Icefall doctors head to Base Camp for Sagarmatha expeditions

Solukhumbu, Mar. 14: With the onset of the spring season, preparations have been started for mountaineering expeditions to Sagarmatha (Mt Everest).

A team of 10 'icefall doctors' has headed towards the Base Camp to fix a safe route for mountaineers coming to climb the world's tallest peak, according to the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC). Committee Chairperson Lamakaji Sherpa said activities for fixing and securing ropes along the Khumbu Icefall area route are carried out at the SPCC’s management.

The team of 'icefall doctors' left Namche for Base Camp with necessary equipment and materials as the spring season is the most suitable time for mountain climbing. The team comprises eight experienced 'icefall doctors' along with Base Camp manager Tshiring Tenzing Sherpa. Two separate teams have been formed. Aangsarki Sherpa and Dawajangbu Sherpa have been leading the two teams separately.

The Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation has been assigning the SPCC the task of fixing the ropes and opening a safe route as well as repairing the Khumbu icefall route since 1997. The teams have to fix the climbing route up to Base Camp II, fix the ropes and put ladders at risky areas.     

Special worship held 

The tradition is that an auspicious hour is considered to begin the works of fixing the ropes along the climbing route. According to the SPCC, a special worship as per the Buddhist tradition is performed before starting works to fix a route for the climbing. Local Lama Gurus perform the Puja, believing that it will please the 'Mountain deities', making the adventurous journey of aspiring climbers possible, said Chair Sherpa. Such customary worship is carried out for the 'safety' of aspiring climbers, he added.

It is expected to take around 20 days to open the route up to the II base camp. But the duration may get longer in case of adverse climate. The climbing permit for professional expedition team will be allowed to set out on the journey only after the completion of the fixing of the route from the Base Camp to the upper point.

The SPCC charges foreign climbers (600 US dollars per person) for providing this service, including its maintenance and implementing environment-friendly initiatives here. The works of icefall doctors are by nature risky. A successful expedition cannot be imagined without the contribution of icefall doctors, said Chair Sherpa, adding that their works are in line with the agreement reached with the tourism ministry. The major source of their income is the service charges, it is said.     

Preparations intensified 

Preparations for climbing Mt. Everest have been intensified with the onset of the spring season. All the required works have been carried out for the convenience of the climbers.

The SPCC team is active in terms of environment conservation. The exact number of mountaineers climbing the world's tallest peak in the current climbing season this year is not yet available, but it is expected that the number will be higher compared to the previous years.

"There is a possibility of large mountaineering expedition teams coming this year for scaling Mt Everest. We have been making the required preparations including setting up the facilities and adopting measures for the security of climbers at the Base Camp. We will create a safe climbing environment, establishing coordination with all as the mountaineering tourism is extremely important for the country's economy," Sherpa said.

Similarly, tourism entrepreneur Bal Bahadur Darnal said that this season is likely to be very successful in terms of mountaineering provided that the weather is favourable. "We are expecting a large number of climbers this year as well. We are making necessary preparations for safe climbing, including constructing the routes, sanitation and environmental protection. I am confident that this season will also be a successful one," he said.

Local Sherpa guides have been given special training and various policy and implementation plans have been put forward for the long-term conservation of the mountain environment.