Nepal Unveils Free Climbing Initiative for 97 Peaks to Enhance Tourism

Mon Oct 20 2025 19:49:05 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

As Mount Everest permits increase to $15,000, Nepal seeks to promote remote peaks through a two-year free climbing initiative.

Nepal is offering free climbs for 97 lesser-known Himalayan peaks to stimulate tourism in impoverished regions as Everest permit prices rise. Authorities aim to cultivate interest in these remote mountains despite past challenges with accessibility.

Nepal has announced a groundbreaking initiative that allows climbers to ascend 97 of its mountain peaks free of charge for the next two years, aiming to boost tourism in the country's more isolated areas. This decision coincides with a scheduled increase in Mount Everest summit fees, which will rise to $15,000 (£11,170) starting September, marking the first change in nearly a decade.

The government’s tourism department believes this strategy will spotlight the nation’s “unexplored tourism products and destinations.” The impact of mountaineering on Nepal’s economy is substantial, generating approximately $5.9 million last year, with over 75% of this revenue stemming from Everest alone.

These peaks, which will be free for climbers, are situated in the underserved Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, within the far-western region of the country. Their elevation ranges from 5,970m (19,590 ft) to 7,132m high. These provinces rank among Nepal's poorest and least developed, and local tourism officials hope that easing access to these striking natural locations will encourage visitors. "Breathtaking beauty remains untapped due to accessibility issues, and we are optimistic about the new provision improving this," commented Himal Gautam, director of Nepal's Tourism Department.

While this initiative could lead to job creation and economic enhancement, it raises questions regarding infrastructure improvements and whether local communities have the capacity to manage an influx of climbers. Historically, these 97 remote peaks have drawn little attention, with only 68 climbers attempting them in the past two years compared to 421 who sought Everest permits in just 2024 alone.

Mount Everest, which rises above 8,849m, faces challenges like overcrowding and environmental issues. In response, Nepal's Supreme Court mandated that the number of climbing permits for Everest and other mountains must respect capacity limits. Earlier this year, a base fee increase of 36% was announced for permits. Additionally, prospective Everest climbers will soon need to demonstrate prior summits of mountains over 7,000m within Nepal.

As debates continue in parliament over new laws requiring climbers to have prior high-altitude experience, these remote peaks may be positioned as suitable training grounds, according to The Kathmandu Post.