Nepal liberates 97 Himalayan summits for ascension, aiming to stimulate tourism growth
Nepal has launched an ambitious plan to attract more tourists to its lesser-known, remote mountain regions by offering free climbing permits for 97 Himalayan peaks, primarily located in the far-western Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces. The initiative, effective from July 17, 2025, aims to promote adventure tourism, boost local economies, and encourage sustainable travel practices [1][2][3][4].
Key Features of the Plan
Free Climbing Permits
Climbers will be able to ascend these 97 peaks without paying the usual permit fees, making mountaineering more accessible and affordable. This move is expected to attract a diverse range of climbers who may not have considered Nepal due to the high costs associated with climbing iconic peaks like Mount Everest.
Geographic Focus
The program targets remote regions such as Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces, opening up peaks including Api Himal (7,132m), Saipal Himal (7,031m), Bobaye (6,808m), and Jethi Bahurani (6,850m) [1][2][4][5]. These regions are home to some of Nepal's poorest provinces and could potentially benefit significantly from increased tourism activity.
Economic and Environmental Goals
The policy aims to reduce overcrowding and environmental pressure on iconic peaks like Everest, where permit fees were concurrently increased from $11,000 to $15,000. By encouraging sustainable tourism and developing less-visited areas, the initiative hopes to attract mountaineers and trekkers to pristine landscapes and offer new cultural experiences [1][2][4][5].
Implementation Period
The fee waiver is effective for two years, from mid-2025 through 2027, allowing sufficient time to gauge economic impact and adapt tourism strategies [1][3].
Potential Benefits
The free peaks in Nepal could potentially serve as a training ground for Mount Everest climbers, providing them with valuable experience on lower, less crowded mountains. Moreover, the plan aims to bring life to some of Nepal's poorest provinces, creating jobs, income, and helping local communities grow [6].
Addressing Overcrowding and Safety Concerns
Everest has faced issues with overcrowding, waste problems, and deadly accidents in recent years. The new initiative, coupled with potential rules requiring climbers to first summit a peak higher than 7,000 meters in Nepal, may help address these concerns by reducing the number of climbers on Everest and ensuring that those who do climb are better prepared [7][8].
Himal Gautam, director of the Nepal Tourism Department, stated, "Tourists can create jobs, bring income, and help local communities grow." The department believes that this strategic move will diversify Nepal's mountaineering tourism, stimulate local economies in remote Himalayan regions, and promote sustainable travel practices across the country [2][5].
[1] Nepal Free Climbing Permits for 97 Himalayan Peaks [2] Nepal to Waive Fees for Climbing 97 Himalayan Peaks [3] Nepal Waives Climbing Fees for 97 Himalayan Peaks [4] Nepal Offers Free Climbing Permits for 97 Himalayan Peaks [5] Nepal's Free Climbing Permits Plan to Boost Sustainable Tourism [6] Nepal's Free Climbing Permits Aim to Boost Poorest Provinces [7] New Rules for Everest Climbers May Require Them to First Summit a Peak Higher than 7,000 meters [8] Nepal Raises Cost of Climbing Everest to $15,000
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