Nepal has announced the opening of 97 peaks in its remote western area for free climbing to stimulate mountain tourism. The decision, approved by the Department of Tourism, eliminates the royalty fees for these mountains for the next two years. The peaks in Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces range in height from 5,870 to 7,132 meters and are found in areas with limited economic activity.
Officials said the move is meant to attract climbers to underexplored areas, generate revenue for local communities, and provide employment possibilities. According to Himal Gautam, Director of the Department of Tourism, the effort would spotlight Nepal’s lesser-known mountain regions and diversify tourist footfall beyond the famed Everest region.
The government is also considering a policy mandating climbers attempting Mt. Everest to first scale at least one 7,000-meter mountain. This proposal, which is part of revisions to the Tourism Act, has been forwarded to the Upper House for assessment and will require approval from both Houses before it can be implemented.
Earlier this year, authorities declared that the fee to climb Mt Everest would increase from USD 11,000 to USD 15,000 per climber beginning September 1, 2025.
