Climbing Mount Everest is a bucket-list destination for many ambitious climbers around the world. However, it’s also one of the most dangerous. 2023 saw 22 tragic deaths according to the Himalayan Database, marking it the most deadly year on record. Due to this, the Nepali government is implementing several new rules to reduce the risk of loss of life. These new rules were outlined in the Integrated Tourism Bill from Nepal’s upper house of Parliament. Here’s what you need to know:
In 2023, many of the deaths were linked to altitude sickness or heart attacks in unprepared hikers. For this reason, climbers must now provide a certificate of health 30 days before their expeditions. Climbers must also show proof of having summited at least one peak over 7,000 meters (22,965 feet) in Nepal before applying for an Everest Permit. This permit is valid for two years but will now cost $15,000 instead of $11,000 per person, and will not be transferable or refundable.
Additionally, solo climbers will be banned on Everest and other peaks above 8,000 meters (26,246 feet). Anywhere above that is considered the “death zone” because of how difficult it is to rescue struggling climbers. To make things easier, the Nepali government also mandated that every climber carry a tracking device and that a Nepali guide must accompany every two climbers.
For the almost 500 climbers hoping to summit in 2025, these rules will seek to mitigate some of the challenges faced in previous years, particularly in overcrowding. While they are steeper than ever, we all hope they will result in a safer Mount Everest experience.
