Nepal has taken a significant step toward addressing longstanding concerns over safety, overcrowding, and environmental impact on Mount Everest by passing the Tourism Bill 2081 through its Upper House (National Assembly). The legislation introduces a mandatory prior climbing experience requirement, barring climbers without documented proof of summiting at least one 7,000-meter peak in Nepal from obtaining a permit to attempt the world's highest mountain.
Himal Gautam, spokesperson for the Department of Tourism under the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, confirmed the development on February 17, 2026. "This week, the Upper House approved the bill. It will be effective once the House of Representatives approves and it gets authenticated by the president," Gautam stated. The bill, tabled by Tourism Minister Anil Kumar Sinha and unanimously endorsed by the National Assembly on February 9, 2026, aims to replace the outdated Tourism Act of 2035 (1978) with updated regulations for the mountaineering and broader tourism sector.
The key provision for Everest climbers requires applicants to provide verified evidence of having summited a mountain higher than 7,000 meters (approximately 22,965 feet) within Nepal. This experience threshold is intended to ensure that only those with proven high-altitude capability attempt the 8,848-meter peak, reducing risks associated with inexperience. Overcrowding on the summit ridge, particularly during narrow weather windows in the spring season, has led to dangerous bottlenecks, delays, and increased incidents of exhaustion, falls, or altitude-related illnesses.
The government has faced repeated criticism for issuing permits too liberally, contributing to traffic jams near the Hillary Step and summit, where climbers sometimes wait hours in oxygen-depleted conditions. Reform advocates in the climbing community have long pushed for stricter eligibility to prioritize safety and preserve the mountain's integrity.
In addition to the experience rule, the bill strengthens other safety and environmental measures. Climbers must submit a recent health certificate (issued within the previous month), and expanded insurance requirements will cover accidents, medical treatment, rescue operations, and body repatriation for both climbers and support staff, including Sherpas.
On the environmental front, the legislation proposes shifting from the current refundable $4,000 garbage deposit system—which has proven ineffective in ensuring compliance—to a non-refundable fee. Funds collected will be directly allocated to mountain cleanup campaigns and the social welfare of Sherpa guides and porters, who bear significant risks and responsibilities during expeditions.
Every spring, more than 400 climbers typically secure permits from the south (Nepal) side of Everest, generating substantial revenue for the government through permit fees (recently increased to $15,000 for international climbers in peak season). However, the influx of less-experienced aspirants, including some motivated by social media or bucket-list goals, has strained resources and heightened accident risks.
The bill now moves to the House of Representatives (lower house) for approval. Due to the recent dissolution of the House following widespread Gen Z-led protests in September 2025, a general election is set for March 5, 2026, to elect new members. Once the new parliament convenes in March, the bill is expected to be prioritized and passed, potentially becoming law shortly thereafter pending presidential authentication.
If enacted in time, the new rules could apply to the 2027 spring season, though officials have indicated implementation timelines may allow for a phased rollout. The Department of Tourism will authenticate summit certificates for prior 7,000m+ peaks, ensuring compliance.
These reforms reflect Nepal's ongoing efforts to balance economic benefits from mountaineering tourism with climber safety, ecological preservation, and equitable support for local communities. Industry stakeholders, including expedition operators and Sherpa associations, have largely welcomed the changes as necessary steps to professionalize the Everest industry and mitigate the "commercialization" criticisms that have plagued recent seasons.
As the bill advances, it signals a shift toward a more regulated, experience-based approach to one of the planet's most iconic and challenging adventures.
