The government of Nepal has come to recognize that the throngs flocking to Everest create a terrible problem in terms of safety, pollution and the environment. To get around the hefty price, Webster has been wooing sponsors for the past two years. Without sponsors, Webster said Everest becomes a mountain for the independently wealthy who buy their way up. The increase in traffic has taken away some of the mountain's mystery. In 1995, there were three teams on the southern route with a total of about 25 international climbers but, by 1997, the number of climbers had soared to 250.
Traditionalists are upset that the world's biggest challenge is being sold to the rich.
They argue that, without guides, these novice climbers wouldn't have the skills to reach Base Camp. The garbage problem is being tackled by Nepal's tourism ministry, which is offering financial incentives to clean up after expeditions. Robitaille, the youngest climber on the Canadian team, said whatever is recyclable will be sent back down the mountain. We welcome your feedback. All rights reserved.