Renowned mountaineer Nirmal "Nimsdai" Purja has died after a devastating avalanche struck Broad Peak in Pakistan during an international expedition. Several other climbers also lost their lives in the disaster, while rescue efforts were hampered by severe weather conditions.

Nirmal Purja dead after avalanche struck Pak's Broad Peak 

Avalanches in the Himalayas have led to an increase in the number of deaths and have also threatened the safety of climbers, suggests research.

The experts warn that global heating is aggravating the risk of high-altitude mountaineering during the climbing season in the Himalayan mountain range.

Over the past 50 years, at least 564 people lost their lives due to avalanches while climbing peaks above 4,500 metres (14,770ft) in the Himalayas, as per a recent analysis. Capping the data to the 14 peaks above 8,000 metres and a few other major climbing peaks above 6,000 metres in the Himalayas, at least 1,400 people have died during high-altitude mountaineering between the years 1895 and 2022. Out of these 33% of the deaths were because of avalanches.

Deadly avalanches on famous peaks including Everest, Ama Dablam, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri were not a current consequence, "mountains will avalanche. They have been doing it for decades,” The Guardian quoted mountaineer Alan Arnette as saying.

The climbing season in the central Himalayas, where the majority of peaks that are popular amongst climbers are located, has been before the onset of monsoon season in India, which is from March to May and then from September to November.&nbsp;

“The highlands of the Himalayas are generally protected from the impacts of cyclones originating in the Indian Ocean as the cyclones lose energy as they travel across the landmass,” Arun Bhakta Shrestha, a climate scientist at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development was quoted as saying by The Guardian.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/heres-the-list-of-isros-upcoming-missions-for-2023-24-631118">Here's the list of ISRO's upcoming missions for 2023-24</a>

“However, occasionally cyclones do impact the interiors of Himalayan highlands causing excessive snowfall and even causing loss of lives,” Shrestha added.

Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, said: “In response to the rapid warming in the Indian Ocean, the monsoon has become more erratic, with short spells of heavy rains and long dry periods, and the cyclones in the Arabian Sea have increased in frequency, intensity and duration and they are intensifying quickly both in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal,” according to The Guardian.

With the significant impact of climate change, which is being witnessed by the globe, there has been a sharp change in the patterns of monsoon precipitation and the frequency of cyclone formation. This has led to disruptions in the climbing season which was earlier predictable.

“In 1996, when we had that disaster on Everest [in which eight climbers died in a blizzard], it just absolutely cemented the fact that you have to consider what’s happening in the Bay of Bengal. If there’s a cyclone there, you have to watch it,” said Chris Tomer, a meteorologist and weather forecaster for mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayas.

“In the last five years, four out of the five years we had to worry about something in the Bay of Bengal during the peak climbing season on Everest.”

Tomer, who has been forecasting for nearly two decades, said: “Not that the weather wasn’t challenging 20 years ago, but it’s really been something to see the amount of snow on Manaslu and Dhaulagiri the last couple of years. They stand out with some of the most extreme weather over the last few years,” as per The Guardian.

The study was published in European Geosciences Union. 
 
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Avalanches in the Himalayas have led to an increase in the number of deaths and have also threatened the safety of climbers, suggests research. The experts warn that global heating is aggravating the risk of high-altitude mountaineering during the climbing season in the Himalayan mountain range.

Avalanches in the Himalayas have led to an increase in the number of deaths and have also threatened the safety of climbers, suggests research. The experts warn that global heating is aggravating the risk of high-altitude mountaineering during the climbing season in the Himalayan mountain range. Over the past 50 years, at least 564 people lost their lives due to avalanches while climbing peaks above 4,500 metres (14,770ft) in the Himalayas, as per a recent analysis. Capping the data to the 14 peaks above 8,000 metres and a few other major climbing peaks above 6,000 metres in the Himalayas, at least 1,400 people have died during high-altitude mountaineering between the years 1895 and 2022. Out of these 33% of the deaths were because of avalanches. Deadly avalanches on famous peaks including Everest, Ama Dablam, Manaslu and Dhaulagiri were not a current consequence, "mountains will avalanche. They have been doing it for decades,” The Guardian quoted mountaineer Alan Arnette as saying. The climbing season in the central Himalayas, where the majority of peaks that are popular amongst climbers are located, has been before the onset of monsoon season in India, which is from March to May and then from September to November. “The highlands of the Himalayas are generally protected from the impacts of cyclones originating in the Indian Ocean as the cyclones lose energy as they travel across the landmass,” Arun Bhakta Shrestha, a climate scientist at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development was quoted as saying by The Guardian. Also read: Here's the list of ISRO's upcoming missions for 2023-24 “However, occasionally cyclones do impact the interiors of Himalayan highlands causing excessive snowfall and even causing loss of lives,” Shrestha added. Roxy Mathew Koll, a climate scientist at the Indian Institute of Tropical Meteorology, said: “In response to the rapid warming in the Indian Ocean, the monsoon has become more erratic, with short spells of heavy rains and long dry periods, and the cyclones in the Arabian Sea have increased in frequency, intensity and duration and they are intensifying quickly both in the Arabian Sea and the Bay of Bengal,” according to The Guardian. With the significant impact of climate change, which is being witnessed by the globe, there has been a sharp change in the patterns of monsoon precipitation and the frequency of cyclone formation. This has led to disruptions in the climbing season which was earlier predictable. “In 1996, when we had that disaster on Everest [in which eight climbers died in a blizzard], it just absolutely cemented the fact that you have to consider what’s happening in the Bay of Bengal. If there’s a cyclone there, you have to watch it,” said Chris Tomer, a meteorologist and weather forecaster for mountaineering expeditions in the Himalayas. “In the last five years, four out of the five years we had to worry about something in the Bay of Bengal during the peak climbing season on Everest.” Tomer, who has been forecasting for nearly two decades, said: “Not that the weather wasn’t challenging 20 years ago, but it’s really been something to see the amount of snow on Manaslu and Dhaulagiri the last couple of years. They stand out with some of the most extreme weather over the last few years,” as per The Guardian. The study was published in European Geosciences Union. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Global heating worsening the dangers of high-altitude mountaineering, warn experts

It is stated that experience is the best teacher, and travel is undoubtedly one of the few activities that bring us closer to nature. One of the best ways to reinvent yourself and your value systems is to explore the depths of the earth, nature, and its amazing wonders. We can develop this soul connection through amazing adventures like mountaineering.

