AP PHOTOS: Hundreds scale Mount Everest in a weather-hit climbing season
Though several climbers did manage to reach the summit in mid-May, weather conditions deteriorated for days, forcing a retreat to base camp for many, including Kami Rita Sherpa, who was attempting to break his own record by scaling the peak for a 31st time.
He did manage to scale the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) peak on May 27, but several climbers were not so lucky.
The route to the summit is equipped with ladders and ropes but these are removed at the end of May, marking an end to the climbing season before the monsoon brings heavy rainfall and bad weather.
According to Nepal's Department of Mountaineering, 468 foreign climbers from 57 countries were given permits to climb Everest by the end of May, along with a roughly equal number of Nepalese mountain guides.
Because of the limited windows of good weather near the summit, large numbers of climbers lined up, attached to the single safety rope, which is known as the 'Everest traffic jam.'
'Overall on Everest, weather is the key and it was not same as the forecast. And secondly, it was crowded because both professionals and beginners were there at the same time,' said Pasang Rinji Sherpa, a guide, adding that because of some of the novice climbers, movement was slow.
Pasang Rinji has already climbed the peak twice but was forced to retreat this time because he got sick on the mountain.
He said there were many cases of flu and the 'Khumbu cough,' named after a region on Everest, that affects climbers at high altitudes. Some climbers and guides abandoned or postponed their ascent, he said.
He said that only selected or qualified climbers should be allowed to climb the peak to make the experience safer and easier.
'Right now there are beginners with no experience or knowledge and professional at the same time and this is causing the problem,' he said. 'There should be basic knowledge for the climbers to use gear properly and be safe while climbing Everest.'
Six-time Everest summiteer Jenjen Lama also said the weather was the biggest hurdle this year.
'The weather was very difficult to predict and the forecast would be great for the following day, but on the day the weather would deteriorate every hour or so,' he said. 'Weather was very challenging as it would frequently change without any warning.'
Friday marks the 72nd anniversary of the conquest of Mount Everest by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and his Sherpa guide Tenzing Norgay.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time Business News
13 hours ago
- Time Business News
Ultimate Himalayan Adventure with EBC with Helicopter Return and 3 High Passes Gokyo Valley
High up in the Himalaya there is a journey that shakes your legs and heart both. Everest Base Camp with helicopter return and also adding Gokyo valley and the big 3 high passes is like taking one trip but feeling like you have done three life dreams together. The mountains here are so close you can touch the ice in the air, the sky is so blue it hurts the eyes, and the cold wind cuts but makes you more alive than a home sofa. You walk in places where the world's tallest mountains watch you, sleep in tiny teahouses, eat hot soup, and the next morning cross a pass with snow on all sides. Then at the end, instead of walking all the way down, you fly in a helicopter over the same valleys you climbed—watching in minutes what took days to walk. This trip is not just trekking; it is a big adventure, a memory for all time. The Everest Base Camp trek is an old classic; the name itself makes so many dreams awake at night. Start in Lukla, a small airport on a mountain edge, then walk valley by valley, crossing bridges, hanging, passing small Sherpa villages, and smelling juniper smoke in the air. Every day you climb slowly, feel the height, and see the peaks change. Tengboche monastery stands with mountains behind like big paintings, you hear monks chant in the morning, and prayer flags fly high. Trails are dusty in the lower part and snowy in the higher part, but every step takes you closer to that place where climbers start their journey to the top of the world. When you reach Base Camp, glaciers crunch underfoot, and the Khumbu Icefall stands tall like a frozen wave. You don't see Everest's summit from there but you feel it in the air, in the sound of wind. It's a place where your breath is short but your heart is full. Walking up to EBC is a dream, but walking down can feel like the same road twice. That's where helicopter returns make it special. You finish trekking to Base Camp and Kala Patthar; you