Tense days in the Himalays

Welcome to their world.

Everest

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A Sherpa supported  expedition is one where a company organizes all the logistics: food, group gear, transportation plus Sherpa support but does not provide traditional western guides or, in some case, even a lead Sherpa Guide. These cater to experienced climbers or those on a tight budget. You can sign onto one of these climb for under $30,000 on the south side . Expeditions on the mountain spent almost $12 million in Nepal in the spring of 2012'.

"Statistics from "The Washington Post"

The Sherpa's have called off their mountain climbing season to honour dead colleagues.

 The New YorkTimes  reports a Sherpa as saying “Climbers actually say, ‘I’ve paid $50,000, you are here to work for me, and you have to accompany me !' .The mountain itself feels like it is losing its value. Just about everyone seems to want to climb it by paying a Sherpa who will ensure reaching the summit.”

A file of climbers snaking up Everest.

There are ecological problems namely with trash and unwanted cast offs.

Money however pours into the local economy, including hotel rooms, nights in teahouses, local cellphone use, and the hiring of yaks and porters to carry supplies up the mountain. 

 Frustration at the government is also spurring on  the Sherpa's decision. Mount Everest’s Sherpas can make $3,000 to $5,000 in a season, supplemented with bonuses if they reach the summit. But

they face huge risks, and some have expressed frustration as life on the mountain has been overwhelmed by circumstances. Added to the mix ,  Nepalese authorities have infuriated many of the Sherpas by offering 40,000 rupees, or about $410, as compensation to the families of the dead.

It all looks like a bit of a mess , in more ways than one!#