Overview

• The proposed law mandates that climbers must have scaled at least one 7,000-metre peak in Nepal to qualify for an Everest permit.
• The draft legislation aims to reduce overcrowding and fatalities in Everest's 'death zone,' where 12 climbers died in 2023.
• Under the proposal, the sardar and mountain guides accompanying climbers must be Nepali citizens, sparking calls for international IFMGA-certified guides to be included.
• International operators have urged Nepal to expand qualifying climbs to include global peaks of 7,000 metres or even 6,500 metres.
• The bill has been formally registered in Nepal's National Assembly, where the ruling alliance holds the majority needed to pass it.