Nepal bans solo climbers from Everest

Climbing solo of the mountains including Mt. Everest has been banned in order to reduce accidents and to promote safety. The president of the Nepal Mountaineering Association, Santa Bir Lama, said “The mountains in Nepal are unique, and it’s always better for climbers to go with guides,” “This is good for their own safety” the official further added. Nepal has 10 of the world’s highest peaks including Mt. Everest. For climbing permits and Sherpa guides, alpinists from round the world pay thousands of dollars. But some climbers try to summit on their own. With this new rule introduced from Dec 2017 requires all climbers, regardless of their experience level, must be accompanied by climbing guides. This prohibition will start soon and shall apply from coming spring climbing season. Accidents are common in the Himalayas from avalanches, blizzards and High Altitude Sickness killing mountaineers each year. At least 6 climbers died in Everest this climbing season.