Kathmandu-Authorities have enforced a $600 mandatory Khumbu Icefall route fee and stricter waste management rules for all climbers heading to Everest, Lhotse, and Nuptse this spring season.


Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee has introduced new provisions targeting both revenue collection and environmental protection in the Everest region.

All foreign climbers with permits for Mount Everest, Mount Lhotse, and Mount Nuptse must pay a $600 per person Khumbu Icefall route fee. The fee is mandatory as the icefall remains the only access point to these.

Expedition operators must deposit the fee in advance and submit proof along with climbing permits at the SPCC office in Namche Bazaar. Authorities have warned that delays beyond April will trigger penalties.

At Everest Base Camp, waste segregation is now compulsory. Climbers must separate waste into plastics, paper, cans, glass, kitchen waste, hazardous materials, and human waste.

New human waste rules require climbers to use SPCC-issued poop bags above base camp. At base camp, waste must be stored in portable barrels, with designated urination areas.

Each climber must also bring back at least 8 kilograms of garbage from above base camp. In addition, climbers and high-altitude Sherpas traveling above Camp II must return with at least 2 kilograms of waste. Officials will verify compliance at Camp II.

Expedition teams must submit detailed inventories of supplies stored at higher camps and ensure full cleanup before leaving. Failure to comply will result in denial of a garbage clearance letter, a requirement for expedition closure.

The measures aim to address growing environmental concerns as climbing traffic increases in the Everest region.