Mount Everest

Actually, the first summit successes on Mount Everest had been expected for the past weekend. However, the Sherpa team that wanted to fix the ropes up to the highest point on 8,850 meters on the Nepali south side of the mountain had to turn around because of strong winds. And now it’s snowing. Snowfall is also expected for the next days. After all, the weather forecast for this week predicts little wind in the summit area. Maybe something will be still possible. This does not apply to Ryan Sean Davy. The 43-year-old South African was caught in Everest Base Camp without permit and sent back to Kathmandu.

Only trekking permit

He is now threatened with a fine of $ 22,000 – twice as much as the permit would have cost – and a ten-year ban on climbing in Nepal. In addition, the passport of the South African was seized. Davy had only a trekking permit. Apparently, he had already spent several weeks on Everest. In his own words, he had climbed twice through the Khumbu Icefall and reached an altitude of 24,000 feet (7,300 meters).

Little remorseful

He had lacked the money for the Everest permit “because of hidden costs”, the South African writes on Facebook, adding that he was ashamed in front of those who had supported him. The word “mistake” is missing in Davy’s long justification. Instead, he complains about expedition operators who “have no time for wanna be Everesters with no money so someone turned me in. I was harassed at basecamp to a point that I honestly thought I was going to get stoned to death right there. I’m not even exaggerating. I was treated like a murderer.” In other words: All are evil, but I am not. My compassion is limited.

Only three liaison officers

The South African was caught by an official of the Nepalese Tourism Ministry. According to the Kathmandu-based newspaper “Himalayan Times”, only three liaison officers have been staying in Everest Base Camp this spring – with some 50 expeditions there it should have been about 50. This is also one of the grievances on Everest, which have been complained about for years, but nothing changes.