Nepal is launching a significant initiative to broaden its appeal in the mountaineering world by offering complimentary climbing permits for 97 peaks across its Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. This two-year program, commencing in August 2025, aims to draw adventurers to the country's less-explored mountain ranges, fostering a more balanced distribution of tourism benefits.
The mountains included in this fee-waiver scheme range in elevation from 5,870 to 7,132 meters. This strategic move by the Nepalese government coincides with an increase in permit fees for major peaks like Mount Everest. As of September 2025, peak-season permits for Everest have risen from $11,000 to $15,000, with other season permits also seeing substantial hikes, making the newly accessible, free-to-climb mountains particularly attractive.
Himal Gautam, director at the Nepal Tourism Department, highlighted the allure of these less-traveled mountains, expressing the government's hope that this policy will stimulate local economies and promote sustainable tourism practices in these underdeveloped regions. Historically, these areas have seen very low tourist numbers due to difficult access and limited infrastructure; in the past two years, only 68 climbers attempted these remote peaks, a stark contrast to the 421 permits issued for Mount Everest in 2024 alone.
In 2023, Nepal welcomed over a million tourists, with a significant portion drawn to trekking and mountaineering. The revenue generated from climbing permits in 2023 was approximately $5.9 million, with Everest contributing over 75% of this total. By opening up these 97 peaks, Nepal aims to reduce the pressure on Everest, which has faced issues of overcrowding and environmental concerns, and to foster development in its western provinces.
Furthermore, a proposed law in Nepal may soon require climbers attempting Everest to have first summited a mountain over 7,000 meters within Nepal. This potential regulation positions the newly free-to-climb peaks as ideal training grounds for aspiring high-altitude mountaineers. While the initiative promises economic benefits and new adventures, questions remain regarding the readiness of local infrastructure and communities to support a potential increase in visitors, highlighting the need for careful planning and development in these remote areas.