stand high and see Everest's front face in morning light, and then instead of going back by foot, you sit in a chopper seat. In a few minutes, the villages you pass slowly now run under you like a map. You see Ama Dablam, Lhotse, and Everest all from the air; rivers look like silver threads, and bridges like tiny lines. Wind from the rotor mixes with the smell of mountain air, your ears fill with engine hum, and your eyes are busy catching every view. Helicopters land in Lukla or even Kathmandu; you save days and keep the best part of the trek fresh in your head. It's a mix of a hard climb up and a royal ride down. The Gokyo valley trek is a different flavor of the Everest region. You leave the main EBC trail and go toward turquoise lakes that shine like gems under snowy peaks. Gokyo village itself sits by a big lake, mountains reflect on water, and Cho Oyu rises behind a white wall. Climb Gokyo Ri early in the morning and you see a view that some say is better than Kala Patthar—Everest, Lhotse, Makalu, and the whole valley of lakes spread like a storybook. The trail here passes glaciers and quiet valleys and is less crowded than the EBC side. Yaks graze on slopes, stone houses with blue roofs, and the smell of butter tea in lodges. In season, the sky is so clear at night you see the Milky Way falling into the lake. It's peaceful but also wild. The Everest 3 high passes trek—Kongma La, Cho La, and Renjo La—is not a joke. Each one takes you high, above 5,000 meters, where air is thin and snow is often underfoot. This trek connects both the EBC side and the Gokyo side, making a big loop so you see all the main spots. Kongma La is raw, quiet, and rocky—you feel like you are walking on another planet. Cho La is a dramatic ice and rock mix; you may need microspikes if it snows. Renjo La gives one of the best views in the region, with the Gokyo lakes and Everest behind. Crossing these passes is hard work; lungs burn and legs are heavy, but the reward is seeing valleys that few trekkers see. It's for strong walkers who want more than just Base Camp. See Everest from land and air both. Touch base at the campground where expeditions start. Fly in a helicopter over the same trails you walk. Visit turquoise lakes in Gokyo valley. Cross three high mountain passes with amazing views. Experience Sherpa culture in remote villages. Taste hot meals after cold days. Watch the sunrise over the world's highest peaks. Because normal EBC is great, but this combination gives you all faces of the mountain land. You get the famous trek, the lesser-known beauty, the thrill of high passes, and the luxury of flying back. It's like a full menu instead of one dish. For strong trekkers, it gives challenge and variety. For memory lovers, it gives a story to tell for life. Start with a flight to Lukla, then trek through Phakding and Namche Bazaar—a big Sherpa town. Go to Tengboche, Dingboche, Lobuche, Gorak Shep, then EBC and Kala Patthar. From there you can cross Cho La to reach Gokyo valley, climb Gokyo Ri, and cross Renjo La and back down. Or for 3 full passes, add Kongma La first. Helicopters can pick you up after the last pass or after the Gokyo Ri climb. Highlights are Namche market, Tengboche monastery, Khumbu Glacier, the Everest view from Kala Patthar, Gokyo lakes, and passes with prayer flags snapping in the wind. Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) are best. In spring, rhododendrons bloom in lower parts, snow is stable in high parts, and the sky is clear. Autumn gives dry trails, strong views, and cool but not freezing cold in lower villages. Monsoon months (June to August) have heavy rain in the lower part and clouds in the high part; winter (December to February) is very cold and passes are sometimes closed. Sherpa people have lived in these valleys for centuries. They are Buddhist, with monasteries, chortens, and prayer wheels everywhere. You see Mani stones carved with sacred words. Houses built from stone, roofs painted blue or green. Hospitality is warm even in freezing cold. Tea houses are run by families, kids run around in alleys, and elders spin prayer wheels outside. Festivals like Mani Rimdu in Tengboche bring dances, masks, and chanting. Tea houses in villages give rooms with simple beds, blankets, and sometimes solar hot showers. The food menu mixes Nepali (dal bhat) and western styles like pasta, pancakes, and fried rice. Higher up, food choices are fewer and prices are higher because all is carried by porters or yaks. Weather changes quickly—sunny mornings can turn to snow by afternoon. Temp in the lower part is 10-20°C in season, near freezing at night. Higher