Nepal is rewriting the rules for climbing Mount Everest. Starting 2025, only climbers who have successfully summited a 7,000-metre mountain will get permits to scale the world’s tallest peak.
The new rule is Nepal’s response to rising deaths and mismanagement during recent expeditions.
2023 Was Deadly—and a Wake-Up Call
Last year, 18 people died while attempting Everest—one of the deadliest seasons ever. Many lacked the skill, experience, or fitness needed for such an extreme challenge.
With rising global interest, Everest has become overcrowded, chaotic, and dangerous.
Queues formed near the summit. Exhausted climbers waited in sub-zero temperatures. Rescue helicopters couldn’t always reach them.
Why the Rule Matters
Climbers will now need to prove they’ve already summited a 7,000-metre peak. This ensures only experienced adventurers make it to Everest.
Officials believe this will:
- Reduce rescue operations
- Lower fatality rates
- Protect Sherpas and guides from unnecessary risks
What the New Rule Requires
Nepal’s Department of Tourism has laid down clear conditions:
- Valid proof of a 7,000m summit
- Possibly tighter insurance and fitness checks
- No permit for beginners, no matter how much they pay
At present, an Everest permit costs $11,000 per person, but that’s just a slice of the actual cost—both in money and risk.
Climbing Isn’t for Everyone
Everest may be iconic, but it’s not a tourist spot. Some climbers have frozen mid-ascent. Others collapsed from altitude sickness or exhaustion.
And the worst part? Many knew the risks but underestimated them.
Guides often risk their own lives trying to help amateurs. This rule aims to stop that.
Tourist Boom, Safety Bust
Nepal earns millions from Everest tourism. But officials admit that safety has taken a hit.
They’ve been under pressure to fix this. Now, they’ve acted.
From 2025, the world’s most famous mountain gets a new gatekeeper: experience.
