Nepal Announces Free Access to 97 Himalayan Peaks to Stimulate Tourism

With the focus on boosting remote tourism, Nepal will offer free climbing for 97 peaks over the next two years amid rising Everest permit fees.

In an ambitious move to stimulate tourism in its remote regions, Nepal will waive climbing fees for 97 of its Himalayan mountains for the next two years. This initiative comes on the heels of a significant increase in the permit fees for Mount Everest, which will jump to $15,000 (£11,170) starting in September—a first after nearly a decade. The Nepal Tourism Department aims to draw attention to the "unexplored tourism products" available in the country, which boasts the world's 10 tallest peaks.

Mountaineering is a significant revenue source for Nepal, with climbing fees generating $5.9 million last year; Everest alone contributed over three-quarters of that total. The fees will be waived for peaks located in the Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, which are positioned in the far west of the country and are among the poorest and least developed regions. "These areas are stunning yet under-visited due to difficult access. We believe the new initiative will help boost local economies," stated Himal Gautam, the director of Nepal’s Tourism Department.

However, concerns remain regarding the potential impact of increased tourism on local communities and whether there are plans to enhance infrastructure in these areas. Historically, interest in these 97 peaks has been low, with only 68 climbers attempting them in the past two years, while over 421 permits were issued for Everest in 2024 alone.

Mount Everest, the world’s tallest peak at over 8,849 meters, has faced issues including overcrowding and environmental degradation. In a related development, Nepal's Supreme Court has mandated that the government limit the number of permits issued for Everest and other peaks, arguing that the mountains' capacity must be respected. Nepal has also increased permit fees by 36%, with new costs set for climbers outside the peak seasons.

Moreover, a proposed new law would require climbers to have summited a mountain higher than 7,000 meters in Nepal before they can attempt Everest, making the peaks in Karnali and Sudurpaschim potentially valuable training grounds.