World’s Second Highest Mountain Becomes a Place of Trash
K2, one of the most difficult peaks in the world to climb, is a popular destination for mountaineers from all over the world. This year it hosted a record number of climbers. According to the Gilgit-Baltistan Department of Tourism, 204 permits for K2 expeditions were issued in the summer of 2022 alone, compared to a total of 1,800 permits for all 8,000 meters in the region.
For most climbers, K2 is a humbling experience for them. The beauty of the Karakoram mountains is indescribable. Aside from the beauty side, the place is currently witnessing piles of garbage. Adventurous tourists are complaining that Camp 1 at K2 had been a pile of garbage, including dead bodies, abandoned ropes, tin cans, tents, climbing equipment, human waste and plastic wrapping “.
Climbers come to the mountains because they are beautiful and garbage is the opposite, making us feel angry, sad and frustrated, ”added Strattan.
“Man is man’s wolf in the mountains… Beware.”
/Vitaly Lazo/So true
📷Sarah Strattan pic.twitter.com/f2J7JRK5Gy
— k2 (@KrisAnnapurna) August 15, 2022
Earlier this year, after nearly a decade, the Gilgit Baltistan government, under whose jurisdiction K2 is, organized a campaign to clear the mountain of waste. The reclamation mission began on July 19 and was completed on August 18. It was estimated that during this time, the team eventually collected 1,610 kg of waste, including climbing gear, tents, ropes, cylinders, batteries and shopping bags.”
GB Deputy Director of Tourism Sajid Hussain echoed his feelings. He told Dawn that when a team came to the region to climb K2, they were first briefed with lessons on how to avoid restricted mountain areas and bring litter back.
“Mountaineers cannot enter the mountains without the briefing and it is mandatory that they inform us of the events there as soon as they return”.
As the number of people climbing K2 increases every year, it is important to understand that the solution is not just cleanliness, but waste as well.
“As Climbers should not be allowed to go up unless they are prepared to bring all of their detritus down”said by Wendy Gilmour Canadian High Commissioner in Pakistan
Climbers should not be allowed to go up unless they are prepared to bring all of their detritus down. #LeaveNoTrace
— Wendy Gilmour (@gilmour_wendy) August 15, 2022
