Nepal says it may change Everest permit requirements after 11 deaths
Amid an incredibly deadly climbing season, Nepalese government officials are considering changing old laws to impose new restrictions on who can attempt to climb Mount Everest.
Officials in Kathmandu say they may start requiring prospective hikers to submit proof of mountaineering experience and a certificate of good health, per The New York Times. Due to overcrowding at the top, climbers have been forced to wait in line for hours, often falling ill or running out of bottled oxygen in the process.
Current requirements for obtaining a permit to make the trek are notoriously lax, and have resulted in a "Lord of the Flies" atmosphere at the top filled with rookie climbers, reports the Times. Climbers currently must submit a copy of their passport, some biographical information, and a certificate showing they are healthy enough to reach the peak.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Eleven climbers have died this season in attempting the trek, with the latest casualty being a 62-year-old attorney from Colorado who collapsed after reaching the summit's peak. Nepal issued a record 381 climbing permits this season, fueling the $100 million Everest tourism industry.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
Marianne is The Week’s Social Media Editor. She is a native Tennessean and recent graduate of Ohio University, where she studied journalism and political science. Marianne has previously written for The Daily Beast, The Crime Report, and The Moroccan Times.
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
Crossword: November 2, 2024
The Week's daily crossword puzzle
By The Week Staff Published
-
Nobody seems surprised Wagner's Prigozhin died under suspicious circumstances
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Western mountain climbers allegedly left Pakistani porter to die on K2
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
'Circular saw blades' divide controversial Rio Grande buoys installed by Texas governor
Speed Read
By Peter Weber Published
-
Los Angeles city workers stage 1-day walkout over labor conditions
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published
-
Mega Millions jackpot climbs to an estimated $1.55 billion
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Bangladesh dealing with worst dengue fever outbreak on record
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Glacial outburst flooding in Juneau destroys homes
Speed Read
By Catherine Garcia Published
-
Scotland seeking 'monster hunters' to search for fabled Loch Ness creature
Speed Read
By Justin Klawans Published