Assessing Comfort in High Altitude Mountaineering Spaces: The Case of Annapurna Conservation Area

Abstract

Mountaineering, which has recently gained a lot of popularity, is an outdoor leisure activity that involves risk, challenges, and hardship. As mountains can be fairly dangerous owing to avalanches, rock falls, or extremely low temperatures, it can be a challenging activity. This study aims to develop a statistical modeling for examining thermal comfort to mountaineering activities that represents the mountaineers’ comfort of the place by integrating all of the relevant factors. Data were collected by questionnaire and in-situ microclimatic measurement and is statically analysed. The findings show that mountaineers’ comfort is dependent on environmental perception and environmental attitude while doing high altitude climbing activities at the Annapurna Base Camp. The education level of the mountaineers has significant impact toward comfort assessment and Female has significant impact on comfort assessment compared to male. These findings make important contribution to the leisure, outdoor leisure activities, and mountaineering literature.