
Famed Sherpa guide climbs Mount Everest for the record 31st time
He had attempted to climb to the summit a few days ago but was forced to turn back due to bad weather.
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Hundreds of climbers have attempted to climb Mount Everest from the Nepali side of the peak in the south this season, which ends this weekend. Most climbing of Everest and nearby Himalayan peaks is done in April and May, when weather conditions are most favorable.
Kami Rita, 55, first climbed Everest in 1994 and has been making the trip nearly every year since. He is one of many Sherpa guides whose expertise and skills are vital to the safety and success of foreign climbers aspiring to stand on top of the 8,849-meter (29,032-foot) mountain each year.
His father was among the first Sherpa mountain guides. In addition to Everest, Kami Rita has climbed other peaks that are among the world's highest, including K2, Cho Oyu, Manaslu and Lhotse.
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His closest competitor for the most climbs of Mount Everest is fellow Sherpa guide Pasang Dawa, who has made 29 successful ascents of the mountain.
Everest was first climbed in 1953 by New Zealander Edmund Hillary and Nepali Sherpa Tenzing Norgay.

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Time Business News
2 days ago
- Time Business News
Nepal's Best Trekking Routes in One: EBC, Passes & Nar Phu
Nepal, the crown gem of the Himalayas, is more than fair mountains; it is a living embroidered artwork of culture, challenge, and common magnificence. Among the various trekking choices this Himalayan heaven offers, three courses sparkle brightly for those looking for the extreme enterprise: the 14 Days Everest Base Camp trek, the Everest Three high Passes trek, and the Nar Phu Valley trek. Each trek offers a one of a kind mix of view, culture, height, and challenge—yet together, they speak to the exceptionally best Nepal has to offer. Whether it's standing in wonder at the foot of Everest, crossing solidified high-altitude passes, or meandering through the old Tibetan towns of Nar and Phu, these trails uncover the heart and soul of Himalayan trekking. The Magic of Everest: The Classic Base Camp trek Overview of the 14 Days Everest Base Camp Trek The 14-day Everest Base Camp trek is Nepal's most famous trek and draws thousands of trekkers yearly. It's the trek to the base of the world's most noteworthy mountain, Mount Everest (8,848.86 m). The trek starts with an exciting flight from Kathmandu to Lukla, a minor mountain airstrip settled between soaking Himalayan cliffs. From there, trekkers climb through Sherpa towns, antiquated religious communities, and colorful rhododendron timberlands some time recently arriving at Everest Base Camp at 5,364 meters. Highlights of the EBC Trek Reaching Everest Base Camp and seeing the enormous Khumbu Icefall Exploring Namche Bazaar, the enthusiastic heart of the Khumbu region Visiting Tengboche Religious community, the otherworldly gem of the trek Panoramic sees from Kala Patthar (5,545 m) of Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse Immersive social experiences with the Sherpa people Best Time to Go Spring (March–May) and Harvest time (September–November) offer the clearest skies and best mountain views. Everest Three high Passes trek: Overview of the high Passes Challenge For the experienced trekker looking for more than fair base camp, the Everest Three high Passes trek is the extreme Himalayan challenge. This circuit not as it visits Everest Base Camp and Kala Patthar but too navigates three major high passes: Kongma La (5,535 m), Cho La (5,420 m), and Renjo La (5,360 m). The trek interfaces inaccessible valleys, ice sheets, and covered up lakes in a circle that's as fulfilling as it is demanding. Why Select the Three Passes Trek? Combines all major highlights of the Everest locale in one route Offers unrivaled 360° sees of the Himalayan monsters, counting Makalu, Cho Oyu, and Ama Dablam Less swarmed than the conventional EBC route Adventure over icy masses, elevated lakes, and wild trails Key parks on the Trail Chhukung and the frigid crossing of Kongma La Pass The sensational magnificence of Gokyo Valley and its emerald lakes Crossing the shocking Cho La Pass to reach Dzongla The calm grandness of Renjo La and its plunge to the serene town of Thame Physical Request & Acclimatization The trek is physically challenging due to its rise and past intersections. It's perfect for prepared trekkers with earlier elevation involvement. Legitimate acclimatization is pivotal, and rest days are built into the schedule to dodge elevation sickness. Nar Phu Valley trek: Introduction to Nar Phu Far from the commercial trekking centers of Everest and Annapurna lies the Nar Phu Valley trek, a farther and socially wealthy locale in northern Manang. This trek is a covered up diamond that combines high Himalayan wilderness with Tibetan Buddhist culture. Opened to trekkers as it were in 2002, the valley remains separated and perfect, advertising a sea into a world untouched by cutting edge life. Cultural and Picturesque Richness