Eventually the government put strict regulations into effect. Today Sherpas must be paid more, improved safety equipment is a requirement, and insurance is provided for their protection in case of injury or death. Approximately 150,000 tourists come to Nepal every year, bringing income to the area. Some of this has been used to build hotels and restaurants to serve tourists. Before they set foot on it, or stay in a camp on its slopes, there are religious rituals that must be completed.
Local monks perform a blessing ceremony for every expedition.
Campsites must be protected by a sprinkling of holy water and flowers. During the 1920s British expeditions made several attempts to reach the top of Mount Everest. Seven Sherpas were killed in an avalanche during one of these trips. Between 1933 and 1939 four major attempts to conquer Everest failed. Expeditions tried in 1951 and 1952, but none of the climbers was able to reach the summit.