Nepal introduces tighter rules for obtaining climbing permits

Nepal’s Department of Tourism has introduced a set of stricter provisions for mountaineering expeditions, requiring climbers and agencies to comply with tighter procedural and documentation standards as the spring climbing season begins.
By issuing a nine-point directive on Thursday, the department said that expedition teams must now submit applications for climbing permits at least two days in advance, along with detailed information as specified in the mountaineering regulations.
The new rules make it mandatory for applicants to include full details of support staff and to designate a Sardar (head guide) at the time of application.