The Government of Nepal has introduced a new requirement mandating climbers to successfully ascend a mountain over 7,000 meters within Nepal before receiving permission to attempt Mount Everest.
This provision is part of the 'Tourism Bill 2081', recently registered in the National Assembly by the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation. The bill, which seeks to replace the Tourism Act of 2035, aims to strengthen regulations around high-altitude mountaineering.
According to the bill, individuals wishing to climb Everest must submit official proof of prior experience on a peak exceeding 7,000 meters. Furthermore, climbers must present a health examination certificate issued within the previous month by a health institution recognized by the Government of Nepal. Those found medically unfit will be denied permission to climb or to join a mountaineering expedition.
The move follows growing criticism over the ease with which climbing permits for Everest have been granted in recent years. The new provisions also extend the health certificate requirement to all expedition members, including liaison officers, team leaders, guides, and mountaineering assistants.
The bill also introduces new rules for adventure tourism activities in the Himalayas. Activities such as paragliding, skydiving, heli-skiing, ultralight flights, and other similar ventures will require prior approval from the Ministry of Tourism or a designated authority.
In addition, the bill states that climbing permits will not be refunded if a team fails to undertake their expedition within the allocated year, except in cases of unavoidable circumstances where the government may allow rescheduling. Mountaineering teams will also be required to use only designated climbing routes.
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