Climbers heading for Mount Everest could soon encounter extra security, following the decision by Nepal to deploy a team of security officials at base camp.
Heightened security levels on the mountain come as a result of last year’s conflict between European mountaineers Ueli Steck and Simone Moro and a group of Sherpa, after a fight broke out regarding the fixing of ropes on the mountain. The increasing number of people heading for the summit has also resulted in overcrowding, raising concerns over the safety of climbers and guides alike.
Changes are to be implemented from April when an office staffed by officers from Nepal’s army and police force will open in time for this year’s climbing season. The new base will help out climbers in distress, help to clean the mountain and enforce climbing rules.