Nepal Opens 97 Peaks for Free Climbing to Promote Tourism

As tourism flourishes around Mount Everest, Nepal introduces a two-year initiative allowing climbers to ascend 97 lesser-known peaks at no cost. This aims to boost tourism in the impoverished western regions while raising questions about infrastructure and local impact.

In an effort to stimulate tourism in less-frequented parts of the Himalayan region, Nepal will waive climbing fees for 97 remote peaks for the next two years. This announcement comes alongside a significant increase in fees for summiting Mount Everest, with prices set to rise to $15,000 starting in September. The fee hike, the first in nearly a decade, aligns with Nepal's goal to diversify its tourism offerings, especially in areas that remain underexplored.

Nepal's Department of Tourism expressed hopes that this initiative will draw attention to the "unexplored tourism products and destinations," with local officials noting that these regions host some of the most breathtaking landscapes but struggle to attract visitors due to challenging access. Himal Gautam, the tourism director, highlighted the potential of these efforts to create jobs and bolster the economies of the Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, which are among the country's least developed areas.

However, the success of this initiative may hinge on improvements in local infrastructure and how communities will adapt to potentially increased tourist traffic. Historical data shows only 68 climbers targeted these 97 remote peaks over the past two years, in stark contrast to the 421 permits issued for Everest in 2024 alone. Despite the allure of Everest, which sits at over 8,849 meters, issues such as overcrowding and adverse environmental impacts have spurred the government to reevaluate permit regulations.

In a recent ruling, Nepal's Supreme Court mandated a limit on the number of climbing permits, emphasizing the need to preserve the mountains' capacities. Additionally, climbing fees have seen a 36% increase, with varying rates depending on the season. A new proposed law may also require climbers to have previously summited a mountain over 7,000 meters, positioning the newly free peaks in Karnali and Sudurpaschim as essential training sites for aspiring Everest climbers.

With ongoing changes in regulations and a focus on sustainable mountain tourism, Nepal aims to enhance its reputation while addressing the challenges posed by the ongoing popularity of Everest.