Nepal’s government has prohibited solo mountain expeditions over 8,000 meters, requiring one guide per two climbers to enhance safety protocols. This decision follows a revision of existing mountaineering regulations aimed at reducing risks and ensuring climber support during high-altitude challenges. The updated guidelines now apply to all peaks above 8,000 meters, including Mt. Everest.
The Nepalese government has officially mandated that solo climbs on Mt. Everest and other peaks exceeding 8,000 meters are no longer permitted. The new mountaineering regulations, specifically the sixth amendment, require one mountain guide for every two climbers for these high-altitude expeditions. This change, published in the Nepal Gazette, aims to improve the safety of climbers by reducing risks associated with solo expeditions. For climbs on other mountains, at least one guide per group is now necessary, a shift from the previous rule where one guide sufficed for larger groups. Arati Neupane, Director at the Department of Tourism, emphasized that the revision addresses safety concerns in mountaineering.
Mountaineering is inherently dangerous, especially on high-altitude peaks like Mt. Everest, which poses significant risks due to environmental and physiological challenges. In recent years, the increasing number of climbers on Everest has raised concerns over safety and the successful management of peak climbing activities. The revised regulations reflect the government’s commitment to enhancing the safety protocols for climbers, ensuring that proper support personnel accompany them on dangerous expeditions. This policy aims to strike a balance between promoting tourism and ensuring climber safety.
Nepal’s decision to end solo climbs on its towering peaks signifies a critical step towards enhancing climber safety in increasingly challenging environments. By enforcing regulations that require assigned guides for groups, the government seeks to mitigate risks associated with high-altitude climbing. These measures align with global efforts to promote safer climbing practices in the face of rising popular interest in treks and expeditions on some of the world’s most formidable mountains.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
