Climbers on Everest Must Carry Tracking Chip
The new rule which states climbers must rent the tracking chip during their climbs comes into effect this spring
Nepal has announced that it will require all climbers heading up Everest to rent and carry tracking chips on their ascents. To climb Everest from Nepal costs $11,000 in 2024, but with food and guide costs it costs around $40,000.
“Reputed companies were already using them but now it’s been mandatory for all climbers,” Rakesh Gurung, director of Nepal’s department of tourism, told CNN. “It will cut down search and rescue time in the event of an accident.” The chips will cost each climber up to $15 to rent and they’ll be sewn into a jacket. The chips will be removed after the climbers return and they’ll be rented again to the next climbers. The chips are meant to increase the chances of rescuing a missing climber.
In 2023, there was a record 478 climbing permits handed out by Nepal. It was also the most deadly year ever on Everest with 17 climbers confirmed dead or missing – read more about it here. “It is almost impossible to rescue climbers at that altitude,” said Bigyan Koirala of Nepal’s department of tourism.
This year marks the 100th anniversary of the 1924 attempt to climb Everest by George Mallory and Andrew Irvine, watch a presentation about it by Conrad Anker and Wade Davis below.
1924 on Everest
Check out the latest buyer's guide:
