Overview

• Permits for 97 peaks in Karnali and Sudurpaschim have been made free for two years under a new trial aimed at shifting climbers west.
• Starting September 1, permit fees for Everest will jump from $11,000 to $15,000 and lower peaks will cost $350.
• Parliament is considering a bill to require a prior 7,000m summit before Everest attempts, reinforcing tougher climber-eligibility rules.
• Officials will assess the waiver’s impact after the two-year trial period, with uncertainty over its ability to attract climbers.
• Poor roads, costly flights and minimal local services have historically deterred expeditions to these remote mountains.