Tensions at Everest base camp were intensifying last night after most Nepalese Sherpa guides declared that they were abandoning this year’s climbing season to pay tribute to 16 colleagues killed in an avalanche last week.
Amid rising anger over pay and conditions, Sherpas held a memorial ceremony on yesterday afternoon at base camp, where hundreds of foreign climbers were waiting to ascend.
Dorje Sherpa said that it was “impossible” for many Sherpas to continue climbing while the bodies of at least three colleagues were still missing beneath the snow. “We want to honour the members we lost and out of respect we just can’t continue,” he said.
“All Sherpas are united in this,” said Tulsi Gurung, whose brother was killed in the accident on Friday