Veteran Pasang Dawa Sherpa urges experience-based Everest Permits amid climate change

Jul 29, 2026

Kathmandu (Nepal): Veteran Nepali mountaineer Pasang Dawa Sherpa, who has summited Mount Everest a record 31 times, has called for experience-based permits for climbers attempting the world's highest peak. Citing the growing impact of climate change, Sherpa said unusual snowfall during September and October in recent years has increased risks for climbers and local communities in the Khumbu region. He recalled that similar unseasonal snowfall in 1996 triggered devastating avalanches, warning that changing weather patterns are making Himalayan expeditions more unpredictable. Sherpa also urged authorities to prioritise experienced and qualified climbers while issuing Everest permits, suggesting that previous ascents of major peaks such as Elbrus, Denali and Kilimanjaro should be considered before granting permission to attempt Everest.