Everest could be safer than it was before its post-earthquake repairs, according to experts tasked with deciding if the mountain is fit for reopening.

The world’s most iconic trekking region received mixed reviews ahead of its new tourism season in Nepal next month, with the report largely claiming the hazards were minor in the scheme of things.

The report, commissioned by the Government of Nepal, confirms that there was ‘minimal damage’ to the majority of accommodation and trails in the Everest region, in Nepal’s northeast.

It is noted that some minor hazards were identified by a team of specialist geotechnic and structural engineers from Miyamoto International and mountain guides, who made an initial survey assessment of the main trekking routes and select villages ahead of the monsoon season.

The report recommends rerouting a section of the Everest trail, as well as relocating buildings in the villages of Tok Tok and Benkar to the opposite side of the river in order to reduce risks in the region to tourists and to locals. The report also recommends a follow up engineering assessment after the monsoon.

Despite some challenges identified in the report, tourism industry leaders and government officials have welcomed the information in this assessment, which provides a baseline to improve infrastructure in the region.

“Tourism is the largest employer in Nepal and it’s vital to our economic recovery,” Nepal Tourism Board’s administrative chief Ramesh Kumar Adhikari said.

“We know that Everest is a huge draw for visitors – it is a bucket list destination.”

The report was also aimed to give an indication of how safe it was to reopen the trekking routes before the season kicks off in September.

Intrepid Travel is one of the largest trekking operators in Nepal, and has worked with the government of Nepal to coordinate the logistics and provide the local guides to bring the trek back to life.

“As far as we’re concerned the report is all good news, because even where it’s identified issues it means that we now have the information needed to rebuild Nepal stronger than ever before, and ensure the safety of our staff, travellers, and the local communities we visit” Intrepid Travel’s founder and ceo Darrell Wade said.

The assessments are believed to be the first ever completed by international earthquake engineering specialists on trekking routes in Nepal and identify potential hazards in the mountain area not associated with the April and May earthquakes, and therefore giving guidance on how best to operate on the mountain.

For some more detail and safety overviews, check out the overall summary assessment:

Summary of the Everest Assessment

• Nine major bridges were assessed, with no signs of damage as a result of the earthquake.

• 15 villages with 710 buildings were assessed, including both tourist accommodation and local residences.  83% of all buildings were given a green-tag by engineers at the time of the assessment, who found most damaged buildings could be repaired. Owners are making these repairs now using new construction methods that will improve safety in the future.
• Many of the villages on the Everest trail do not appear to have been affected by the earthquake.
• Overall, the assessment of the Everest region identified that damage in the lower valley (below Namche) is significantly greater than in the upper valley

• The most significant recommendation in the report is to reroute a stretch of the trail around the villages of Tok Tok and Benkar to the opposite side of the river. Engineers suggest moving the trail to the true left of the river using the existing bridges at Phakding and the northern end of Benkar. The residents of the two villages would also need to be moved.

• The report recommends closing the low trail between the villages of Namche and Khumjung, and using the higher level trail instead, as geological evidence suggests that rockfall is a frequent occurrence on the low trail between the two villages.
• Avoid overnight stays in Shomore. While there was no new rockfall in Shomore, there are a number of large boulders in the village. Engineers believe it is relatively safe to continue to use the trail in this area for now, but the report recommends a more in-depth assessment needs to be made.