Nepal plans stricter Everest safety rules, including prior 7,000m climb, health certificates and a new mountain cleaning fund.
KATHMANDU: Nepalese authorities are considering stricter safety regulations for Mount Everest climbers. The proposed rules include a requirement for aspirants to first summit another 7,000-metre peak within Nepal.
Officials say the measure aims to ensure climbers are more experienced and could help reduce accidents on the world’s highest mountain. Tourism official Himal Gautam told AFP the rules would also help “diversify the peaks that attract climbers” and boost local economies beyond the Everest region.
The proposal is part of a bill that has already passed the National Assembly. It now awaits a vote in the House of Representatives, which will only be formed after elections on March 5.
Even if endorsed, the new measures will not apply to the upcoming spring climbing season. Some of Nepal’s leading expedition operators have expressed support for the initiative.
“It is a positive move that will promote more experienced climbers on Everest and help make it safer,” said Mingma Sherpa of Seven Summit Treks. Other industry figures support the safety goal but question the geographic restriction.
Lukas Furtenbach of Furtenbach Adventures asked why only a Nepalese peak would qualify a climber. He suggested experience on major peaks elsewhere should also be considered valid preparation.
The proposed legislation would also introduce additional requirements for climbers. These include presenting a health certificate before attempting an ascent.
It would also eliminate the current USD 4,000 refundable garbage deposit. Instead, mountaineers would contribute to a dedicated fund for cleaning Nepal’s mountains and supporting mountaineering workers.
The Himalayan nation is home to eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks. Mountaineering is a lucrative business, attracting hundreds of climbers to Nepal each year.
