Mainstream media picked up on the traffic jam that occurred when hundreds of climbers were trying to summit Everest back in May (see picture below). Now, Adventure-Journal is reporting that Nepal is making significant changes to the permit process for climbing Everest.
This past season 11 people died on the world’s tallest mountain. It’s believed that lax climbing regulations, and Everest’s increase in popularity; has led to inexperienced climbers attempting the summit. Previously, Nepal only required a passport and a health certificate to obtain a climbing permit for Everest. Climbers will now have to prove they have climbed another mountain in Nepal with a summit greater than 21,325 ft.
Nepal is also raising the minimum price for expedition companies. You will have to shell out $35,000 to hire an expedition company. This is meant to limit the amount of poorly operated expedition companies that could lead climbers to danger.
Senior tourism official Ghanshyam Upadhyaya said:
“The government will now make the required changes in laws and regulations guiding mountain climbing.”
These regulations are definitely a good thing. However, it is a shame it took so many deaths for Nepal to get their act together. It’s crazy to think that summiting Everest used to be a big deal. Hopefully these regulations turn away the people just “doin’ it for the ‘gram”.