New Rules for Climbing Everest
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- By Sanchita Pokharel
Climbing Everest requires a set of rules to be followed and respected for climbers to successfully conquer the world’s tallest peak. These new rules for climbing Everest are a step further to encourage safe climbing on Everest. Climbing Mount Everest has always been a dream for adventure seekers around the world, but recent years have shown that taking on this daring challenge comes with serious risks and dangers.
Many have tried their luck and endurance on Everest. With famous stories such as the Everest Sleeping Beauty and the famous Mount Everest Bodies, climbers around the world can take away the lessons from these incidents and learn from them the brutal nature of the mountain. To address issues like safety concerns, overcrowding, and environmental damage, respective officials have introduced new rules for climbing Everest.
These new rules for climbing Everest are carefully set to make the journey to the summit safer, more sustainable, and better regulated for all climbers around the world. The new rules for climbing Everest focus on improving climbers’ experience and qualification before attempting to summit Mount Everest, requiring previous high-altitude experience, verified health clearances, and sufficient insurance coverage. These new rules for climbing Everest have been introduced in hopes of setting stricter guidelines, and only those who are truly prepared will take on the daring challenge of conquering the world’s tallest mountain.
In this blog, we will be covering all the details regarding the new rules for climbing Everest, what these new rules are, why they were introduced, and what they mean for anyone planning their expedition. Understanding these updated laws and regulations is key to safely climbing Mount Everest by minimizing the risks as much as possible.
Everest to no longer be anybody’s climb
Previously, there were no specific laws regarding the climbing policy on Everest. Anyone who dared to take on the Everest challenge with certain permits could attempt to climb Mount Everest. Unfortunately, many lost their lives in the process because of their negligence and underestimating the brute force of Everest.
The Nepal Government did try to invoke a law back in 1995-96, where it was compulsory for potential climbers to summit a 6,000-meter peak before attempting Mount Everest. However, that rule did not last very long. Due to the drastic decrease in the number of climbers because of the new rule, pressure from expedition operators and foreign mountaineers forced the government to revoke the law and back down.
This time, the Nepalese government is looking to set up new rules to encourage safer climbing due to the increased number of accidents that occur on Everest, mostly due to the lack of experience in climbing tall mountains. This time, the new rules for climbing Everest state that climbers need to successfully ascend a mountain over 7,000 meters within Nepal before receiving the green light to attempt Mount Everest. This is to give out the clear message, Mount Everest to no longer anybody’s climb.
What are the new rules for climbing Everest?
The new rules for climbing Everest, first and foremost, state that any potential climbers who are seeking to set foot on the summit of Mount Everest must first successfully climb a mountain over 7,000 meters within Nepal. This is to ensure the climber has the necessary experience required to climb the daring mountain and be aware of the risks involved during such high-altitude climbs.
Furthermore, health checks will also be mandatory. Interested climbers must present a certificate from a government-approved medical institution issued to them within the previous month to confirm their medical fitness and the conditions required for the climb. Individuals with health complications will not be allowed to take part in the expedition.
Why are New Rules for Climbing Everest in 2025 Necessary?
Since the history-breaking record made by Hillary and Norgay’s 1953 ascent, Mount Everest (8,848.86 m) has become many trekkers’ dream. From the Nepal side, nearly 9,000 mountaineers have completed the summit of the world’s highest peak. This 2025 spring alone, more than 400 permits were issued by the Nepal Tourism Board (NTB).
The increasing popularity and demand are a good sign for the tourism industry of Nepal. However, the increasing popularity has led to overcrowding, pollution, long summit-line “traffic jams,” and safety crises. More climbers or higher permit numbers have a darker side, why? In the year 2023, 17 Everest climbers died, and 8 in 2024. Due to pollution like waste piles, rescue bottlenecks, human excreta, and global warming, glaciers are melting faster. Most of all, Everest is soon to be viewed as the world’s highest garbage dump.
You can see the danger light of Everest’s crowds at the Everest Base Camp, crowded with Everest climbers’ tents. To protect Mt.Everest, Nepal’s authorities have imposed strict new rules for climbing Everest as well as the other 8,000er peaks in 2025.
What are the new rules for Everest climbers?
As of 2025, Nepal’s Department of Tourism (DoT) and new legislation have made a new rule for climbing Everest. There are a few requirements that must be fulfilled to get an Everest permit and to promote more safety measures.