Although mountaineering needs extensive preparation and effort, it is nothing less than a spiritual experience. Mountaineering, one of the most demanding adventure sports, is difficult because it requires learning how to adapt to various climatic conditions while also surviving to reach the mountain summit.

"I like to believe that travel and adventure do not have to be gender stereotyped. There is nothing about mountaineering that a man can do and a woman cannot. Yes, the fact is that we don't see as much woman participation as we do from men but that is rapidly changing as more women are keen to explore new challenges," shares ace mountaineer Gayatri Mohanty.

For women, mountaineering may be a demanding and gratifying experience that has numerous physical and psychological advantages. Above all, it improves self-awareness and mental health.

Here are 5 crucial suggestions that you must bear in mind if you are a lady eager to begin your climbing trip.

Learn basic mountaineering skills

Before embarking on a mountaineering journey, it's important to have a solid foundation of skills. This includes basic techniques like rope handling, ice axe use, and crampon usage. Moreover, ensure you research well about the location and its climatic conditions. This will ensure you can plan efficiently.

Find a mentor, take courses or join a club

Finding a mentor or joining a club can provide valuable guidance, support, and a sense of community. Experienced mountaineers can offer tips and advice on everything from training to equipment selection. Taking a course or attending a guided trip is a great way to gain experience and learn new skills while in a controlled and safe environment. This will be extremely helpful for beginners and help you gain education to avoid mistakes and stay safe.

Build a strong fitness base

Mountaineering requires a high level of physical fitness, so it's important to focus on building strength and endurance. Ensure you build your physical strength with activities like running, cycling, and weight training.

Invest in good equipment

Having the right equipment is essential for a successful and safe mountaineering experience. Invest in quality gear such as boots, crampons, and an ice axe, and make sure to properly maintain and care for your equipment.

Be prepared for personal hygiene

Mountaineering dates could overlap with menstrual cycles for women hence it is important to be prepared for the same. Bathrooms and running water are a luxury when it comes to mountaineering hence ensure you carry all your medications along with packs of toilet paper, and anti-bacterial wet wipes. Although there is no harm in trekking while menstruating, ensure you avoid overlap on dates as your body is prone to be weak and needs extra care and attention.

(Inputs by Gayatri Mohanty, fitness coach, mountaineer, certified Zumba trainer, and nutritionist)

It is stated that experience is the best teacher, and travel is undoubtedly one of the few activities that bring us closer to nature. One of the best ways to reinvent yourself and your value systems is to explore the depths of the earth, nature, and its amazing wonders.

It is stated that experience is the best teacher, and travel is undoubtedly one of the few activities that bring us closer to nature. One of the best ways to reinvent yourself and your value systems is to explore the depths of the earth, nature, and its amazing wonders. We can develop this soul connection through amazing adventures like mountaineering. Although mountaineering needs extensive preparation and effort, it is nothing less than a spiritual experience. Mountaineering, one of the most demanding adventure sports, is difficult because it requires learning how to adapt to various climatic conditions while also surviving to reach the mountain summit. "I like to believe that travel and adventure do not have to be gender stereotyped. There is nothing about mountaineering that a man can do and a woman cannot. Yes, the fact is that we don't see as much woman participation as we do from men but that is rapidly changing as more women are keen to explore new challenges," shares ace mountaineer Gayatri Mohanty. For women, mountaineering may be a demanding and gratifying experience that has numerous physical and psychological advantages. Above all, it improves self-awareness and mental health. Here are 5 crucial suggestions that you must bear in mind if you are a lady eager to begin your climbing trip. Learn basic mountaineering skills Before embarking on a mountaineering journey, it's important to have a solid foundation of skills. This includes basic techniques like rope handling, ice axe use, and crampon usage. Moreover, ensure you research well about the location and its climatic conditions. This will ensure you can plan efficiently. Find a mentor, take courses or join a club Finding a mentor or joining a club can provide valuable guidance, support, and a sense of community. Experienced mountaineers can offer tips and advice on everything from training to equipment selection. Taking a course or attending a guided trip is a great way to gain experience and learn new skills while in a controlled and safe environment. This will be extremely helpful for beginners and help you gain education to avoid mistakes and stay safe. Build a strong fitness base Mountaineering requires a high level of physical fitness, so it's important to focus on building strength and endurance. Ensure you build your physical strength with activities like running, cycling, and weight training. Invest in good equipment Having the right equipment is essential for a successful and safe mountaineering experience. Invest in quality gear such as boots, crampons, and an ice axe, and make sure to properly maintain and care for your equipment. Be prepared for personal hygiene Mountaineering dates could overlap with menstrual cycles for women hence it is important to be prepared for the same. Bathrooms and running water are a luxury when it comes to mountaineering hence ensure you carry all your medications along with packs of toilet paper, and anti-bacterial wet wipes. Although there is no harm in trekking while menstruating, ensure you avoid overlap on dates as your body is prone to be weak and needs extra care and attention. (Inputs by Gayatri Mohanty, fitness coach, mountaineer, certified Zumba trainer, and nutritionist)

