Kathmandu: Despite the government waiving climbing royalties for 97 mountains in Karnali and Sudurpaschim provinces for the next two years, only 15 of them have seen climbing activity in the past two years, according to the Department of Tourism.
The Cabinet meeting on July 27 decided to grant a two-year royalty exemption for climbing in these regions to promote mountain tourism and attract more visitors. Over the last two years, the government collected just Rs 1.4 million in royalties from these mountains. Of the 97 peaks, 77 are in Karnali Province and 20 in Sudurpaschim Province.
Department of Tourism Director Himal Gautam said the decision for fiscal years 2025/26 and 2026/27 aims to draw foreign climbers to less-visited mountains and boost tourism in remote areas.
“Between 2008 and 2018, these mountains were also royalty-free. This initiative is expected to send a positive message for tourism and help promote these peaks,” he noted.
The royalty waiver has been implemented under Section 36 of the Tourism Act 1978 and Rule 32 of the Mountaineering Regulations 2002, with official notification to be published in the Nepal Gazette in the coming days.
In the past two years, only 21 climbing teams comprising 68 climbers obtained permits for 15 of these mountains, generating a modest Rs 1.408 million in fees. The department noted that most peaks remained unclimbed, and both public and private sector cooperation is needed to draw attention to these areas.
Officials believe the policy will also benefit Karnali and Sudurpaschim—regions with low human development indicators—by promoting mountaineering, tourism, job creation, and local income. At the same time, it could help showcase other natural attractions and economic opportunities.
The decision follows repeated requests from local governments, tourism entrepreneurs, and stakeholders in the two provinces.
Royalty-free peaks:
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