Ancient Tibetan Buddhist towns of Nar and Phu, with fortress-like homes and monasteries Rugged landscape surrounded by towering peaks like Kangaru Himal and Himlung Himal Cross the high-altitude Kang La Pass (5,320 m) for clearing sees of Annapurna II Experience yak crowding life, turning supplication wheels, and centuries-old traditions Why Select Nar Phu Valley Trek? Ideal for those looking for off-the-beaten-path experiences A crude and immersive social trek Combines common magnificence with otherworldly serenity Perfect for picture takers and social explorers Access and Itinerary The trek starts in Koto (close to Chame) on the Annapurna Circuit and continuously leads into the separated Nar and Phu Valleys. It can be done as a standalone 10–12 day trek or combined with Annapurna Circuit or Tilicho Lake. Cultural Combination: Individuals, Religious communities & Traditions Each trek—though distinctive in geography—offers significant social insights. In the Everest Locale, Sherpas rule the scene with their particular traditions, flexible soul, and commitment to Tibetan Buddhism. Cloisters like Tengboche, Pangboche, and Thame reflect this otherworldly connection. Nar Phu, on the other hand, offers more profound submersion into true Tibetan culture. Life here rotates around animals, religion, and age-old trade exchange courses into Tibet. The old Tashi Lhakhang Religious community and supplication banners lining the path include sacrosanct importance to the trek. Meeting friars, strolling underneath shuddering supplication banners, and hearing the thunderous murmur of chants in cliffside religious communities is part of what makes these treks so meaningful. Natural Differences & Emotional Landscapes Nepal's landscape shifts drastically inside days of walking. EBC and the Three Passes navigate from rich pine timberlands and terraced areas to frosty moraines and frosty lakes. Anticipate staggering moves: pine woods in Phakding, high snow capped forsake in Lobuche, and the turquoise Gokyo Lakes. Nar Phu starts in a contract canyon and grows into high-altitude levels surrounded by spiked cliffs and towering peaks. The valley's one of a kind combination of profound gorges and wide Himalayan vistas gives breathtaking backdrops at each turn. The hush in Nar Phu and the glory in the Everest locale both welcome minutes of reflection and awe. Wildlife Experiences on the Trail While trekking through these locales, nature might offer an astonish or two. In the Everest locale, keep an eye out for Himalayan tahr, snowcock, and indeed the tricky snow panther in more inaccessible corners like Thame or Chhukung. Nar Phu, being farther and wild, is domestic to blue sheep, marmots, Himalayan griffon vultures, and snow panthers, particularly in the Phu area. Trekking Basics and Preparation Permits & Regulations EBC and Three Passes: You'll require the Sagarmatha National park Allow and TIMS card. Nar Phu: As a confined zone, it requires a Confined Zone Allow (RAP) along with Annapurna Preservation Region Allow (ACAP) and TIMS. You must trek with an enlisted guide and at least one companion. Physical Fitness EBC is a guided trek but requires endurance. The Three Passes trek is strenuous and suited for trekkers with high-altitude experience. Nar Phu, in spite of the fact that it is less physically demanding than the passes, includes long strolling days and farther camping options. Gear Tips Layered clothing for temperature changes Sturdy boots for uneven terrain Down coat, resting sack evaluated for -10°C Altitude pharmaceutical and a to begin with help kit Water filtration strategy (tablets or filter) Combining Treks: For the Extreme Himalayan Experience Some gutsy trekkers select to combine treks. With legitimate arranging, you can make a mega adventure: Combine Nar Phu with the Annapurna Circuit or Tilicho Lake Trek Add the Three Passes trek after completing EBC for a full Everest locale circuit Those with the time and stamina may indeed trek Manaslu → Nar Phu → Annapurna in one gigantic trek These combinations permit for a more profound, more shifted involvement of Nepal's characteristic and social wonders. Eco-Friendly & Dependable Trekking Nepal's trails are helpless to over-tourism, litter, and social weakening. Whether you trek to Everest or Nar Phu, consider these eco-conscious practices: Carry out all waste, particularly plastic Choose tea houses that utilize economical homes (sun powered warming, nearby food) Respect nearby traditions: inquire some time recently taking photographs, dress modestly Support neighborhood businesses by buying painstaking work and utilizing nearby guides Conclusion: Nepal offers something uncommon: the capacity to trek through unfathomably diverse universes inside a single country. The 14 Days Everest Base Camp trek is the portal to the Himalayas, culminating for first-time high-altitude trekkers and those chasing the Everest dream. The Everest Three high Passes trek ups the best for explorers who need challenge and isolation. In the interim, the Nar Phu Valley trek is a haven for those drawn to farther culture, crude scenes, and otherworldly depth. Together, these treks offer a range of what trekking in Nepal is all about—challenge, tranquility, community, nature, and soul. Whether you choose one or fasten them together over numerous visits, Nepal's trails will alter you. FAQs 1. Do I require earlier trekking encounters for these treks? For EBC, no past involvement is vital. For the Three Passes and Nar Phu, earlier high-altitude trekking is recommended. 