5 tips for women starting their journey in mountaineering

Tired with the reckless behavior of climbers wanting to scale Europe's tallest peak, Mont Blanc, a French mayor wants them to pay a security deposit of $15,300 to cover probable&nbsp;rescue and funeral costs, CNN reported. Jean-Marc Peillex, mayor of the town Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, in a Twitter post said, that an average rescue effort costs around&nbsp;€10,000 ($10,236), while the funeral costs come up to about €5,000 ($5,117).&nbsp;

Peillex said that most climbers are&nbsp;unqualified to summit the mountain and are risking their life by doing so, especially with hot weather conditions making the journey even more dangerous.&nbsp;

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/russian-climber-dies-on-mount-everest-camp-says-official-477347">Russian climber dies on Mount Everest camp, says official</a>

 
In his Twitter post, Peillex talked about how several “pseudo-mountaineers” have been ignoring the warnings. He mentioned one particular episode when five Romanian visitors “wearing shorts, trainers and straw hats” were turned back by the mountain police.

"These people are climbing with death in their backpacks...it is unacceptable that French taxpayers should pay for their rescue and funeral," Peillex said.

Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is the place from where climbers can move towards the top of the peak via the Goûter Route. Notably, the route has been declared unsafe and operations along it were suspended in mid-July due to heavy rockfall. Over 100 people in the past 20 years have lost their lives on this route, the Guardian reported.

Also Read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/missing-australian-and-canadian-climbers-found-dead-on-pakistans-k2-501569">Missing Australian and Canadian climbers found dead on mount K2</a>

 
In early July, a huge chunk of ice broke away from a glacier on the north side of the Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites killing 11 people.

More recently, 13 climbers heading to Monte Cervino had to be rescued due to a landslide, following which a path leading to it from the Italian side was temporarily shut, The Guardian reported.

Tired with the reckless behavior of climbers wanting to scale Europe's tallest peak, Mont Blanc, a French mayor wants them to pay a security deposit of $15,300 to cover probable rescue and funeral costs, CNN reported.

Tired with the reckless behavior of climbers wanting to scale Europe's tallest peak, Mont Blanc, a French mayor wants them to pay a security deposit of $15,300 to cover probable rescue and funeral costs, CNN reported. Jean-Marc Peillex, mayor of the town Saint-Gervais-les-Bains, in a Twitter post said, that an average rescue effort costs around €10,000 ($10,236), while the funeral costs come up to about €5,000 ($5,117). Peillex said that most climbers are unqualified to summit the mountain and are risking their life by doing so, especially with hot weather conditions making the journey even more dangerous. Also Read | Russian climber dies on Mount Everest camp, says official In his Twitter post, Peillex talked about how several “pseudo-mountaineers” have been ignoring the warnings. He mentioned one particular episode when five Romanian visitors “wearing shorts, trainers and straw hats” were turned back by the mountain police. "These people are climbing with death in their backpacks...it is unacceptable that French taxpayers should pay for their rescue and funeral," Peillex said. Saint-Gervais-les-Bains is the place from where climbers can move towards the top of the peak via the Goûter Route. Notably, the route has been declared unsafe and operations along it were suspended in mid-July due to heavy rockfall. Over 100 people in the past 20 years have lost their lives on this route, the Guardian reported. Also Read | Missing Australian and Canadian climbers found dead on mount K2 In early July, a huge chunk of ice broke away from a glacier on the north side of the Marmolada, the highest peak in the Dolomites killing 11 people. More recently, 13 climbers heading to Monte Cervino had to be rescued due to a landslide, following which a path leading to it from the Italian side was temporarily shut, The Guardian reported.

Want to climb Mont Blanc? You might have to pay a 'rescue and funeral' deposit of $15,300

Three sherpa siblings are on a mission to complete the grand slam of mountaineering. Mariam Wardak brings you a detailed account of their latest expedition - the South Pole.

South Asia Diary: First Nepalese expedition to the South Pole

More than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of Mount&nbsp;Everest, raising fears that coronavirus may scupper a hoped-for bumper season on the world's highest mountain.

Nepal's tourism industry suffered a devastating blow last year when the pandemic prompted a complete shutdown of its summits, costing millions in lost revenue.

This year authorities have eased quarantine rules in an effort to lure back foreign adventurers and have issued&nbsp;climbing&nbsp;permits to more than 400 people, a new record.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak">COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak</a>

An&nbsp;Everest&nbsp;permit alone costs $11,000 and climbers pay upward of $40,000 for an expedition.

But the warmer weather that ushers in safer conditions for scaling Nepal's dangerous, snow-capped peaks has coincided with a deadly second wave of&nbsp;Covid-19 infections, with active cases in the country rising six-fold in the last two weeks.&nbsp;

Also read-&nbsp;<a href="Coronavirus reaches Mount Everest as climber tests positive">Coronavirus reaches Mount Everest as climber tests positive</a>

Norwegian climber Erlend Ness spent two nights sleeping in his tent at base camp last month, unsure of what was making him ill.

"I was evacuated to Kathmandu and was tested. My result was positive for&nbsp;Covid," he told AFP, becoming the first climber with an&nbsp;Everest&nbsp;permit to confirm his infection.

"I think I'm not the only one... Every team at the base camp knows the risk of&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;is there and they have to be careful, they should be careful," he said.

Fellow climber Gina Marie Han-Lee decided to abandon her expedition last week over fears the disease was spreading around base camp.&nbsp;

"I have taken a helicopter out of EBC (Everest&nbsp;base camp) back to Kathmandu after 1 day. The&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;situation at EBC is a total shitstorm. I had no clue what I was flying into," the US citizen wrote on her Facebook page on April 29.

