By Saadet Gokce
ISTANBUL (AA) – Nepal is set to pass a draft law aimed at improving safety and reducing overcrowding for those wishing to climb Mount Everest, the world’s highest peak.
The proposed legislation, part of the Integrated Tourism Bill registered in the upper house of Nepal’s Parliament on April 18, mandates that anyone wishing to climb Everest must first have successfully climbed a mountain over 7,000 meters (22,965 feet), according to the Kathmandu Post.
Mount Everest rises to 8,849 meters (29,032 feet) above sea level.
The draft law aims to prevent fatalities among inexperienced climbers. It also seeks to update and consolidate Nepal’s tourism regulations, curb tourism-related fraud, and promote sustainable development by coordinating efforts across federal, provincial and local governments.
Hundreds of climbers from around the world attempt to reach the summit of Nepal’s highest peaks each year, with the main commercial climbing season running from April through May.