Visitor impacts on trails in the Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, Nepal.
This study summarizes findings of a visitor impact study conducted in the Sagarmatha (Mt. Everest) National Park, Nepal. The effect of visitor use, and the influence of environmental characteristics on trail conditions are investigated. Seven trails divided into 208 trail segments, and with a total length of 90 kilometers were included in the assessment. A four-class rating system has been used for the assessment of trail conditions. Arc/Info and Arc/View geographic information system (GIS) are used to analyze spatial patterns of impacts. The study indicates a strong correlation between visitor use and trail degradation. However, locational and environmental factors are equally important variables. The study concludes that more systematic, and experimental studies are needed that can make a clear distinction between human-induced trail damage and the effects of natural factors.
Nepal
Sanjay K
SK
Department of Recreation, Parks and Tourism Sciences, Texas A & M University, College Station, TX 77843-2261, USA. snepal@tamu.edu
Nepal
Stella Amor
SA
D004463:Ecology; D017753:Ecosystem; D004784:Environmental Monitoring; D040362:Geographic Information Systems; D006801:Humans; D009390:Nepal; D063245:Plant Development; D011998:Recreation; D012987:Soil; D016138:Walking
D012987:Soil