"It was a heartbreaking decision but I'm putting my health first.&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;at a high altitude does not sound like something I want to play with."&nbsp;

Officials at a health clinic catering to the climbers say more than 30 people have been flown off the camp in recent weeks.

At least two have tested positive after returning to the capital Kathmandu.&nbsp;

But the government has yet to confirm a single&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;case on&nbsp;Everest.

"Some evacuated may have tested positive in Kathmandu. They did not test at the base camp, so we cannot be sure where they got infected," said Nepal's tourism department chief Rudra Singh Tamang.

Health professionals at the camp say they do not have the capacity to test for the disease.

"We have permission to only work as a clinic so we don't have tests here. We have made requests but nothing has happened yet," a doctor there said.

More than a thousand people are typically camped at the bustling tent city at the foot of&nbsp;Everest, including foreign climbers and the teams of Nepali guides that escort them to the peak.

But the usual reverie and loud communal parties are absent this year after expedition groups were asked to keep to themselves and avoid socialising with others.&nbsp;

Customary religious ceremonies held before an ascent to pray for a safe expedition have also been turned into quiet and private affairs.&nbsp;

"We are taking all precautions possible to make sure that there are no infections," said Tashi Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks, the largest&nbsp;climbing&nbsp;agency at&nbsp;Everest.

"We are not visiting other tents, and even groups within the camps are not mixing."

More than 400 people in Nepal have died over the last two weeks after contracting&nbsp;Covid.

The country's health system has been overwhelmed by the sudden spike, with hospitals filling fast and relatives of patients scrambling for medicine and intensive care beds.

Climbers on peaks elsewhere in the country have also run into problems.&nbsp;

An expedition on Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world, is in limbo after at least three members tested positive for&nbsp;Covid&nbsp;this week.&nbsp;

Nine are being evacuated and others are being tested, the head of their expedition said.

Breathing is already difficult at high altitudes so any coronavirus outbreak among&nbsp;climbing&nbsp;groups could pose severe health risks.

Evacuating ill climbers from the remote peaks poses a major logistical challenge.

"We are very scared, there are many rumours and we don't know what is really going on," said Harshvardhan Joshi, an Indian climber hoping to summit&nbsp;Everest.&nbsp;

"What if someone shows symptoms after reaching a higher camp?"

More than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of Mount Everest, raising fears that coronavirus may scupper a hoped-for bumper season on the world's highest mountain.

More than 30 sick climbers have been evacuated from the foot of Mount Everest, raising fears that coronavirus may scupper a hoped-for bumper season on the world's highest mountain. Nepal's tourism industry suffered a devastating blow last year when the pandemic prompted a complete shutdown of its summits, costing millions in lost revenue. This year authorities have eased quarantine rules in an effort to lure back foreign adventurers and have issued climbing permits to more than 400 people, a new record. Also read- COVID-19: Mt Everest climbers show symptoms, officials dismiss reports of possible outbreak An Everest permit alone costs $11,000 and climbers pay upward of $40,000 for an expedition. But the warmer weather that ushers in safer conditions for scaling Nepal's dangerous, snow-capped peaks has coincided with a deadly second wave of Covid-19 infections, with active cases in the country rising six-fold in the last two weeks. Also read- Coronavirus reaches Mount Everest as climber tests positive Norwegian climber Erlend Ness spent two nights sleeping in his tent at base camp last month, unsure of what was making him ill. "I was evacuated to Kathmandu and was tested. My result was positive for Covid," he told AFP, becoming the first climber with an Everest permit to confirm his infection. "I think I'm not the only one... Every team at the base camp knows the risk of Covid is there and they have to be careful, they should be careful," he said. Fellow climber Gina Marie Han-Lee decided to abandon her expedition last week over fears the disease was spreading around base camp. "I have taken a helicopter out of EBC (Everest base camp) back to Kathmandu after 1 day. The Covid situation at EBC is a total shitstorm. I had no clue what I was flying into," the US citizen wrote on her Facebook page on April 29. "It was a heartbreaking decision but I'm putting my health first. Covid at a high altitude does not sound like something I want to play with." Officials at a health clinic catering to the climbers say more than 30 people have been flown off the camp in recent weeks. At least two have tested positive after returning to the capital Kathmandu. But the government has yet to confirm a single Covid case on Everest. "Some evacuated may have tested positive in Kathmandu. They did not test at the base camp, so we cannot be sure where they got infected," said Nepal's tourism department chief Rudra Singh Tamang. Health professionals at the camp say they do not have the capacity to test for the disease. "We have permission to only work as a clinic so we don't have tests here. We have made requests but nothing has happened yet," a doctor there said. More than a thousand people are typically camped at the bustling tent city at the foot of Everest, including foreign climbers and the teams of Nepali guides that escort them to the peak. But the usual reverie and loud communal parties are absent this year after expedition groups were asked to keep to themselves and avoid socialising with others. Customary religious ceremonies held before an ascent to pray for a safe expedition have also been turned into quiet and private affairs. "We are taking all precautions possible to make sure that there are no infections," said Tashi Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks, the largest climbing agency at Everest. "We are not visiting other tents, and even groups within the camps are not mixing." More than 400 people in Nepal have died over the last two weeks after contracting Covid. The country's health system has been overwhelmed by the sudden spike, with hospitals filling fast and relatives of patients scrambling for medicine and intensive care beds. Climbers on peaks elsewhere in the country have also run into problems. An expedition on Dhaulagiri, the seventh highest mountain in the world, is in limbo after at least three members tested positive for Covid this week. Nine are being evacuated and others are being tested, the head of their expedition said. Breathing is already difficult at high altitudes so any coronavirus outbreak among climbing groups could pose severe health risks. Evacuating ill climbers from the remote peaks poses a major logistical challenge. "We are very scared, there are many rumours and we don't know what is really going on," said Harshvardhan Joshi, an Indian climber hoping to summit Everest. "What if someone shows symptoms after reaching a higher camp?"

