Mount Everest is a mountain of mythic proportions, both in its sheer height and adventurers' imaginations. As the highest point on earth, it's one of the ultimate bucket list summits.
If you plan to climb Mount Everest, take note – you'll now need more than a permit to even attempt the climb. The Nepalese government has announced new rules to tackle overcrowding, curb further ecological damage, and improve climbers' safety.
New rules for Mount Everest climbers
You must first climb a 7,000-metre peak in Nepal
No amateur thrill-seekers here. First, you must prove you have the chops to tackle Mount Everest. Nepal will only issue climbing permits to those who have previously scaled a mountain peak above 7,000 metres. And yes, that mountain must be in Nepal.
Present a clean bill of health
A medical certificate issued within 30 days of your expedition is now mandatory to ensure you're physically fit enough for the attempt. The Mount Everest climb is physically demanding, with steep ascents and tricky crevasse crossings at high altitude and under extreme weather conditions.
Climb with local mountain guides and expedition leaders
Nepal's Sherpas are legendary for their extraordinary mountaineering skills. Even if you don't engage a Sherpa, all Mount Everest climbers are now expected to hire a Nepali mountain guide for their climb. The idea is that the locals know the terrain best, and are therefore the most well-equipped to keep you out of trouble, or even save your life when things get gnarly. Of course, the rule also ensures employment for local communities, which are highly dependent on mountaineering tourism.
Why the new rules?
Sure, Mount Everest has long stood as the pinnacle of human achievement. But this narrative has since been marred by pollution and overcrowding.
According to The Himalayan Database, at least 17 people died on Mount Everest in 2023, the highest number of deaths on Mount Everest so far. Some attribute it to extreme weather conditions, but others have criticised the Nepalese government for issuing too many permits, including to inexperienced climbers, resulting in long queues at 'death zones' above 8,000 metres where oxygen levels are too low to sustain human life for long.
The sheer number of people allowed to climb Mount Everest also means pollution and environmental damage are becoming a problem. As widely publicised on social and mainstream media, the mountain is littered with dead bodies, human excrement, and trash.
The latest rules follow a series of measures by the Nepalese government to control traffic flow and improve climbers' safety. In 2024, it became mandatory for mountaineers to rent and wear tracking devices. In 2025, Nepal also banned solo climbers on mountains above 8,000 metres. And in September this year, permit fees will increase 36 percent – from $11,000 to $15,000 in the April-May peak climbing season.
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