“Change is not made without inconvenience, even from worse to better.’ – Richard Hooker

In this modern age, there’s no part of this world that hasn’t been duly explored, surveyed, and claimed. Western explorers have reached every corner of this earth, and some beyond. Wherever we explore and eventually settle, modernization is usually not far behind. Only a very small portion of the world lags behind when it comes to modern conviences, and Nepal, home of Mount Everest, is one of those places. Due to its relative isolation from the outside world, Nepal is seriously lacking in most of the creature comforts we in the western world are accustomed to. In fact, electric power and running water are relatively new to this area, two things that most of us couldn’t dream of living without. The only reason conviences are making their way, albeit slowly, to this rugged terrain, is basically because of people whose desire to tackle the world’s tallest mountain is so big that they are willing to shell out $70,000 US apiece to have a chance. Guided expeditions are the wave of the future for Everest, and they are changing the face of it and the people

Not only have foreigners brought their money in – they’ve also built hospitals designed primarily to treat altitude sicknesses for foreigners, but still provides medical care free of charge to the Sherpas. The influx of money has also created a construction boom and provided many people with incomes far and above the annual $160 per capita income. As Krakauer states, “Hard currency from trekkers and climbers, as well as grants from international relief organizations supported by trekkers and climbers, have funded schools and medical clinics, reduced infant mortality, built footbridges, and brought hydroelectric power to Namche and other villages.”(p. 48).

It is evident, therefore, that while commercialism isn’t all for the best, the good seems to be outweighing the bad when it comes to life in the Himalayas.

While it’s a known fact that Nepal is so very isolated and insulated from modern technology, a more debatable point is whether or not the influx of money from commercial expeditions to Everest is a good thing or not. Why it’s debatable is beyond me. The Nepalese government is pulling in about $70,000 each time an expedition wants to climb Everest(p.25) – that’s $70,000 that can be used to build schools and roads, feed people, house them, etc. Now consider the fact that this year, 50 teams have applied for permits to try and reach the top. 50 permits worth $70,000...that’s 3.5 million dollars. 3.5 million raised not through taxes, but by foreigners who only want to pass through the country to have a shot at Everest. If that isn’t a boon to the local economy, what is?

In conclusion, a revision of the facts restates what has been said all along:

Some topics in this essay:
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