Covid threatens Everest climbing comeback plans as infections rise

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-urges-climbers-trekkers-to-halt-activities-as-rainfall-continues-250461">Nepal</a> government has proposed changes to its permit process for climbers on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/record-chasing-nepali-climber-wants-to-inspire-next-generation-256549">Mount Everest</a> following the deaths of eleven climbers this year. The proposals, and associated criticisms, include:

- Climbers must submit proof of having scaled at least one 6,500m peak in Nepal. Critics argue limiting the provision to Nepal makes no sense.

- Climbers must produce a certificate of good health. Critics say it is easy to forge such certificates or find a compliant doctor.

- Guides must have three years of experience organising high-altitude climbs. Critics say so many Sherpas can claim such experience that virtually all outfitters will qualify.

The Nepal government has proposed changes to its permit process for climbers on Mount Everest following the deaths of eleven climbers this year. The proposals, and associated criticisms, include: - Climbers must submit proof of having scaled at least one 6,500m peak in Nepal.

The Nepal government has proposed changes to its permit process for climbers on Mount Everest following the deaths of eleven climbers this year. The proposals, and associated criticisms, include: - Climbers must submit proof of having scaled at least one 6,500m peak in Nepal. Critics argue limiting the provision to Nepal makes no sense. - Climbers must produce a certificate of good health. Critics say it is easy to forge such certificates or find a compliant doctor. - Guides must have three years of experience organising high-altitude climbs. Critics say so many Sherpas can claim such experience that virtually all outfitters will qualify.

Nepal proposes climbing permit changes for Mount Everest

Emphasising the importance of our natural blessings and holding the accountability towards every action we do, Aparna Kumar speaks to WION and says that she is really worried about what we as human beings are contributing to maintaining the natural vibrancy of our environment.&nbsp;

Aparna Kumar made headlines by scaling Mount Denali in Alaska, USA, and with this climb, she became the first( IPS) Officer and DIG in (ITBP) to climb North America’s highest peak and also the first IPS officer to complete the Seven Summits Challenge ( challenge of climbing highest point in each of the 7 continents.)

She also became the first woman IPS DIG and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officer to complete the South Pole expedition.

In an interview with WION's Ayushi Agarwal, Aparna Kumar said that we should worry about what is happening around us and start doing it at a very young age to keep our mountains/glaciers protected.&nbsp;

Here are some excerpts of their conversations.&nbsp;

WION- As a passionate mountaineer, you must be holding a very special place for ice and snow. How do you feel about hearing and reading the studies predicting that the ice is melting at a very steady rate? What is your take on being to such places?

APARNA KUMAR- The drawback is completely visible. The places that I had visited is evidence of the fact that climate is changing and glaciers are receding at a very faster rate. But it depends on many factors. If you ask me about my experience, then I feel that I had seen many variations. For instance, when I went to Denali in late June, it was raining incessantly and snowing heavily. So it is all about variations. But yes, what we experience is because of the fact what we did in the past. The sudden change in climate is not an overnight variation, but it is our human activities that had led to such adversities and we must hold the onus.&nbsp;

Reading studies about climate change and coming across such news and data bothers me. As a mountaineer, I see effects everywhere. It is more visible now than it was before. &nbsp;You can see more rock pieces now. &nbsp;Even our guides who have been climbing for 15 years have themselves witnessed this drastic change. The ice is melting at such a faster rate. This is unfortunate.&nbsp;

WION- Climbers try hard to forge new routes to avoid litter and pollutants during climbing. Did you also witness litters and pollutants on your journey? What did you feel after witnessing such things?

APARNA KUMAR- My experience in witnessing such pollutants has been different in every mountain that I had scaled up. To me, Mount Denali has been one of the cleanest mountains that I have climbed so far. The National park service makes a lot of effort in keeping the mountain clean. Also, we have some set rules, like we get clean mountain camps in which we have to stick. They give us polythene covers which are inserted into these clean mountain camps, also known as CMC's, and once they fill up, we have to replace the polythene with a new one so that we can use that and these again will be brought down to the base camp and then out of the glacier. These are all biodegradable polythene covers and Everything is brought down and nothing is left on the mountains. So, this is a very strict rule and these park rangers of National Park service keeps on monitoring if we are sticking to the rules or not. Hence my experience in terms of cleanliness had been amazing on Denali.&nbsp; 
If you ask me what I felt in the other mountains then I must say that apart from the Himalayas, every other mountain is very particular about keeping it clean.&nbsp;

One way I suggest that we can contribute to keeping the pollutants/litters out is by government/association designing the policies and imposing strict rules to maintain the blessing that we have in such forms.&nbsp;

WION - Climbing mountains are hit from climate disruption and global warming issues making things harder and deteriorating the natural vibrancy. How do you see this and what do you suggest on such cases as the process is slow and visible to the eyes of scientists?

