Nepal Opens Up 97 Himalayan Peaks with No Climbing Fees

Nepal has just announced something very special for mountaineers and adventurers: for the next two years, climbing permits will be completely free on 97 Himalayan peaks.

These mountains, ranging between 5,970 and 7,132 metres, are spread across the Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces in the far west of Nepal. They’re wild, less visited, and full of potential for those who want to see another side of the Himalaya - beyond the well-trodden Everest and Annapurna routes.

The move is designed to bring more travellers into these regions, opening opportunities not just for climbers, but also for the local villages who rarely see the benefits of trekking tourism. Choosing one of these peaks means you’ll be walking through landscapes where few outsiders have been, staying in small settlements, and contributing directly to communities who can gain most from your visit.

It also comes at a time when the Everest permit fee is set to rise to $15,000 from September 2025. While Everest will always hold its unique pull, Nepal is showing that it has so much more to offer than just the world’s highest summit.

For adventurous trekkers and mountaineers, this could be the perfect chance to explore a different corner of the Himalaya, attempt a rarely climbed peak, and be part of a story that helps spread tourism more evenly across the country.

Nepal has always relied on the spirit of travel - and this initiative is a reminder that there are still endless new routes, valleys, and summits waiting to be discovered.

Source: BBC