Nepal to Move Everest Base Camp from Melting Glacier

The environment and humanity are seriously at risk from global warming. The rising number of catastrophes and natural calamities frequently demonstrates how global warming may bring about even more hazardous circumstances in the future. The factors influencing global warming also frequently attack Nepal. One of the most important things to observe in the Nepalese Himalayas is the receding glaciers and snow. The numerous Himalayas are trekked by thousands of tourists each year. One of them is Everest Base Camp. According to recent news reports, Nepal is getting ready to relocate the Everest Base Camp 400 meters lower than it was previously due to the melting glaciers and ice crystals.

Severe glacier melting might pose a serious problem for the Khumbu Region.

The ongoing melting of Khumbu Glacier and other mild glaciers is the biggest issue at Everest Base Camp. The Everest Base Camp attracts many tourists and trekkers from all over the world at a height of 5,364 meters. Numerous massive glaciers are on the verge of slowly melting, which is a significant problem. Additionally, this will impact Nepal’s tourist industry and geographical setting. The Khumbu area is also a well-liked destination for trekkers from all over the world. Taranath Adhikari, the director of Nepal’s tourism division, reportedly cites the need to move the base camp to a more secure location.

Move Everest Base Camp from Melting Glacier
Nepal to Move Everest Base Camp from Melting Glacier

One of the experts in the field of research, Scott Watson, highlights the significant rock and ice falls from high cliffs that directly affect glaciers and water supplies. Due to the recent temperature rise, this is moving quickly. It is a severe problem because the ice caps and ice cliffs are rapidly melting. Similarly, Scott reports that these glaciers are losing about 10 million cubic feet of water annually, which is highly alarming. In addition, there is now a problem with melting the ice and rising water level. Similar to this, one of the Nepalese Authorities draws attention to the issue of the stream’s rapid extension that passes through the middle of the Everest Base Camp.

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Concerned Authorities and Locals

A Nepalese Army soldier stationed at Everest Base Camp reports seeing several ice crevasses and fissures at night. For a very long period, he has been employed there. In a similar vein, this year, we have seen several ice sinkholes as well as rapid glaciers melting. Likewise, trekkers and officials saw several fissures at the Everest Base Camp last week, from June 5 to June 10. Also, the worrying circumstances at Everest Base Camp serve as a warning about the causes causing global warming. The Khumbu Region is seeing a gradual increase in risk; hence must resolve the issue immediately.

Tshering Tenzing Sherpa, widely known as the director of Everest Base Camp, identifies the issue in Base Camp. He claims that crack makes loud noises during the day and at night. He also mentions that the Everest Base Camp is becoming a bit more challenging to remain in due to the ongoing collapse of ice cliffs. Similarly, some authorities point out that many tourists are the main issue. They warn that many garbage, kerosene, oil, and waste products may potentially be contributing to this. Additionally, many mountaineers who founded excursions and guides favor the idea of shifting the Everest Base Camp, predicting future avalanches, glacier melt, and continuous rock fall.

Likewise, the authorities might shift the Everest Base Camp, making it more difficult to ascend. The route will also be a little longer and a little prolonged. Most trekkers, nevertheless, are still successfully reaching Everest Base Camp’s peak. Similarly, the SPCC director, Mr. Sherpa, noted that the journey to Everest Base Camp wouldn’t present any issues for at least three years. Additionally, the Everest Base Camp will move by 2024, according to the Nepali Authorities and the founders of trekking and tourist companies. Taranath Adhikari stated that the decision concludes after consulting with representatives from all relevant fields, including the local populace.

Nepal to Move Everest Base Camp from Melting Glacier
Nepal to Move Everest Base Camp from Melting Glacier

Melting Glaciers and Falling Ice Rocks in the Everest Base Camp

According to several studies and research, the Everest region’s glaciers and ice caps continue to thin away at a rate of 1 m per year, tremendously detrimental to nature. Furthermore, as the temperature rises, the entire ice wall slowly melts. Similar to this, numerous fissures are evident across the Khumbu Region, which is quite dangerous for both trekkers and locals. This glacier melts, and ice fissures can potentially seriously harm humankind and the natural world. According to several researchers, most of the glaciers in Nepal’s Khumbu area will disappear by 2024.

Similarly, these glaciers have been supplying water resources from various sources throughout South East Asia. Additionally, recent reports from the BBC and other study initiatives support the notion that the Everest Base Camp area is in a highly alarming stage. More than 1500 trekkers congregate in the Everest Base Camp Area each season. From the Khumbu, as mentioned earlier rationale, the streams are constantly growing. A significant hazard to the Khumbu Region is melting the ice lakes, often known as glaciers.

Possible Solutions for Move Everest Base Camp from Melting Glacier

Soon, Nepalese authorities will likely decide to move the Everest Base Camp to a safe site before anything happens, along with high-ranking trekking and tour operators. A significant flow of water will result from the continued melting of glaciers. Huge effects will be produced by the water motions and the slowly and steadily falling ice rocks. The settlements in the surrounding hills and Terai region will also suffer, in addition to those at Everest Base Camp. Thus, the process of glacier melting will spread more quickly and have an impact on many tourism-related industries.

Nepal to Move Everest Base Camp from Melting Glacier
Nepal to Move Everest Base Camp from Melting Glacier

According to recent news from the BBC, most Khumbu region managers and authorities have decided to move to the Everest Base Camp very soon. It is crucial to find a solution to this issue quickly before any natural disasters occur. Since at least five to six years ago, scientists have alerted Nepal to the growing number of thinning glaciers in the eastern Himalayas. In conclusion, the Everest Base Camp will move 400 meters lower than its actual site soon.