up, the day may be just above zero, and the night may go to minus 10-15°C, colder at passes. AMS (Acute Mountain Sickness) hits when you go too high too fast. Headache, nausea, loss of appetite, and trouble sleeping. To avoid this, go slow, rest extra days in Namche and In Dingboche, drink plenty of water, and drink no alcohol high up. Some take Diamox pills. If serious symptoms, must go down. Passes are high risk, so be careful and listen to guides. Cost depends on days, route, and helicopter. A normal EBC trek can be $1,200 to $1,800. Adding helicopter returns makes $500–$800 more. Full 3 passes with Gokyo can cost $2,000 to $3,000 with a guide, porter, permits, flights, food, and lodging. Bring extra for snacks, hot showers, charging devices, and tips for staff. This trip is not just a walk in the mountains—it is a test of the body, an open eye to wild nature, and a gift to your memory. EBC with a helicopter gives speed and views, Gokyo valley give calm beauty, and 3 passes give a big challenge. All together, it's one of the best Himalayan adventures possible for normal trekkers who want a full taste of Khumbu. You come back tired but with eyes full of white peaks forever. Q: How fit must I be? Better if you can walk 6-7 hours a day uphill. Train before. Q: Is helicopter return safe? Yes, with good company, but weather decides flight. Q: Can I do without a guide? Possible but guides help for safety and routes, especially on passes. Q: Is Wi-Fi available? In many lodges but slow and pay per use. Q: Any age limit? Not fixed, but must be healthy and strong. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Traveler captures extraordinary footage of 'ghost of the mountains': 'Sightings are incredibly rare'
Traveler captures extraordinary footage of 'ghost of the mountains': 'Sightings are incredibly rare' An astounding video captured by one traveler with Natural Habitat Adventures in the Himalayan Mountains showed an exceptional video of the seldom-found, majestic snow leopard. "These elusive big cats are known as 'ghosts of the mountains' for good reason–sightings are incredibly rare, and to witness one in the wild is the ultimate wildlife encounter," wrote the Instagram caption of Natural Habitat Adventures, which shared the jaw-dropping video on their Instagram. Though 'ghosts of the mountains' are no longer classified as endangered, they are noted as a vulnerable species. The beautiful creatures have faced poaching, habitat loss due to human interference, and ecosystem degradation. However, the International Union for Conservation of Nature announced in 2017 a change to its status, following an assessment by international experts. "To be considered 'endangered', there must be fewer than 2,500 mature snow leopards and they must be experiencing a high rate of decline," Dr. Tom McCarthy, the leader of the Snow Leopard Programme at big cat charity Panthera, told BBC News. Now vulnerable, the species has "under 10,000 breeding animals left, with a population decline of at least 10% over three generations." Conservation efforts are said to be the reason why these species are now considered vulnerable. Sightings such as these from the Natural Habitat Adventures are exceedingly hopeful for the species, as they show that their populations are becoming more stable. Trail cameras, in addition to sightings by travellers, are measures taken by researchers to assess the populations. The Wildlife Conservation Society wrote that their conservation efforts involve "camera traps and satellite collars, community outreach and governance building, protected area development and management, anti-poaching and anti-trafficking initiatives, monitoring, conflict management, and health assessments." In uplifting conservation efforts, it paves the way for growing populations of rare species like snow leopards. Their survival goes beyond just wildlife conservation; it ensures that the ecosystem is balanced, which has implications for human food supply and health. "We're always thrilled to see what our travellers experience in the field–and this one is truly extraordinary," wrote the caption on the Instagram post. 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. 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 the daily Crossword
CNN
3 days ago
- CNN
Man trapped behind waterfall for two days rescued
