Nepal has announced new requirements for climbers climbing Mount Everest. All climbers must now rent and use tracking chips on their trips.
Under the new rules, climbers must pay between $10 and $15 for a chip that will be sewn into their jacket. At the end of the expedition, the chip must be returned and leased to the next climber.
Rakesh Gurung, director of Nepal's tourism department, pointed out that many mountaineering companies already use GPS trackers.
According to the latest information, the spring climbing season on Everest, which usually lasts from March to May, will soon begin. Most of the ascents are scheduled for May 18. During this period, the conditions for carrying out expeditions to the highest mountain in the world are the most favorable.
Recently, the government of Nepal has taken other measures to ensure the safety of climbers. The Nepal Tourism Board said last year that climbers on any mountain must obtain a Tracking Information Management System card from an authorized agency. Tracking chips have also been implemented in the past. In 2017, some Everest climbers received GPS trackers to facilitate rescue.
In addition, climbers climbing Everest are now also required to collect their waste and bring it to base camp for disposal. This happened after scientists discovered that climbers leave microorganisms on the top of the mountain.
