Proposed rule for Everest expeditions may raise costs, but also the bar

4 min readPuneJul 28, 2026 08:33 PM IST For Indian climbers, these proposed regulations will increase the overall cost of attempting Everest. (File Photo) Nepal’s proposed eligibility criteria for Everest climbing permits is likely to increase the cost of the expedition for aspiring mountaineers preparing for the world’s highest peak. As per the draft bill, Everest aspirants would have to first summit a 7,000-metre peak in Nepal before applying for a permit. For Indian climbers, these proposed regulations will increase the overall cost of attempting Everest. Since the qualifying 7,000-meter peak must be climbed in Nepal, climbers will have to undertake an additional expedition before applying for an Everest permit. “This is likely to increase the total cost by approximately Rs 5–6 lakh, ma