Man trapped behind waterfall for two days rescued Police in California used a helicopter to rescue a man who was trapped behind a large waterfall for two days while climbing, according to officials. The man was treated for minor injuries and reunited with family, police said. 00:36 - Source: CNN Vertical Top News 14 videos Man trapped behind waterfall for two days rescued Police in California used a helicopter to rescue a man who was trapped behind a large waterfall for two days while climbing, according to officials. The man was treated for minor injuries and reunited with family, police said. 00:36 - Source: CNN Hurricane hunters fly through Hurricane Erin Hurricane hunters with the NOAA flew through Hurricane Erin after it rapidly intensified into a rare Category 5 hurricane. Erin is expected to continue to fluctuate in intensity as it undergoes an eyewall replacement cycle. 00:37 - Source: CNN Zelensky prepares for White House meeting In the wake of the Alaska summit between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin, European leaders joined Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky for a conference call ahead of the leader's meeting with the US president at the White House on Monday. 01:24 - Source: CNN Nationwide demonstrations across Israel demanding hostage deal A planned nationwide strike in Israel on Sunday saw hundreds of thousands take part to call on the government to bring the remaining hostages in Gaza home. CNN's Oren Liebermann reports from Tel Aviv. 01:23 - Source: CNN Canadian government orders end to Air Canada strike After more than 10,000 Air Canada flight attendants went on strike seeking wage increases and paid compensation for work when planes are on the ground, the Canada Industrial Relations Board has ordered them to return to work according to an announcement by Canadian Jobs Minister Patty Hajdu. 01:05 - Source: CNN What to expect from Zelensky-Trump meeting President Trump will meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Monday after the two leaders had a 'long and substantive conversation.' A European official told CNN that during the call they also discussed potential 'Article 5-type' security guarantees for Ukraine. CNN's Nick Paton Walsh reports. 01:46 - Source: CNN Russian media reacts positively to Trump-Putin Summit Russian state TV gave a positive coverage of the outcome of the Trump-Putin summit in Alaska, celebrating the handshake between the two leaders. Russian officials also stated that the meeting resulted in progress on sanctions and opened up room for future negotiations. CNN's Fred Pleitgen reports. 01:23 - Source: CNN F-22s that intercept Russian aircraft greet Putin on red carpet Four F-22 Raptors flanked the red carpet on the tarmac as Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson for his meeting with US President Donald Trump. CNN's Natasha Bertrand details how these F-22 are are the same type used to intercept Russian aircraft. 00:43 - Source: CNN London's toxic trash 'volcano' Arnolds Field landfill on Launders Lane in east London is better known to locals as the 'Rainham volcano.' The site was used as an illegal dump for years and now, every summer, it bursts into flames, sending plumes of acrid smoke over nearby homes, parks and schools. CNN's Laura Paddison speaks to residents who feel abandoned and trapped. 02:05 - Source: CNN Here's what happened during Trump-Putin meeting CNN's Kristen Holmes breaks down what happened during President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin's summit in Anchorage, Alaska. 02:35 - Source: CNN Trump-Putin summit ends with no deal US President Donald Trump said he and Russian President Vladimir Putin 'made some headway' and 'great progress' in their bilateral meeting, but added that 'there's no deal until there's a deal.' 01:15 - Source: CNN Putin makes faces as journalists ask about Ukraine Russian President Vladimir Putin did not respond to reporters' questions about the war in Ukraine as his meeting with President Donald Trump and top aides was set to begin. Putin appeared to make a confused expression as multiple journalists began shouting questions. 00:13 - Source: CNN Trump and Putin land in Alaska for historic summit US President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived at a US military base in Alaska where the two leaders took part in a red carpet greeting ahead of their talks on Ukraine. As both leaders met on the tarmac, a flyover of American military planes passed overhead, including fighter jets and what appeared to be a B-2 stealth bomber. 00:59 - Source: CNN Erin becomes Atlantic season's first hurricane Erin strengthened to become the Atlantic season's first hurricane. The storm is expected to avoid landfall in the United States but might create dangerous beach conditions along the Atlantic coast, forecasters predict. CNN's Brandon Miller breaks down the hurricane's path. 00:58 - Source: CNN
