For seasoned climbers, Nepal has always been the go-to spot. But here’s some exciting news: for the next two years, adventurers can attempt nearly 100 (97 to be precise) Himalayan peaks in Nepal without
paying climbing fees. Yes, you read that right; scaling mountains that usually cost thousands of dollars will now be free of charge.
#Nepal to allow climbers to scale 97 Himalayan peaks free of charge for 2 years to promote lesser-known mountain regions. The waived fees cover peaks between 5,970m and 7,132m in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces, boosting #tourism in Nepal’s poorest areas. pic.twitter.com/tmdgSOAID5
This initiative not only spreads tourism but also opens doors for pioneering climbers. "The government of Nepal wants to disseminate to the global mountaineering community that so many alluring and worth-climbing mountains are located in those two provinces," said Himal Gautam, director at the Nepal Tourism Department, to CNN.
He added, "The government of Nepal has opened 462 mountains for commercial expedition. Out of them, 102 mountains are still virgin; they are waiting for the first climbers."
NEPAL OFFERS “FREE” MOUNTAINS TO CLIMB FOR 2 YEARS
— Mario Nawfal (@MarioNawfal) August 11, 2025
For the next 2 years, Nepal is waiving climbing fees on 97 massive peaks in its remote northwest, some topping 23,000 feet.
They want adventurers to ditch crowded Everest and explore untouched mountains while boosting cash… https://t.co/pC0qdzI2Ea pic.twitter.com/fVOfFXVxBG
Why this bold move?
Nepal is home to over 490 mountains, including eight of the world’s 10 tallest peaks. Yet, the majority of climbers head straight for Everest or a few well-known giants.
According to the BBC, Mount Everest alone accounted for three-quarters of Nepal’s $5.9 million mountaineering revenue last year. But as Everest fees are expected to rise to nearly $15,000 from September, the government wants to redirect attention toward lesser-known peaks.
Nepal Opens 97 Himalayan Peaks for Free Climbing
Nepal has announced that 97 Himalayan mountains—ranging from 5,970m to 7,132m in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces—will be free to climb for the next two years to boost tourism in remote regions. While the move aims to attract… pic.twitter.com/JMM8QekBJS— Төрийн соёрхолт (@turiinsoyorholt) August 14, 2025
Everest is becoming more congested every year. In 2024 alone, 421 climbers scaled the world’s tallest peak, while the 97 other mountains together saw just 68 climbers.
To ease the strain, the government has reportedly introduced a new rule where anyone attempting Everest must first prove they’ve climbed at least one 7,000-metre-plus mountain in Nepal.
