Amid a surge in tourist activities, Nepal is set to offer free climbing to 97 peaks over the next two years in a bid to reduce the heavy influx of human activity on the world’s highest peak.
This follows Kathmandu’s decision to raise the Everest summit fee to $15,000 (£11,170) from September. The Department of Tourism said it hopes the move will encourage visitors to explore lesser-known natural wonders and destinations.
Mountaineering in Nepal generates a significant portion of the country’s revenue, totalling $5.9 million last year. The fee waiver will apply to mountain peaks located in Nepal’s Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, ranging between 5,970 metres (19,590 ft) and 7,132 metres in height.
Director of Tourism, Himal Gautam, said, “Despite having breathtaking views, the number of tourists heading to these Himalayan regions is low compared to some of the developed and internationally recognised places.”
Although it remains unclear whether the Nepalese government intends to improve or upgrade the poor infrastructure in some of the most remote areas, the initiative is expected to boost tourism in the country.
International climbers have already expressed interest in the listed 97 remote peaks; however, only 68 people have climbed them in the past two years.
Mount Everest, which rises to over 8,849 metres, has experienced severe overcrowding in recent years, prompting environmental concerns and a series of fatal incidents.
Nepal’s Supreme Court, in April 2024, ordered the government to limit the number of climbing permits issued for Everest and several other peaks.
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