Nepal Waives Climbing Fees to Boost Tourism in Remote Regions

Nepal is implementing a policy to encourage tourism and mountaineering in its less-visited regions. The government will waive climbing permit fees for 97 peaks located in two remote provinces. This initiative aims to attract climbers and tourists to areas that are less frequented.

This move is part of a broader strategy to manage the increasing popularity of Mount Everest. In contrast to the fee waivers, permit fees for Everest are set to increase significantly. The peaks included in the waiver range in altitude, offering a variety of climbing experiences.

The government is also considering a new law that would require climbers aspiring to summit Everest to first conquer a Nepalese peak exceeding 7,000 meters. This could make peaks like Saipal, Api, and Api West in Sudurpaschim particularly attractive to climbers seeking to prepare for Everest.

Officials hope the fee waivers will stimulate the local economies in these underdeveloped areas by attracting climbers and creating job opportunities. These regions, characterized by their rugged terrain and isolated communities, have historically been overlooked by tourists.

The provinces of Karnali and Sudurpaschim, with their challenging access and limited infrastructure, have remained largely off the tourist radar. They are among the poorest and most marginalized areas in Nepal.

In a related development, permit fees for climbing Everest are set to increase significantly. This increase is intended to manage the number of climbers and generate revenue.

The permit fees are a crucial source of income for Nepal, with mountaineering and trekking contributing a significant portion to the national economy. The remote areas where fees are waived face challenges, including limited employment opportunities and difficult living conditions, especially during the winter. Climate change is also exacerbating these challenges.

A tourism entrepreneur has cautioned that policy alone will not be enough to improve the regions. Coordinated efforts involving the public, private, and community sectors, along with extensive promotion, are needed. Research into the effects of climate change on these areas and how people are adapting is also recommended.

In 2024, the Nepal government collected a substantial amount in climbing fees, with Everest contributing the majority of the total. Nepal is home to numerous mountains, offering a wide range of climbing experiences.

Mount Everest has faced challenges in recent years, including overcrowding, environmental concerns, and fatalities. The Supreme Court of Nepal has intervened, directing the government to limit the number of permits issued for Everest and other major peaks.