Permit Fees and Validity:
The cost of Everest climbing permits has become $15,000 USD per person for the spring season from the south route. It has increased by $3,000 USD per person. Likewise, the Everest climbing cost has increased for the Autumn and winter seasons also.
Similarly, permits are also not transferable in case of the trip cancellation due to weather or disaster. They remain valid for two years, but they cannot be refunded. The Nepal Tourism Board has already reached its expectation, which is to expect 500 permits for the short season and has collected Rs595.5 million in fees by late April 2025.
7,000 m+ Climbing Experience:
As of 2025, to climb Mount Everest, you must have at least one prior high-altitude experience. You must have proven experience of climbing a 7,000 m+ summit in Nepal. If you are practicing climbers, you will need to submit expedition logs, radio dispatch records, and summit photos as evidence.
This rule is inspired by China’s Everest policy and focuses on stopping the beginner and inexperienced climbers. However, some foreign climbers and operators are against and demand to accept peaks like Ama Dablam, Denali, or any 6,500 m climb. But the new rules of climbing Everest clearly express that the climbs should be over 7,000 m+ in Nepal.
Guides are Mandatory:
The Nepal Tourism Board has banned for climbing to Everest to solo trekkers and alpine style climbers. It’s mandatory to have one Nepali guide for every two climbers that are climbing above 8,000 m peaks (Everest or other 8,000ers). This means every duo of trekkers must hire at least one high-altitude Sherpa or IFMGA-certified Nepali guide. Likewise, all the guides have to be Nepali citizens.
Similarly, for more tight safety, Nepal Tourism Board has increased the daily wages for liaison officers (Rs1,600), sirdars (Rs1,500), guides (Rs1,200), and BC staff (Rs1,000). The fees must be covered by the expedition. Even if you are an experienced or professional climber, it’s mandatory to have a local guide for safety and to contribute to the local community.
GPS/Tracking Devices:
It is mandatory to carry real-time tracking and rescue gear by all the Everest climbers. For tracking, you can use a GPS satellite Messenger like Garmin inReach, SPOT, or an avalanche transceiver (for lower altitudes).
Additionally, for the tracking, Nepah has also distributed RECCO reflectors to climbers and is going to distribute RECCP detectors on helicopters. The tracking devices are very crucial to locate the victims and climbers, and making it mandatory increases the safety level.
Medical & Fitness Certificates:
All climbers must have fit-to-climb certificates from a Nepal Government-approved medical organization. The certificates issued within 30 days of the permit only work. Likewise, the medical certificates must include tests like ECG, oxygen saturation, stress test if over 50. This is to identify if you have any heart or lung-related issues. These new rules for climbing Everest are for your safety.
Travel Insurance:
Another new rules for climbing Everest is mandatory travel insurance. From the Everest climber to the trekkers, all of them must have travel insurance with the minimum coverage of $37,600 (Rs 5 million) for body recovery. For the recovery of any bodies to Base Camp, Travel agencies are responsible. Similarly, travel insurance is mandatory for all the guides and porters.
Waste Management & WAG Bags:
Due to the growing pollution and lack of a proper waste management system in Everest, the surroundings of Everest are getting polluted. Therefore, the new rules for climbing Everest ahs brought stricter environmental rules. Since 2015, the government has issued “8 kg garbage rule.” This means every climber must carry down at least 8 kg of trash and $4,000 deposit which will be refunded upon proof of cleanup.
Furthermore, all climbers mandatory carry human waste bags (WAG bags) on Everest to carry out all excreta. The Khumbu rural municipality has already started selling poo bags, in 2024-25 alone. In the first season, they sold over 1,700 bags to climbers. Likewise, 85–100 tonnes of water were cleared out from Everest/Lhotse in Spring 2024 (versus ~70 tonnes in Spring 2023).
New Changes from the Previous Everest Climbing Rules
Before the implementation of new laws for climbing the Everest, the expedition to Everest was not organized properly. During the spring of 2023, among 478 permits, roughly 600 climbers submitted. Sadly, among many climbers, 17 deaths and 5 were recorded as missing. On the route to the summit of Everest, there was heavy traffic and a crowd. The main reason for the rise of global concern was when the clips of climbers lining up in the “death zone” went viral.
Therefore, to provide more safety, protection, and an organized expedition, new laws for climbing Everest were regulated. Similarly, after the new rules in spring 2024, 421 permits were issued and 8th deaths were recorded.
