Everest to remain a dream for many aspiring climbers

Mount Everest's head of tourism department has said that Nepal is considering banning differently abled climbers and those deemed too old from the Everest and other mountains in order to improve safety measures and maintain the "glory" of the summit.

Kripasur Sherpa, the country's tourism minister, said he hoped to implement the rules in time for the spring season, which usually sees hundreds of mountaineers from across the world attempting to reach the 29,029ft (8,848 metres) summit of the world's highest peak.

According to ABC News, the proposal came five months after an avalanche was triggered by a massive earthquake that killed 18 people at Everest base camp. However, these restrictions are likely to spark massive criticism.

"We cannot let everyone go to the Everest and die. If they are not physically and mentally fit, it will be like legal suicide," Sherpa said.

"The disabled or visually impaired people usually need someone to carry them, which is not an adventure. Only those who can go on their own will be given permission."

Permits to climb Everest will reportedly only be given to those who can prove that they have already scaled mountains that are higher than 6,500 metres, officials said. Disabled, old and very young people also face bans.

The permits cost thousands of dollars and are a key source of revenue for Nepal. It is unclear how the demand for "proof of competence" might be enforced.