Nepal tightens rules on high-altitude climbing for safety
Nepal is considering introducing new regulations that will restrict high-altitude climbing to experienced mountaineers only. The new regulations aim to increase safety on trails and limit "reckless tourism."
Nepal plans to introduce new regulations regarding high-altitude climbing, aimed at limiting the number of inexperienced individuals on the trails. They no longer want "reckless tourism," according to local media reports.
New safety regulations in Nepal
According to the proposal, permits for expeditions will be granted only to those climbers who have previously summited at least one peak of 22,966 feet.
The decision to change the regulations stems from the growing issue of overcrowding on popular climbing routes, leading to dangerous situations, especially in the "death zone." In 2023, at least 12 people died on Mount Everest, and five were reported missing. In the same year, Nepal issued 478 climbing permits. By 2024, the number of casualties was eight people.
The new regulations require that individuals applying for a climbing permit document the ascent of at least one peak of 22,966 feet. The draft bill has already been submitted to the Constituent Assembly, where the ruling coalition has the majority needed for its passage.
Appeal from expedition operators
International expedition operators are urging Nepal to allow mountain guides to gain experience on 22,966-foot peaks.
In an interview with Reuters, Lukas Furtenbach from an Austrian expedition organizing company explained that mountain guides from other countries are needed on Everest due to a shortage of qualified Nepali counterparts.
