New rule at Mt. Everest sparks major controversy: 'I felt my government was right'
Riding in a helicopter can be an exhilarating experience, especially when flying over the Himalayan mountains. However, if seeing the iconic Mount Everest is on your bucket list, get ready to burn some calories instead. As the Diplomat reported, leisure helicopter rides have been banned since January 1 in Nepal's UNESCO-listed Sagarmatha National Park — which includes Everest.
The chopper ban does allow for medical evacuation and transport of food and other essentials for climbers and expedition participants. However, if you plan on trekking any area 4,000 meters above altitude, you'll have to do so the old-fashioned way — by foot.
While the national park is taking this step to protect wildlife, it will affect the local helicopter industry. Sixty percent of their business comes from the Everest region, so many are protesting the ban.
Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty?
Definitely
Only in some areas
No way
I'm not sure
Click your choice to see results and speak your mind.
The local Sherpa community in the Everest area has been pivotal in rescue missions and guiding expeditions. This group has also used helicopters as part of its work. Helicopter transport has helped them with their workload and delegating tasks.
One anonymous expedition leader told the Diplomat, "Daily kitchen essentials are easier to ferry by chopper from Kathmandu." However, others see how much trash can accumulate when too many people are in one spot. "After reaching Mt. Everest Base Camp, I felt my government was right in its tourism and mountaineering policy," local journalist Chencho Dema said, per Nepal Press.
The helicopter ban will affect the economy by slowing down some of the visits, but it can slow down something else — pollution. After all, when trekkers leave, local people still live there, in an environment that must carry on. The abundant litter left behind by so many visitors has contributed to the local watershed contamination.
It has become so overcrowded it's become referred to as the "world's highest garbage dump," per National Geographic. Another problem from the overcrowding is eroding footpaths and razed trees to build more lodges. The local Sherpas run the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee NGO that helps keep the area clean.
As the Diplomat reports, Kanchha Sherpa, who was part of the first summit expedition in 1953, states in his book, "I think that Everest needs a rest for a few seasons. And maybe this will make a better value of Everest."
Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Off the Beaten Track: Rock Climbing in Croatia's Paklenica National Park
The most famous climbing site in Croatia, the gorges and cliffs of Paklenica National Park offer great climbing variety. It lies outside Starigrad near Zadar, and has routes for everyone from absolute beginners to experts. The tombs (tumuli) of Gomila and Paklaric testify that the town dates back to prehistoric times. There was once a Roman settlement here called Argyruntum, and archaeologists found a necropolis from the 1st or 2nd century that contained bronze tools, jewelry, glassware, and ceramics. You can view their finds in the Archaeological Museum in Zadar. The pre-Romanesque church of St. Peter dates back to the 10th century. Paklenica became a National Park in 1949. In 1978, UNESCO proclaimed the entire Velebit region a biogenetic reserve. Inside the park, each of the two main gorges has a name that underlines the difference between them: Velika (Great) Paklenica and Mala (Small) Paklenica. Velika Paklenica consists of two valleys. The longitudinal valley runs parallel to the Southern Velebit range, while the other is carved between the peaks of Debeli Kuk and Anica Kuk. Anica Kuk is the only place in the park where climbing is allowed. Because of its relative inaccessibility, the upper part of Velika Paklenica has developed a lush forest. In the transverse valleys, influenced by the Adriatic Sea, shrubs and Mediterranean maquis cover the slopes. The climatic and topographical differences that characterize this region, which extends from the peaks of Velebit (1,700m) to the sea, are the reason the flora and fauna are so interesting. Botanists have recorded over 500 plant species. The fauna is also rich: over 500 species of insects, several reptile species, and as many as 200 different types of birds. In Paklenica, the rock is mostly karst limestone. It is very compact, although sharp in places. There are numerous routes of all difficulty levels and lengths, from single pitches on cliffs to multi-pitch routes to a height of 350m. The style also varies, from technical slabs to large overhangs. The large walls host numerous well-bolted routes that climb on ridges or easy slabs. But there is no shortage of long sport routes that tackle much more sustained terrain with difficulties up to 8a. In addition, there are a handful of beautiful trad routes, protected only with nuts and Friends. For those who want to try something different, there are some interesting artificial routes. The first climbers visited Paklenica in the late 1930s, but the first route was Brahm in 1940. Between 1957 and 