The previous rules for climbing Everest were not that effective. Therefore, the new rules for climbing Everest close loopholes and strengthen the old rules. The new rules for climbing Everest are necessary for the safety of climbers, guides, and porters. The new rules and regulations bring out an inclusive environment that benefits everyone.
- Requirements of Experience: In the past, the climber needed to have experience of climbing above a 6,000-meter mountain first. However, this rule for dissolved after some complaints from the tour companies. But now, the government has brought stricter new rules for climbing Everest by mandating a prior 7,000-meter mountain climbing experience.
- Solo Climbs: Though Nepal has already banned solo climbing since 2017, proper implementation hasn’t happened. However, now to make it work, the unsupported climb and solo climb will be fined with explicit penalties.
- Policy for Guides: In the past, foreign guides like Western IFMGA guides were allowed to lead the Everest team. As of the new rules for climbing Everest. All guides must be Nepali citizens. The international climber has to partner with Nepalese companies. This regulation helps to contribute to and support the local communities.
- Financial Protections: Before, the family or themselves had to take the financial responsibility in case of emergency rescue or death. Now, the new rules for climbing Everest require mandatory travel insurance.
- Worker Compensation: Wages for Sherpas and porters were very low in the past. Now, increased wages, mandatory guides, and insurance provide better protection to the guides.
- Enforcement and Oversight: To protect the working policy and environment of Everest, the Supreme Court has stepped in more vigorously. From the carrying capacity to cleaning up the trash, everything is closely monitored to regulate the crowd.
How Much Does it Cost to Climb Mount Everest?
The cost for climbing Mount Everest is around $45k to $60k US dollars. Along with new rules for climbing Everest, the cost of climbing has become extremely expensive. The permit fee alone costs you $11,000 USD per climber in peak season, which is soon going to be $15,000 USD from September 2025. Similarly, with permits, foreign climbers will need a local trekking agency, which costs you $5,000/team plus a $2,500 agency fee per team.
However, the Everest climbing cost may vary depending on the package and services. The starting budget for Everest climbing costs start from $30k to $40k, guided climbs $45k to $60k, and an all-inclusive luxury expedition will cost you $70k to $100k. In addition, the climbing gear and travel insurance add an extra fee.
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New Rules for Climbing Everest FAQs
What is the age limit to climb the Everest?
The Everest climbers have to be at least 16 years old to climb Mount Everest from the Nepal side. Below 16, children are not allowed to climb. On the other hand, some of the climbers in their 70s to 80s has successfully completed the summit. There is no official age limit regulated by the government. But to climb the Everest, one should be experienced and physically fit.
How many people have climbed Everest without oxygen?
Only 2% of the total number, people have climbed Mount Everest without using oxygen. This means fewer than 250 people. The first climbers to summit Everest without using supplemental oxygen were Reinhold Messner and Peter Habeler in 1978. The summit of Everest is already a dangerous expedition, and without the oxygen is extremely difficult and not recommended at all.
How many people have died on Mount Everest trying to climb it?
As of 2024, more than 330 people have died trying to climb Mount Everest. The high death rate is at the section called “death zone” above 8,000 meters. The climbers mostly die due to avalanches, falls, altitude sickness, extreme weather, and exhaustion. The summit to Everest is very dangerous for professional climbers too.
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Is anyone still climbing Everest?
Yes, there are climbers still climbing Mount Everest. The climbing season (spring 2025) has already started, and as of now, climbers are progressing to reach camp 2 and preparing for the acclimatization for the summit. The peak season for Everest climbing starts from early April to Late May. It is the peak season and the time highest numbers of climbers attempting to summit Everest.
What are the new laws for Everest?
The rules for climbing Everest are that climbers must have 7,000 meters plus Nepalese mountain climbing experience. Private and solo expeditions are not allowed, along with a mandatory Nepalese guide. Climbers must have travel insurance and provide a fit-to-climb medical certificate.
What is the 2pm rule on Mount Everest?
The 2 pm rule on Mount Everest is a safety measure rule which means climbers have to reach the summit and begin the descent by 2:00 pm. At high elevation, weather changes frequently in the afternoon. Therefore, to avoid any danger 2 pm rule was made. If the climbers didn’t start descending by 2 p.m., they would be caught in the death zone after dark. The oxygen level at this altitude is scarce, which makes the conditions life-threatening.
What are the rules for climbing Mount Everest?
The rules for climbing Everest are 7,000 plus climbing experience, permit, Nepali guide, Medical fitness, travel insurance, and many more.
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