Nepal plans to significantly restrict access to the world's highest peak. The new tourism law requires mandatory mountaineering experience, medical certificates, and stricter environmental controls on Everest. Learn more about the new rules for climbers and what exactly will change in the process of obtaining a climbing permit

Nepal is adopting a new tourism law that will significantly change the procedure for obtaining permits to climb the world's highest peak. Mandatory experience of climbing seven-thousanders, medical certificates, and the department's right to refuse to issue a permit — all this may become a reality in the near future. Read on to learn more about the new rules, environmental initiatives, and the mountaineering support fund.

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New tourism law in Nepal: what is known about the bill?

The upper house of Nepal's National Assembly unanimously approved a tourism bill that significantly tightens requirements for climbers, according to the Independent. The next step is for the House of Representatives to consider the bill, which is scheduled for March.

Climbing Everest from base camp takes about 70 days in extreme conditions: low oxygen levels, avalanche threats, and critically low temperatures. The summit is over 8,800 meters above sea level. Because of how dangerous the route is, Nepal's government decided to rethink how they give out permits and make the process more controlled.

What requirements will climbers on Everest have to meet?

The main change is about the experience of applicants. Only climbers who have previously conquered at least one mountain in Nepal over 7,000 meters high will be able to obtain a climbing permit. In this way, the authorities plan to weed out insufficiently prepared tourists, whose attempts to conquer Everest often end tragically or require large-scale rescue operations.

In addition, each climber will be required to provide a medical certificate confirming their health status. The purpose of this requirement is to reduce the number of medical emergencies at high altitudes. All applications, documents, and relevant fees must be submitted to the Department of Tourism before the start of the expedition. The department, in turn, will have the right to refuse tourists who, in its opinion, may be exposed to danger.

Environmental initiatives: combating litter on Everest

A separate section of the bill is devoted to environmental protection. It provides for the creation of a special Environmental Protection Fund, whose task will be to reduce the amount of litter left on the mountain after expeditions. The problem of pollution on Everest has long been a concern for environmentalists and the Nepalese authorities, so the legislative consolidation of appropriate mechanisms was an expected step.

It is worth noting that the fight against litter on Everest has been going on for more than a decade.

Since 2014, Nepal has had a rule that every climber who ascends above base camp is required to bring back at least 8 kilograms of solid waste. Violators lose a deposit of $4,000. The new bill is intended to strengthen these measures and ensure a systematic approach to the problem.

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Mountaineers' Welfare Fund: support for support staff

Another important initiative within the new law is the creation of a Mountaineers' Welfare Fund. Its funds will be used to finance support staff, including Sherpas and other workers who provide safety and logistics for expeditions at high altitudes.

Support staff risk their lives every day, working in the harshest conditions on the planet. The creation of a separate fund will provide these people with adequate social protection and financial support. The bill thus covers several areas at once: climber safety, environmental protection, and support for local staff.

Climbing Everest and other extreme journeys always involve health risks. Nepal's new requirements confirm once again that preparation for any trip abroad should include not only gathering documents but also reliable medical insurance. The Visit World portal offers travel medical insurance that will cover the cost of treatment and emergency care anywhere in the world.

Take out medical insurance on the Visit World portal in advance and set off on your journey with confidence in your own safety!

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