2. Can I do the Nar Phu Valley trek independently? No, it's a limited range. You require an enrolled guide and must be in a bunch of at least two. 3. What's the best time to do these treks? Spring (March–May) and Harvest time (September–November) offer the best climate and visibility. 4. Is there portable organization and Wi-Fi on these treks? In Everest, portable flags and Wi-Fi are accessible at most teahouses. In Nar Phu, the network is constrained to non-existent. 5. How cold does it get? Expect sub-zero temperatures, particularly over 4,000 m. Night temperatures can drop to -15°C or lower in winter. If you are planning to visit Nepal for any adventure activities contact a local trekking and Tour Company based in Kathmandu, Nepal- Glorious Himalaya Trekking Pvt. Ltd. You can connect with them through their email: info@ or WhatsApp: +977-9813637616 TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Yahoo
Climbing Mount Everest may get even harder
Last month, as the 2025 climbing season began on Mount Everest, Nepal's upper house of Parliament introduced a tourism bill that includes a suite of new rules that would significantly raise the bar for who is allowed to attempt the mountain, who can guide, and how much it will cost. This year's proposal includes a mandate that Everest hopefuls must first climb a 7,000-meter peak located in Nepal, as well as requirements for all guides to be Nepalese citizens, for medical certificates confirming good health to be obtained from approved in-country facilities, new garbage fees, and insurance to cover the costly removal of dead bodies from the mountain. The Washington Post reported that the cost of removing a dead body from Mount Everest ranges anywhere between $30,000-$70,000. Announcements like this happen almost every year: The government floats new rules intended to improve safety and accountability on the peak, such as banning solo climbers and helicopters, or requiring tracking chips and feces removal. But they're rarely implemented. This is due to pushback from guiding companies, and an inability to pass the proposed legislation. The current bill is still in draft form and would still need to go through both houses of Parliament, meaning that changes are likely. (National Geographic crew finds clues to Everest's lost explorer, Sandy Irvine) The most controversial rules are the 7,000-meter peak requirement and the Nepali guide requirement. Both rules have been proposed before, or are very similar to previous proposals, but have never been passed into law. According to Lakpa Rita Sherpa, who guided on Mount Everest for two decades and has summited the peak 17 times, some of these new ideas are generally good—such as making sure climbers have some experience at altitude—but similar ones have been proposed in the past and 'they've never been passed or enforced.' He cited the difficulty of implementing these rules, which would require the government to track compliance across hundreds of companies and climbers, amidst high turnover in the Ministry of Tourism and the prevalence of bribery in the country. (The Ministry did not respond to a request for comment on alleged bribery in Nepal.) 'The reason they do it is to promote business, and to give the impression that they're trying to make mountain climbing in Nepal safer in order to attract more people to come,' said Alan Arnette, who summited Everest in 2011 and is a longtime Everest blogger, and who has been keeping track of these annual rule proposals for over a decade. 'The reason that it doesn't get implemented is because the operators don't follow the rules, and then the government doesn't enforce the rules—because everybody knows that if they enforce some of these rules that it would cause business to drop.' The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Nepal Tourism Board did not respond to requests for comment. Tourism is one of the largest industries in Nepal, and Mount Everest—the world's tallest peak—is its crown jewel. According to the most recent tourism data, there are 374 climbers from 49 countries on Mount Everest this year, which has generated $4 million in royalties from permit fees alone. (Compared to $2.48 million for 359 people in 2015). As high numbers of climbers continue to flock to the peak each year, the country reaps economic benefits but also has to reckon with the issues it brings—like on-mountain traffic jams, issues with trash and waste management, and increased fatalities. In 2023, 18 climbers died on Everest, and in 2024 eight climbers died. Some of the most common causes of death on the mountain are acute mountain sickness (AMS), falls, illness/exhaustion, disappearance, and avalanches. With an increased number of people on the mountain, support staff must ferry a higher volume of gear through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall—the location of an avalanche that killed 16 Sherpas in 2015 while they were doing just that. (Microplastics found near Everest's peak) That same year, citing safety reasons, Alpenglow Expeditions moved its Everest expeditions from the South Side of the peak in Nepal to the North Side, in Tibet, writing that the Nepalese side 'has become overcrowded with inexperienced team members and unqualified guides.' The North Side is far less crowded and far more rigid when it comes to rules, said Lakpa Rita. 