Nepal is planning to introduce new regulations aimed at reducing the rising number of fatalities on Mount Everest, requiring climbers to have previously scaled a peak above 7,000 meters before being allowed to attempt the world’s highest peak. The move, reported by The Kathmandu Post, is part of a broader effort to enhance safety and order on Everest.
Why Is Climbing Mount Everest So Dangerous?
Since Sir Edmund Hillary of New Zealand and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay of Nepal first summited Everest in 1953, thousands of climbers from around the world have been drawn to the 8,849-meter (29,032 feet) peak, known as Sagarmatha in Nepali. Official data indicates that while approximately 9,000 climbers have successfully reached the summit, over 300 have lost their lives in the attempt. This includes the hazards of extreme altitude, unpredictable weather, and the challenges posed by overcrowding during peak climbing seasons.
New Regulations and Health Checks
Under the proposed Integrated Tourism Bill, any climber wishing to ascend Mount Everest will first need to have successfully summited a peak over 7,000 meters. This new rule is part of a strategy to address issues such as overcrowding, high death rates, and the environmental impact on Everest. Additionally, climbers will be required to undergo a health check and provide a certificate from a government-approved medical institution to confirm their fitness for the expedition. Individuals with health complications will be barred from climbing.
In addition to the climbing experience requirement, the bill introduces stricter measures such as non-refundable garbage fees to combat the growing problem of waste accumulation on the mountain. The bill also proposes a new insurance policy to cover the high costs of retrieving bodies, which can range from $20,000 to $200,000 per operation.
Addressing the Dark Side of Everest Tourism
The increase in the number of climbers, which has surged to over 400 in recent years, has raised concerns over the safety and environmental impact on the mountain. In 2023, 17 climbers died on Everest, and another eight lost their lives in 2024. The bill seeks to address these issues while still promoting Everest as a major tourist attraction.
With the bill still in draft form, it will undergo further debates in Nepal’s Parliament before becoming law. The draft paints a clear picture of the government’s intention to bring greater accountability and safety to Everest expeditions.
