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Nepal has introduced a new draft law with stricter regulations on granting permits to climb Mount Everest, prioritizing experience and ensuring the safety of those attempting to conquer the "roof of the world".
Accordingly, those applying for permission to climb Everest will have to prove they have previously conquered at least one mountain higher than 7,000 meters in Nepal. This is to ensure that climbers have sufficient skills and ability to adapt to the harsh conditions at high altitudes. Furthermore, the draft also stipulates that the team leader and accompanying mountaineering guide must be Nepalese citizens, a move aimed at strengthening the role and responsibility of local teams.
Nepal has proposed a new law requiring those wishing to climb Everest to have previously conquered at least one peak above 7,000 meters within the country, such as Manaslu or Annapurna.
Nepal has previously faced criticism for granting permits too easily to large numbers of climbers, including inexperienced ones. This has led to dangerous congestion in the "Death Zone"—areas where natural oxygen levels are insufficient to sustain life. This overcrowding is believed to be one of the main reasons for the high death toll on the mountain.
This is not just an administrative hurdle, but a vital measure to save the mountain, which is increasingly overwhelmed by waste and casualties.
Specifically, in 2023, Nepal issued 478 permits to climb Everest, resulting in tragic consequences with at least 12 deaths and 5 others missing. 2024 also saw 8 fatalities. Rescuing people in distress on Everest always carries immense risks, even under the most favorable conditions.
However, this new regulation is causing intense controversy within the international expedition community. Lukas Furtenbach, founder of Furtenbach Adventures in Austria, a company specializing in Everest climbing expeditions, argues that Nepal should accept experiences from any 7,000-meter mountain in the world, not just those within Nepalese territory.
Accordingly, to be granted a permit, climbers must submit proof of having successfully climbed a 7,000-meter peak in Nepal.
He also suggested that peaks near this threshold, such as Ama Dablam, Aconcagua, or Denali, should also be considered as qualifying experiences. Currently, Nepal has over 400 peaks open to exploration, but only 74 are higher than 7,000 meters, and according to Tashi Lhakpa Sherpa of 14 Peaks Expedition – a major expedition organization in Nepal – only a few of those truly attract climbers.
Climbing Everest shouldn't just be a "bullet point" on a wish list, but a journey that deserves respect, Nikkei Asia writes.
Despite differing opinions, Nepalese officials remain adamant that the new regulations are necessary to ensure the safety of those attempting to conquer the "roof of the world." This is a place where only the most well-prepared can face the life-or-death challenge.
Previously, in 2024, Nepal also implemented another measure to enhance safety: requiring Everest climbers to use tracking chips. The chips, which utilize the Global Positioning System (GPS) and share information with satellites, are expected to significantly reduce search and rescue times in the event of an accident.
