Saving Everest: Nepal’s New Attempt to Curb Years of Issues on the World’s Highest Peak

On September 1, 2025, the Government of Nepal began enforcing the sixth amendment to the Mountain Expedition Regulation Act. This version of the act introduces new rules aimed at addressing long-standing safety and environmental concerns. It also brings economic changes for high-altitude guiding services in Nepal.

In recent years, an increasing number of people have tried their luck at reaching the top of Mount Everest. In 2025 alone, the Government of Nepal issued 468 climbing permits—over 100 more than the 2022 climbing season—highlighting the upward trend in human traffic. However, this growing allure has had negative consequences due to inadequate regulation.

For example, many people link the rise in climbers to an increase in deaths. This correlation exists partly because larger numbers of climbers lead to longer queues at dangerous elevations, while a lack of regulation allows waves of slow, inexperienced climbers to join the growing crowds. The result is prolonged exposure to deadly conditions, which can, unfortunately, lead to death.

Aside from death, more climbers have contributed to increased pollution. Sherpas on Mount Everest estimate as much as 40 to 50 tons of garbage may be piled up at one of the high camps alone. While some of this waste dates to earlier expeditions, the problem has been exacerbated by the sheer volume of climbers now leaving their belongings behind. Without proper regulation, mitigating this issue has proven difficult, especially given the challenges of trash recovery at high elevations.

So, how does the amended Mountain Expedition Regulation Act aim to address these issues? Among key changes, the act will now require a $15,000 royalty fee to climb Everest, in addition to the already staggering $60,000 – $100,000 climbers pay for guiding services. The government hopes this increased cost will encourage greater selectivity, thereby reducing human traffic and improving safety. The royalty fees are also intended to help finance trash recovery efforts.

The amended act also ends unguided expeditions on Mount Everest. While this undoubtedly improves safety, it introduces an economic dimension. Currently, there is a new Integrated Tourism Bill in early stages of development. The bill would specifically require all lead sherpas, high-altitude guides and helpers to be Nepali citizens. Together with the new guide requirement in the Mountain Expedition Regulation Act, local economy would be strengthened and Nepali jobs prioritized.

It is worth noting the proposed Integrated Tourism Bill would also require proof of summiting a 7,000-meter peak in Nepal before an Everest permit could be issued. Some feel this will cause a significant decrease in business which would hurt profits for all guiding companies. If that proves to be the case, it seems to partially undermine the Government of Nepal’s efforts to bolster the local economy and prioritize Nepali jobs with the Mountain Expedition Regulation Act.

In summary, while the amended Mountain Expedition Regulation Act hopefully fixes decades of issues, its impact will remain unknown at least until the 2026 climbing season has come and gone. Until then, Mount Everest rests in anticipation of new beginnings.

Article Written by Frederick Norfolk

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