Nepal has waived permit fees for 97 Himalayan peaks over the next two years to promote tourism in underdeveloped regions, while significantly increasing the cost of climbing Mount Everest.
The decision from the Department of Tourism applies to mountains between 5,870 and 7,132 metres, with 77 located in Karnali Province and 20 in Sudurpaschim Province. The initiative is intended to draw climbers to some of the country’s most remote areas, which face limited infrastructure, poor accessibility, and low tourist numbers.
The announcement coincides with the first increase in Everest climbing fees in nearly a decade. From September 1, 2025, a peak-season permit to summit the world’s highest mountain will rise from $1,000 to $15,000. Off-season rates will also increase, with autumn climbs costing $7,500 and winter climbs $3,750.
Mountaineering is a major revenue source for Nepal as which homes eight of the world’s 10 highest peaks. In 2024, climbing permits generated $5.92 million, of which Everest accounted for 77 per cent. Yet, the 97 peaks set to be free-to-climb have seen minimal activity, with only 68 climbers visiting them over the past two years.
The move is also linked to proposed regulations under the Integrated Tourism Bill, currently in Nepal’s National Assembly. The bill requires climbers to summit at least one mountain over 7,000 metres in Nepal before attempting Everest. Western peaks such as Saipal (7,030 m) and Api (7,132 m) in Sudurpaschim are expected to serve as suitable training grounds under this rule.
Karnali and Sudurpaschim are considered to be Nepal’s poorest provinces, with low Human Development Index rankings.
Nepal introduced similar schemes in the past. From 2008 to 2018, climbing fees were waived for certain peaks in the Mid-Western and Far-Western regions, but the policy drew limited interest.
