Kathmandu, February 5, 2025: The Nepal government has officially banned solo expeditions on Mt Everest and other peaks above 8,000 meters, making it mandatory for climbers to be accompanied by a high-altitude guide. The decision, introduced under the sixth amendment to Nepal’s Mountaineering Regulation, aims to enhance climbers' safety and manage the risks associated with extreme altitudes.
The revised rules, now in effect following their publication in the Nepal Gazette, specify that for peaks above 8,000 meters, every two climbers must be accompanied by at least one high-altitude guide. For other mountains, at least one guide per group is required. Previously, a single guide could be assigned to an entire expedition, leading to concerns over safety and overcrowding in dangerous conditions.
“The government has made guides mandatory to ensure climbers’ safety,” said Arati Neupane, Director at the Department of Tourism. Experts believe this move will significantly improve safety in Nepal’s mountaineering industry, which has witnessed a rise in fatalities and overcrowding in recent years. “This regulation should have been implemented earlier. It will have a positive impact on mountain tourism,” said Mingma G Sherpa, Managing Director of Imagine Nepal Treks. However, he cautioned against further increases in climbing permit fees, warning that excessive costs might discourage foreign expeditions.
In addition to these safety measures, Nepal has also announced a hike in royalty fees for climbers attempting Mt Everest, effective from September 1. The permit cost for the popular spring season (March-May) has increased from $11,000 to $15,000 per climber, while autumn (September-November) permits will now cost $7,500 instead of $5,500. Winter and monsoon season fees have also risen from $2,750 to $3,750 per climber.
The Nepal government insists that these fee adjustments will help regulate mountaineering traffic and improve management. However, some tour operators fear that the increased costs could lead to a decline in applications from foreign climbers.