'In China, you have to follow the rules no matter what,' he said. 'If you don't follow them, you won't get a permit to climb.' ExplorersWeb reported in September 2024 rules set by the China-Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA) that stipulate climbers must submit a climbing resume and medical certificate, have climbed a 7,000-meter peak, be accompanied by a professional mountain guide, and use oxygen above 7,000 meters. (In 2016, Melissa Arnot Reid became the first American woman to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen. She climbed from the Tibet side.) One of the more controversial proposals is that climbers must have successfully summited one of the 7,000-meter peaks within Nepal before attempting Everest. This rule would not count summits of 7,000-meter peaks in other countries, such as Denali or Aconcagua, or the popular prep climb of Nepal's Ama Dablam (just shy of the requirement at 6,812 meters). While the aim is to ensure that only those with proven high-altitude experience are allowed on the mountain following several deadly seasons marked by overcrowding and underprepared clients, Arnette said that many of the accepted 7,000-meter peaks are 'remote and dangerous.' They include peaks like Annapurna IV, Api Himal, Tilicho Peak, and Baruntse. There should be leeway for popular peaks, like Denali and Aconcagua to count toward this requirement, he said. The reaction from the climbing community has been positive in regard to increasing the experience level of Everest hopefuls, and the pushback is mostly around the specifics of the rule and which peaks count. Garrett Madison of Madison Mountaineering told CNN that a 6,500-meter anywhere in the world would be a better idea. 'We are generally in favor of any rules that would increase the skills and experience of aspiring Everest climbers,' said Suze Kelly, Director of Adventure Consultants, a New Zealand-based guiding company. 'And would thus discourage people from rocking up with the approach that they can attempt the summit with no prior experience, as we see each year with many of the low-cost outfitters who are prolific in Nepal.' There have been many articles written about inexperienced climbers on the peak putting themselves or others in danger—Lakpa Rita Sherpa said he's seen people who've never put on a crampon before who come to attempt the summit. This type of climbing prerequisite has been floated a few times over the past 30 years, with the government proposing a requirement for climbers to summit a 6,000-meter peak before Everest. The rule was discarded following pushback from expedition companies and climbers. 'The reason people don't want to cut the numbers on Everest is they're worried they'll lose work,' said Lakpa Rita, who has spoken with officials in the past to find ways to address overcrowding. 'It's all about the money.' (What to know about climbing the world's tallest mountain) All climbers would need to submit a medical certificate from within the last month, and from a government-approved medical institution in Nepal to confirm they're in good health. This would require a person to pay for an expedition, travel to Nepal, and perhaps be told they're not in good enough health to thinks that regardless of the law, it's a good idea to get a rigorous health check prior to climbing—like a cardiac stress test for climbers over 50, and a check of iron levels for female climbers. The rule that sirdars (head Sherpa), high-altitude guides, and helpers on expeditions must be Nepali citizens has been proposed before, and similar policies exist in other countries with high-altitude tourism (Ecuador has a similar mandate requiring the use of local guides on certain peaks). On Washington's Mount Rainier, there are only three American guide services that are allowed to operate on the mountain and 15 guide services that can apply for single trips on the Rita appreciates that proposals like this would give a Nepalese guide or employee better opportunities, and the ability to make more money, but emphasized that it would be difficult to monitor and enforce. If attempting a new route on Mount Everest, climbers must get permission from the Ministry of Tourism. Climbers must stick to that route and can only reroute in case of an emergency and with the approval of a government liaison officer. Climbers who are attempting any kind of record must declare it in advance. (Tidying up the top of the world) A new insurance requirement will cover the costly, and often