APARNA KUMAR - See, we need to be very serious towards protecting our environment at a very young age. In India, we lack behind many countries in terms of cleanliness and keeping natural gifts secure. Hence we need to do this right from the very basic level to the advanced. For example, even if is our own house, we try pushing the garbage towards our neighborhood without understanding the fact that the process would be coming back to us. So we need to be very conscious and should start becoming a responsible citizen. This is I believe should begin by targeting young people who very well know how to take care of their things. Also, our education in some forms should include serious issues in the environment.&nbsp;

WION - In recent days, Everest and Nanda Devi have quite been in news. Be it for the bottlenecks in the peaks, body retrieval and plucking tonnes of garbage. What will you say about the traffic management?&nbsp;

APARNA KUMAR - Adventure has now been very popular. Everyone wants to climb Everest and peaks. But we need to understand that not everyone can climb mountains. You need to be very serious about it. The traffic that has been on Everest is a very serious issue. It is because every year on Everest, there is an unlimited number of people scaling up who are inexperienced, not acclimatize to the weather conditions and are not serious about mountaineering. This results in their illness and also death. The extreme weather conditions on any mountain do not favour everyone resulting in getting them back, alive or dead which is not at all an easy nut to crack. So, we need to come up with strictest rules to avoid bottlenecks and adversities.&nbsp;

Nanda Devi is again not so crowded. Very few people climb it because it is a very tough peak. The recent news that had come up was a freak accident and a natural calamity of an avalanche that killed all climbers.&nbsp; 
The only way to reduce such calamities is by following rules and reducing human activities.&nbsp;

WION- You had recently made headlines by becoming the first IPS officer to reach the South Pole and now by scaling seven summits. Tell us more about your journey and how did you think of doing such arduous take?&nbsp;

APARNA KUMAR- Yes, it was a very gradual and step by step process. I first started climbing smaller mountains like Kilimanjaro and then taking up to the higher. The journey started in 2013 when I was posted as the Commander of 9th battalion PAC. It used to take care of high altitudes of Uttarakhand along the Indo-Tibetan border. People used to tell me about their adventurous stories and their experiences on walking on snow and pulling their sledge full of luggage. It made me curious about attempting it.&nbsp;

While my training began in 2013 when I did a basic mountaineering course from Manali. I was adjudged with A-grade, which made it possible for me to pursue an advanced mountaineering course which I completed in July 2014. The course made me eligible for expeditions. Shortly after, my training began. I knew I had to be physically and mentally strong as the task demands a lot of vigor. So before climbing up Everest, I had already climbed 7-8 peaks and then I thought of doing the Seven Summits.&nbsp;

WION- How did you feel after unfurling the Indian Flag once you completed your seven summits? One message that you want to give?&nbsp;

APARNA KUMAR- It was a big sense of relief because since past years, I have been trying hard to complete it but the extreme weather conditions sent me back home. This time I did it before the scheduled time. &nbsp;So in the end, it was very relieving and also I was happy in becoming the first one/Indian among my group of climbers to get it done in a foreign country.&nbsp;

One message that I want to give is to hold the onus of our deeds. We should start taking our biodiversity very seriously otherwise one day, everything around us will perish! 
&nbsp;

Emphasising the importance of our natural blessings and holding the accountability towards every action we do, Aparna Kumar speaks to WION and says that she is really worried about what we as human beings are contributing to maintaining the natural vibrancy of our environment.

Emphasising the importance of our natural blessings and holding the accountability towards every action we do, Aparna Kumar speaks to WION and says that she is really worried about what we as human beings are contributing to maintaining the natural vibrancy of our environment. Aparna Kumar made headlines by scaling Mount Denali in Alaska, USA, and with this climb, she became the first( IPS) Officer and DIG in (ITBP) to climb North America’s highest peak and also the first IPS officer to complete the Seven Summits Challenge ( challenge of climbing highest point in each of the 7 continents.) She also became the first woman IPS DIG and Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) officer to complete the South Pole expedition. In an interview with WION's Ayushi Agarwal, Aparna Kumar said that we should worry about what is happening around us and start doing it at a very young age to keep our mountains/glaciers protected. Here are some excerpts of their conversations. WION- As a passionate mountaineer, you must be holding a very special place for ice and snow. How do you feel about hearing and reading the studies predicting that the ice is melting at a very steady rate? What is your take on being to such places? APARNA KUMAR- The drawback is completely visible. The places that I had visited is evidence of the fact that climate is changing and glaciers are receding at a very faster rate. But it depends on many factors. If you ask me about my experience, then I feel that I had seen many variations. For instance, when I went to Denali in late June, it was raining incessantly and snowing heavily. So it is all about variations. But yes, what we experience is because of the fact what we did in the past. The sudden change in climate is not an overnight variation, but it is our human activities that had led to such adversities and we must hold the onus. Reading studies about climate change and coming across such news and data bothers me. As a mountaineer, I see effects everywhere. It is more visible now than it was before. You can see more rock pieces now. Even our guides who have been climbing for 15 years have themselves witnessed this drastic change. The ice is melting at such a faster rate. This is unfortunate. WION- Climbers try hard to forge new routes to avoid litter and pollutants during climbing. Did you also witness litters and pollutants on your journey? What did you feel after witnessing such things? APARNA KUMAR- My experience in witnessing such pollutants has been different in every mountain that I had scaled up. To me, Mount Denali has been one of the cleanest mountains that I have climbed so far. The National park service makes a lot of effort in keeping the mountain clean. Also, we have some set rules, like we get clean mountain camps in which we have to stick. They give us polythene covers which are inserted into these clean mountain camps, also known as CMC's, and once they fill up, we have to replace the polythene with a new one so that we can use that and these again will be brought down to the base camp and then out of the glacier. These are all biodegradable polythene covers and Everything is brought down and nothing is left on the mountains. So, this is a very strict rule and these park rangers of National Park service keeps on monitoring if we are sticking to the rules or not. Hence my experience in terms of cleanliness had been amazing on Denali. If you ask me what I felt in the other mountains then I must say that apart from the Himalayas, every other mountain is very particular about keeping it clean. One way I suggest that we can contribute to keeping the pollutants/litters out is by government/association designing the policies and imposing strict rules to maintain the blessing that we have in such forms. WION - Climbing mountains are hit from climate disruption and global warming issues making things harder and deteriorating the natural vibrancy. How do you see this and what do you suggest on such cases as the process is slow and visible to the eyes of scientists? APARNA KUMAR - See, we need to be very serious towards protecting our environment at a very young age. In India, we lack behind many countries in terms of cleanliness and keeping natural gifts secure. Hence we need to do this right from the very basic level to the advanced. For example, even if is our own house, we try pushing the garbage towards our neighborhood without understanding the fact that the process would be coming back to us. So we need to be very conscious and should start becoming a responsible citizen. This is I believe should begin by targeting young people who very well know how to take care of their things. Also, our education in some forms should include serious issues in the environment. WION - In recent days, Everest and Nanda Devi have quite been in news. Be it for the bottlenecks in the peaks, body retrieval and plucking tonnes of garbage. What will you say about the traffic management? APARNA KUMAR - Adventure has now been very popular. Everyone wants to climb Everest and peaks. But we need to understand that not everyone can climb mountains. You need to be very serious about it. The traffic that has been on Everest is a very serious issue. It is because every year on Everest, there is an unlimited number of people scaling up who are inexperienced, not acclimatize to the weather conditions and are not serious about mountaineering. This results in their illness and also death. The extreme weather conditions on any mountain do not favour everyone resulting in getting them back, alive or dead which is not at all an easy nut to crack. So, we need to come up with strictest rules to avoid bottlenecks and adversities. Nanda Devi is again not so crowded. Very few people climb it because it is a very tough peak. The recent news that had come up was a freak accident and a natural calamity of an avalanche that killed all climbers. The only way to reduce such calamities is by following rules and reducing human activities. WION- You had recently made headlines by becoming the first IPS officer to reach the South Pole and now by scaling seven summits. Tell us more about your journey and how did you think of doing such arduous take? APARNA KUMAR- Yes, it was a very gradual and step by step process. I first started climbing smaller mountains like Kilimanjaro and then taking up to the higher. The journey started in 2013 when I was posted as the Commander of 9th battalion PAC. It used to take care of high altitudes of Uttarakhand along the Indo-Tibetan border. People used to tell me about their adventurous stories and their experiences on walking on snow and pulling their sledge full of luggage. It made me curious about attempting it. While my training began in 2013 when I did a basic mountaineering course from Manali. I was adjudged with A-grade, which made it possible for me to pursue an advanced mountaineering course which I completed in July 2014. The course made me eligible for expeditions. Shortly after, my training began. I knew I had to be physically and mentally strong as the task demands a lot of vigor. So before climbing up Everest, I had already climbed 7-8 peaks and then I thought of doing the Seven Summits. WION- How did you feel after unfurling the Indian Flag once you completed your seven summits? One message that you want to give? APARNA KUMAR- It was a big sense of relief because since past years, I have been trying hard to complete it but the extreme weather conditions sent me back home. This time I did it before the scheduled time. So in the end, it was very relieving and also I was happy in becoming the first one/Indian among my group of climbers to get it done in a foreign country. One message that I want to give is to hold the onus of our deeds. We should start taking our biodiversity very seriously otherwise one day, everything around us will perish!

