Everest's Sherpas Issue List of Demands

With climbing season in question, Sherpas want changes in working conditions.

The tragic death of 16 Sherpas on the Nepal side of Mount Everest last Friday is having immediate repercussions on the business of climbing the world's highest peak. Today, Nepali officials responded to a petition presented by a representative body of the Sherpa climbing community to the Ministry of Tourism, the government agency that oversees climbing and trekking in the Everest region.

The petition lists 13 demands that the Sherpa say must be met if they are to continue facilitating the climbing season. If their demands are not met by April 28, they say, Sherpas on the mountain would declare a general strike, rendering any summit attempts by the expeditions assembled at Everest Base Camp impossible.

The government said today

Unlock this story for free
Create an account to read the full story and get unlimited access to hundreds of Nat Geo articles.

Unlock this story for free

Want the full story? Sign up to keep reading and unlock hundreds of Nat Geo articles for free.
Already have an account?
SIGN IN

Read This Next

What bacteria lurk in your city? Consult the bees.
Is melatonin giving you nightmares?
Why are these orcas killing sharks and removing their livers?

Go Further

Subscriber Exclusive Content

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet

Why are people so dang obsessed with Mars?

How viruses shape our world

The era of greyhound racing in the U.S. is coming to an end

See how people have imagined life on Mars through history

See how NASA’s new Mars rover will explore the red planet