You need to conquer a 7,000 meter Mountain before going to Everest says Nepal Integrated Tourism Bill

Nepal is introducing stricter regulations for climbers attempting Mount Everest, requiring them to first conquer a mountain over 7,000 meters. The Integrated Tourism Bill, registered in Nepal’s upper house of Parliament, requires climbers to prove themselves first before attempting the 8,000-metre peak. This is the first time Nepal has tried to raise the bar on climbing a mountain, with previous attempts being withdrawn due to a decline in climbers. The bill also requires health checks, a certificate from a government-approved medical institution, and exclusion of individuals with health complications from participating in an expedition.

Climbers must declare in advance if they are attempting a record and cannot transfer their paid permit to someone else. If their climb is disrupted by war, disaster, or events beyond their control, they will not receive a refund but will receive a permit valid for two years or have their fee adjusted for another peak. The Department of Tourism must grant permission for new paths up the mountain, and in emergencies, climbers can reroute only with the approval of a government liaison officer.

The bill also aims to protect Nepali jobs, making it mandatory for sirdar, high-altitude guides, and helpers to be all Nepali citizens. The bill also proposes dead body management insurance to address the issue of death on Everest, which is an expensive and risky operation.