Understanding the Motives of High-Risk Leisure Participants: A Case of Mt. Everest Mountaineers

Abstract

Participation in high-risk leisure activities has increased dramatically over the years despite the number of risks and dangers the activities present during participation. Mountaineering is considered as one of the most popular activities of high-risk leisure activities. However, there is a lack of research investigating the motives of mountaineers who trek/ climb difficult mountain ranges risking their health. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to investigate the motives of mountaineers who trek/climb the Mt. Everest Base Camp for leisure. The total number of 4 participants who completed ‘Mt. Everest Base Camp and Kala Pattar’ program was recruited in Kathmandu, Nepal, and an in-depth interview was conducted to collect data. To analyze the data, a line-by-line analysis was performed to establish emergent themes. Then, a thematic analysis was conducted using these themes as the basis. The findings indicated that the reasons the participants engage in mountaineering in difficult mountain ranges were generally to feel an accomplishment. On the other hand, the primary motive for joining the Mt. Everest Base Camp program was affect regulation, which is an escape strategy from emotional difficulties and/or stresses from daily life.