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Nepal's proposed Tourism Bill 2081 aims to increase revenue from commercial climbing and trekking while strengthening the role of local companies. The bill includes a requirement that Everest climbers have prior experience on a 7,000m (or possibly 8,000m) peak in Nepal, excluding similar experience gained in other countries. Critics argue this is more about boosting Nepal's climbing business than improving safety.

Other proposed changes include:

  • Requiring all expedition bookings and payments to go through Nepal-registered trekking agencies and banks.
  • Giving the government control over Everest Base Camp space allocation and potentially auctioning climbing permits.
  • Improving protections for guides and support staff by allowing them to refuse to continue expeditions in unsafe conditions without facing penalties.
  • Proposals to require all expedition personnel to be Nepali citizens and to use only Nepali insurance companies, which some believe could discourage international climbers.

International operators note that many of these business rules already exist and argue that reforms should focus on raising safety and professional standards, rather than increasing costs or restricting foreign participation.

The bill is still under discussion in Nepal's Parliament, with numerous amendments yet to be finalized. As a result, the new regulations are unlikely to take effect before the 2027 spring climbing season.