New Everest rules: Nepal proposes stricter requirements for climbers; find details here

In a significant policy shift aimed at enhancing safety and reducing overcrowding, Nepal has announced plans to restrict access to Mount Everest to climbers with prior high-altitude experience. The proposed legislation mandates that applicants must have previously summited at least one of Nepal's 7,000-meter peaks to qualify for an Everest permit. This move comes in response to a rising number of fatalities and safety concerns associated with inexperienced climbers attempting the world's highest peak.
The ruling comes after a string of events that brought attention to the perils of crowding on Everest. As reported earlier, five climbers went missing and 12 people died as a result of Nepal issuing 478 permits for Everest climbs in 2023. The "Death Zone" above 8,000 meters, when oxygen levels are extremely low and climbers are susceptible to altitude sickness, frostbite, and weariness, is where many of these unfortunate incidents took place. These concerns have been made worse by long lines in this dangerous area, which has led to calls for more stringent laws.
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Under the proposed law, climbers would need to provide evidence of having successfully ascended a 7,000-m peak in Nepal before applying for an Everest permit. In order to support local employment and guarantee expertise with the area, the law also requires that expedition leaders and mountain guides be residents of Nepal. To confirm the climber's fitness for the ascent, a medical certificate issued within the last 30 days would also be necessary.


International excursion operators have voiced their concerns, arguing that while the regulation aims to boost safety, it might be a bit too narrow. Some believe climbers should be able to earn their Everest permits by conquering other high-altitude giants like Denali in the US or Aconcagua in Argentina. According to Austrian expedition leader Lukas Furtenbach, "death doesn’t differentiate" across mountains, underscoring the significance of acknowledging the worldwide high-altitude experience. The lack of certified Nepali mountain leaders is another issue, and some argue that guides from other nations who possess the necessary credentials ought to be allowed to lead trips as well.
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With Everest expeditions drawing climbers from all over the world, Nepal's mountaineering sector plays a major role in the country's economy. However, concerns have been expressed regarding the viability of this approach due to the inflow of novice climbers. Nepal hopes to guarantee that only prepared climbers try the ascent by enforcing more stringent eligibility requirements, which might lessen the burden on resources and enhance the experience for everyone.

The draft bill is now in Nepal’s National Assembly, and with the ruling coalition holding the reins, it's looking like a done deal. If approved, these new regulations might just set the stage for high-altitude climbs around the world to follow suit. While the policy may put a cap on the number of climbers aiming for the summit, it’s all about keeping Mount Everest safe and pristine for those who come after us. So, if you’ve got your eye on the top, it might be time to start planning—before the laws tighten.
This policy’s outcome could send ripples through climbing regulations, as Nepal tries to strike the perfect balance between the thrill of the climb and the need for safety. Will it be the start of a new standard for adventure, or just another checkpoint on Everest’s long road to preserving its peak? Either way, the global climbing community is holding its breath!