Cleanliness of mountains should be top-most priority: Climber Mimgma

Aang Chiring Sherpa, who lived in Thame of Solukhumbu, joined the Everest climbing team in 2014 as a cook. His brother Dorje Sherpa was also involved in the mountaineering team as a mountain guide. But sadly, the two brothers died in an avalanche along with many others.

After the death of two members of the same family, the responsibility of taking care of the family fell on the shoulders of Mingma Sherpa, son of Ang Chiring.

In conversation with NepalNews, Mingma talked about how his family did not receive any help other than insurance even after the tragic deaths. He said how the amount of insurance provided by the Government of Nepal is too little for the families to provide food, shelter, clothes and education.

Mingma first climbed Mt. Everest in 1999 and has climbed 10 times so far. He has also climbed various mountains including Choyu (12 times), Amadablam (3 times) and Manaslu (2 times). After the death of two members of the same family, his family requested him not to climb the mountain.

However, he says that he climbed Everest with his father's friend in 2016 to pay homage to his father. Even though he has not climbed mountains as per his family’s request, he is busy managing the base camp.

He has been involved in training to make mountaineering safe. He was one of the main organizers of the Mountaineering Instructor Project in Thame, Solukhumbu for the last two years.

He says the death toll in the mountains is declining due to the training. However, he said that the government of Nepal also needs to help in continuing the training work.

Similarly, Mingma has also emphasized on the cleanliness of the Everest base camp. He said that during the 13-day stay at the base camp last spring, the movement of the people was a lot and the government should tighten the permit for Everest. People still urinate outside the Everest base camp.

 Climber Mingma stressed that the interest and activism of all concerned is essential to keep the environment of the mountain clean. He said that this work should be a priority of the government.