Nepal has issued 492 permits to climb Mount Everest this season, as concerns about inexperienced climbers and waste are back at the heart of the debate.
NEW DELHI: Nepali lawmakers have proposed that climbers seeking a permit for Everest must first scale at least one 7,000-meter peak in the country, part of a broader move to tighten access to the world’s highest mountain after a record spring season that saw 1,008 successful ascents from the Nepalese side – the first time the number has crossed the 1,000 mark – and five deaths, including two Indians.
Nepal has issued 492 permits to climb Mount Everest this season, while concerns about crowding, inexperienced climbers and waste are back at the heart of the debate.These proposals are part of 263 amendments to the Nepal Integrated Tourism Bill, which is now being considered by Parliament. A range of amendments seek to make previous high-altitude experience mandatory for Everest permits, with proposals ranging from one peak over 7,000m and one peak over 8,000m to more stringent requirements for one peak in Nepal above 7,000m and two peaks above 8,000m.
Another proposal seeks mandatory training and a medical certificate issued within a month of submitting a permit application.The amendments also seek to change how Nepal manages the numbers of climbers on Mount Everest and other high mountains. MPs suggested the government should assess terrain, weather windows and congestion risks before setting the maximum number of permits for each mountain and season. Within that quota, one proposal says permits should be auctioned off at a price of at least $15,000 and awarded to the highest bidder.
Waste control forms another major part of the package. Expedition teams may be required to attach QR codes to each item carried over base camp, digitally record all equipment taken up the mountain, and weigh and authenticate equipment and trash returned. MPs also proposed a ban on single-use plastics and a zero waste policy covering compostable and non-compostable materials.Other proposals include the establishment of integrated inspection centers led by the military and staffed by government agencies, and liaison officers stationed there to monitor permits and expedition activity.
The amendments seek to introduce a 20kg load cap above base camp, cashless medical and rescue cover, and stronger death, treatment and research insurance for Sherpas, guides and support workers.Commercial expeditions and package sales may also only be routed through registered agencies in Nepal, meaning foreign companies will not be allowed to sell or operate such trips directly. said Tashi Lakpa Sherpa of the 14 Peaks Expedition TOI“The intention to screen climbers is understandable, but only a few 7,000-metre peaks attract climbers.
The rule could push most Everest aspirants towards the same preparatory summits unless the government develops alternatives with appropriate routes and supports rescue and expedition infrastructure.Nepal Mountaineering Association officials said the base could reduce pressure on Mount Everest and help build Nepal’s broader mountaineering economy. “Aspirants to climb Mount Everest can be encouraged to climb peaks such as Himlung Himal, Baruntse, Tilicho Peak, Buta Huenchuli, Nuptse and Annapurna South before attempting to climb Everest, spreading climbers beyond the standard Everest route and creating work for local agencies, guides, porters and mountain communities,” said NMA President, Vor Gilge Sherpa.
