Lawmaker calls for Tourism Act reform for climbers’ rights

THE NEWS: Member of Parliament Mingma David Sherpa called for reforms to Nepal’s Tourism Act enacted in 2035 BS, saying it must be updated to become “time‑appropriate” and protect the rights of climbers on Sagarmatha, during today’s Silver Jubilee celebration of the Sagarmatha Climbers Association in Kathmandu.

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WHY IT MATTERS: Without reform, climbers lack adequate legal protection on Everest, which could jeopardise safety standards and the reputation of Nepal’s tourism sector.

FAQ
How does the Tourism Act affect climbers on Sagarmatha? The act, originally enacted in 2035 BS, is considered outdated and “not climber‑friendly,” leaving mountaineers without specific legal safeguards, which MP Mingma David Sherpa says must be reformed.
What event highlighted the call for changes to the Tourism Act? The call was made during the Silver Jubilee program in Kathmandu, celebrating the 25th anniversary of the Sagarmatha Climbers Association, where MP Mingma David Sherpa spoke about needed reforms.
What specific problem did MP Mingma David Sherpa identify about the current law? He noted that Nepal is still operating under the Tourism Act from 2035 BS, which has not been fully updated, making it insufficiently time‑appropriate to protect climbers’ rights.

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