dangerous, removal of dead bodies from the mountain. And to better address the problem of trash on the mountain, the $4,000 refundable garbage deposit will be replaced with a non-refundable garbage fee, and the Ministry of Tourism will manage and remove trash from the peak. According to Lakpa Rita, rules like this that focus on the compliance of expedition companies versus tracking medical and summit certificates for each individual climber, are more likely to succeed. A rule that Lakpa Rita said is being applied is the recent requirement to bring feces off the mountain using human waste bags. He said he did video chats with local officials to tell them how to execute this. When he was sirdar for Seattle-based Alpine Ascents International he required his Sherpas to use these bags on the mountain, even before any rules were in place. 'For things like this to work,' he said, 'the expedition companies have to be very honest.' In 2015 the Washington Post reported that climbers were leaving some 26,500 pounds of feces every season, calling the peak a 'fecal time bomb.' Whether any of the recent proposals will be implemented—and more importantly, enforced—remains uncertain. Arnette encourages climbers to take a look at the proposed rules, decide what makes sense personally, and figure out how to apply them yourself. Many guiding companies, like Alpine Ascents International and Furtenbach Adventures, already require their Everest clients to have high-altitude experience. For now, this season on Everest is coming to a close. Arnette wrote on his blog that total Everest summits, from both sides of the peak, total 'at least 525 people.' With additional research by Sonal Schneider


National Geographic
3 days ago
- National Geographic
Climbing Mount Everest may get even harder
Last month, as the 2025 climbing season began on Mount Everest , Nepal's upper house of Parliament introduced a tourism bill that includes a suite of new rules that would significantly raise the bar for who is allowed to attempt the mountain, who can guide, and how much it will cost. This year's proposal includes a mandate that Everest hopefuls must first climb a 7,000-meter peak located in Nepal, as well as requirements for all guides to be Nepalese citizens, for medical certificates confirming good health to be obtained from approved in-country facilities, new garbage fees, and insurance to cover the costly removal of dead bodies from the mountain. The Washington Post reported that the cost of removing a dead body from Mount Everest ranges anywhere between $30,000-$70,000. Announcements like this happen almost every year: The government floats new rules intended to improve safety and accountability on the peak, such as banning solo climbers and helicopters, or requiring tracking chips and feces removal. But they're rarely implemented. This is due to pushback from guiding companies, and an inability to pass the proposed legislation. The current bill is still in draft form and would still need to go through both houses of Parliament, meaning that changes are likely. (National Geographic crew finds clues to Everest's lost explorer, Sandy Irvin e ) A high-altitude expedition team crosses a crevasse on Mount Everest. Photograph by Mark Fisher, Nat Geo Image Collection The most controversial rules are the 7,000-meter peak requirement and the Nepali guide requirement. Both rules have been proposed before, or are very similar to previous proposals, but have never been passed into law. According to Lakpa Rita Sherpa, who guided on Mount Everest for two decades and has summited the peak 17 times, some of these new ideas are generally good—such as making sure climbers have some experience at altitude—but similar ones have been proposed in the past and 'they've never been passed or enforced.' He cited the difficulty of implementing these rules, which would require the government to track compliance across hundreds of companies and climbers, amidst high turnover in the Ministry of Tourism and the prevalence of bribery in the country. (The Ministry did not respond to a request for comment on alleged bribery in Nepal.) 'The reason they do it is to promote business, and to give the impression that they're trying to make mountain climbing in Nepal safer in order to attract more people to come,' said Alan Arnette, who summited Everest in 2011 and is a longtime Everest blogger, and who has been keeping track of these annual rule proposals for over a decade. 