Nepal has announced that it will make 97 of its Himalayan mountains free to climb for the next two years, aiming to boost tourism in its more remote and lesser-known regions.
The move comes alongside a significant hike in permit fees for Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak, which will rise to $15,000 (£11,170) from September — the first increase in nearly a decade.
According to Nepal’s tourism department, the initiative is intended to showcase the country’s “unexplored tourism products and destinations.”
Mountaineering is a vital revenue stream for Nepal, home to 10 of the world’s tallest mountains. Last year, climbing fees brought in $5.9 million, with Everest alone accounting for over three-quarters of that figure.
The waived-fee peaks are situated in Nepal’s Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, with heights ranging from 5,970 meters (19,590 ft) to 7,132 meters. These provinces, located in the far-western region, are among Nepal’s poorest and least developed.
“Despite their breathtaking beauty, the number of tourists and mountaineers here is very low as access is so difficult. We hope the new provision will help,” said Himal Gautam, director of Nepal’s Tourism Department, as quoted by The Kathmandu Post.
Gautam added that the initiative could “create jobs, generate income, and strengthen the local economy.” However, it remains uncertain whether authorities plan to improve infrastructure and connectivity to these remote areas, and how well local communities could handle a surge in climbers if the scheme gains popularity.
Interest in these 97 peaks has historically been low, with only 68 climbers visiting them in the past two years. In contrast, Everest alone issued 421 climbing permits in 2024.
Everest, standing at over 8,849 meters, has faced persistent challenges in recent years, including overcrowding, environmental degradation, and fatal climbing incidents. In April 2024, Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered the government to limit mountaineering permits for Everest and other peaks, emphasizing that their carrying capacity “must be respected.”
Earlier this year, authorities announced a 36% increase in permit fees. Climbing Everest outside the peak April–May season will now cost $7,500 during September–November, and $3,750 during December–February.
Nepal’s parliament is also debating a proposed law that would require climbers to have first summited a mountain over 7,000 meters in the country before attempting Everest.
For more information: Digital More | Pakistan Rang
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