KATHMANDU – Nepal is set to introduce a new law that will allow only experienced climbers to attempt Mount Everest, following concerns over overcrowding and safety. The draft bill, now registered in the National Assembly, proposes that climbers must have scaled at least one 7,000-metre peak in Nepal before receiving a permit to ascend the 8,849-metre summit.

Over the years, Nepal has faced criticism for issuing Everest permits to inexperienced climbers, leading to traffic jams in the perilous “death zone” near the summit. In 2023, 12 climbers died and five went missing, with 478 permits issued.

The proposed law would also require all expedition leaders and guides to be Nepali citizens. However, international operators are urging Nepal to accept climbs on similarly high peaks outside Nepal, such as Ama Dablam, Aconcagua, or Denali, as qualifying experience.

Experts argue that there are too few accessible 7,000-metre peaks in Nepal, limiting training options. They also call for international mountain guides with IFMGA certification to be allowed on Everest, citing a shortage of qualified Nepali guides. Nepal has over 400 open peaks, with 74 above 7,000 metres, but only a few are regularly climbed.