Posted: Oct 29, 2007 02:26 pm EST
(MountEverest.net) In a special report one month ago, ExWeb wrote that Nepal's government announced reductions in climbing fees, while China contemplated a raise and also to restrict Everest during the Olympic torch summit push in addition to screening of climbers next spring.

A few weeks later, official word arrived regarding the situation. Friday, back from his follow up visit to China Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA) in Lhasa, Tibet - Ang Tshering reported:

Stricter criteria, but no restrictions on summit push?

"On our agenda were the following issues:

- The impact of the Olympic expedition on other climbers,
- Theft and misconduct on the mountain, and
- The difficulty of managing the yaks.

"They have once again assured us that there will be no limitations on Everest, only stricter criteria to fulfil. Also, they have once again
assured us that there will be no restriction to climbing during the summit push of the Olympic flame."

"Beginning spring 2008, CTMA and the Chinese authorities will become involved in any unsporting activities on the mountain, especially theft," Ang Tshering reports.

"They have agreed to station one liaison officer at ABC to monitor and act upon any complaints of misbehaviour. We welcome this positive step to improve the reputation of mountaineering."

The yaks

"One of the issues that climbers face when climbing on the north side is the problem with the unfair allocation of yaks. We have raised this issue on numerous occasions. I requested them to allocate a flat weight limit per person, regardless of the spring or the autumn season. This is also a better system than to allocate by yak. They need to discuss this with the local governor of the Qomolungma region. Only then will they be able to give us a response."

The Everest Eco-Expedition

"Earlier in October, I attended the UIAA and Union of Asian Alpine Associations (UAAA) general assemblies. I feel very proud and honoured to inform you that at the event, I was elected as the next President for the year 2008 and 2009. Top on my agenda as president will be the protection of mountain environments, and encouraging noble and pioneering climbing and mountaineering activities amongst the youth.

"Also at Matsumoto, I attended the International Environmental conference 2007, where I gave a presentation titled "Global warming and glacier physiognomy" with special emphasis on critical cases in the Himalayas. I am very glad to report that it was very well received by the Japanese media and public, resulting in some environmental organisations to immediately start coming for project studies."

"In 2008, Asian Trekking will be organising the Everest Eco-Expedition under the leadership of my son Dawa Steven Sherpa, who is also an Everest Summiteer. We aim to raise awareness of our deteriorating mountain environment; especially, the effects of global warming on glacial melting and the formation of glacial lakes."

"Our expedition hopes to use Mt. Everest as a platform to spread our message. We will also be organizing small cleanup activities at base camp and on the mountain. We will also be testing new solutions to keeping the mountain clean."

Climbing wall

"Furthermore, for those who lack the time and strength, we are also organizing special joining treks in the Everest region, highlighting the great projects that different NGOs and INGOs are doing in the mountains.

"Back home in Kathmandu, Asian Trekking has started to build its climbing wall at the office premisis in Thamel. It will be 12m wide and 25m high. I welcome all our friends to come and test your skills the next time you are in Kathmandu."

Kind regards
Ang Tshering Sherpa

Early September, Ang Tshering Sherpa, Chairman for Asian Trekking (P) Ltd and President of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, flew to Lhasa for a meeting with CMA & CTMA, in an event attended by high level delegates from Beijing and Lhasa.

Getting down to the unofficial reports ExWeb received that China would try to convince Nepal to help restrict the peak from both sides during the Olympic torch climbers' summit push, Ang Tshering reported that China will not limit the number of expeditions in 2008.

"The Olympic team has not yet given any indication or mention regarding the restriction of climbing during their summit push from the North Side. We will have to wait for them to make an official decision on this matter. However, there is no restriction on the south side."

About screening of climbers, Ang Tshering reported:

"However, their major concern is that their Olympic expedition runs smoothly, safely and with no problems. To ensure that this will be the case they will be strictly vetting each and every expedition so that they will only have 'quality' expeditions." According to Ang Tshering, following three main criteria was required by China for expeditions to fulfill if they want to climb Everest from the Tibet side in 2008:

1. All members of an expedition have to be the same nationality.
2. All documentation and confirmation of expedition has to be sent at least two and a half months in advance.
3. Only well organized, well supported and fully equipped teams will be allowed to climb.

A major blow to teams supported by Nepali Sherpas, the news was however revised in a later mail:

"Since then [the previous report], I have been putting your requests and suggestions forward to CTMA and we have only just received great news. They are now willing to accept up to 3 nationalities per expedition including Nepali staff."

At the meeting, Ang Tshering also put forward the growing problem of safety and security (theft) on the mountain. "CTMA has agreed to take stern action against any individual or group found to be involved in theft or misconduct," he reports.

"They are now working out how to implement this. It is very likely that they will install extra Liaison officers at Advanced Base Camp. NMA and the concerned Nepali authorities fully support this move. I hope this will finally solve this ugly and embarrassing problem."

During the summit, a special banquet was held in honor of Asian Trekking and NMA, hosted by the vice chairman of Tibet autonomous government. As Asian Trekking is the official GSA for CTMA, the agency asked Ang Tshering to be their mouthpiece; and forward any news and updates regarding mountaineering in Tibet and China.

"It will be my great pleasure and privilege to keep the mountaineering community informed," Ang Tshering ends his email, stating that both organizations will now work close together to effectively and efficiently exchange and provide information.

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