Environmental sustainability is another focus, with the bill replacing the existing $4,000 refundable garbage deposit – introduced in 2014, requiring climbers to return at least eight kilograms of waste – with a non-refundable contribution to a new Environment Protection Fund.

In a move aimed at curbing risks and preserving the world’s highest peak, Nepal’s National Assembly has unanimously approved a comprehensive tourism bill that introduces stringent regulations for Mount Everest climbers. The legislation, passed on February 14, 2026, responds to growing concerns over inexperienced adventurers, environmental degradation, and safety hazards on the 8,849-metre mountain. While the bill awaits further approval in the house of representatives following the March 5 elections, it signals a significant shift in how Nepal manages its lucrative mountaineering industry, which generates millions in revenue annually. Experts hail the changes as overdue, but some worry they could deter climbers and impact local economies.

The bill comes amid a backdrop of record-breaking crowds and fatalities on Everest. In recent years, the mountain has seen an influx of climbers, many lacking adequate preparation, leading to congestion, accidents, and strain on rescue operations. According to government data, five climbers died in the 2025 season, a decrease from previous years but still highlighting persistent dangers. The new rules emphasise experience, health, and environmental responsibility, building on earlier fee hikes implemented in September 2025. These measures are expected to take effect after presidential assent, likely missing the 2026 spring climbing season but influencing future expeditions.

Mandatory Prior Summit on Nepali 7,000m Peaks

A cornerstone of the bill is the requirement for all Everest aspirants to prove they have summited at least one Nepali peak exceeding 7,000 meters before obtaining a permit. This precondition, verified through a summit certificate authenticated by the department of tourism, aims to filter out novices and ensure climbers are acclimatized to high-altitude challenges. Nepal boasts 86 such peaks, including popular ones like Himlung Himal and Baruntse, with climbing royalties for foreigners ranging from $500 to $800 in spring and half that in autumn.

Proponents argue this will reduce accidents by promoting better-prepared climbers and divert traffic to lesser-known mountains, boosting tourism in remote regions. “It’s about diversifying our mountaineering destinations and keeping revenue within Nepal,” said a tourism official quoted in local media. However, critics, including some international climbers, question the Nepal-specific mandate. Seasoned mountaineers who have conquered peaks like K2 in Pakistan may still need to climb a 7,000m Nepali mountain, potentially adding unnecessary costs and time. Expedition operators like Adventure Consultants have noted that this could reshape client preparations, with many already offering preparatory climbs on these peaks.

The rule addresses a key issue: inexperienced climbers contributing to “traffic jams” on Everest’s death zone, where oxygen is scarce and delays can be fatal. By mandating local experience, the bill seeks to lower the fatality rate, which has averaged around 1-2 per cent in recent seasons, and ease the burden on Sherpa guides and rescue teams.

Health Certificates and Detailed Climbing Plans

To further prioritize safety, the bill mandates that all expedition participants – including climbers, Sherpas, guides, and liaison officers – submit a recent health certificate issued within the last month. This aims to minimize medical emergencies, such as high-altitude pulmonary edema or heart issues, which have plagued past seasons. The department of tourism can deny permits to those deemed at risk, a power that could prevent unqualified individuals from attempting the climb.

Additionally, permit applications must now include a comprehensive mountaineering plan outlining the route, climbing style, and equipment use. This prevents last-minute changes, such as switching to supplemental oxygen without approval or deviating from declared paths. “These plans will help enforce accountability and reduce surprises on the mountain,” explained a bill supporter. Record-setting attempts must also be declared upfront, ensuring transparency for feats like fastest ascents or youngest summiteers.

These requirements extend to staffing: All support personnel must be Nepali citizens, and trekking agencies are required to carry insurance covering emergencies, including dead body management. For peaks above 8,000 meters like Everest, expeditions must hire one guide for every two climbers, a ratio tightened from previous guidelines.

Environmental Protection and Welfare Funds Established

Environmental sustainability is another focus, with the bill replacing the existing $4,000 refundable garbage deposit – introduced in 2014, requiring climbers to return at least eight kilograms of waste – with a non-refundable contribution to a new Environment Protection Fund. This fund will finance cleanup efforts across Nepal’s mountains, addressing the accumulation of trash, human waste, and abandoned gear that has tarnished Everest’s image. Over 200 bodies remain on the peak, serving as grim landmarks, and the bill allows authorities to declare missing climbers dead after one year without recovery, streamlining legal processes.

A parallel mountaineers’ welfare fund will support Sherpas and other workers, providing social security and aid in case of injury or death. Outfitters bear responsibility for coordinating search and rescue, potentially reducing reliance on government resources. These funds consolidate various fees, making administration more efficient while ensuring long-term conservation.

Fee Hikes and Broader Industry Impacts

Complementing the bill are permit fee increases effective since September 2025, the first in a decade. Foreign climbers now pay $15,000 for spring Everest permits via the south route, up from $11,000, with autumn fees at $7,500 and winter/monsoon at $3,750. Nepali climbers face doubled rates, starting at Rs150,000 in spring. For other 8,000m-plus peaks, fees have risen to $3,000 in spring.

These hikes aim to generate more revenue – Everest alone brought in over $5 million in 2025 – while deterring casual climbers. Combined with the new rules, they could cap annual permits at 800-900, though no explicit limit is set. Industry insiders support the changes for promoting quality over quantity, but some fear a dip in numbers if enforcement is strict.