KATHMANDU, MARCH 19The Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) has made it mandatory for all foreign climbers heading to Mt Everest, Mt Lhotse and Mt Nuptse to pay a Khumbu Icefall route fee and comply with strict waste management regulations at Everest Base Camp (EBC).In a notice issued on March 18, the SPCC stated that all climbers must pay a fee of USD 600 per person for using the Khumbu Icefall route, the only access point to these mountains. Expedition operators are required to deposit the fee in SPCC's bank account and submit proof of payment along with climbing permits at its Namche Bazaar office during registration. A late fee will be imposed if payments are not completed by the end of April 2026.The committee has also enforced mandatory waste segregation at base camp and higher camps. Climbers must separate waste into categories including plastics, paper, cans, glass, kitchen waste, hazardous materials and human waste.Under the updated rules, each climber must bring back at least 8 kg of garbage from above base camp. Additionally, climbers and high-altitude Sherpas traveling above Camp II are required to carry down at least 2 kg of waste, which will be verified by SPCC staff.Human waste management has also been tightened. Portable barrels must be used at base camp, while SPCC-issued poop bags are compulsory above base camp. The use of personal waste bags has been prohibited.Expedition operators are further required to submit detailed inventories of supplies and equipment stored above base camp at both the beginning and end of the climbing season, and ensure all higher camps are cleaned before departure.The SPCC warned that failure to comply with these regulations will result in denial of the Garbage Clearance Letter, which is required to conclude expeditions.The committee has urged all climbers, operators and support staff to strictly adhere to the rules to ensure environmental protection in the Everest region.
