Nepal has announced a significant increase in the cost to obtain the climbing permit of Everest, the highest mountain in the world. From 1 September, those who try the rise during the high season will have to pay $ 15,000, the first increase in almost ten years. In parallel, to encourage tourism in the lesser known areas, the government will offer free access to 97 Himalayan mountains for the next two years.
A plan to encourage tourism in remote areas
The mountains without fare are found in the provinces of Karnali and Southurpaschim, in the far west of the country, and have heights between 5,970 and 7,132 meters. These regions, despite having spectacular landscapes, remain among the poorest and most difficult to reach. The initiative, according to the Tourism Department, aims to highlight destinations still little explored and to stimulate employment and local economy.
Despite the potential, the ability of these communities remains uncertain to welcome a possible increase in visitors, given that there are no adequate infrastructure and connections. In the last two years, only 68 mountaineers have attempted the climb of these free peaks, while in only 2024 421 permits for Everest were released.
Everest: overcrowding and environmental problems
For its part, Everest, on the other hand, with its 8,849 meters, attracts hundreds of climbers every year, causing overcrowding, environmental impact and safety risks. In 2024, Nepal’s Supreme Court required to limit the number of permits to respect the capacity of the mountains and improve the management of the flow of mountaineers.
New rules and diversified costs
In addition to the 36% increase for the high season, climbing the Everest will cost $ 7,500 between September and November and $ 3,750 between December and February. Parliament is also evaluating a law that would force anyone who wants to face Everest to climb a Nepalese mountain first of at least 7,000 meters.
Alpinism represents an important item for Nepal’s revenue, with over 5.9 million dollars collected in 2024, much linked to Everest. The government now aims to balance the charm of the most famous summit on the planet with a strategy of sustainability and tourist diversification.
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