In an effort to draw more mountaineers, Nepal is offering free access to climb 97 Himalayan peaks over the next two years. The initiative aims to attract travelers to the country’s remote and lesser-known regions near the Chinese border.
The announcement comes as Nepal prepares to raise the seasonal climbing fee for Mount Everest (8,849 meters) from September to USD 15,000 (£11,170) — the first increase in nearly a decade.
Nepal’s Department of Tourism said the move is intended to showcase the country’s “hidden tourism potential and destinations.” Mountaineering is a major source of revenue for Nepal, home to 10 of the world’s highest peaks. Last year alone, the country earned USD 5.9 million from the sector, more than three-quarters of which came from Everest expeditions.
The peaks eligible for free climbing are located in the Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, ranging from 5,970 meters to 7,132 meters in height. Both provinces are among Nepal’s poorest and least developed regions.
Despite their natural beauty, these mountains see very few tourists or climbers due to the extreme difficulty of access, said Tourism Department Director-General Himal Gautam. “We hope the new provision will change that,” he added. “It could create jobs, generate income, and strengthen the local economy.”
It remains unclear whether the authorities have plans to improve infrastructure and connectivity in these remote areas, or whether local communities will be able to handle a sudden influx of visitors.
Over the past two years, only 68 climbers have attempted these 97 peaks, compared with 421 permits issued for Everest in 2024 alone.
In recent years, Everest has faced severe overcrowding, environmental degradation, and multiple fatal accidents. In April 2024, Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered the government to limit climbing permits for Everest and other peaks, stating that “the mountains’ capacity must be respected.”
In January this year, the government announced a 36% fee increase. Climbing Everest outside the main season (September–November) will now cost USD 7,500, while winter ascents (December–February) will cost USD 3,750.
Meanwhile, a new bill under discussion in Nepal’s parliament would require climbers to first summit a Nepalese peak of at least 7,000 meters before attempting Everest — making the peaks in Karnali and Sudurpaschim ideal training grounds.
Source: BBC.