After Nepal disasters, more climbers eye Chinese route to Everest

Climber Carsten Pedersen has not given up his childhood dream of scaling Everest, despite last month’s avalanche that killed 18 people at base camp after a devastating earthquake. But if he does try again, it may well be from China, not Nepal. Frustrated at the Nepal government’s silence over whether his permit to scale Everest will be extended due to the disaster, the Danish amateur is one of a growing number of climbers considering another route up the world’s highest peak.

To every reaction, there is going to be a reaction. My reaction if they don’t extend the permit? I will probably go to Tibet to climb it. It is not that complicated.

Pedersen, who has spent more than $110,000 on three previous attempts to conquer Everest.

Pedersen is not alone. While the permits themselves only account for a few million dollars each year, the sector overall is worth some $340 million, and the draw of Everest plays a crucial role in the industry. Trekking agencies and mountaineers in Nepal are urging the government to make up its mind about what to do with this year’s permits, which cost $11,000 per climber. At the same time they recognize that, overwhelmed by a natural disaster that has killed nearly 8,000 people, the government has other priorities.

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