As the tallest mountain in the world, Mount Everest is a thrill for the most intrepid explorers to take on. Making up part of the Himalayan Mountain Range in Nepal, the peak’s summit marks the international border between here and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China. A climb to the summit often takes about 2 months and is one of the most challenging routes on earth for even the most expert climbers.
Considering international travel accounts for 25% of global greenhouse gas emissions, it’s more vital than ever for tourists to consider ways to make their travel more sustainable. Considering Mount Everest sits in some of the most spectacular alpine landscapes that provide a home to both wildlife and human communities, a climb here is the perfect way to learn how to implement more sustainable ways to travel.
From when to climb, to the best places to stay around Mount Everest, here is how to do one of Earth’s most unworldly walks in the most sustainable way.
When to Climb Everest to Make It Sustainable
For travel to be more sustainable, the impact of it should be unseen once it’s done. In Mount Everest, the most stable weather conditions, though still extreme, are in the Spring season of April to May. The more stable the weather the better to ensure hikers can navigate the peak as easily as possible and so create little impact. However, it’s also worth remembering that the Spring can bring the busiest tourist season, so picking out quieter windows within the season would help reduce any overcrowding impacts to the snow.
Climbing when there are fewer fellow tourists can help reduce greater pollution in the forms of litter and light from humans during peak times. Crowds put pressure on the delicate environment as well as disturbance to local communities. Choosing the quieter times of year is the best to benefit both local people and landscapes.
Sustainable Areas to See at Mount Everest
From pristine white beauty to UNESCO-protected landscapes, there is so much to see up and around Mount Everest. Even on a trek to Everest Base Camp which sits at the bottom of the mountain, you can see so much wonder across the landscape. The Khumbu Glacier is one of the largest glaciers in Nepal and its prominence can be seen on the way to Everest.
Sargarmatha National Park which encompasses the Everest region, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its high level of conservation of the unique alpine ecosystem and wildlife. Trek through the park which promotes eco-tourism and spot species like snow leopards in their natural habitat. Follow marked trails to ensure you make as little impact as possible on the most delicate parts of the park away from the paths.
Sustainable Things to Do at Mount Everest
An incredible Mount Everest trek to Base Camp can be easily made sustainable. With an eco-friendly tour operator, you can engage in activities along the way that are sure to maintain sustainable practices like minimising waste, utilising renewable energy and engaging with local mountain communities.
Go with the assurance that your holiday will be carbon offset and equally enjoy other means of sustainable activities up to the Base. Visit the Tengboche Monastery which is a spiritual and cultural centre for the local Sherpa people. Sherpa culture is a deep-rooted part of Everest communities and involvement in local customs is a great way to help create a positive impact on locals.
By Lloyd Smith, CC BY-SA 3.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?curid=26218152
Sustainable Places to Stay at Mount Everest
For a trek to be truly sustainable at Everest, it matters where you spend the nighttimes too. Along trekking routes, there are various eco-lodges and tea houses that utilise renewable sources for their running. Yeti Mountain Lodges prioritises solar power for heating and electricity so that tourists can equally enjoy the comforts they would desire from a stay.
Lodges are designed using local materials and craftsmanship to support local talents and help local people earn a living. While being environmentally friendly, lodges and camping-style facilities up to Everest are sure to be comfortable and a once-in-a-lifetime stay.
For a hotel stay, Hotel Everest is the highest-altitude hotel in the world that offers stunning views across the mountainscape. The hotel also incorporates solar power and sustainable water use. Local people are hired and the most locally sourced food is served.
What to Pack for a Sustainable Climb at Everest
From a backpack made from renewable materials to the usage of renewable products and sustainable brands, it’s fairly easy to pack as sustainably as possible. Bring pairs of thermal socks made from natural materials like merino wool as this can keep your feet warm and still create little impact on the environment.
Utilise reusable water bottles to refill along the way as most tea house experiences offer boiled or freshly filtered water. Reusable food containers are good for the environment but equally a good way to show respect and gratitude to the local staff serving you. Bring bamboo cutlery for eco-friendly and reusable options.
Summary
Whether it’s a trek to Everest Base Camp or you’re one of a handful of the most intrepid taking on a trek up Everest itself, there are many ways to make a trip to Nepal as sustainable as possible. Travel there helps boost the local economy to help local people and will equally provide a once-in-a-lifetime trip for you!