It’s the only time of year when weather conditions are favourable enough for an expedition. And, as we reported in our April issue, this was the plan for four brave South African women – they were to set off on the adventure of their lives.
But, as we all know, the coronavirus pandemic caused a global shutdown, forcing mountaineers Deshun Deysel, Lisa Gering, Tumi Mphahlele, and Alda Waddell to hang up their highly specialised K-Way down expedition suits until at least next year’s Everest summit climbing window.
Not only did COVID-19 interrupt travel plans, but it’s caused dire financial consequences for world economies, and placed an immense burden on countries’ healthcare systems. No more acutely are financial burdens felt than on an Everest trip, which can cost upwards of $50 000 (±R920 000) to fund (a rate that doesn’t include flights or gear). Just two weeks prior to the women’s departure date for Nepal, only Lisa had secured all the funding needed.
‘I was all good to go when it was announced that Nepal was closing the mountain,’ says Lisa. ‘The impact on Nepal is immense – they rely heavily on the trekking and climbing season, which brings tens of thousands of tourists, and that was all closed off.’ Many of the trekking and climbing guides in Nepal earn upwards of 80 per cent of their annual income during this period.
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