DoT issues 11 guidelines for mountaineering during spring season

KATHMANDU: The Department of Tourism (DoT) has issued 11 guidelines targeting the mountaineering taking place for spring this year.

As many as 11 guidelines have been issued for the mountain climbing taking place in spring this year, informed Mira Acharya, the Director at the Department of Mountaineering under the DoT.

According to the rules issued:

1. The agencies representing the mountaineering team should officially send the list of climbers participating in the mountain climbing activities beforehand.

2. Similarly, the mountaineering team has to take permission from the DoT if it wants to carry out additional activities apart from the mountain climbing.

3. The mountaineering team or a member of the team is not allowed to take photos or make videos of other climbers except for their own team, according to the rules.

4. Members of the mountaineering team must submit their medical certificate that declares they are fit for the expedition.

5. The agency leading the expedition shall obtain the mountaineering permit only after filling and submitting the online debriefing form.

6. The process to issue the mountain climbing certificate shall start after acquiring the permit and after 15 days of the climbing season ends (after 15 days of the last debriefing). Climbing certificate will not be issued to those who had not gone through online debriefing.

7. A detail itinerary should be provided during the issue of expedition permit. Similarly, how the members of the expedition came to Kathmandu should be explained during debriefing time.

8. Expedition companies should insure all Sherpa, mountaineers, high-altitude porters, base camp workers, local workers involved in the expedition with their full details.

9. Expedition companies should provide the details of success or unsuccessful attempt of expeditions including success/unsuccessuful mountaineers.

10. Airlines, Helicopter operator or Tour/Travel/Trekking/Expedition companies should manage emergency rescue of the tourist to the required medical centers.

11. Liaison Officer must be attended during debriefing of the expedition.