Climbers of Mount Everest must use a tracking chip

Nepal introduces a new requirement for all climbers: you must use a tracking chip if you intend to climb Mount Everest. 

This new requirement has been made mandatory now, ahead of Spring, when summit season begins. Although it is a mandatory asset this year, for years some companies have already used tracking chips. The main goal of this new measure is to make search and rescue missions much easier and quicker. 

Rakesh Gurung, director of Nepal’s department of tourism, has said that climbers will pay $10-15 for a chip, which will be sewn into their jackets. Once the climber returns, the chip will be removed and reused. 

This fee for the chip is not too big, especially when compared to the cost of climbing Mount Everest. Climbers must pay $11,000 just for the climbing permit, but with gear, food, supplemental oxygen, Sherpa guides, and other expenses, the total cost of climbing the mountain is more than $35,000.

Another measure that the Nepalese government has implemented is banning solo trekking to Mount Everest, which is part of efforts to enhance safety on the summit.

To climb Mount Everest can take up to two months to complete, as it is an extremely challenging endeavor. Climbers encounter below-freezing temperatures and are at risk of altitude sickness due to the high altitudes for the majority of the climb. These factors make rescue missions nearly impossible, particularly in what is known as the "death zone," which is above the elevation of 27,200 feet. In this zone, temperatures are dangerously cold, and oxygen is scarce.

Last year, from the 478 climbing permits that Nepal issued, around 18 climbers died and five remain missing.