New rules from the Nepali government not only increase fees for Everest climbers — they may also require a guide for anyone ascending the mountain.

A new regulation may ban independent climbers on all Nepal's 8,000m peaks, including Everest. As of this fall, everyone must use a local guide.

German climber Jost Kobusch safely reached base camp at the foot of Mount Everest, relieved and feeling ... like on a small balcony, flanked by ice towers to the right and left." ...