August 15, 2025 | 05:54 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Nepal has opened 97 new peaks in the Himalayan Mountains for mountain climbers and adventurers starting from July 17, 2025. These new peaks are opening to boost tourism and reduce overcrowding in the Mount Everest area, the country's main tourist attraction. Climbers are not charged for climbing these peaks.
Himal Gautam, the Director of Nepal's Department of Tourism, stated that these newly opened peaks are located in remote and less-visited areas. "Despite their breathtaking beauty, the number of tourists and mountaineers here is very low as access is so difficult. We hope the new provision will help," he said, as reported by Kathmandu Post, August 9, 2025.
Most of these peaks are in the western region of Nepal, in the Karnali and Sudurpashchim provinces. The peak elevations vary, ranging from 5,870 meters to 7,132 meters above sea level (masl). Out of the 97 peaks, 20 are in Sudurpashchim, while the other 77 peaks are in Karnali.
These areas are far from tourist trails, bounded by jagged peaks, deep valleys, and sparsely populated settlements. The roads are few, the trails are long, and basic services are almost non-existent. This is what makes these trails less popular. Over the past two years, only 21 teams, totaling 68 climbers, have scaled these 97 peaks.
Free for Two Years
As reported by Travel + Leisure, the Nepalese government has waived royalties for climbing these peaks for the next two years. This exemption is expected to encourage more tourists to choose these climbing routes over Everest, where climbing costs will increase. Some of the highest peaks in these provinces include Saipal at 7,030 meters, Api at 7,132 meters, and Api West at 7,076 meters.
This initiative will not only help promote unexplored mountain destinations in the country but also create jobs and generate income for the local communities in these provinces.
Additionally, the Nepalese government has proposed requiring climbers to summit at least one 7,000-meter peak before attempting Mount Everest. This proposal has been submitted as an amendment to the Nepal Tourism Act, but it must be approved by both houses of Parliament before it can become law.
It is worth noting that Nepal has increased the cost of climbing Mount Everest from US$11,000 to US$15,000 per person, effective from September 1, 2025.
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