Beyond Everest: Nepal Opens The Doors To 97 Untouched Peaks For Free To Lure Tourists

Last Updated:August 13, 2025, 16:19 IST

By focusing on the lesser-known peaks, including those in remote regions like Manang and Dolakha, Nepal hopes to shift attention from just Everest and its immediate neighbours

The cost of an expedition to the world’s highest peak can easily reach $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the route, guide services, and additional logistics. (News18)

Has conquering Mount Everest been on your bucket list for long? For most, the towering peaks and the daring climbs are the perfect answer if you are looking for an adrenaline rush but behind the allure of the world’s highest mountain lies a staggering cost—tens of thousands of dollars in climbing fees, permits, and logistics—making the dream out of reach.

But what if the grandeur of Nepal’s mountains could be experienced without breaking the bank? In a bold and innovative move, the country is inviting adventurers to explore 97 of its untouched peaks—for free.

The new initiative is part of Nepal’s broader strategy to revive its tourism sector, attract more visitors, and showcase the country’s incredible mountain range, which extends far beyond Everest.

According to Reuters, many of these mountains were largely overlooked due to the steep fees that sometimes exceeded $10,000 for a single climb. The waived fees are expected to make mountaineering more affordable for a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts.

By focusing on the lesser-known peaks, including those in remote regions like Manang and Dolakha, Nepal hopes to shift attention from just Everest and its immediate neighbours to the uncharted landscapes that make up much of the country’s mountain range.

BBC reported that the effort also aims to diversify Nepal’s tourism offerings, ensuring that climbers have a broader set of experiences to choose from, all while reducing pressure on the heavily trafficked Everest region.

Climbing Mount Everest is not only a monumental physical challenge but also a financial one. The cost of an expedition to the world’s highest peak can easily reach $30,000 to $100,000, depending on the route, guide services, and additional logistics. This hefty price tag includes permits, which can cost up to $11,000 for the permit alone, as well as fees for guides, porters, oxygen tanks, insurance, and equipment. High-altitude support, including base camp services and logistics, adds to the overall expense, making it an elite adventure available to only a select group.

Although climbers will still need to pay for permits and guides, the new policy dramatically reduces the financial burden that has historically kept many from exploring the full extent of Nepal’s mountainous beauty.

The initiative comes at a pivotal moment for Nepal’s tourism industry. After the global pandemic, tourism numbers were slow to recover, and the country’s economy remains heavily reliant on adventure tourism. The government has thus been working to make Nepal more accessible to a wider range of visitors.

However, according to Outside, there is a key challenge that the country seems to be concerned with. Increased tourism in some of these lesser-known regions may put pressure on local ecosystems, which are already vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and human activity. To balance this, the government is working with local authorities to ensure that safety standards are met, infrastructure is developed, and environmental practices are followed, making these climbs not only accessible but also responsible.

Apoorva Misra

Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. S...Read More

Apoorva Misra is News Editor at News18.com with over nine years of experience. She is a graduate from Delhi University's Lady Shri Ram College and holds a PG Diploma from Asian College of Journalism, Chennai. S...

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Location :

Nepal

First Published:

August 13, 2025, 16:19 IST

News world Beyond Everest: Nepal Opens The Doors To 97 Untouched Peaks For Free To Lure Tourists

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