Want to summit Everest? Nepal may first ask climbers to scale 7,000m peak

Nepal issued 492 permits for climbing Mt Everest this season, while concerns over inexperienced climbers and waste returned to the centre of the debate NEW DELHI: Nepal lawmakers have proposed that climbers seeking an Everest permit should first summit at least one 7,000m peak in the country, part of a wider move to tighten access to the world’s highest mountain after a record spring season that saw 1,008 successful ascents from the Nepal side — the first time the number crossed the 1,000 mark — and five deaths, including two Indians. Nepal issued 492 permits for Mount Everest this season, while concerns over crowding, inexperienced climbers and waste returned to the centre of the debate.The proposals are part of 263 amendments to Nepal’s Integrated Tourism Bill, now being examined by Parliament. One set of amendments seeks to make prior high-altitude experience mandatory for Everest permits, with suggestions ranging from one 7,000m and one 8,000m summit to a tougher requirement of one Nepal peak above 7,000m and two peaks above 8,000m. Another proposal seeks mandatory training and a medical certificate issued within a month of the permit application.The amendments also seek to cha...