KATHMANDU, June 25: In the absence of clear procedures for conducting activities in the mountainous region, even 'DJing' has been allowed there. It has been observed that DJs have been permitted to perform in the Everest region without formal plans coordinated with the Department of Tourism, the official body granting climbing permits. During this year's spring season, DJ Tenzing Sherpa performed at Camp 2 of Mount Everest.
Sherpa informed the Nepal Tourism Board about his intention to DJ but did not obtain permission. A trekking expedition company confirmed that due to the lack of a procedure for obtaining permission, Sherpa only informed about his plan. He also mentioned that Khumbu Pasang Lhamu Rural Municipality did not grant permission for this either.
At an altitude of 6,400 meters in the Everest Camp 2 area, DJ Sherpa performed DJing for about half an hour on May 21, 2024. He is the second person to DJ in the Everest region. Prior to him, in 2017, British DJ Paul Oakenfold had performed DJing at Everest Base Camp. He was 53 years old at that time.
At an altitude of 5,644 meters at Kala Patthar, an international friendly wrestling match was organized on Everest Day. The Nepal Women Wrestling Foundation conducted wrestling matches on Everest Day.
DJ Tenzing summits Mt Everest, attempts world record
The Nepal Women Wrestling Foundation organized wrestling at Kala Patthar aspiring to establish a record in the world's highest place. However, the event held there did not have permission from any relevant authority like the Sagarmatha National Park or the Department of Tourism.
Similarly, singer Raju Lama also held a solo concert at an altitude of 6,574 meters in the Everest region in 2022. He conveyed a message about climate change and its global impact through the concert.
When organizing events on the world's highest peak, special attention is necessary, stated Director Maniraj Lamichhane of Nepal Tourism Board. "It is essential to create protocols on where and how such events should be conducted. Regarding events on Sagarmatha (Mount Everest), there is currently no specific protocol," Director Lamichhane mentioned. "When discussing sustainable tourism, everyone must be sensitive about conducting events in such risky areas as Mount Everest," he added.
He also mentioned the need to continually adjust the environmental system of the world's highest peak Mount Everest in the coming future. According to Penjo Lama, the head of the Sagarmatha National Park and Wildlife Department, no information was provided to the office regarding the DJing program. "We have not received any information at the Sagarmatha National Park and Wildlife Department about the DJing program. He said, "We don't have any information either, nor do we have any information about any consumer committee here."
He mentioned that although a local youth group there organized the event institutionally to celebrate Mount Everest Day, there was no information about it in the buffer zone of the Sagarmatha National Park and no cooperation had been provided either.
Tourism Minister Hit Bahadur Tamang himself invited DJ Sherpa to the Ministry and congratulated him on his successful ascent during the spring season. Minister Tamang also presented him with the national flag.
Lakpa Phuti Sherpa, former executive director of Nepal Mountain Academy, who dedicated more than four decades to mountain names and cultural advancement in the mountains emphasized that her interest extends beyond just the name and fame of mountain ascents. She highlighted that every small initiative in the mountains holds global significance, and it is essential to consider all aspects while organizing any programs.
She says, “Before climbing the mountains, all climbers worship them, seek strength from them, and celebrate them. Connecting with the mountains should not only be about fame and fortune but also about respecting climbing like a pristine activity that the mountains represent.'"
She adds, "Activities that stir controversy for the sake of fame and wealth should not take place in the mountains. The mountainous regions should be treated as precious as gold." She urged the government to establish clear guidelines and policies for programs related to Mount Everest and other mountain peaks, ensuring coordination with relevant authorities.
For anyone planning to climb in the Everest region, obtaining permission from the Department of Tourism is mandatory. Providing necessary information to the Department of Tourism before organizing any activities is essential. However, there has been a rise in unauthorized activities in the Everest region recently, focused on record-setting or promotional purposes.
