National Assembly Passes Integrated Tourism Bill Imposing Stricter Everest Permit Rules and Permanent Environmental Fund

Kathmandu: Nepal’s National Assembly Passes Integrated Tourism Bill Imposing Stricter Everest Permit Rules and Permanent Environmental Fund has approved the Integrated Tourism Bill, introducing tougher permit requirements and long-term environmental measures targeting Mount Everest and other high-altitude peaks.

The bill requires climbers seeking to summit Everest to submit a recent health certificate and provide proof of having successfully climbed at least one mountain above 7,000 metres in Nepal before being granted a permit. Officials say the new criteria are intended to reduce accidents, manage overcrowding and prevent inexperienced attempts on the world’s highest mountain.

In a significant environmental reform, the existing refundable garbage deposit of Rs 580,000 has been converted into a non-refundable fee to strengthen sustained clean-up efforts. The legislation also establishes an Environment Protection and Mountaineers’ Welfare Fund to finance conservation initiatives and ensure social security support for climbing staff.

The law clearly defines rescue responsibilities, insurance coverage, compensation provisions and the legal procedure for declaring missing climbers dead after one year.

The bill will now proceed to the House of Representatives for final endorsement before it comes into force.