Nepali Gov’t Proposes New Everest Permitting Rules
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After overcrowding issues during the 2019 Everest climbing season led to deadly human traffic jams, the Nepalese government proposed new permitting rules for the climb. Under the new rules, prospective climbers would have to prove that they summited another major peak and guiding operations would be required to prove at least three years of high-altitude experience elsewhere before setting foot on Everest.
Another measure would require expedition members to prove they have paid at least $35,000. This is an effort to discourage cost-cutting that has led to lack of supplies, safety gear, and rescue insurance, resulting in deaths on the mountain. During the 2019 climbing season, 381 permits were issued and 11 climbers died on the mountain.
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The changes will be put before the Nepal’s Parliament before the 2020 spring climbing season. Current rules require climbers submit a copy of their passport, a short bio, and a certificate showing they are healthy enough to summit.
