Nepal makes millions of dollars every year from the Everest industry but has been criticised for poor management.
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The mountain continues to have an nearly mystical attraction for many who have little or no experience of serious climbing.
Japanese adventurer Yuichiro Miura, 82, now holds the record for the oldest climber to summit Everest, at 80.
A Ministry of Tourism spokesperson said no one under the age of 18 or older than 75 would be allowed to attempt the climb. He said that now “everyone is going to Everest”, levels of risk for all involved had become much higher.
“We don’t think we should issue permits to people who can not see or walk or who don’t have arms”, the tourism ministry head Govinda Karki told AFP.
He said similar proposals had been mooted in the past, but instead of blanket bans, the government should impose the rules they already have.
The dream of scaling Mt. Everest may remain elusive for a few aspiring climbers, as Nepalese officials have stated that the country is set to introduce a series of regulations banning inexperienced climbers from attempting the risky climb.
Officials were also said to be seeking to limit the highest peaks of the Himalayas to climbers aged between 18 and 75.
KATHMANDU, Nepal (AP) – Nepal is considering placing age and fitness restrictions on people who want to climb Mount Everest.
Over the years, Everest has attracted many climbers aiming to overcome their disabilities. “It is inspiring”, she said.
Britain’s Foreign and Commonwealth Office advises against all but essential travel to Everest, to the frustration of tour operators.
A number of accidents in recent seasons, including an avalanche in 2014 that killed 16 Sherpas, led Nepal’s Mountaineering Department to announce in February that it would implement better weather forecasting to improve safety conditions.
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New Zealander Mark Inglis, who lost both his legs to frostbite, became the first double amputee to reach the top of Everest in 2006.
