Nepal Opens 97 Himalayan Peaks for Free Climbing as Everest Fees Soar, Aiming to Boost Remote Tourism

In a groundbreaking move to diversify its thriving mountaineering tourism industry and alleviate pressure on Mount Everest, Nepal has announced that climbing permits for 97 Himalayan peaks will be free for the next two years, starting July 17, 2025. Based on recent reports from Nepal’s Department of Tourism and industry experts, this initiative, outlined in Cabinet meeting minutes on August 3, targets remote mountains in the Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, ranging from 5,870 to 7,132 meters in altitude. The decision coincides with a significant increase in Everest climbing fees, set to rise from $11,000 to $15,000 per person starting September 1, 2025, marking the first adjustment in nearly a decade.

A Strategic Shift to Uncrowded Peaks

Nepal, home to 3,310 peaks above 5,500 meters, including eight of the world’s ten highest mountains, is a global mountaineering hub, generating millions annually in permit fees and tourism revenue. In 2024, climbing fees totaled $5.92 million, with Everest alone contributing $4.52 million—77% of the total. However, overcrowding, environmental degradation, and strained infrastructure on Everest have prompted a rethink. Based on recent reports from Nepal’s Department of Tourism and industry experts, the government is now waiving royalties for 97 peaks—77 in Karnali and 20 in Sudurpaschim—to promote these lesser-known regions.

These provinces, located in Nepal’s far west, are among the country’s poorest, with limited infrastructure and low human development indicators. Peaks like Api (7,132m), Api West (7,076m), and Saipal (7,030m) are now accessible without the usual $175-$500 permit fees, offering climbers a cost-free chance to explore untouched Himalayan giants. “The idea is to encourage climbers to go to unexplored yet scenic areas and mountain peaks,” said Himal Gautam, director at Nepal’s Department of Tourism. “Despite their breathtaking beauty, the number of tourists and mountaineers here is very low as access is so difficult. We hope the new provision will help.”

Economic and Environmental Goals

The free-climb initiative aims to drive economic growth in Karnali and Sudurpaschim by attracting adventurers to areas with minimal tourism. In the past two years, only 68 climbers across 21 teams attempted these 97 peaks, generating just $10,000 in fees, compared to 421 Everest permits in 2024. By waiving fees, Nepal seeks to boost demand for local guides, porters, homestays, and lodges, fostering jobs and infrastructure development in these remote regions, according to industry experts.

Indian mountaineer Satyarup Siddhanta, a Guinness World Record holder for summiting the Seven Summits and Volcanic Seven Summits, sees potential in the policy. “Everest and its approach routes are saturated,” he said. “Accommodation, waste disposal, even water supply—all are at their limits. By promoting these lesser-known peaks, they’re not just reducing pressure on Everest, they’re creating new products for adventure tourism.” However, he cautioned that sustainable development is critical to avoid replicating Everest’s environmental challenges, such as waste mismanagement, in these pristine areas.

The policy aligns with a proposed regulation under Nepal’s Integrated Tourism Bill, which would require Everest aspirants to summit a 7,000-meter peak in Nepal first. With Api, Api West, and Saipal among the royalty-free peaks, these mountains could serve as ideal training grounds, supporting the bill’s aim to enhance safety and manage Everest’s capacity, as mandated by a 2024 Supreme Court ruling.

Challenges and Opportunities for Climbers

The 97 peaks offer a unique allure for mountaineers seeking adventure beyond Everest’s crowded routes. Many, described as “virgin peaks” by tourism officials, have never been summited, offering chances for first ascents—a rare feat in modern mountaineering. Siddhanta emphasized the appeal: “On a virgin peak, you plan everything yourself: the route, the safety, the logistics. It’s climbing in its traditional sense, and the satisfaction is much higher.” However, these remote peaks pose significant challenges. Located far from Nepal’s main tourism corridors like the Khumbu and Annapurna regions, Karnali and Sudurpaschim lack established infrastructure.

Climbers face long approaches through rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, limited rescue options, and scarce lodging or supplies. “The waiver reduces upfront fees, but remote approaches still require time buffers, strong local partners, and robust evacuation planning,” noted expedition operators.

For budget-conscious climbers, the fee waiver is transformative. While Everest expeditions cost $50,000-$100,000, including logistics, oxygen, and guides, the free permits for these 97 peaks significantly lower entry costs, though climbers must still account for travel, equipment, and local support.

A Balancing Act for Nepal’s Tourism Future

Nepal’s tourism sector, contributing over 4% to the national economy, relies heavily on mountaineering. Based on recent reports from Nepal’s Department of Tourism and industry experts, the free-climb policy aims to showcase the country’s 3,310 peaks, of which 461 are open for commercial expeditions and 102 remain unclimbed. Past efforts to promote these western peaks, such as a five-year fee waiver from 2008 to 2018 and a pre-Covid initiative for Visit Nepal 2020, saw limited success due to logistical barriers and insufficient publicity.

Tourism entrepreneur Rajendra Lama stressed the need for broader efforts. “We need coordinated efforts between the public, private, and community sectors, along with aggressive publicity,” he said. Without improved roads, communications, and rescue corridors, the initiative risks falling short.

What This Means for Travelers

For mountaineers, the next two years offer a rare opportunity to explore Nepal’s hidden peaks without permit costs, effective from July 17, 2025. Climbers should plan with experienced local operators due to the logistical challenges of Karnali and Sudurpaschim. Popular starting points include Nepalgunj for Karnali (a one-hour flight from Kathmandu) and Dhangadhi for Sudurpaschim, followed by extended road journeys.

Travelers seeking less technical treks can also explore scenic valleys and trails around these peaks, ideal for adventure tourism. However, visitors should prioritize responsible travel to preserve the regions’ fragile ecosystems and limited facilities.

As Nepal raises Everest fees to $15,000 for peak season (April-May), $7,500 for autumn (September-November), and $3,750 for winter (December-February), the contrast with the free western peaks is striking. This pricing strategy, combined with the proposed 7,000-meter prerequisite, may redirect climbers to these remote ranges, potentially reshaping Nepal’s mountaineering landscape.

Looking Ahead

The success of Nepal’s bold experiment hinges on execution. Improved access, robust safety measures, and sustainable development are critical to attracting climbers while protecting local communities and environments.

For now, the 97 peaks beckon as a call to adventure, offering mountaineers a chance to forge new trails in the Himalayan wilderness. As Siddhanta noted, “Being the first human to stand on a summit is a unique thrill. It doesn’t matter if you succeed or fail; the attempt itself is a huge achievement.”