Recent changes in regulations. New regulations coming into force during 2002 were generally very beneficial to the mountaineering community and particularly to those climbers wishing to try lightweight ascents of new routes and virgin

peaks. The most significant changes are as follows:

(a) A Liaison Officer is generally no longer required for peaks below 6,500m.

(b) No climber under 16 is permitted

(c) Permits are no longer granted only for a particular season, they can now be obtained for any time of the year.

(d) The outdated letter of approval from the national mountaineering federation of the country of origin of each expedition, or from the embassy of the country, has been waived.

(e) New payment rates have recently been fixed at: sirdar Rs400, high altitude porter Rs300, base camp staff Rs300.