New access rules for Everest are set to be introduced in Nepal. The bill has already received approval from the upper house of parliament and will be considered by the lower house before the elections scheduled for March 5.
According to the proposed initiative, permits for ascents will only be granted to climbers who have previously summited at least one peak over 7,000 meters in the country. Mandatory age restrictions, experience requirements, and the necessity of insurance will also be introduced.
The reasons for such measures are linked to the overcrowding of popular routes, the increasing number of unprepared tourists, and the negative impact on the environment. Additionally, the law proposes the creation of a special ecological fund aimed at cleaning up the Himalayas from accumulated waste.
It is expected that after final approval, the new law will come into effect within three months.
