EVEREST & SHERPA

In an astounding feat of mountaineering prowess, Kamirita Sherpa from Solukhumbu has scaled the summit of Everest for the second time within a week. Following his triumphant ascent on Wednesday, June 3, where he reached the peak and returned, Sherpa embarked on another daring climb on Tuesday morning. Today, with his remarkable 28th ascent of Mount Everest, he has established an unparalleled record for conquering the world's highest mountain the most times. This extraordinary achievement places Sherpa in a league of his own, surpassing his own previous record of 27 ascents, which was equaled by Pasang Dawa Sherpa of Solukhumbu's Pangboche. The Sherpa community, led by Migma Sherpa, president of Seven Summit Treks Pvt., stands in awe of these two exceptional climbers, who have elevated the art of mountaineering to new heights.

Three Sherpa climbers have gone missing in a crevasse on their way to Camp I from the base camp, according to a source at the base camp.

The incident occurred when the icefall route collapsed between Camp I and the base camp, as the climbers were carrying expedition logistics. Efforts are underway to search and rescue the missing climbers, as the treacherous conditions of the icefall pose a serious challenge. This latest incident highlights the dangers faced by Sherpa climbers and the ongoing risks involved in scaling the world's highest peak.

A Japanese tourist who was visiting the Solukhumbu region, including Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest), has been missing since Chaitra 8 (March 22). The district police office in Solukhumbu has informed that 54-year-old Hitoshi Ishiba, who entered the Khumbu area without a guide, has gone missing.

According to Ram Kishor Shah, a spokesperson for the police office, Ishiba was last seen entering the checkpoint of Namche Chekpost in ward number 5 of Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality on Chaitra 8. On the same night, he stayed at the Chukung Resort in ward number 4 of the rural municipality and expressed his intention to go to Lobuche from there on Chaitra 9, saying he was going for a walk. However, he has not been heard from since, and news of his disappearance was reported to the police through the embassy as he was out of contact.

Temporary police posts in Dingboche and locals searched for him, but the district police office in Solukhumbu has been informed that the search has been intensified

 

Khumbu pasang lhamu Municipality has reversed Nepal Tourism Board decision to ban "solo trekking" in the Sagarmatha region, including the Everest Base Camp Trek. Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality has issued a notice stating that a trekking guide is not mandatory for trekkers in this area. The board and local authorities have come to an agreement, with the board stating that it will not allow free individual trekkers (FITs) to trek across the country. This decision will become mandatory for all trekkers starting from April. The board is committed to ensuring the safety, exploration, and recovery of tourists, and has decided to stop solo trekking to make it easier to locate and rescue tourists in case of accidents.

However, the Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality has said that a guide is not mandatory for trekking in the area, but it has advised trekkers to take a guide for their safety during high-altitude trekking. According to the board's decision, all trekkers must travel with a trekking guide from April, and the board will issue a trekking information management system (TIMS) card at a fixed price to all trekkers who need it. But, the local authorities will issue a trekking card costing NPR 2,000 for trekkers in the Khumbu region.

National Parks have also increased the entry fee for foreigners to NPR 3,000, while local tourists will have to pay NPR 1,000. The government has also increased the rescue insurance fee to NPR 1,000 for local tourists and NPR 4,000 for foreign tourists. The decision was made to cover the cost of rescuing injured tourists in the mountainous regions

Kathmandu, 9 Chaitra - The Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal has suspended three pilots, including one from Annapurna Helicopter, for allegedly violating aviation safety standards. The pilot from Annapurna Helicopter reportedly had a 'negative conversation' with the Lukla tower during a flight.

According to sources, the pilot did not provide correct information to the air traffic controller (ATC). The Authority suspended the three pilots from their respective companies on Thursday. The other two pilots are from Air Dynasty and Fishtail Air, who were allegedly flying a helicopter in the 'Paragliding Zone' in Pokhara.

The Authority has summoned all three pilots to issue a statement. Information officer Jnanendra Bhul informed that a decision regarding the pilots will be made only after receiving their statements.

*Note: The mention of inappropriate language used by the pilot in the previous news has been removed

A 68-year-old slovakian tourist lost his life while trekking in the Solukhumbu region of Nepal. The incident occurred on Monday night in the Gorak Shep area of Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality-4. According to the District Police Office, Solukhumbu, the tourist died due to altitude Sickness.

The police inspector and information officer, Ram Kishor Sah, informed that the region has been facing difficulties in rescue operations due to continuous snowfall. The communication services in the area have also been affected by the heavy snowfall.

The deceased tourist had come to Nepal for traditional adventure activities, including Himalayan mountaineering. He was staying at the Himalayan Hotel in Khumbu Pasanglhamu Rural Municipality-4. The Deputy Superintendent of Police, Dipak Shrestha, informed that the tourist was found dead in his room.

The group of 13 tourists, including the deceased, had entered the Namche area on Chaitra 1. However, due to adverse weather conditions, the rescue operation faced difficulties in retrieving the body. The police have stated that the rescue operation in the Khumbu region is possible only by helicopter on Wednesdays during the snowfall.

This incident highlights the importance of safety precautions for tourists traveling to remote regions of Nepal. It is also a reminder of the need for adequate measures to be taken to ensure the safety of foreign tourists during adventure activities.