Nepal Opens 97 Remote Peaks for Free Climbing to Boost Tourism

Nepal is waiving climbing fees for 97 Himalayan peaks over the next two years in a bold move to attract adventurers to its lesser-known regions. The initiative targets mountains in the remote Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, which range in height from 5,970 to 7,132 meters and remain largely untouched by mainstream tourism.

The announcement comes as Nepal prepares to raise permit fees for Mount Everest to $15,000 starting in September the first increase in nearly a decade. Everest alone accounted for more than three-quarters of the $5.9 million Nepal earned from climbing permits last year.

By offering free access to these remote peaks, Nepal’s tourism department hopes to spotlight the country’s “unexplored tourism products and destinations,” while also stimulating economic growth in two of its poorest and least developed provinces.

“Despite their breathtaking beauty, the number of tourists and mountaineers here is very low due to difficult access,” said Himal Gautam, director of the Tourism Department. “We hope the new provision will help create jobs, generate income, and strengthen the local economy.”

However, questions remain about infrastructure and how well local communities can handle a potential influx of climbers. In the past two years, only 68 climbers have ventured to these 97 peaks, compared to 421 permits issued for Everest in 2024 alone.

Everest, towering at over 8,849 meters, has faced mounting criticism over overcrowding, environmental degradation, and fatal climbing incidents. In response, Nepal’s Supreme Court recently ordered the government to limit the number of permits issued for Everest and other major peaks, citing the need to respect the mountains’ capacity.

Permit fees for Everest will now vary by season, with climbers paying $7,500 from September to November and $3,750 from December to February. Additionally, Nepal’s parliament is debating a new law requiring climbers to first summit a mountain over 7,000 meters before attempting Everest.

This makes the newly opened peaks in Karnali and Sudurpaschim not only a gateway to adventure but also ideal training grounds for future Everest aspirants.