KATHMANDU: In a major push to promote adventure tourism in its far-western Himalayas, Nepal has announced a two-year waiver on climbing permit fees for 97 peaks in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces.

Approved by the Cabinet on July 17, 2025, the policy aims to inject much-needed economic activity into some of the country’s most remote and least explored mountain regions.

According to the Ministry of Culture, Tourism and Civil Aviation, royalty fees for designated peaks in the two provinces will be fully waived under the Tourism Act of 2035 and Mountaineering Regulations of 2059. The exemption will apply for two fiscal years, 2082/83 and 2083/84, with an official notice to be published in the Nepal Gazette.

The eligible mountains range from 5,870 to 7,132 metres in elevation, with 77 peaks located in Karnali Province and 20 in Sudurpaschim Province.

Tourism officials believe the fee waiver will encourage climbers to explore the far-western Himalayas, which remain under-visited due to their remoteness, limited infrastructure, and challenging access. The initiative is expected to create jobs for guides, porters, and tourism operators in districts such as Dolpa, Humla, Mugu, Bajhang, and Darchula. Many of these peaks have high mountaineering potential but have remained largely untouched due to logistical and cost barriers.

The move could also help mountaineers meet Nepal’s new requirement of summiting a 7,000-metre peak before attempting Mt Everest.

This is not the first time Nepal has waived climbing fees for far-western mountains. A similar scheme ran from 2008 to 2018 but failed to gain significant momentum, and its later years were impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Officials are optimistic that with stronger promotion, the 2025 policy could attract more international expeditions and create lasting opportunities for local communities.

The waiver comes at a time when climbing costs are rising sharply — with smaller peaks costing about USD 350 and Mt Everest permits priced at USD 15,000. For climbers seeking technical challenges or training grounds for higher summits, Karnali and Sudurpaschim now offer a cost-effective alternative.

Recent Climbing Activity in Karnali and Sudurpaschim (2023–2024)

Karnali Province – Dolpa District
In Dolpa, three teams comprising 13 climbers ascended Norbu Kang (6,085 m), generating royalties of NPR 215,971. Kangfu Gaton / Kanta Gaton (5,910 m) saw a single team of three climbers, contributing NPR 50,083 in royalties, while Sanctuary Peak (6,207 m) was climbed by one team of five, earning NPR 83,702.

Karnali Province – Jumla District
Bijora Hiun Chuli (6,111 m) in Jumla was climbed by one team of four climbers, with royalties totaling NPR 67,025.

Karnali Province – Humla District
Humla hosted several expeditions, including Changwathang (6,130 m), scaled by one team of three climbers (royalties: NPR 97,800), and Chandi Himal (6,142 m), which attracted three teams and 11 climbers, generating NPR 230,825. Takphu Himal (6,395 m) saw one team of two climbers (royalties: NPR 18,445), while Takphu North (6,142 m) also had one team of two, contributing NPR 33,512.

Karnali Province – Mugu District
In Mugu, Patrasí (6,450 m) was climbed by one team of three climbers, with royalties of NPR 3,000. Takla Khang (6,276 m) saw a similar-sized team, earning NPR 50,027 in royalties.

Sudurpaschim Province – Bajhang District
Bajhang witnessed climbs on Raksha Urai (6,609 m) by one team of four climbers, generating NPR 105,680, and Surma Sarovar North (6,397 m), scaled by two teams totaling six climbers, which earned NPR 211,640.

Sudurpaschim Province – Darchula District
Darchula’s tallest peak, Api (7,132 m), was climbed by one team of six climbers, with royalties reaching NPR 201,075. Lhayul Peak (6,395 m) saw two teams and two climbers contributing NPR 26,093, while Gurans (6,744 m) had a solo climber generating NPR 13,315.

Other notable peaks above 7,000 meters in Karnali and Sudurpaschim include Api West (7,076 m) in Darchula and Saipal (7030) in Humla.