Nepal has banned solo climbing of Mount Everest and other peaks in the country that exceed 8,000 meters in height.
According to the official decision published in the government’s official newspaper, the "Nepal Gazette," the amended rules prohibit solo expeditions and require the appointment of a guide for every two climbers ascending peaks higher than 8,000 meters.
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For other peaks, at least one guide must be appointed for each group.
Narayan Prasad Regmi, the Director General of the Nepal Tourism Department, stated: "We have made guides mandatory to ensure the safety of climbers, especially on peaks over 8,000 meters."
He added: "The era of solo climbing on these peaks, regardless of a climber’s experience, has ended."
Earlier, the Nepali authorities announced a decision to increase the fees for Mount Everest climbing permits.
The fees for foreigners climbing via the usual southern route during the spring season (March to May) rose from $11,000 to $15,000 per person.
For the autumn season (September - November), the fee increased from $5,500 to $7,500, and for the winter season (December - February) and the monsoon season (June - August), it rose from $2,750 to $3,750.
Authorities are also paying special attention to waste disposal issues, social security for Nepali workers at high altitudes, and increasing government revenue.
During the last spring season, 421 paid climbing permits were issued.
Around 600 climbers, including 200 foreigners, reached the summit, while about 2,000 people visited the base camp.