'The reason that it doesn't get implemented is because the operators don't follow the rules, and then the government doesn't enforce the rules—because everybody knows that if they enforce some of these rules that it would cause business to drop.' The Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation and the Nepal Tourism Board did not respond to requests for comment. Helicopters land and take off from the heli pad at Base Camp amidst rescues of injured climbers from Camp 2. Photograph by Max Lowe, Nat Geo Image Collecion Safety vs. tourism dollars Tourism is one of the largest industries in Nepal , and Mount Everest—the world's tallest peak—is its crown jewel. According to the most recent tourism data, there are 374 climbers from 49 countries on Mount Everest this year, which has generated $4 million in royalties from permit fees alone. (Compared to $2.48 million for 359 people in 2015). As high numbers of climbers continue to flock to the peak each year, the country reaps economic benefits but also has to reckon with the issues it brings—like on-mountain traffic jams , issues with trash and waste management , and increased fatalities . In 2023, 18 climbers died on Everest , and in 2024 eight climbers died. Some of the most common causes of death on the mountain are acute mountain sickness (AMS), falls, illness/exhaustion, disappearance, and avalanches. With an increased number of people on the mountain, support staff must ferry a higher volume of gear through the dangerous Khumbu Icefall—the location of an avalanche that killed 16 Sherpas in 2015 while they were doing just that. (Microplastics found near Everest's peak) That same year, citing safety reasons, Alpenglow Expeditions moved its Everest expeditions from the South Side of the peak in Nepal to the North Side, in Tibet, writing that the Nepalese side 'has become overcrowded with inexperienced team members and unqualified guides.' The North Side is far less crowded and far more rigid when it comes to rules, said Lakpa Rita. 'In China, you have to follow the rules no matter what,' he said. 'If you don't follow them, you won't get a permit to climb.' ExplorersWeb reported in September 2024 rules set by the China-Tibet Mountaineering Association (CTMA) that stipulate climbers must submit a climbing resume and medical certificate, have climbed a 7,000-meter peak, be accompanied by a professional mountain guide, and use oxygen above 7,000 meters. (In 2016, Melissa Arnot Reid became the first American woman to summit Everest without supplemental oxygen. She climbed from the Tibet side.) Two climbers participate in an early morning trek in the Khumbu Icefall with Pumori Peak illuminated in the background. Photograph by Eric Daft, Nat Geo Image Collection An expedition member steps across a bridge of aluminum ladders lashed together above a crevasse in the Khumbu Icefall. Photograph by Andy Bardon, Nat Geo Image Collection 7,000-meter experience requirement One of the more controversial proposals is that climbers must have successfully summited one of the 7,000-meter peaks within Nepal before attempting Everest. This rule would not count summits of 7,000-meter peaks in other countries, such as Denali or Aconcagua, or the popular prep climb of Nepal's Ama Dablam (just shy of the requirement at 6,812 meters). While the aim is to ensure that only those with proven high-altitude experience are allowed on the mountain following several deadly seasons marked by overcrowding and underprepared clients, Arnette said that many of the accepted 7,000-meter peaks are 'remote and dangerous.' They include peaks like Annapurna IV, Api Himal, Tilicho Peak, and Baruntse. There should be leeway for popular peaks, like Denali and Aconcagua to count toward this requirement, he said. The reaction from the climbing community has been positive in regard to increasing the experience level of Everest hopefuls, and the pushback is mostly around the specifics of the rule and which peaks count. Garrett Madison of Madison Mountaineering told CNN that a 6,500-meter anywhere in the world would be a better idea. 'We are generally in favor of any rules that would increase the skills and experience of aspiring Everest climbers,' said Suze Kelly, Director of Adventure Consultants, a New Zealand-based guiding company. 'And would thus discourage people from rocking up with the approach that they can attempt the summit with no prior experience, as we see each year with many of the low-cost outfitters who are prolific in Nepal.' There have been many articles written about inexperienced climbers on the peak putting themselves or others in danger—Lakpa Rita Sherpa said he's seen people who've never put on a crampon before who come to attempt the summit. This type of climbing prerequisite has been floated a few times over the past 30 years, with the government proposing a requirement for climbers to summit a 6,000-meter peak before Everest. The rule was discarded following pushback from expedition companies and climbers. 'The reason people don't want to cut the numbers on Everest is they're worried they'll lose work,' said Lakpa Rita, who has spoken with officials in the past to find ways to address overcrowding. 'It's all about the money.' (What to know about climbing the world's tallest mountain) Medical screenings All climbers would need to submit a medical certificate from within the last month, and from a government-approved medical institution in Nepal to confirm they're in good health. This would require a person to pay for an expedition, travel to Nepal, and perhaps be told they're not in good enough health to climb. Arnette thinks that regardless of the law, it's a good idea to get a rigorous health check prior to climbing—like a cardiac stress test for climbers over 50, and a check of iron levels for female climbers.