Take biodiversity seriously otherwise one day everything will perish: Aparna Kumar, first IPS officer to complete 7 summits challenge to WION

Mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta on Wednesday became the youngest man to climb the seven highest peaks and volcanic summits across all continents after conquering Antartica's highest point Mount Sidley.&nbsp;

Satyarup summited Mt. Sidley at 6:28 IST, at a temperature of minus 40 degree celsius according to the inReach Satellite Communicator he was carrying.

Satyarup achieved the feat at the age of 35 years 262 days while Australia's Daniel Bull did it aged 36 years 157 days.

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At 10:10 Fluttered the india flag at sidley what a proud moment | Find me with inReach➜<a href="https://t.co/uNb1Kmko0r">https://t.co/uNb1Kmko0r</a>
— Satyarup Siddhanta (@SatyarupS) <a href="https://twitter.com/SatyarupS/status/1085350626387730432?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
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With this feat Satyarup also became the first Indian to conquer the seven mountain peaks and seven volcanic summits.

"6:28 AM (IST) AT 10.10 successfully sumitted Mt Sidley highest volcanic peak of Antarctica. Fluttered the India flag at Sidley, what a proud moment," Satyarup tweeted.

Last year, the 35-year-old had scaled the highest volcanic peak in North America, Pico de Orizaba.

Satyarup hails from Haridevpur in South Kolkata and is a software engineer by profession. He is presently based out of Bangalore.

He holds the record of conquering several summits such as the Mt Elbrus in Europe, Mt Denali in Alaska and Mt Monc Blanc in France, Kilimanjaro in Africa.&nbsp;

Mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta on Wednesday became the youngest man to climb the seven highest peaks and volcanic summits across all continents after conquering Antartica's highest point Mount Sidley.

Mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta on Wednesday became the youngest man to climb the seven highest peaks and volcanic summits across all continents after conquering Antartica's highest point Mount Sidley. Satyarup summited Mt. Sidley at 6:28 IST, at a temperature of minus 40 degree celsius according to the inReach Satellite Communicator he was carrying. Satyarup achieved the feat at the age of 35 years 262 days while Australia's Daniel Bull did it aged 36 years 157 days. At 10:10 Fluttered the india flag at sidley what a proud moment | Find me with inReach➜https://t.co/uNb1Kmko0r — Satyarup Siddhanta (@SatyarupS) January 16, 2019 × With this feat Satyarup also became the first Indian to conquer the seven mountain peaks and seven volcanic summits. "6:28 AM (IST) AT 10.10 successfully sumitted Mt Sidley highest volcanic peak of Antarctica. Fluttered the India flag at Sidley, what a proud moment," Satyarup tweeted. Last year, the 35-year-old had scaled the highest volcanic peak in North America, Pico de Orizaba. Satyarup hails from Haridevpur in South Kolkata and is a software engineer by profession. He is presently based out of Bangalore. He holds the record of conquering several summits such as the Mt Elbrus in Europe, Mt Denali in Alaska and Mt Monc Blanc in France, Kilimanjaro in Africa.

