The true accessibility of mountaineering: The case of the High Himalaya

Abstract

Each year, hiking, trekking and mountain climbing, broadly defined as mountaineering, are becoming more popular. Among the key factors determining a travel destination in recent years is the level of tourist accessibility. To improve the current level of tourist accessibility, it is necessary to know all the factors that may affect it. This paper focuses on the true accessibility of mountaineering and presents a conceptual framework for assessing it. Access to places for mountaineering is more complicated than for simple tourist destinations that only require the availability of transport and in situ services. For mountaineering, true accessibility consists two factors: (1) destination accessibility (the transport system and in situ services) and (2) real access, which includes such factors as social, economic, weather and psychophysical environments, as well as the presence of mountaineering activities, all of which can have a positive or negative influence on the opportunity to engage in a given pursuit. This means the conditions must be such that real contact with the tourist attraction can take place. Examples of current accessibility conditions in the Himalaya are used to illustrate all part of the conceptual framework. A more comprehensive understanding of the different aspects of mountaineering accessibility offers important insight for tourists planning mountaineering activities and local mountain communities developing supporting infrastructure and services. M A N A G E M E N T I M P L I C A T I O N SThe comprehensive conceptual framework of mountaineering accessibility presented in this article offers an important tool for:●authorities and/or residents of mountain communities to assess their local conditions and make informed choices about their own future: they may facilitate accessibility for mountaineering (e.g., Annapurna Conservation Area Project) or remain in isolation from this kind of activity (e.g., Bhutan);●mountaineers, whose improved understanding of accessibility will increase their chances of a successful summit bids and help improve the safety of their trips.