Nepal, which relies heavily on tourism, nature enthusiasts, particularly climbers, will be issuing permits for Everest. The permit will be given to those who has experience in climbing at least one mountain which should be minimum 7000 metre or 22965 feet high. This is done to reduce overcrowding and to improve people’s safety.
The country lets many climbers on Mount Everest and that usually results in long quesues, especially near ‘death zone’, which is an area where there is insufficient oxygen level that is needed for survival.
During 2023 and 2024, almost 12 and 8 climbers had passed away on the mountain, respectively, while 5 people went missing in 2023 out of 478 permits that were issued. The main reason for this high rate was blamed on the overcrowding that was prevalent.
To curb this, the country proposed a law that would issue a permit to climb Mount Everest, after they climb a 7000-metre mountain in Nepal and should also provide evidence. The head of local staff and the sherpa (mountain guide) must belong to the country as well.
The bill has been introduced in Nepal’s national assembly and is awaiting it to be passed.
This decision has faced criticisms from mountaineers and International expedition operators who is urging the government to allow any 7000-metre-high peak and not just the ones in Nepal.
According to Nepal’s tourism department’s data, the country has more than 400 mountain peaks which are open to the public for expeditions. In that, 74 mountain peaks have a height of 7000 metres and more. But these mountain peaks are not known to many people, making it a less preferable expedition.
Mount Everest, which is locally known as Sagarmatha in Nepal, is the world’s highest mountain and is located in the Himalayas. Till date, around 7000 people have climbed the mountain, while 340 people have died in an attempt to reach the top.
