On May 8, 2008, Chinese climbers reached the top of the world at local time 0120 GMT with an Olympic flame. The historic moment was telecasted by China’s state television. This is the first time in Olympic history that an Olympic torch lit on top of the Mount Everest, world’s highest mountain. The event was surrounded by controversies after China’s crackdown on the recent unrest in Tibet, which started in March with violent demonstrations against Chinese rule. The ascent of Olympic flame was given heavy security in both Tibetan and Nepalese side of Everest to prevent any kind of disturbances. Nepal faced heavy criticism on its ban on media and climbing expedition during the flame’s ascent period. After the successful ascent of Olympic flame, Nepal lifted the ban and mountaineers at Everest base camp are now moving towards the summit.

Olympic torch relay, London 

The Ministry of Culture Tourism and Civil Aviation, Nepal, announced reduction on royalty fee for mountain climbing from fifty to seventy five percentage during different seasons. To make Nepal more competitive in tourism industry and attract more climbers and mountaineers, the Ministry will make royalty-free climbing for mountains located around central and far western regions. The ministry is also promoting new mountain climbing program with “Nepal for all season” slogan from new fiscal year.

The increasing trend in tourist arrival to Nepal continued to increase in the month of March recording a growth rate of 17.30% against the arrival figure of same period last year. According to statistical figure disseminated by Nepal Tourism Board Q.{TB), a total of 40,032 foreign visitors came to Nepal via air in March 2008.

Expect some Asian countries; arrival figures of all market segments were very encouraging in the month of March. The arrivals from India, which had been dwindling for the last few months, recorded a growth of 9%.

Eco Everest Expedition 2008, announced that Dawa Steven Sherpa has arrived at Everest Base camp to begin his expedition and he will be conducting field test at base camp and on the mountain. Furthermore, expedition is raising funds to fund further research on monitoring and early warning systems for glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs). The trust fund has been set up and will be managed by ICIMOD (International Center for Integrated Mountain Development).

To contribute: Eco Everest Expedition 2008

Expedition Video of Mr. Dawa Steven Sherpa

Photo by:Michael Lewis