Japanese climber Nobukazu Kuriki will lead first Mt Everest expedition since devastating earthquakes
Kuriki said he is climbing the mountain to spread the message that Nepal poses no danger to tourists.
Japanese alpinist Nobukazu Kuriki is making his fifth bid to climb Mt. Everest in mid-September which, if successful, will be the first ascent of the peak since devastating quakes this year hammered the Himalayan nation’s tourism and mountaineering industries.
Tourism Minister Kripashur Sherpa handed over a climbing permit and Nepal’s national flag to Kuriki at a function organised in Kathmandu yesterday.
Kuriki said he is climbing the mountain to spread the message that Nepal poses no danger to tourists.
“I am climbing the mountain to stand by Nepal during this difficult time, and to spread the message that it is safe for tourism,” said the 33-year-old from Japan’s northernmost main island of Hokkaido.
Kuriki will be flying by helicopter to Pheriche on Tuesday, from where he will set out on foot hoping to reach the top of the 8,848-metre mountain on September 15. He will take the normal South Col. Route for the ascent.
When asked why he chose autumn instead of the more popular spring season to climb the mountain, he said: “Mt. Everest is crowded in spring. I want to climb it when there are fewer people and less noise.”