Kathmandu, Oct. 31 -- The Sherpas reportedly have a saying that "there's only one Everest," meaning that because Everest is the highest mountain in the world it will always be the preferred destination of trekkers, climbers, and extremely wealthy middle aged men. Visitor numbers support this claim - over 60,000 foreign tourists (not counting support staff) will come to Sagarmatha National Park this year.
Along with the economic benefits there are also downsides such as overcrowded trails, bottlenecks at check posts and bridge crossings, and the feeling of being in a perpetual traffic jam. Every day during the peak season, 500 tourists arrive in Namche Bazar from the south, and 500 from trails east and north.
The vast majority of these to...