The new rules, published in the Nepal Gazette, require every climber to use the services of a professional guide, regardless of experience. It is no longer possible to climb peaks over 8000 meters alone, including Mount Everest.
The head of Nepal’s Tourism department noted that now having a guide is mandatory to ensure safety. A separate guide should be assigned for every two climbers, and for less high peaks, one per group is sufficient.
The Nepalese authorities have also increased the cost of permits for climbing Mount Everest: in spring it will amount to $ 15,000, in autumn — $ 7,500, and in winter — $ 3,750. Many climbers are unhappy with the changes and suggest boycotting this year’s ascents in order to influence the authorities.
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