As part of the tourism development plan, the government announced the opening of 57 new mountains for climbing to expand its tourism sector.
Approved by the Council of Ministers on October 7, 2024, this decision is aimed at promoting the diverse mountainous regions beyond the globally popular Everest. Yet, the decision saw an immediate closure of 18 peaks.
The total number of peaks now open for climbing is 461, according to Rakesh Gurung, Director of the Department of Tourism. The newly opened peaks, ranging from 5,000 to 6,500 metres, cover East Taplejung to West Dolpa and Humla. These mountains offer unique challenges and vistas, creating opportunities for adventure tourism.
A Collaboration of Possibilities
The initiative is a collaboration between the Department of Tourism and the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA). The NMA, an experienced body in promoting mountaineering tourism, played a pivotal role in selecting the mountains.
“Nepal has two thousand plus climbable mountains, and they should be gradually opened for climbing,” says NMA President Nimanuru Sherpa, welcoming the decision to establish Nepal as a premier global destination for mountaineering.
Diversifying Tourism Beyond Everest
The widely celebrated decision has prompted the government to address potential objections carefully. Acknowledging some peaks hold religious and cultural significance, the Department of Tourism called for claims or protests within a week of the announcement to avoid inadvertent conflict.
Tourism policy, bearing the brunt of criticism for its overreliance on Mount Everest, overshadows other spectacular peaks. So, this step is a response to such criticisms, aimed at spreading the benefits of mountaineering tourism to less-visited regions.
The government also pointed out the importance of infrastructure development around these new climbing destinations. Sherpa emphasised the importance of communication networks and basic facilities in attracting climbers to these newly opened areas. Without proper infrastructure, the full potential of these mountains might remain untapped.
Inaccessible Territories?
The department of tourism, considering the undertone mountains hold, called upon protest or objections for religious, cultural and geographical adversities from stakeholders regarding the opening of the mountains. The department stated that the protest would be heard within a week, and no action would be taken if the protest was not received within that period.
Director Gurung explained that correspondence was sent to the relevant local levels to oppose such claims. “Some religions and castes worship a particular mountain as God, and that’s why we have called for a protest at the local level,” Gurung stated.
Interestingly, despite 419 mountains being open for climbing before this decision, 68 of them remain untouched. The government has closed mountains that are geographically impossible to climb or to refrain from hurting locals’ sentiments tied to religious beliefs.
The Department of Tourism announced the closing of 18 out of the 57 recently opened mountains. Possible reasons for this decision include the mountains’ inaccessibility, as 49 of them have peaks over 6,000 metres.
Additionally, lack of awareness and logistical challenges may have kept these peaks off climbers’ itineraries. Aware of such hurdles, the government has periodically closed peaks deemed unfit for climbing.
Ultimately, this decision reflects a broader vision focused on inclusivity and sustainability. As the nation opens its mountains, the world waits eagerly to explore these uncharted peaks and the stories they hold within their rugged terrain.
Sudipa Mahato is a junior editor with Nepal Connect.
