Everest and 234

Many think of climbing the highest peaks in the world as a way of being close to nature and pushing the boundaries. But what happens when there are too many people who feel the same way? According to the BBC, for example, on a single day in 2012, no fewer than 234 climbers reached the peak of Everest.

Mass tourism around the mountain's base devalues Everest as a climbing destination. It is hard to enjoy the experience when you have to queue for over 2 hours at bottlenecks on your way to the summit. And the amount of human waste and litter on the mountain has reached alarming proportions.

Local government is thinking of limiting the number of hikers per year by issuing climbing permits only for experienced climbers. However, this new practice might have a great impact on local communities that rely on tourism for a decent income.