JAKARTA - Nepal has issued 463 climbing permits for Mount Everest for the peak season of this year - the most in history - despite concerns about the highest mountain climbers in the world that has resulted in past deaths.
Nepal's Tourism Agency said permits had been issued for 367 male climbers and 96 female climbers from 65 countries, to climb Sagarmatha - Nepal's name for Mount Everest.
The reason given for the number of permits that reached the record was the easing of restrictions imposed when the COVID-19 pandemic broke out three years ago.
Mountain climbers from around the world travel to this small Himalayan country every spring to try climbing a 8,849 meter high mountain located between Nepal and Tibet, an autonomous region in China.
In fact, the climb opened in March. However, hundreds of mountain climbers arrived in May, when the temperature of the air was warmer on the top of the mountain, it usually offers several opportunities to get good weather for climbers to peak.
The climbers along with their Nepalese guide, or Sherpa, spent nearly two weeks climbing to base camp Everest, which is nearly 5,200 meters high.
There, they adjusted for two weeks pending good weather before proceeding to higher camps on their way to the summit.
However, the number of permits that hit records this year has raised concerns about adding to the density on the mountain.
In 2019, when 380 permits were issued, excessive density caused "congestion" on Everest to force climbers to wait hours in freezing temperatures to peak.
This delay causes their oxygen levels to decrease, which causes them to get sick and tired.
At least seven climbers, including three Indians, died on their way down due to delays caused by long queues as hundreds of people lined up on routes to the top of the mountain.
The mountain climb in Nepal, which is home to eight of the world's top 10 mountains, has been a profitable business since
This climb opens up jobs for many people including guides, hotel and restaurant entrepreneurs, as well as income for the government. Each permit costs 11,000 US dollars.
Earlier, three Sherpa climbers died this month after falling into a deep ravine when an avalanche broke out between the base camp and Camp I.
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