Nepal Tourism Department Orders Halt to Illegal Overnight Stays at Everest Base Camp

Kathmandu. The Department of Tourism has directed trekking agencies to immediately stop selling packages that include 'overnight stays' at expedition camps in Sagarmatha Base Camp. The department has stated that it has taken serious note of complaints that some trekking agencies are illegally advertising packages that include spending a night at Sagarmatha Base Camp. Issuing a notice today, it has alerted all liaison officers and trekking agencies to comply with existing laws.

Who is allowed to stay at the base camp?

According to Rule 9(d 2) of the Mountaineering Regulations 2059, only members of the mountaineering team, mountain guides, high-altitude workers, and base camp workers and local workers are allowed to stay at the base camp.

No other person can be accommodated at the base camp without the prior approval of the department. The department has clarified that selling packages for tourists other than mountaineering team members to spend the night is against legal provisions.

Warning of Action

The notice issued by Prakash Pokharel, Section Officer of the Department, states, 'If any illegal activities contrary to the aforementioned legal provisions are found to have been carried out by anyone, action will be taken according to the prevailing laws.' The department has also sent a copy to the temporary field office at Sagarmatha Base Camp to increase monitoring and ensure compliance with the rules.