For many mountaineers, reaching the summit of Mount Everest is a lifelong dream. However, this dream is becoming increasingly difficult to achieve. The government of Nepal is set to introduce its strictest regulations yet: climbers must successfully summit a 7000-meter peak in Nepal before applying for technical climbing permits for Mount Everest.

This new regulation, named the "Comprehensive Tourism Bill," was formally proposed in the Nepali upper house on April 18 and is expected to be passed quickly. It aims to enhance climbing safety, alleviate traffic jams on the mountain, and reduce Everest's ecological burden.

In 2023, Nepal issued a record 478 Everest climbing permits, resulting in 18 mountaineer deaths. Allowing a significant number of climbers has made the ascent more dangerous; climbers have queued in the "death zone" at over 8000 meters, where the oxygen level is too low for survival. The new law requires climbers to present proof of having successfully climbed a 7000-meter peak to ensure they have the skill and endurance required for the extreme altitude.

Furthermore, the bill aims to strengthen the rights of local Nepali guides, requiring that all mountaineering support be provided by Nepali nationals to ensure economic benefits remain within the country.