Nepal’s Upcoming Elections: The Silent Voice of Khumbu
As Nepal approaches parliamentary elections on March 5, 2026, the high-altitude Khumbu region feels distant from the political buzz. While cities thrive on campaigns, villages like Namche Bazaar and Lukla are quiet, their residents mostly migrated to Kathmandu for the winter.
Sonam Sherpa, a Lukla resident, noted, “Most locals are gone. Candidates won’t arrive until the last minute.” The harsh winter keeps many away, further isolating these communities.
In the shadow of Everest, the Sherpas face pressing issues, notably climate change. Rising temperatures and shifting weather patterns threaten their way of life. Yet, election discussions often prioritize immediate needs like roads and electricity, leaving long-term environmental concerns unheard.
“We only discuss climate change among ourselves,” Sonam shared, reflecting a common sentiment.
Since Edmund Hillary and Tenzing Norgay’s historic Everest ascent in 1953, Sherpas have gained global recognition. However, many young Sherpas now pursue careers outside the region, impacting local voter numbers. The population of Khumbu is approximately 8,720, with only a fraction participating in upcoming elections.
Campaigns focus predominantly on resource-rich lower regions like Solu, where voters are more accessible year-round. The population-centric electoral system leaves mountain areas like Khumbu underrepresented, despite their unique challenges.
According to Nepal’s 2021 Census, Khumbu’s registered voters total just 6,133. The lack of political engagement from candidates often means empty promises rather than substantial discussions.
Anoushka Pandey, a climate action expert, commented, “Politicians tend to prioritize infrastructure. This oversight neglects the resources local governments need to combat climate issues.”
Residents are observing tangible changes, with hot weather disrupting snowfall patterns. Ang Norbu Sherpa, a local lodge operator, mentioned the inconsistency, stating, “This season, there’s been no proper snow.” His concerns echo a broader trend—localized climate impacts that many feel politicians overlook.
Moreover, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) reports indicate that mountainous regions are experiencing pronounced warming. This highlights the urgency for sustainable practices.
Compounding these challenges are worries about tourism’s impact. While Khumbu generates significant revenue through mountaineering, the locals see little reinvestment in climate adaptation or infrastructure to mitigate environmental degradation. Interestingly, climbing fees from Everest in 2024 alone totaled $4.5 million, yet local leaders argue the money rarely returns to their community.
Candidates like Rishi Dhan Thulung Rai of the Rastriya Swatantra Party acknowledge environmental issues but often emphasize infrastructure development. He proposed redistributing hiking permit royalties, suggesting a 30% allocation to local governments for better management of local concerns.
In contrast, Prakash Singh Karki from the Nepali Congress embraces a more traditional campaign approach, focusing on immediate community needs: roads, clean water, and healthcare. He believes it’s vital to promise what locals expect, despite the broader role of a parliament member being policy-making.
Critics argue that discussions about sustainable tourism have become mere rhetoric. “Climate change must be taken seriously,” stated Yankila Sherpa, a former state minister.
The Khumbu region stands at a pivotal moment—it’s renowned globally yet politically sidelined in shaping its future. With significant climate risks looming, the Sherpas hope their voices will be heard over the noise of the elections, lest they lose their culture, environment, and the very foundation of their economy.
As the election approaches, will Khumbu’s unique challenges finally take center stage in political discourse?
For more insights on the evolving climate in high-altitude regions, visit the IPCC report.
