As the world’s tallest peak continues to attract adventurers from across the globe, concerns over overtourism and climate change are mounting in Nepal. Officials warn that an increasing number of climbers, environmental degradation, and safety risks are pushing Mount Everest to its limits.
A Deadly Climbing Season Raises Alarms
In 2023, Everest recorded its deadliest season yet, with 18 fatalities due to exhaustion, sickness, and accidents. While foreign climbers made up a portion of the casualties, Nepalese authorities are deeply concerned that many of the deceased were local guides and support staff assisting these expeditions.
The climbing industry has long been a source of revenue for Nepal, but the rising death toll among Sherpas and guides highlights serious flaws in expedition safety and regulation. Many Nepalese workers risk their lives under extreme conditions for modest wages, prompting calls for stricter guidelines and better support for those who make these climbs possible.
The Numbers Behind Everest’s Overtourism Crisis
Before 2019, Mount Everest saw a maximum of 800 climbers annually, according to climbing experts. However, the post-pandemic surge in “revenge travel” has pushed that number past 1,000 climbers per year, leading to overcrowding and increased environmental damage.
The impact of overtourism on Everest includes:
- Severe overcrowding in the “death zone” (above 8,000m) – Long queues at dangerous altitudes increase the risk of altitude sickness and fatalities.
- Uncontrolled waste accumulation – Reports indicate that tons of garbage, including oxygen canisters, tents, and human waste, are left behind each season, severely damaging the fragile ecosystem.
- Lax safety measures by budget tour operators – Lower-cost expeditions often cut corners on safety, leading to a rising number of fatalities and accidents.
Nepal Steps Up Regulations to Protect Everest
Recognizing the urgent need for reform, Nepal’s Supreme Court issued an order in April 2023, urging the government to better regulate climbing expeditions and mountain sanitation. The ruling emphasized that excessive commercialization of Everest—allowing unlimited climbers and neglecting waste management—was both harmful to the environment and disrespectful to the mountain.
Additionally, authorities in Nepal and Tibet have introduced new rules that will take effect from September 2025 to improve safety and environmental conservation:
- Mandatory guides: Above 8,000m, one guide is required for every two climbers, and unguided ascents are now banned.
- Increased permit fees: Foreign climbers must now pay $15,000 per permit—a 36% increase from previous rates.
- Better protection for Nepalese guides: Expedition operators must provide life insurance coverage of at least 1.5 million rupees for their high-altitude staff.
- Improved wages: The daily minimum wage for high-altitude guides has been raised to 1,200 rupees.
- Stricter monitoring: Climbing organizers must submit a photo of each climber’s face and the mountain range before and after their ascent.
- Mandatory waste removal: Every climber must bring their garbage back to base camp for proper disposal.
A Fragile Future for Everest Tourism
As Nepal grapples with the challenges of balancing tourism revenue with environmental and safety concerns, the need for sustainable climbing practices has never been more critical. Experts warn that if stringent measures are not enforced, the very allure of Mount Everest may be at risk.
