Nepal Opens 97 Peaks for Free Climbs Amid Rising Everest Tourism

Nepal has announced free climbing access to 97 mountains in a bid to attract more adventurers and ease the pressure on Mount Everest. This move comes as tourism in the Everest region surges, offering climbers diverse, cost-free alternatives to the world’s highest peak while promoting exploration of the country’s lesser-known but equally stunning summits.

Nepal plans to allow climbers free access to 97 Himalayan peaks for the next two years, aiming to draw visitors to its more remote regions. The announcement follows a decision to raise the permit fee for Mount Everest during the peak climbing season to $15,000 (£11,170) starting September, marking the first price increase in almost ten years.

Officials from the tourism department say the goal is to showcase lesser-known natural attractions and destinations within the country. Mountaineering remains a major source of income for Nepal, home to the ten highest mountains in the world. In 2023, climbing permits generated $5.9 million, with Everest alone contributing over 75% of that total.

The fee waiver applies to peaks in the Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, ranging in height from 5,970 meters (19,590 feet) to 7,132 meters. These two far-western provinces are among Nepal’s most underdeveloped and economically disadvantaged regions.

Despite their stunning landscapes, tourism has been minimal due to limited accessibility. Tourism Director Himal Gautam expressed hope that the new policy would change this trend, bringing jobs, income, and economic benefits to local communities. However, questions remain about whether infrastructure and transport links will be improved, and how well these areas could handle a possible surge in climbers.

In the past two years, only 68 climbers have attempted these 97 peaks, compared to 421 permits issued for Everest in 2024 alone. Everest, standing over 8,849 meters, has faced issues such as congestion, environmental damage, and fatal accidents in recent years.

In April 2024, Nepal’s Supreme Court instructed the government to limit climbing permits for Everest and other peaks to protect their natural capacity. Earlier this year, officials also announced a 36% hike in permit fees. Climbers attempting Everest outside the April - May season will now pay $7,500 from September to November, and $3,750 from December to February.

Nepal’s parliament is also discussing a bill requiring climbers to first summit a mountain over 7,000 meters in Nepal before attempting Everest. According to The Kathmandu Post, the mountains in Karnali and Sudurpaschim could serve as excellent preparation for such climbs.

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Source: bbc‍