Nepalese authorities have banned solo climbers from attempting its mountains, in addition to prohibiting ascents by double amputee and blind climbers.
According to a report on BBC News, the changes have been introduced as a means of reducing the death toll on Everest - which stands at six fatalities so far this season - as well as on its surrounding peaks. Nepali climber Min Bahadur Sherchan, a former British Gurkha soldier, was trying to reclaim the record for the oldest ascent of Everest when he died aged 85 at base camp in April this year. One week later, Swiss alpinist Ueli Steck died on Nuptse during a solo ascent of the peak in preparation for climbing Everest.
From now on, foreign mountaineers must climb accompanied by a guide, which the Nepali authorities hope will assist in creating more jobs for local guides.
The decision to ban double amputee and visually impaired climbers has attracted criticism, notably from Hari Budha Magar, a two leg amputee and former British Gurkha who aspires to summit Everest this season. Commenting in a Facebook post, he described the new law as 'discriminatory' and an 'injustice'.
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