Everest base camp: China to build museum, hotel, shops on Mount Everest

Everest base camp will be much more comforting in near future as China is planning to to build visitors' centre on Mt Everest, which will include a museum, hotel and several shops for the mountaineers.

The Everest stand astride the Nepal-Tibet border. China is planning to set up a visitors' centre that will also include a helipad and a medical centre on Gangkar, which is located on the Tibetan side of the mountain.

An investment of US$14.7 million (AU$20.4 million) is expected from the Chinese government for the Mt Everest project. The construction for the Everest base camp will reportedly begin in 2017 and is expected to be completed by 2019.

China’s Everest centre, a hangout for rich non-climbers?

The decision has just come forth and already it has been scrutinised. Several people have argued that China’s Everest centre will become a hangout place for rich non-climbers. Also, many have raised concern over the increase in amount of waste left behind as well as at the availability of qualified guides. Furthermore, the preference for rich, high-paying tourists by guides is yet another concern.

On the other hand, many have welcomed the decision saying that the helipad will be of great help to climbers in the event of natural disasters such as an avalanche or a storm. Injured climbers could be saved through this. In 1996, 12 mountaineers died after being caught in a blizzard. The helipad will help overcome such events.

Nevertheless, the Mt Everest project will enhance the economy of Tibet as the region is impoverished as of now. Tourists and climbers from other parts of China as well as the world will contribute to it. The Everest base camp will bring convenience to the climbers.