A Nepalese official says that it is time to examine the rules on who is permitted to climb Mount Everest, the world’s tallest mountain. Yagya Raj Sunuwar told The New York Times this week, “It’s time to review all the old laws.” The parliament member’s comment comes after the deaths of at least 11 climbers this year. Climbing Everest has been a dream for many people ever since Edmund Hillary and his guide, Tenzing Norgay, reached the top of the mountain in 1953. Nepal is one of the world’s poorest countries. The climbing industry brings in $300 million each year. Officials do not limit the number of permits the country issues to climbers. This year, the government of Nepal issued Everest permits to 381 people, the highest number ever. Anyone can get a permit for an $11,000 fee.