1969, Croatian climbers largely had the gorge to themselves and opened many new routes. Today, many of these are considered true classics, such as Mosoraški (1957), Velebitaški (1961), and Klin (1966). Later, it was mainly Slovenian climbers who opened further new routes. Among them was the legendary Franc Knez, who opened around 40 routes. Many of Knez's routes remain among the most difficult in Paklenica today. During the 1980s, Italian Mauro Corona established the first short sport routes in Klanci, the narrowest part of the canyon. His first route was Stimula, 7a. Soon after, Maurizio Zanolla made the first free ascent of what is still the hardest route in Paklenica: Il Marattoneta (8b+). Adam Ondra onsighted it in 2020 and also made a new variant, named Genius Loci (9a). During the breakup of Yugoslavia in the 1990s, the park was closed for a few years. When it reopened in 1995, Austrians Ingo Schalk and Gerhard Grabner immediately opened a great new route, Waterworld (7b+). Currently, the most active climbers are Croatians Boris Cujic and Ivica Matkovic, who are responsible for a whole series of new routes. They have also fixed and rebolted numerous old routes, replacing countless rusty bolts. While there is little chance of discovering something new on the big walls of the gorge, there is still potential for hard sport routes in sectors like Rupe, or even in more distant crags, just outside the Paklenica canyon. Paklenica is a national park, so there are strict regulations for environmental protection. There are also areas where authorities prohibit climbing, such as Mala Paklenica, and on Debeli Kuk in the Velika Paklenica gorge from the lower to the upper parking lot. Climbing is also prohibited from Manita Pec to the upper part of Velika Parklenica. These prohibitions protect bird habitat and help to avoid accidents from rockfall. There is a fee to enter the park, but there are three and five-day ticket options for climbers that are valid for 30 days. Climbing officials supervise the climbing in Paklenica. They ensure the safety of the routes and are in charge of maintenance. Equipping new routes and installing new equipment on old routes requires permission from the Paklenica National Park management. The best time of year is from April to the end of October. In winter, strong winds are a problem. However, the Crljenica section has recently been developed, and with its sunny position, it is suitable for climbing even in winter. During the spring, expect frequent showers, though the karst dries quickly. In summer, it can be hot, but you can always find a place in the shade, such as on Anica Kuk, throughout the morning. In Stari Grad, there are several shops, open even on holidays, a gas station, and everything you need for a pleasant stay. If you want to camp, many campsites offer budget accommodation, such as NP Paklenica, Marko, Vesna, Peko, and Popo. Affordable rooms are available at Ana Marasovic, Pansion Andelko, Hotel Rajna, and Restaurant Paklenica. Although climbing is prohibited, we highly recommend a trip to the nearby Mala Paklenica gorge. This valley is smaller and rarely visited, so the nature tends to be more primeval and wild. In Velika Paklenica, visiting the Manita Pec cave is another must.
Yahoo
10 hours ago
- Yahoo
8 Hidden Gem Towns in Europe Where You Can Live for $3K a Month or Less
If you're looking to live affordably in Europe, you may have to venture slightly off the beaten path. There are many hidden gem towns throughout the continent that bring plenty of charm, while also possessing all the infrastructure needed to live a comfortable life — with a cost of living that's lower than many places in the U.S. Explore More: Read Next: A new International Living report identified a few of the lesser-known European towns where expats can live well for less than $3,000 a month. Enjoy the French Riviera lifestyle in this area located between Nice and Monaco. The highly walkable town boasts plenty of cultural activities, from concerts to art exhibitions and a thriving cafe culture. Rent starts at around $1,500, so a couple can live comfortably here for about $3,000 a month. Find Out: Another area along the Côte d'Azur, Toulon is a sunny port town that offers waterfront living, amazing weather and plenty of gourmet food options. Two-bedroom apartments rent for as little as $950, and a couple can live quite well for $2,800 a month. This quiet coastal town in northern Portugal is ideal for those looking for a more laidback lifestyle. Esposende is highly walkable and has plenty of history, and there are many outdoor activities available to keep you busy, from horseback riding to playing a round of golf. Rent for a two-bedroom ranges from $872 to $1,090 per month, so you can live comfortably for under $3,000. Boasting a mix of historic and contemporary culture, Guimarães has a little something for everyone. Its town center is a UNESCO heritage site, but it's also home to modern cafés, restaurants and boutiques. Located just 40 minutes from Porto, Guimarães is an idyllic place to live on a budget — a couple can live comfortably for just $1,800 a month. Located in northern Portugal, Santo Tirso is best known for its 10th-century monastery and public