India's Satyarup Siddhanta becomes world's youngest mountaineer to climb 7 peaks, 7 volcano summits

The International Highline Meeting festival is clearly not for the faint-hearted.

It is an event that brings together the most daring of adventurers, who band together to play music and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Italian Alps in hammocks situated hundreds of meters above the ground.

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Those attending the event call themselves the slackers because of the&nbsp;slacklines they balance themselves on. At the event, you can enjoy awesome musical jam sessions while hanging out in the mountains, along with a Yoga workshop and paraglider flights.

The International Highline Meeting festival promises good food, great music and a crazy adventure!

The International Highline Meeting festival is clearly not for the faint-hearted. It is an event that brings together the most daring of adventurers, who band together to play music and enjoy the scenic beauty of the Italian Alps in hammocks situated hundreds of meters above the ground. Those attending the event call themselves the slackers because of the slacklines they balance themselves on. At the event, you can enjoy awesome musical jam sessions while hanging out in the mountains, along with a Yoga workshop and paraglider flights.

Video: Daredevils lounge in hammocks over the Alps

An Indian couple falsified photographs of themselves at the top of Mount Everest to get their feat certified by Kathmandu, Nepal said on &nbsp;Wednesday, after earlier saying the climb was valid. 
 
Dinesh and Tarakeshwari Rathod, both police constables, said they reached the top of the world&#39;s highest mountain on May 23 -- but fellow climbers cast doubt on their claim, saying their photos at the summit were doctored. 
 
Nepal&#39;s tourism department initially certified the couple&#39;s climb after speaking to their expedition organisers and government officials stationed at Everest base camp. 
 
Investigation underway 
 
However, following the allegations, which gained speed online after climbers pointed out that the clothes they were wearing in different photos did not match, Kathmandu opened a probe. 
 
&quot;The expedition agency has confirmed that the photos submitted to the department were morphed by the Indian couple in order to get the certificate,&quot; Nepal tourism official Gyanendra Kumar Shrestha told AFP. 
 
&quot;The investigation is underway and the investigating committee is likely to unveil its report soon... and recommend punishment to those involved in the fraud,&quot; Shrestha told AFP. 
 
It is not technically an offence to pretend to summit Everest. 
 
However, Indian authorities have also opened a fraud case against the couple after eight other climbers filed a complaint against them, saying such a con belittled the efforts of genuine mountaineers. 
 
Nepal&#39;s investigation may also pave the way for new rules on certifying summits, Shrestha said. 
 
&quot;The government&#39;s liaison officer at base camp has to rely on the Sherpas and expedition leader to certify claims,&quot; he said. 
 
&quot;(We) need a serious review of the process of certifying climbers... the committee is likely to come up with some suggestions.&quot; 
 
Many successful Everest summiteers have gone on to make money or forge careers as motivational speakers and authors on the back of their feat. 
 
A total of 456 people, including more than 250 foreigners, summited Everest during the recently concluded spring season after two consecutive years of deadly disasters that led to almost all attempts being abandoned. 
 
Mountaineering is a major revenue-earner for the impoverished Himalayan nation and this year&#39;s string of successful summits is expected to boost the industry, which was left reeling after an earthquake last year that killed almost 9,000 people nationwide. 
 
Hundreds fled Everest last year after an earthquake-triggered avalanche at base camp killed 18 people. 
 
Only one climber reached the top in 2014 after an avalanche killed 16 Nepali guides that year. 
 
(AFP)

Nepal initially certified the couple's climb but opened a probe after climbers said that their clothes did not match in different pictures

An Indian couple falsified photographs of themselves at the top of Mount Everest to get their feat certified by Kathmandu, Nepal said on Wednesday, after earlier saying the climb was valid. Dinesh and Tarakeshwari Rathod, both police constables, said they reached the top of the world's highest mountain on May 23 -- but fellow climbers cast doubt on their claim, saying their photos at the summit were doctored. Nepal's tourism department initially certified the couple's climb after speaking to their expedition organisers and government officials stationed at Everest base camp. Investigation underway However, following the allegations, which gained speed online after climbers pointed out that the clothes they were wearing in different photos did not match, Kathmandu opened a probe. "The expedition agency has confirmed that the photos submitted to the department were morphed by the Indian couple in order to get the certificate," Nepal tourism official Gyanendra Kumar Shrestha told AFP. "The investigation is underway and the investigating committee is likely to unveil its report soon... and recommend punishment to those involved in the fraud," Shrestha told AFP. It is not technically an offence to pretend to summit Everest. However, Indian authorities have also opened a fraud case against the couple after eight other climbers filed a complaint against them, saying such a con belittled the efforts of genuine mountaineers. Nepal's investigation may also pave the way for new rules on certifying summits, Shrestha said. "The government's liaison officer at base camp has to rely on the Sherpas and expedition leader to certify claims," he said. "(We) need a serious review of the process of certifying climbers... the committee is likely to come up with some suggestions." Many successful Everest summiteers have gone on to make money or forge careers as motivational speakers and authors on the back of their feat. A total of 456 people, including more than 250 foreigners, summited Everest during the recently concluded spring season after two consecutive years of deadly disasters that led to almost all attempts being abandoned. Mountaineering is a major revenue-earner for the impoverished Himalayan nation and this year's string of successful summits is expected to boost the industry, which was left reeling after an earthquake last year that killed almost 9,000 people nationwide. Hundreds fled Everest last year after an earthquake-triggered avalanche at base camp killed 18 people. Only one climber reached the top in 2014 after an avalanche killed 16 Nepali guides that year. (AFP)

Indian police couple faked Everest climb photos, says Nepal

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