Jamling Tenzing Norgay comes from a family of mountaineers, with his father, Tenzing Norgay, being one of the first people to reach the top of Mount Everest in 1953. Norgay instilled a passion for mountaineering in his son from a young age, and Jamling eventually achieved his dream of climbing Everest in 1996. He trained rigorously both physically and mentally for the climb, which was the subject of the 1998 IMAX film “Everest.” Mount Everest has changed significantly since his father’s time, with improvements in equipment and communication making the mountain more accessible. However, the increased crowds have led to more accidents and fatalities, causing concern among experienced climbers like Tenzing.
In recent years, Mount Everest has seen a rise in the number of climbers, leading to overcrowding on the mountain. Tenzing experienced the dangers of overcrowding firsthand during his climb in 1996, which coincided with the deadliest year on Everest at that time. Concerns about safety and environmental impact have been raised, with the Nepali army conducting annual cleanup campaigns to remove garbage and human remains from the mountain. New regulations requiring climbers to pack out their own waste aim to reduce pollution on Everest, but the increasing number of climbers remains a cause for concern among mountaineers like Tenzing.
Despite the challenges and risks associated with climbing Everest, Tenzing continues to guide climbers in the Himalayan region, sharing his knowledge and experiences with them. He finds fulfillment in teaching others about local history and culture, including stories from his father’s historic climb. In his book “Touching My Father’s Soul,” Tenzing recounts his own Everest ascent and sheds light on the Sherpa experience, highlighting the physical and emotional challenges faced by climbers and the importance of preserving the mountain’s natural beauty. As more climbers seek to conquer Everest, Tenzing remains committed to promoting responsible climbing practices and environmental conservation in order to protect this iconic peak for future generations.
The concerns about overcrowding and safety on Mount Everest have become more pronounced in recent years, with viral images showing long lines of climbers waiting to reach the summit. Delayed descents due to traffic congestion have led to accidents and fatalities, prompting calls for stricter regulations and limits on the number of climbers allowed on the mountain. Tenzing and other experienced climbers have expressed alarm at the growing number of deaths on Everest and the impact of human activities on the fragile ecosystem of the mountain. They continue to advocate for sustainable practices and greater oversight to protect both climbers and the environment.
While the allure of Everest may attract more climbers in the future, Tenzing emphasizes the need for responsible stewardship of the mountain and its surrounding areas. The efforts to clean up Everest and enforce new regulations are steps in the right direction, but more action is needed to address the challenges posed by over-tourism and environmental degradation. Tenzing’s work as a guide and advocate for sustainable mountaineering practices reflects his commitment to preserving the legacy of his father and the unique cultural heritage of the Sherpa people. As the number of climbers on Everest continues to rise, Tenzing remains a voice of reason and experience, offering valuable insights into the challenges and rewards of climbing the world’s highest peak.
