Nepal Waives Permit Fees for 97 Peaks Explore new horizons, climb virgin peaks, and be part of Nepal’s adventure tourism revolution!

Unlocking Nepal’s Hidden Himalayan Treasures

Nepal is world-famous for iconic peaks like Everest, Annapurna, and Manaslu. Yet many of its most scenic mountains remain untouched and unexplored, especially in the remote far-western regions of Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces. These areas have suffered from poor accessibility and minimal infrastructure, limiting tourism activity and economic development.

With this new waiver, the Government of Nepal aims to:

• Encourage mountaineers and adventurers to explore these remote yet breathtaking peaks.
• Boost local economies by increasing tourism in regions that have few roads, jobs, and facilities.
• Support climate change research by creating a “living laboratory” in these fragile ecosystems affected by melting snow and erratic weather.

“These are some of Nepal’s most scenic yet least explored mountains. Very few visitors arrive here due to poor accessibility and minimal infrastructure of the area. This waiver will bring the area closer to unlocking their tourism potential.”
– Dr. Narayan Prasad Regmi, Director General, Department of Tourism

Notable Peaks and Unique Opportunities

Among the 97 permit-free peaks, several stand out as particularly attractive to climbers:

• Api (7,132 m)
• Api West (7,076 m)
• Saipal (7,030 m)

Located in Sudurpaschim, these peaks are ideal training grounds for mountaineers preparing to summit Everest under Nepal’s new rule that requires climbers to have already scaled a 7,000-metre peak.

Many of these mountains have never been summited, offering rare opportunities for climbers seeking virgin peaks and new challenges. The untouched nature of these areas provides a pristine environment for adventurous expeditions.

Economic and Environmental Impact

Between 2023 and 2025, only 68 climbers visited these remote peaks, generating a modest Rs 1.4 million in permit fees — a small fraction compared to the nationwide USD 5.92 million collected from climbing permits in 2024, mostly from Everest (77%).

Local tourism entrepreneurs hope the permit fee waiver will stimulate much-needed economic activity by creating jobs and encouraging infrastructure development. Rajendra Bahadur Lama, NMA Secretariat member and Nepal Tourism Board member, who spearheaded this initiative, emphasizes the dual benefit of tourism and scientific research: “These areas could also serve as a living laboratory for climate change research, citing issues like melting snow, erratic weather, and impacts on wildlife.”

Supporting Initiatives: Skill Development and Infrastructure

To complement the waiver, the Nepal Mountaineering Association (NMA) plans to launch a “Summer Skills” mountain guide course in Api Himal, targeted at those who have completed basic mountaineering training. This initiative will enhance local capacities, ensuring safe and skilled guiding services for climbers.

Despite the waiver, officials recognize challenges such as rising climbing permit fees for other peaks (USD 250 to USD 350 for smaller peaks, USD 11,000 to USD 15,000 for Everest) and emphasize the need to improve access, build infrastructure, and effectively market these remote regions.

Stunning Visuals from the Far-Western Himalayas

The remote Karnali and Sudurpaschim regions offer spectacular landscapes and vibrant cultures, captured beautifully by photographers such as Basant Pratap Singh, Paulo Grobel, Hem Bohara, and Himalaya Bhatt.

What This Means for Adventurers

This two-year permit fee waiver creates a unique window for climbers to:

• Save costs on permits and focus on the climbing experience.
• Explore virgin peaks and challenge themselves in pristine environments.
• Experience authentic local culture and support community livelihoods.
• Contribute to environmental and climate research by visiting ecologically sensitive areas.

Plan Your Expedition with Local Experts

For safe, well-organized expeditions to these remote peaks, partnering with experienced local agencies like Actual Adventure Pvt. Ltd. is highly recommended. They provide:

• Complete support for permit processing and logistics.
• Experienced Sherpa guides and porters.
• Customized itineraries focusing on safety and cultural immersion.
• Commitment to responsible and sustainable mountaineering.

Final Thoughts

Nepal’s bold move to waive permit fees for 97 far-western Himalayan peaks signals an exciting new chapter in adventure tourism. It invites climbers worldwide to discover Nepal’s hidden treasures in Karnali and Sudurpaschim, places where nature and culture thrive in pristine harmony.

With stunning peaks, warm local communities, and unparalleled adventure awaiting, there has never been a better time to explore these virgin mountains.