Nepal will waive climbing permit fees for nearly 100 peaks in its remote northwestern Himalayas over the next two years in a bid to draw more mountaineers to the less developed region bordering China, an official said on Monday.
The country has opened 491 peaks for climbing, but most mountaineers focus on around 25 in Nepal’s northeast and central regions, including Mount Everest, which attracts hundreds of climbers each year.
Tourism Department official Himal Gautam said the fee waiver will apply to 97 peaks in Karnali and Far Western provinces, ranging from 5,870 metres (19,258 feet) to 7,132 metres (23,398 feet). “The idea is to encourage climbers to go to unexplored yet scenic areas and mountain peaks,” Gautam told Reuters.
Fee waiver follows permit price hike for other peaks
From September, Nepal will increase climbing permit fees for other peaks, charging $350 for a smaller mountain, up from $250, and $15,000 for Mount Everest, up from $11,000.
Gautam said the waiver for the selected peaks aims to promote tourism and improve the economic conditions of people living in Nepal’s least developed regions. Mountain climbing and trekking remain the country’s main tourist draws and key sources of income and employment.
How to Apply for a Mount Everest Climbing Permit in Nepal
Applying to climb Mount Everest involves a strict and well-regulated process overseen by the Government of Nepal. Aspiring climbers must first secure a climbing permit from the Department of Tourism, which requires submitting personal details, a passport copy, a medical fitness certificate, and proof of high-altitude mountaineering experience.
Applicants also need to hire a registered trekking agency or expedition operator in Nepal, as solo climbs are not permitted. Additionally, climbers must obtain travel insurance that covers high-altitude rescue and emergency evacuation.
Once the permit is approved, climbers undergo mandatory briefings in Kathmandu on safety protocols, environmental guidelines, and waste management rules for Everest expeditions.
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The process also includes coordination with the Sagarmatha Pollution Control Committee (SPCC) to ensure adherence to eco-friendly climbing practices.
Expedition operators typically handle logistics such as base camp arrangements, Sherpa support, oxygen supplies, and route preparation. Following all legal, safety, and environmental regulations is essential, as non-compliance can result in permit cancellation or fines.
This structured application process ensures that only qualified and well-prepared mountaineers take on the challenge of climbing the world’s highest peak.
