In a bold move to promote mountain tourism and stimulate economic growth in remote regions, Nepal has opened nearly 100 peaks in its western Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces for free climbing, waiving government royalties for the next two years. These 97 mountains, ranging in altitude from 5,870 metres to 7,132 metres, aim to attract climbers to less-visited, scenic, and rugged areas with limited tourism activity. Himal Gautam, Director at Nepal’s Department of Tourism, stated that the initiative strives to bring more visitors to these remote regions, create jobs, and boost local incomes, while promoting Nepal’s unexplored mountain destinations.
This strategic move comes as part of Nepal’s efforts to diversify mountaineering beyond the well-trodden peaks like Mount Everest. To further regulate and enhance climbing safety, the government has proposed a new rule making it mandatory for anyone attempting Mount Everest to first have scaled at least one 7,000-metre peak within Nepal. This amendment to the Tourism Act is currently under consideration by the Upper House and requires approval from both Houses before becoming law.
Additionally, Nepal will raise the climbing permit fee for Mount Everest from USD 11,000 to USD 15,000 per person starting September 1, 2025, reflecting the mountain’s growing popularity and demand. Meanwhile, the fee waiver for these western peaks is designed to lure mountaineers to Nepal’s less developed and lesser-known areas, helping to promote sustainable tourism and economic development where it is most needed.
With over 3,300 peaks in Nepal and many of these yet to be explored commercially, this initiative offers adventurers a fresh and thrilling experience while promising significant benefits for local communities in the Himalayas.