gardens. Although English isn't widely spoken, you can feel right at home here if you're looking for a more serene, nature-filled place to live. Furnished one-bedroom apartments rent for around $925 a month. This walkable city provides ample green spaces and a lively cultural scene. It's also easy to get to Porto and Lisbon from Famalicão thanks to its strong transportation infrastructure. You can buy a one-bedroom for as little as $179,000, or if you prefer a rental, you can find a spacious four-bedroom rental for around $1,500 a month. Litochoro, a village with a population of 7,000, is located between the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus. It's a great place to live for those who love to hike and are seeking a mild climate. Two-bedroom rentals cost around $270 to $380 per month, and you can get a meal at a local taverna for just $11 to $16. Located in the center of Italy, this city is actually older than Rome. Its historic center is a great sight to be seen, as it's made entirely from travertine stone. There's no shortage of things to do within Ascoli Piceno, but if you want to get away, it's a short distance from both Adriatic beaches and the Apennine Mountains. You can rent a two-bedroom apartment in the city center for $650 to $1,200 per month and live comfortably from around $2,000 a month total. More From GOBankingRates Mark Cuban Says Trump's Executive Order To Lower Medication Costs Has a 'Real Shot' -- Here's Why Here's the Minimum Salary Required To Be Considered Upper Class in 2025 This article originally appeared on 8 Hidden Gem Towns in Europe Where You Can Live for $3K a Month or Less
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Yahoo
8 Hidden Gem Towns in Europe Where You Can Live for $3K a Month or Less
If you're looking to live affordably in Europe, you may have to venture slightly off the beaten path. There are many hidden gem towns throughout the continent that bring plenty of charm, while also possessing all the infrastructure needed to live a comfortable life — with a cost of living that's lower than many places in the U.S. Explore More: Read Next: A new International Living report identified a few of the lesser-known European towns where expats can live well for less than $3,000 a month. Enjoy the French Riviera lifestyle in this area located between Nice and Monaco. The highly walkable town boasts plenty of cultural activities, from concerts to art exhibitions and a thriving cafe culture. Rent starts at around $1,500, so a couple can live comfortably here for about $3,000 a month. Find Out: Another area along the Côte d'Azur, Toulon is a sunny port town that offers waterfront living, amazing weather and plenty of gourmet food options. Two-bedroom apartments rent for as little as $950, and a couple can live quite well for $2,800 a month. This quiet coastal town in northern Portugal is ideal for those looking for a more laidback lifestyle. Esposende is highly walkable and has plenty of history, and there are many outdoor activities available to keep you busy, from horseback riding to playing a round of golf. Rent for a two-bedroom ranges from $872 to $1,090 per month, so you can live comfortably for under $3,000. Boasting a mix of historic and contemporary culture, Guimarães has a little something for everyone. Its town center is a UNESCO heritage site, but it's also home to modern cafés, restaurants and boutiques. Located just 40 minutes from Porto, Guimarães is an idyllic place to live on a budget — a couple can live comfortably for just $1,800 a month. Located in northern Portugal, Santo Tirso is best known for its 10th-century monastery and public gardens. Although English isn't widely spoken, you can feel right at home here if you're looking for a more serene, nature-filled place to live. Furnished one-bedroom apartments rent for around $925 a month. This walkable city provides ample green spaces and a lively cultural scene. It's also easy to get to Porto and Lisbon from Famalicão thanks to its strong transportation infrastructure. You can buy a one-bedroom for as little as $179,000, or if you prefer a rental, you can find a spacious four-bedroom rental for around $1,500 a month. Litochoro, a village with a population of 7,000, is located between the Aegean Sea and Mount Olympus. It's a great place to live for those who love to hike and are seeking a mild climate. Two-bedroom rentals cost around $270 to $380 per month, and you can get a meal at a local taverna for just $11 to $16. Located in the center of Italy, this city is actually older than Rome. Its historic center is a great sight to be seen, as it's made entirely from travertine stone. There's no shortage of things to do within Ascoli Piceno, but if you want to get away, it's a short distance from both Adriatic beaches and the Apennine Mountains. You can rent a two-bedroom apartment in the city center for $650 to $1,200 per month and live comfortably from around $2,000 a month total. More From GOBankingRates 6 Popular SUVs That Aren't Worth the Cost -- and 6 Affordable Alternatives How Far $750K Plus Social Security Goes in Retirement in Every US Region This article originally appeared on 8 Hidden Gem Towns in Europe Where You Can Live for $3K a Month or Less
