Expeditions News

The Government of Nepal has announced heavy reductions on Permit Fees for all peaks, including Mount Everest. The reductions will be effective from the 2008 autumn season.

This month, the Eco Everest 2008 expedition is field testing an environmentally-friendly approach to climbing. The expedition also aims to draws attention to climate change and has unveiled the world’s highest photo exhibition.

The UIAA regrets the recent decision by the government of China to close the north side of Mount Everest to mountaineering expeditions. Statement by Mike Mortimer, President of the UIAA.

The expeditions planning to ascent Everest this spring are facing problems. At the moment, permits are not being issued by Chinese or Nepali authorities.

Dawa Steven Sherpa, mountaineer and mountain guide, is dedicating his Eco Everest Expedition 2008 to "Sir Ed Hillary's vision for the Khumbu and her people". The purpose of the expedition is to raise awareness of the impact of climate change and melting glaciers in the Himalayas, with a special focus on glacial lake outburst floods (GLOF) risk in the Khumbu region.

Japanese mountaineer Tamotsu Nakamura last autumn led an expedition into the deep gorge country of southeast Tibet. During the expedition Nakamura photographed and mapped many unclimbed peaks. He has kindly given us the chance to show you the photos, which you will find in our Expedition section.

On August 21, a Russian expedition made the first completely independent new line to K2 since 1986. The new direct route of the West face was naturally named the “Russian route.”

We have some good news for those planning expeditions to Pakistan in 2008. The Ministry of Tourism has announced that the discounts on Royalty fees will continue in 2008! The ministry has also decided that the services of a Liaison Officer will not be required by expeditions outside the Baltoro region.