa Flights Ahead of Summer

Mar 29, 2025 05:29 AM
Man participating in a public protest or demonstration, facing another person in conversation

Easter Travel at Risk Amid Heathrow PRM Staff Strike

Mar 29, 2025 03:34 AM
Silhouettes of travellers waiting at an airport terminal during sunset

Edinburgh Airport Unveils Passenger-Focused Upgrades for Summer

Mar 28, 2025 23:42 PM
A quiet British railway station with footbridge and empty platforms on a cloudy day

Historic Rail Celebrations Unlock New Travel Routes Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 20:38 PM
Tail fins of Iberia aircraft parked at Madrid-Barajas Airport on a clear day

Airline Alliance Expands Travel Options Between Spain and Argentina

Mar 28, 2025 18:24 PM

Benidorm Reinvents Itself as Eco-Friendly Holiday Destination

Mar 28, 2025 16:43 PM

Air France Adds Hotel-Style Bedding to Business Class for Long-Haul Flights

Mar 28, 2025 14:37 PM
Passengers at London King’s Cross station beside LNER and other trains under a large arched roof

LNER Opens Advance Ticket Sales for Summer 2025 Travel Across the UK

Mar 28, 2025 12:26 PM
Jet2holidays airplane flying low over a coastal road near a populated area with parked vehicles and scenic green hills

Jet2 Adds Norway Fjord Trips from Newcastle and Leeds Bradford

Mar 28, 2025 10:50 AM
Dark storm clouds forming in the sky before heavy rainfall

Polar Vortex Raises Storm Risk for UK Travelers

Mar 28, 2025 02:41 AM
easyJet aircraft parked at airport gate on a sunny day

easyJet Expands Inflight Services for Summer Travellers

Mar 28, 2025 00:39 AM

Delays Expected on Northern Italy Rail Routes

Mar 27, 2025 22:45 PM

Jet2 Opening New Travel Horizons With Expanded Winter 2025/26 Routes from Newcastle

Mar 27, 2025 20:28 PM
People walking along a historic street in central Torino at sunset

Torino Opens to Travelers as 2025 European Capital of Smart Tourism

Mar 27, 2025 18:33 PM
Ryanair plane landing at sunset at Manchester Airport

Manchester Expands African Flight Options

Mar 27, 2025 16:46 PM
Young woman using smartphone at a European train station

Interrail Booking Becomes Effortless with New Digital System

Mar 27, 2025 14:29 PM
Emirates A380 aircraft taxiing at Sydney Airport during sunset

Emirates Marks 25 Years with Enhanced Sydney Travel

Mar 27, 2025 12:31 PM
A First Class train operated by Transport for Wales approaching a station through a residential area

Michelin-Level Dining on Welsh Rails

Mar 27, 2025 10:44 AM

Travel Disruptions Expected as Helsinki Airport Protest Approaches

Mar 27, 2025 08:27 AM

Heavy Fog Disrupts Transport in Southern England

Mar 27, 2025 06:32 AM
Airplane with Star Alliance livery parked at gate at the airport

Star Alliance and ÖBB Partner to Boost Train-Flight Integration

Mar 26, 2025 23:37 PM
Dark railway tunnel with visible train tracks leading to a lit station exit

Weekend Rail Works to Disrupt Derbyshire Routes

Mar 26, 2025 21:41 PM