Nepal mandates electronic chips for Mount Everest climbers starting this spring season

Nepal will soon make it mandatory for all climbers to get an electronic chip before embarking on the tedious expedition to the summit of Mount Everest. The chip, costing between $10 and $15, will help rescue agencies locate the climbers in an emergency situation. Kathmandu is expected to formulate a law before this spring season when the climbing season starts.

“All the climbers to Everest would be provided the electronic chip by the government after paying a certain amount. It will be fitted in the climber’s jacket,” Rakesh Gurung, Director at the Department of Tourism .

The Everest base camp is located at an altitude of 18,000 feet. The expedition path beyond this point is extremely tough to navigate amid snowstorms and avalanches. Rescuers too find it difficult to locate and provide help to climbers in case of emergency. Thus, electronic chips might come in handy during these situations.